The Ultimate Guide to Cape Town City
Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and pristine sandy beaches, vibrant Cape Town is a traveller’s paradise. As one of Africa’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town boasts the majestic Table Mountain, which dominates the skyline. This scenic City offers breathtaking landscapes, stunning beaches, delectable cuisine, incredible hiking opportunities, and a unique floral biome. Additionally, it is renowned worldwide for its historical sites and welcomes the LGBTQ+ community. Whether exploring local markets, hiking trails, relaxing on the beach, or visiting the nearby Winelands, you’ll find that there’s always something to do in Cape Town. Planning your itinerary can be overwhelming due to the numerous options available, so I have compiled a list of the top must-see attractions and places to visit in Cape Town to help you navigate your choices.
21 Best things to do in Cape Town
Here is my choice of the Best things to do in Cape Town in no particular order.
1. Take a Free Walking Tour
Join a free walking tour of the City to get acquainted with Cape Town. A knowledgeable local guide will showcase the area’s highlights. This experience is a fun activity for couples and an excellent opportunity to ask any questions. The tours are entertaining and informative, making them among the top ten free things to do in the Mother City. You can join tours that depart at 09:30 or 11:00, regardless of whether it’s sunny or raining. Midday tours leave at 14:00, and the last walking tour departs at 16:20. Booking is only necessary for groups of 10 or more. Enjoy exploring Cape Town!
2. Table Mountain Peak
Table Mountain is Cape Town’s most iconic symbol. To truly appreciate its beauty and the surrounding landscape, visit the top! There are several options for reaching the peak of this natural peak, one of which is taking a cable car. Since this is one of the best things to do in Cape Town, booking your Table Mountain tickets in advance is advisable. Besides a cable car ride, hiking up Table Mountain offers a unique experience. Visit the Table Mountain Hike website for information on hiking prices, what to expect, and bookings. Enjoying a sunset on Table Mountain is also one of the most romantic activities in Cape Town.
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3. Hit the Best Beaches in Cape Town
Cape Peninsula beaches
You can’t visit Cape Town without experiencing at least one of its stunning beaches. South African beaches are excellent, and the Cape Peninsula offers two glittering coastlines with every type of beach you can imagine. With so many picturesque options, you’ll have more than enough beaches to explore a new one every day of your holiday. Whether looking for lively beaches with buzzing bars or secluded, romantic spots, Cape Town has safe swimming beaches perfect for families with kids.
- Clifton Beach, located in one of the most sought-after suburbs, is a must-visit and one of the most famous beaches in the area. Camps Bay is my favourite beach for families. Here, you can see children playing volleyball and people walking their dogs. You can also enjoy views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range from the beach.
- Llandudno Beach: Cape Town Llandudno Beach is a spectacular off-beaten-track beach where you can watch a Cape Town sunset. If you’re looking for a hidden gem, Llandudno Beach is a spectacular off-the-beaten-path location perfect for watching Cape Town sunsets. Be sure to visit Muizenberg Beach, which boasts Blue Flag status and has warmer waters. This beach is popular among surfers and is an excellent spot for surfing lessons.
- Camps Bay, one of my favourite beaches, is a vibrant destination where families gather to enjoy the sun and surf. The soft, golden sands are perfect for playing volleyball, while the coastal path invites dog owners to stroll alongside wagging tails. One of the highlights of this stunning location is the breathtaking view of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, which towers majestically in the background, creating a picturesque backdrop that enhances the beach experience.
- Muizenberg Beach, renowned for its prestigious Blue Flag status, guarantees a clean and safe environment. This vibrant stretch of coastline boasts warmer waters, making it an inviting destination for sunbathers and water enthusiasts alike. Famous for its colourful beach huts and picturesque surroundings, Muizenberg is a haven for surfers eager to catch the perfect wave. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to learn, this beach offers a fantastic atmosphere for surfing lessons, with gentle swells and expert instructors ready to guide you.
