The best Instagram spots to visit in Cape Town

The Mother City is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it is not difficult to see why. The breath-taking scenery and picturesque backdrops are an incredible sight not to be missed. It is therefore no surprise that Cape Town has become a popular Instagram destination amongst travelers. There are so many places to visit and activities on offer in the Mother City so we have narrowed down our top best Instagram-able spots that cannot be missed during your Cape Town stay.

 1. Table Mountain from Blouberg Beachfront

First and foremost, you have to take a photograph of the iconic Table Mountain during your visit. This an obligatory right of passage and no trip is complete without your very own photograph of this incredible natural wonder. Our favourite place to grab a shot of Table Mountain is from Blouberg beach. You will get the entire view of Table Mountain along with the beautiful Cape seas – what is not to like. Blouberg Beach is also a prime photo spot with Robben Island also seen from the shores.

When standing on Blouberg beachfront expect to see this beautiful view. 

Blouberg Beachfront.

 

2. On top of Lion’s Head

Another favourite of ours is a shot of yourself on top of Lion’s Head. After you hike to the top, don’t forget to take a photo of yourself to remember the experience. The views from a top Lion’s Head are to die for! Imagine a 360-degree view of the entire city surrounded by beautiful blue skies. This is definitely not a photo that should be missed.

Cape Town as seen from Lion's Head with the special appearance of a Dassie.
Captured by Crystal Mah on Unsplash.

3. Chapman’s Peak

Chapman’s Peak has amazing panoramic views and is often described as “paradise” in Cape Town. This 9 kilometre stretch of road stretches from Noordhoek to Hout Bay with 114 curves along the way. There are numerous picnic spots and viewing stops along the way, so take a relaxing drive along Chapman’s Peak, indulge in a picnic and capture some breathtakingly beautiful images along the journey. There is a small toll fee which must be paid to pass through the drive, but it is so worth it!

4. St James Beach Huts

Sandy beach? Check! Tidal pool? Check! Colourful wooden beach huts? Check! Instagram worthy spot? Double, triple check! There is nothing not to love at St James beach located right next to Muizenberg. The main attraction of this beach has got to be the bright and cheerful wooden beach huts that were used as bathing boxes during the Victorian era. The huts are a rainbow of blue, red, green and yellow – a bright combination set against a clear blue ocean and white soft sand. There are so many different photograph angles to choose from on this beach that you are guaranteed an amazing Instagram photo and tons of likes!

Colourful beach huts along the St James beach.
Photo by Arno Smit on Unsplash.

5. Hout Bay Harbour

If you love seals then this is the place to be! Not only is the Hout Bay harbour stunning to look at, but you might just be lucky enough to also meet a seal during your visit. Seals are known to come ashore at the harbour most summer month days and tend to put on a show for their eager onlookers. Take a shot of them frolicking along the shore or catching a tan on the rocks. We suggest that you indulge in the best fish and chips in Cape Town when visiting the harbour at “Fish on the Rocks”. You are guaranteed absolute freshness and a yummy meal that will satisfy your taste buds. A bonus Instagram location nearby is the Bay Harbour Market which is held Friday – Sunday in the old warehouse right next to the harbour. This indie market has food, live entertainment and many different curios for you to browse through and capture.

Looking down onto Hout Bay.
Photo by Tim Johnson on Unsplash

6. Boulders Beach

The home to a colony of African penguins, Boulders Beach is a definite must see on our list. You can get up close and personal with these beautiful “suited up” creatures and take some beautiful shots amongst them. Boulders Beach is located near Simon’s Town and costs R65 per person to enter the conservation area. The beach itself is lovely and you are welcome to swim and explore the various boulders around it. As with any conservation area, it is monitored and guests are expected to respect the area and the penguins.

The African Penguins are an absolute sight to see at Boluders Beach.
Photo by Jack Young on Unsplash.

7.  Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Natural beauty on steroids is what to expect at the ever-popular Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town. The mountain provides you with an exquisite backdrop for your images along with the wide selection of natural beauty and hidden gems throughout the garden. There are hiking trails leading directly from the gardens, as well as many pathways and areas to explore; not to mention the amazing picnic spots. The “Boomslang” is a major highlight of the gardens and we suggest that you really take advantage of the amazing photo opportunities that this tree canopy walkway has to offer.

 

The Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway at Kirstenbosch Gardens. 

Sculptures found at Kirstenbosh Gardens.

8. V & A Waterfront

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cape Town, so it is a no brainer that it would end up on our list. From the views of the harbour, the giant Cape Wheel, and the beautiful evening lights, the Waterfront has something for everyone. The photo opportunities truly are endless. We definitely suggest that you take a rid on the Cape Wheel and take a snap of the Waterfront from above the ground. Be sure to get a shot of yourself looking out to the blue ocean seas from the various railing lookout points.   

The V & A Waterfront harbor.

9. Bo-Kaap

The Bo-Kaap is full of rich history and brightly painted houses that resemble a combination of two architectural styles, namely Cape Dutch and Cape Georgian. The Cape Malay culture is embedded in this area with it dating back to the 1760’s. There is a lot of rich culture in this little area, and you will easily be able to see why. A lot of the streets are made of cobble stone, coupled with the rainbow coloured houses, making this area a prime Instagramable spot in the Mother City. Be sure to stop by the Bo-Kaap museum which is the oldest building in the area that is still in its original form or take a cooking course with authentic Cape Malay residents to really embrace the heritage of this famous area.

Bo Kaap colourful houses.
Photo by Ken Treloar on Unsplash.

 10. Cape Town’s Table Mountain Yellow Frames

The City of Cape Town has strategically placed numerous big yellow bordered frames in and around the city for tourists to snap a shot of themselves in front of the gorgeous Table Mountain, ensuring that you get the best shot of yourself with the iconic landmark. You can find these at Eden on the Bay, the V & A Waterfront, Heritage Square, Signal Hill, Khayelitsha, and at Cape Town station. Looking for more? A special blue frame is found on Robben Island! We suggest that you take a day trip to Robben Island, not only to snap a shot in the blue frame but also to get some amazing captures of the Island where struggle hero Nelson Mandela was incarcerated during the Apartheid era in South Africa. How much more epic could your Instagram get?

 

Take a fun photograph of yourself in one of many yellow Table Mountain frames. 

11. Bonus location: Woodstock Street Art

Our bonus location has to be in Woodstock. Take a walk around the area and you will find tons of beautiful street art pieces which are painted onto the building walls. These artists are so incredibly talented and really know how to deliver a statement. Take a shot of yourself next to the artwork or just grab a shot of it alone. It is up to you. You can try a street art tour if you don’t want to wander the streets alone. Just a warning – as with any area, you should always be alert when walking around and do not flash your valuables around. Take precautions and you will be just fine walking around in search of the artwork.

That sums up our top picks list, but there are so many options and hidden gems in Cape Town that we could not include them all. Our top picks are guaranteed to provide you with the best Cape Town images possible. Just remember that the most amazing Instagram captures are taken when you are making incredible memories, so enjoy each moment during your Cape Town holiday. Don’t miss out on any of these locations, you will regret it.