THis is really a fabulous thing to do. The cable car closes often enough for poor weather, so if you're in Cape Town for a few days, and it's clear, go for it. The only other big attraction that's also weather-dependant is Robben Island, so if you hav ea decent patch of weather, get one of these in. You can always browse the restaurants, Cape POint, Kirstenbosch, Winelands, Boulders, Malls, District 6 later, when it's raining :)
But I digress - Table Mountain is a fabulous way of getting your bearings, and it's lovely if you can go up soon after a long flight, as the cool sea air is refreshing after a lot of hot dry aeroplane air. The cable cars are great - circular and roomy, and they rotate slowly as they rise, so it doesn't matter too much which side you're on. Just be sure to stand near one of the glass walls, so you don't get herded in to the middle, far away from a window, as people crowd in at the end. The trip is short, and not in the least scary.
On top is a decent enough self-service restaurant, and lots of space to wander about, loking down on the city and on RObben Island. It's got a real mountain feel, but lots of sea air, and is a wonderful antidote to the sometimes plastic rush of other city attractions. Bring a light rain jacket though. The cloud can often drape itselve prettily over the top, which is a tad damp if you happen to be on the top when it happens :)