Cape Town Nudist Beach
- Sandy Bay Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand just south of the picturesque Llandudno Beach. With its unique appeal, it is known as an unofficial nudist beach and is particularly famous among those who enjoy a liberating beach experience. While many flock here to bask in the sun and enjoy the breathtaking views, the water at Sandy Bay tends to be quite chilly, making it less popular for swimming.
Best beaches on the West Coast, Cape Town
The West Coast of South Africa is home to several popular beaches. Among them are Langebaan Beach, known for its stunning lagoon and water sports; Strandfontein Beach, which offers a peaceful atmosphere and scenic views; and Calypso Beach, celebrated for its pristine sands and beautiful surroundings. Each beach provides a unique experience for visitors enjoying the coastline’s natural beauty.
4. Get lost on Noordhoek Beach
Noordhoek Beach is an exquisite, unspoiled destination further along the main road. It is a quaint village. Besides the variety of craft shops, there are a few cosy cafes and dining options. Its extensive sandy stretch of beaches is a favoured spot for animal lovers walking with their dogs and horse-riding along the coast.
5. Hang out at Blouberg Beach
Located about 20 km outside Cape Town City, Blouberg Strand is famous for its kite-surfing, windsurfing, and finest dining options. Blouberg Beach is also popular for swimming, long walks, stunning views of Table Mountain, and various water sports.
The name Blouberg translates to “Blue Mountain Beach,” considered one of the best kite surfing destinations in the World. Sunset Beach, just 1.6 km from Bloubergstrand, ranks as the third-best windsurfing location in the World. Since weather conditions play a significant role in kite surfing, check the weather forecast today for Bloubergstrand, Western Cape.
6. Get up close to penguins at Boulders Beach
The “Big 5” are the most well-known South African wildlife, but the cheerful colony of endangered African penguins at Boulders Beach are possibly the cutest. Boulders Beach is a beautiful Cape Town beach and conservation park home to a colony of around 2,000 African penguins. It is near Simon’s Town, about a 45-minute drive south of the City, but it is worth the journey. African penguins are monogamous and breed between March and May.
The “Big 5” are well-known South African wildlife, but the adorable colony of endangered African penguins at Boulders Beach may be the cutest. Located near Simon’s Town, about a 45-minute drive south of Cape Town, Boulders Beach is home to around 2,000 African penguins. These monogamous birds breed from March to May. For a richer experience, consider booking a full-day tour from Cape Town that includes Boulders Beach, Bo-Kaap, Chapman’s Peak, the Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Point, and Noordhoek village. The tour also travels along Boyes Drive, showcasing Kalk Bay and St. James Beach, known for their colourful beach cabanas. Interestingly, there are twenty-two breeding colonies of African penguins, with eighteen in South Africa and four in Namibia.
7. Enjoy the Sunrises and Sunsets in Cape Town
Signal Hill offers stunning views, particularly during sunset and sunrise. Visitors can experience these spectacular sights by booking a tour with the Red Cape Town Sunset bus departing from the V&A Waterfront. The scenic journey along Signal Hill Drive takes you through the coastal areas of Seapoint and Camps Bay. Enjoy some snacks while admiring the breathtaking views.
Experience breathtaking sunsets aboard the Waterfront Sunset Champagne Cruises. Sip exquisite champagne as you glide along tranquil waters and enjoy the stunning orange, pink, and purple hues filling the sky. The serene atmosphere and gentle sounds of the water make this cruise an unforgettable way to end your day.
8. Lions Head Hike Cape Town
The circular route up Lion’s Head offers exceptional panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and beaches. To truly appreciate this stunning location, I recommend a guided sunrise hike up the majestic Lion’s Head, where you can experience the beautiful landscapes that come alive with vibrant colours.
9. Experience Cape Town Wine Tours
When planning your Cape Town holidays, I recommend you include a visit to the Cape Town Winelands. South African wine is some of the best in the World. Must visit the vineyards to try it. But if you have experienced a wine tour, you’re probably already looking forward to a spot of wine tasting. This region’s terrain and climate are ideal for grape growing, particularly red varieties such as the unique Pinotage. There are numerous ways to get around the wine regions, from taking a private tour to horseback riding to borrowing an e-bike.
