Table Mountain

Easily the city's most recognizable landmark, Table Mountain towers over Cape Town just south of the city center. Having earned its name from its unique, flat-topped shape, the mountain is the most popular attraction found within Table Mountain National Park (which encompasses other top attractions like Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope).

There are numerous ways to experience Table Mountain. Adventurous travelers can hike to the summit along one of the mountains numerous trails, although the region's fickle weather can turn an on-foot excursion into an unpleasant, muddy walk. Recent travelers strongly recommend using the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway instead. These suspended cable cars rotate 360 degrees, offering passengers spectacular views of the city and the ocean. According to one TripAdvisor user, "We had to queue for over an hour to get our tickets so recommend booking on-line. The cable car floor rotates so everyone get a chance to see the views."

Unlike other areas of the park, you do not have to pay a conservation fee to access Table Mountain. However, a ride on the Aerial Cableway will cost you 92 ZAR (around $12 USD) each way or 175 ZAR ($22.50 USD) round-trip. The cable cars run every day starting at 8 or 8:30 a.m., but closing times vary depending on the season. To learn more about Table Mountain, visit the South African National Parks website. For more information about Aerial Cableway, check out its official website.