From wine tasting to penguin watching, no two days need to be the same in Cape Town. Set against dramatic scenery and known for its laid-back cosmopolitan beachside flavor, this city is nothing if not eclectic. Best of all, the value of the dollar against the South African rand makes for a city where five-star experiences can be had on bargain-hunting budgets. So, forget the dollars and cents and delve into this handful of Cape Town's best sights, just a sampling of all that awaits in this magnificent city. Cape Town Vacations. Live it. Love it. 

Below, in no particular order, are our top 10 Cape Town destinations for travelers looking to book a trip to the area.

• Table Mountain: There is no better introduction to Cape Town than its most famous landmark. From the city center to the spectacular coastlines, all of Cape Town's beauty - both natural and manmade - comes into view. Whisk to the crest in one of the panoramic cable cars, or take a more hands-on approach by hiking up one of the flower-speckled hiking trails.

• V&A Waterfront: This historic waterfront joins musicians and artisans with chic restaurants - where an elegant three-course feast with wine will set you back only $50 - all housed in cheerful colonial-era buildings. Ongoing events and entertainment in this vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere ensure the waterfront is a destination for visitors and locals alike.

• Cape Point: Rough and often turbulent currents from the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans send swells crashing against this craggy promontory for a dramatic ocean panorama. The Flying Dutchman Funicular climbs to the rugged crest, offering views of the surroundings and, during certain times of the year, great white sharks on the hunt in the choppy waters.  Thousands of people visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve every year. Known for its phenomenal views and easily seen wildlife that includes baboons and zebras, the trails here can be hiked without a guide, but it is suggested that you enlist the assistance of one as some of the paths wind around the cliff-tops.

• Constantia Valley: The oldest wine-making region in the southern hemisphere - dating back to 1685 - the Constantia Valley is truly Cape Town's Vineyard. The area consists of eight wine farms, each with their own distinctive heritage and premium wines that consistently win accolades and international awards for their high standard and quality. 

• Simon's Town: Cape Town's portside history comes into view after just a short 30-minute train ride along the magnificent coastline. This picturesque naval port town is known for fantastic seafood and charming antique shops, but its most famous attraction is the African Jackass Penguins who like to take advantage of the idyllic local beaches as much as the locals do. 

• Robben Island: Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, Robben Island is a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela as they tour the maximum-security prison on the island. Ferries depart from the new Nelson Mandela Gateway - complete with exhibitions and a museum shop - in the V&A Waterfront. 

• Kirstenbosch Gardens: Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is home to wide expanses of fynbos, the natural landscape that only the Cape Town region's unique climate supports. Punctuated with cultivated gardens - some with themes, like fragrant flowers or medicinal plants - perfect for relaxing strolls and hiking trails that thread through the surrounding wilderness, Kirstenbosch has been beloved by locals and visitors for generations.

• Victoria & Alfred Waterfront: No matter what time you visit here, you will find a lot of activity going on all around you. The waterfront was built by the second son of Queen Victoria in the 19th century and was an important stopover for some ships. It has changed a lot since then; today it includes a variety of restaurants and boutiques. The popular Two Oceans Aquarium is also located on the waterfront. If you happen to visit here in the evenings, you can enjoy live music surrounding you as well as performers scattered around the waterfront whose only job is to entertain travelers and tourists to the area. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront can easily be reached by car or rail.

• Lion's Head: If you'd like a view in every direction of Cape Town, head over to Lion's Head Mountain. This entire hike can be completed in 2 hours if you don't stop a lot along the way to take pictures (although you will certainly be tempted to do so). The hike itself is very easy and you can see everything from Table Mountain to the Twelve Apostles. You won't need a guide to complete this hike, but make sure you pay attention to which way you are going as it can get confusing at times.

• Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art: Opened since the end of 2017, this relatively new museum is a must-see in Cape Town. It features the work of artists from 54 different nations. With 9 floors and 9 square meters of space, there is plenty to see here. This includes 80 galleries as well a sculpture garden at roof level with a glass floor. From there, you'll have views of the city as well as Table Mountain.