Cape Town Wine Regions
The Cape Town wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are distinct towns located approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) east of Cape Town. Among the many wineries in the Cape Town area, some popular choices include Leeu Estates, Rust en Vrede, and Meerlust Estate. The Cape Town wine route allows wine enthusiasts to enjoy exceptional wines with picturesque views over the vineyards. Whatever way you choose, do not miss out on experiencing a South African winery tour. You can travel to the vineyards by yourself or book a tour.
Between the options is a Full-Day Winelands Tour with Wine Tastings & Food, or discover the 3 wine regions of South Africa tour, where you will explore the renowned wine regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. This tour includes visiting three estates where you can taste up to 15 wines. You can read about travel blogger Maggie McKneely’s fantastic One-day Cape Winelands tour for more insights.
10. Explore the Colourful Bo Kaap
Nestled between the heart of Cape Town and the sweeping foothills of Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap captures the hearts of all visitors with its charm. Known as Bo Kaap Kapstadt (pronounced by the locals), this vibrant neighbourhood has earned its reputation as one of Cape Town’s most photogenic spots. The enchanting cobbled streets and brightly painted houses create a picturesque setting that is hard to resist.
Beyond its visual splendour, Bo-Kaap is a history and culture treasure trove, reflecting Islamic Cape Malay heritage’s rich and colourful tapestry. The area resonates with the tantalising aromas of spices and the soul-stirring call to prayer, welcoming visitors with a blend of age-old traditions and contemporary allure.
Visiting Bo-Kaap offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in traditional dishes such as Moerkoffie with koeksisters, bobotie, bunny chow, and malva pudding. You can also enjoy African beer Umqombothi, ostrich medallions, springbok stew, chakalaka, and samp with beans. The neighbourhood is a melting pot of cultures, featuring a predominantly Muslim population. A key attraction in this area is the Bo-Kaap Museum, one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town. It serves as an excellent introduction to the rich history of the vibrant Bo-Kaap community.
For an enhanced experience, consider participating in the De Waterkant and Bo-Kaap Walking Tour. Starting from the Bo Kaap Deli, it offers a memorable culinary journey for the whole family. The tour highlights the local traditions and diverse food cultures and accommodates vegetarian and halal dietary preferences.
11. Book A Cape Malay Cooking Class
An excellent experience is to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Bo-Kaap by booking a Bo-Kaap Cooking class with the renowned Faldela Tolker. As you step in, Faldela will greet you with a warm smile and welcome you into her charming lilac house, ready to share her expertise in preparing a traditional Malay meal.
Participating in a cooking class in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich culture. Renowned chef Faldela Tolker welcomes participants into her charming lilac house, where she shares her expertise in preparing traditional Malay meals.
The aroma of spices fills the air as you enter her cosy kitchen. Here, you’ll learn her Malay cooking skills and Savour the delicious feast you helped her prepare. Book a Kaap Cooking class with Faldela. This hands-on experience allows you to know about the local cuisine and provides insight into the vibrant cultural heritage of the area.
12. Visit the seals on Duiker Island
If you want to see thousands of Cape Fur Seals up close, the Hout Bay Seal Island Cruise is for you. The amazing Duiker Island Seal Colony Cruises depart daily (weather permitting) from Hout Bay to Duiker Island. Due to the thousands of wild Cape Fur Seals, the Island is known as Seal Island, although another one exists in Cape Town. Duiker Island covers about 0.4 hectares and is where one can experience these cute creatures closely in their natural habitat. The Cape Town Seal Island Cruise is about 20 minutes from Hout Bay in Cape Town, South Africa; you can book this fantastic experience at Seal Island boat trips.
13. Enjoy Lunch in Hout Bay
Hout Bay is beautiful and known for its best Fish and Chips. Among the many restaurants in Hout Bay, Mariner’s Wharf is known for its excellent fish and chips and seafood—Mexicola for its Nachos and Massimo’s for its Pizza. After your Seal trip to Duiker Island, having lunch at one of the Hout Bay Restaurants is a perfect choice.
