Robben Island

Lonely Planet review

Proclaimed a UN World Heritage Site in 1999, Robben Island is unmissable. Used as a prison from the early days of the VOC right up until the first years of majority rule, Robben Island's most famous involuntary resident was Nelson Mandela. For this reason alone, it is one of Cape Town's most popular pilgrimage spots.

Most likely you will have to endure crowds and being hustled around on a guided tour that, at two and a half hours, is woefully too short - such is the price of the island's infamy. Still, you will learn much of what happened to Mandela and other inmates, since one will be leading your tour. The guides are happy to answer any questions you may have, and although some understandably remain bitter, as a whole this is the best demonstration of reconciliation you could hope to see in Cape Town.

Booking a tour is essential, as they are extremely popular. Groups are guided through the old prison and taken on a 45-minute bus ride around the island, with commentary on the various places of note. These include the prison house of Pan-African Congress (PAC) leader Robert Sobukwe, the lime quarry where Mandela and many others slaved, and the church used during the island's stint as a leper colony.