Diversity is the key to Cape Town’s attractions, with Table Mountain the main sight. Visitors can either take the cable car to the summit or opt to trudge here to discern the marvelous coastal views. Bustling shopping areas, beautiful gardens and old-world architecture are other Cape Town highlights and the Cape Town Pass offers great savings.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Better known as the V&A Waterfront, this busy shopping and entertainment area can be found at the harbour and is popular with tourists. Apart from the shopping and amusements are loads of worthy attractions, including the aquarium, while tours of the harbour and Robben Island leave from here. Phone: +27 21 408 7600.

Table Mountain
Cape Town’s most famous landmark is luckily accessible by cable car from Tafelberg Road, although you could also walk Platteklip George from where the shortest climb to the top starts. There are also some tough hiking trails that are accessible by permit only. The views are Table Mountain’s big attraction, but take some warm clothing as changing weather can occur without warning. Phone: +27 21 424 8181.

Bo-Kaap
The Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town, on the slopes of Signal Hill, is the most fascinating part of the city for culture vultures, owing to its display of colonial architecture and Muslim presence. The brilliant Bo Kaap Museum is one of the main attractions here, set amid the signature narrow alleys and flat-roofed houses.

Castle of Good Hope
The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest European building in South Africa, dating from the mid-1600s, and was built as a defensive fort. The pentagon-shaped castle is well maintained and although it was originally built on the beach, land reclamation and burgeoning development in Cape Town have seen it slide a couple of miles inland. Phone: +27 21 787 1260.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
Lying against Table Mountain these gardens are extremely diverse and among the most beautiful botanic gardens in the world. All regions of South Africa are represented and numerous paths go off in all directions. Keep an eye out for the giant baobab tree and massive cacti, as well as the views of the mountains and coast. Phone: +27 21 799 8899.

Robben Island
Famously home to Nelson Mandela for 27 years as well as other high-profile prisoners, Robben Island was once one of the world’s most isolated prisons but has been a been a museum since 1997. UNESCO declared the island a World Heritage site back in 1999. Views of Table Mountain from the north coast on a good day are humbling.

Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
Enjoy a day out at Cape Point, the very end of Africa, and the nature reserve. Many people mistakenly believe this is where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, but that is further down the coast. Take the Flying Dutchman funicular to the old lighthouse or climb the stairs to the top. In the game reserve, spend some time ticking off the list of animals, various small mammals, antelope, zebras, baboons and birds.

South African Parliament
Those interested in the politics of South Africa should head for the legislative seat of the country, in Cape Town, where tours reveal South Africa's political machine and history. You will get to see the old apartheid-era assembly, the National Assembly, and the National Council of Provinces. Tours are available in a variety of languages and operate throughout the day. Phone: +27 21 403 2911; website: www.parliament.gov.za.

Cape Town Pass allows visitors free entry to dozens of attractions as well as discounts at shops, restaurants and on activities. Passes are available for one, two, three or six days and you simply swipe your card at participating places. Accompanying the Cape Town Pass is a free guide book.