Fish on the Rocks Hout Bay Restaurant is also an excellent choice for Fish and Chips. It is situated on the outskirts of Hout Bay Harbour and boasts Stunning Views of Chapman’s Peak and West Fort Cannons.
What to do in Cape Town
14. Brave Chapman’s Peak Drive
Chapman’s Peak Drive, often hailed as one of the most breathtaking drives in the World, is truly an experience not to be missed in Cape Town. Affectionately known as “Chappies,” this stunning route is bound to ignite an adrenaline rush as you navigate its narrow, winding paths that cling to the rugged coastline, linking the picturesque towns of Hout Bay and Noordhoek.
As one of the most spectacular drives in the World, Chapman’s Peak is something to experience and one of the best free activities in Cape Town. Known colloquially as “Chappies”, it might create an adrenaline rush. Whatever, you can’t miss the winding Chapman’s Peak Drive.” Its narrow, winding route that hugs the coastline between Hout Bay and Noordhoek makes it a scenic and jaw-dropping drive. Chapman Peak promises a spectacular view over the Atlantic Ocean. Although the 7.2 kilometres (4.5 miles) route’s ideas are the main attraction, there are a few exciting places along the way. During bad weather, Weatherpman’s Peak Road might be closed.
Chapmans Peak Hike
One of the best short Hiking Trails is the Chapman Peak hiking Trail. Hiking Chapman’s Peak is not a very big challenge, but it is rewarding. It is tucked away in Hout Bay, and the trail is a 3-hour hike with a Picnic when you reach the summit. There are a tremendous number of adventure activities in Cape Town. For one of the longer, beautiful hikes on the Cape’s Garden Route, check out The Spectacular Otter 5-day trail.
15. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Few places are more abundant in natural beauty than South Africa, with its incredibly diverse flora and fauna. Visit one of the World’s Best botanical gardens, Kirstenbosch. Nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is popular among locals and visitors of all ages. At Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, plants and flowers are centre stage.
Picnicking at Kirstenbosch
One of the best things to do with kids in Cape Town is to enjoy a picnic at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Take a picnic blanket, as umbrellas, chairs, and tables are prohibited.
The Kirstenbosch tea room menu offers a wide variety of dishes. Visitors especially love the Kirstenbosch Tea Garden Sunday breakfast. They use free-range eggs, poached or served to your liking, burgers, and healthy food.
There is no shortage of things to enjoy at Kirstenbosch, but the 130-meter (425-foot) Tree Canopy Walk is unmissable. This fantastic curved timber bridge walkway winds over the trees and through the Kirstenbosch Gardens. Besides the spectacular view over Kirstenbosch, it offers the Mountains.
Family activities in Cape Town
16. Go on Waterfront Boat Cruises
There is no better way to end a perfect day than with a sunset cruise on the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Town. Enjoy the fresh ocean air and admire the beautiful views with a glass of champagne as the sun sets over the ocean. For other Sunset Cruise options, visit Viator Sunset Cruises Cape Town.
Embark on a captivating 1.5-hour eco-cruise in Cape Town’s bay and immerse yourself in the enchanting World of marine life on a Marine Wildlife Tour. Look out for whales, dolphins’ playful antics, adorable seals, and charming penguins waddling in their natural habitat.
17. Visit Cape Point
The Cape of Good Hope, part of Table Mountain National Park, is a stunning natural attraction offering breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. The park that requests a conservation fee to enter opens from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from October to March and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April to September.
It’s a common misconception that the Cape of Good Hope is at the southern tip of Africa; Cape Agulhas, about 150 km away, is at the southernmost point of Africa. Consider exploring Cape Point by hiking or cycling to truly appreciate its beautiful landscapes, picturesque walks, bird species, and pristine, secluded beaches.
The reserve is named after its most striking peninsula, Cape Point.
The out-and-back trail near Simon’s Town is a must-visit. It offers excellent birdwatching opportunities and takes less than two hours to complete. The trail provides views of the lighthouse and showcases the spectacular sheer cliffs that drop into the ocean.
Although the walk is not strenuous, some visitors prefer the leisurely option of taking the scenic Flying Dutchman Funicular, which conveniently connects the restaurant to the souvenir kiosk near the historic 1859 lighthouse.
