Cape Town  found itself at the top of 2023’s annual report that analysed affordable yet picturesque holiday destinations for people travelling from the UK.

And it is no wonder, given the South African city’s stunning landscapes and wealth of things to do and see.

The survey focused on the prices of eight popular items, usually bought on holiday, to help them work out where Brits could stretch their money further.

The report published by the Post Office shows how much it costs to buy a three-course meal for two with a glass of wine, a can of cola, a bottle of local beer, a cup of coffee, a bottle of still water, suncream and insect repellent.

These items illustrate the typical purchases UK tourists make whilst on their vacations, and Cape Town came out on top when it came to best value.

The city extends such good value due to the South African rand’s worth against the pound, as well as the low cost restaurants and bars.

The eight items listed above were the cheapest in Cape Town out of the 40 destinations included in the survey. The total came to a mere £51.

Two years later, and this still couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Cape Town has lots to offer, with exciting landscapes, iconic mountain ranges and remarkable natural wonders, its cosmopolitan blend with surrounding nature won’t fail to take you on an unforgettable adventure.

Not sure where to start? Here are some of the top rated activities to do whilst you’re out there.

At the top of our list we have Table Mountain, offering a range of different activities. It’s located in southwestern South Africa, overlooking Cape Town and Table Bay.

Its distinctive flat top is one of the first and last things you see when visiting the city, and its aerial cableway is the best way to get up or down.

Their cable cars are the only ones of their kind in Africa. They run from the Lower Cableway Station to the summit of Table Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the mountain, harbour and Robben Island.

Return and single tickets are available, so however you choose to embark on the mission, be sure not to miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience.

Table Mountain Cafe, located at the top, is a great place to grab lunch, with 4.5 stars on google reviews. They have daily specials, self-service meals and snacks, as well as great breakfasts.

So grab a yummy meal whilst you take in all the natural wonders from the greatest seats in the city.

For thrill seekers, you can try abseiling and throw yourself 112 meters down a sheer cliff with Abseil Africa. For history lovers, travel to the northern side of the mountain and visit the Waterworks Museum.

There you can view a display of memorabilia from the construction of the dams on Table Mountain.

Free guided walks are also available, departing from the Twelve Apostles Terrace on the hour.

Next on our list, Boulder’s Beach is a popular destination, and for good reason. The beach is home to a colony of thousands of endangered African penguins, with threats posing from loss of habitat, declining fish and the closing in of human neighbours.

Nonetheless, Boulders Beach remains the only place in the world where you can get up close to African penguins, making it very special.

The beach is an ideal swimming spot for families, as it falls under the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, so the beach is always clean, safe and rarely crowded.

This will amount to a small price of R65 for the day, but for a day in paradise, it’s worth it.

Did I mention they also have penguins?

Third on our list we stray from natural wonders and wander into the city to discover modern creativity at Zeitz MOCAA.

The magnificent building opened on the 22nd September 2017, and is the first ever major institution dedicated exclusively to artists from across the African continent and diaspora.

The museum holds a permanent collection and rotating temporary exhibitions of 21st century art, many branded spectacular, moving and heartening. It is also a must see for architecture fanatics.

The museum is a reimagining of an abandoned grain silo in a top stretch of the popular V&A Waterfront district, designed by UK architect Thomas Heatherwick.

The building is a soaring sculptural marvel that could be branded art itself. A Russian doll if you will.

Fourth on the list we have Robben Island, a world heritage site located off the coast of Cape Town. The island has a deep history tied in with that of the South African Apartheid.

The island was originally used as a leper colony, but then later became an apartheid prison. Nelson Mandela, one of the most prominent figures of the anit-apartheid movement and former South African president, was imprisoned there for 18 years.

Its historical importance aside, the island is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including penguins, ostriches, seals and a feral population of peacocks.

To get there you travel by boat on an hour trip from Cape Town, and tickets can be purchased at the Waterfront or online in advance.

The tours of the island are conducted by former prisoners, making this a unique and enlightening experience.

Lastly, what would a trip to Cape Town be without partaking in some wine tasting. The city is known for its wine production, with a long history of winemaking dating back to the 1650s.

It is home to some of the world’s most bountiful vineyards, boasting numerous award winning restaurants. There are four main wine regions you can explore in Cape Town – Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Constantia and Durbanville.

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the city’s most famous wine regions. This is because they’re located close together and about an hour from Cape Town’s centre.

The other two, definitely attract less bustle, but in my opinion, all the more reason to be sure to pay them a visit. The best way to get around would be to book a tour as they’re affordable, and the hop-on-hop-off manner gives you tons of flexibility.

Out of all these ideas, there is still so much more to explore and see. So if you find yourself booking your next vacation in the city of Cape Town, be sure to add some of these to your list.