Cape Town

The flat-topped mountain that defines the city — ride the revolving cable car (or hike) to the 1,086m summit for a breathtaking panorama over the city, the peninsula and two oceans, often with cloud pouring over the edge like a 'tablecloth'. The unmissable icon of Cape Town; go on the first clear, wind-free morning, as the cable car closes in high wind.

The dramatic, wild tip of the Cape Peninsula — sheer cliffs, a lighthouse, baboons and the wind-lashed Cape of Good Hope, near-mythical rounding point of the old sailors. The spectacular scenic drive down the peninsula (via Chapman's Peak and Boulders) is one of the world's great road trips; a full, unforgettable day out.

The island prison in the bay where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27 years — a ferry from the Waterfront and a tour led by a former political prisoner, ending at Mandela's tiny cell. Sobering, powerful and essential to understanding South Africa; book well ahead, as tickets sell out and ferries depend on the weather.

A colony of hundreds of endangered African penguins waddling among the boulders and swimming in the turquoise coves at Simon's Town on the peninsula — you can watch them from boardwalks or even swim alongside them. Utterly delightful and a highlight for all ages; usually combined with the Cape Point drive.

The most glamorous beaches in the city — the palm-lined white sand and buzzing sundowner strip of Camps Bay, and the four sheltered coves of Clifton, all beneath the craggy Twelve Apostles. The Atlantic water is bracingly cold, but the scene, the setting and the sunsets are magnificent; the place to be at golden hour.

The bustling harbour-front destination — shops, restaurants, buskers, a big wheel and the excellent Zeitz MOCAA contemporary-art museum in a converted grain silo, all framed by Table Mountain across the water. Touristy but genuinely lovely, safe and lively into the evening; the departure point for Robben Island and harbour cruises.

The historic Cape Malay quarter on the slopes of Signal Hill — steep cobbled streets of houses painted in vivid pinks, greens and blues, with a rich culture descended from the enslaved people brought from Southeast Asia. Beautiful and photogenic; wander respectfully (people live here), visit the little museum, and try a Cape Malay cooking class or curry.

The pointed peak beside Table Mountain, and the city's favourite hike — a fun, spiralling climb (with a few chain-and-ladder scrambles near the top) to a 360° summit view over the mountain, the city and the Atlantic seaboard. Locals do it by moonlight or for sunrise; go early or late, take water, and mind the exposed sections.

One of the world's great botanical gardens, draped over the eastern foot of Table Mountain — sweeping lawns and indigenous fynbos, a treetop 'boomslang' canopy walkway with mountain views, and, in summer, hugely popular Sunday sunset concerts on the grass. Serene and gorgeous; a lovely half-day, best with a picnic.

A wide, breezy seafront promenade running for kilometres along the Atlantic — where all of Cape Town walks, jogs, skates and gathers at sunset, past public art, tidal pools and lawns, with the ocean crashing beside you. Free, lively and democratic (a rare shared public space); a wonderful stroll, especially as the sun sinks.

The low ridge beside Lion's Head, reached by an easy drive — the classic spot to watch the sun sink into the Atlantic over the city and Robben Island, drink in hand, as Cape Town lights up below. Bring a picnic and a bottle for the sundowner; and listen for the Noon Gun, fired from the hill every day at midday since 1806.

Cape Town's distinctive cuisine, born in the Bo-Kaap — fragrant, mildly spiced curries, bobotie (spiced mince with an egg topping), samoosas and koeksisters, a legacy of the Cape's Southeast Asian and African heritage. Take a cooking class in the Bo-Kaap, or eat at a traditional restaurant; warm, comforting and utterly unique to the Cape.

The nightlife spine of the City Bowl — a strip of Victorian buildings with wrought-iron balconies, housing bars, clubs, live-music venues, backpackers and late-night eats, buzzing till the small hours. Gritty and fun; bar-hop the balconies, catch some live music, and (as anywhere in the city at night) keep an eye on your things.

Woodstock's famous Saturday-morning food-and-design market (the Neighbourgoods Market) at the Old Biscuit Mill — artisan food stalls, craft beer, live music and a hip, buzzing crowd, amid the street art and design studios of the regenerated quarter. The tastiest, trendiest morning in the city; go early and hungry.

A superb aquarium at the Waterfront showcasing the marine life where the cold Atlantic meets the warm Indian Ocean — a huge predator tank with sharks and rays, a kelp forest, penguins and playful otters. A brilliant, all-weather option, especially with children or on one of Cape Town's rare rainy days.