The first thing I did when I got to Cape Town in September 2004, was driving up Signal Hill. According to my friend, this was the best place to get a first overview of the city and surroundings. He was right.
From Signal Hill, which separates the suburbs of Green Point and Sea Point from the City Bowl, you have a splendid view over Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, Lion's Head, the city, the harbor and Table Bay, and Robben Island. As the sunsets from Signal Hill are awesome, this is a good place for a romantic rendezvous.
One can access Signal Hill via Kloofnek Road, which runs towards the mountain and the Cable Way station. Just keep a close eye out for signs on your right that say 'Signal Hill Road'. This is the same road you have to take when you want to climb up Lion's Head.
Signal Hill's name is derived from a very old Cape Tonian tradition, namely the Noon Gun, positioned just below its top. Every day at noon, a cannonshot is fired. The Noon Gun is accessible via the Bo-Kaap, Military Street.
Advice: Take earplugs!