Consider embarking on the 33.8-kilometre, two-day Cape of Good Hope Trail for the ultimate adventure. This experience includes an overnight stay in a basic hut, which must be booked in advance. To book the Cape of Good Hope Trail, contact Reservations at Table Mountain National Park by calling 021 712 7471.
18. Visit Kalk Bay
Kalk Bay, also known as Kalkbaai, is a coastal gem famous for its iconic “Kalk Bay Reef”. The reef break is renowned for its powerful waves and shallow reef, making it a challenging and thrilling spot for surfers. The best surfing conditions occur during a big south-easterly swell or a north-west wind. In smaller swells, low tide offers ideal barrel waves. Beyond being a popular surfing destination during winter and early spring, Kalk Bay is also celebrated for whale sightings.
Kalk Bay is also known for Whale watching. From June to December, Southern right whales migrate through False Bay, while Humpback whales can be spotted along the South Coast of Cape Town during this time.
Kalky’s Restaurant in Kalk Bay is famous for its delicious fish and chips. Some locals consider Kalkys Cape Town to have the best Fish and Chips in the City, and they are renowned for using only fresh, locally caught fish. So when you visit Kalkbaai, visit them for Fish and Chips and let me know about our personal experience.
Exciting things to do in Cape Town
19. Go Paragliding
Experience the thrill of a Tandem Paragliding Adventure while enjoying Cape Town’s Atlantic coast, Lions Head and Table Mountain from a bird’s-eye view.
20. Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay
Embark on a 2-hour scenic guided kayaking trip to observe Cape Fur Seals and other marine life.
21. Take a Ferry to Robben Island
It is impossible to mention things to do in Cape Town without paying your respects to the iconic Nelson Mandela. Forever synonymous with South Africa’s emergence from apartheid, Nelson Mandela infamously spent 27 years imprisoned on Robben Island due to his political activities. Yet, despite this adversity, he would emerge resolutely and eventually unite South Africa.
Tours to Robben Island
The island lies 45 – 60 minutes off the coast and is a great place to visit to learn more about South Africa’s history and take a few hours for quiet reflection. Laurewanders wrote in her Cape Town travel Blog a visit to Robben Island, the Apartheid Prison where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years. Nelson Mandela led the Freedom Struggle.
Where to Eat
Explore the V&A Waterfront Restaurants
While visiting a shopping mall may not immediately appear as one of the best things to do in Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront is no ordinary mall. As the name suggests, the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Waterfront has fantastic places to eat on the water’s edge. Altogether, the Waterfront Restaurants have ongoing specials.
The VA Waterfront is one of the most popular places for visitors and locals to savour delicious food. Besides a bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere, the Waterfront Cape Town boasts the best restaurants in the Mother City. Moreover, the Waterfront seafood restaurants in Cape Town are famous for fresh seafood and Cape wines. With their scenery and atmosphere, these Romantic restaurants in Cape Town are trendy among tourists. Some of the cruises also include dinner.
“This article was edited using Grammarly’s AI power tool for spelling, grammer and style.”
Cape Town Tours and Cape Town attractions
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How Safe is Cape Town?
Many tourists ask, “Is Cape Town safe?” With an average of 71 Murders per day, the Murder and Crime rates in South Africa are incredibly high. Like anywhere in Cape Town, explore the areas only during daylight hours unless you’re in a large group or on tour. If you find yourself there after sunset, call a taxi or Uber, but don’t take the chance.
Always closely monitor your valuables and ensure you do not leave your cell phone or other items unattended. It’s important not to display money or valuable items openly, and it’s best to avoid keeping your cell phone in your back pocket. Instead, consider using a cross-over bag to make it more difficult for someone to snatch your bag.
Dress conservatively in the Bo-Kaap. In line with Muslim customs, women should also dress conservatively in the Bo-Kaap. In particular, if you plan on entering any mosque, a good idea is always to carry a scarf to cover your shoulders if needed.
Where to Stay
Booking.comYou’ll want to check out the following Posts on unique places in the Cape Province.
Glad you could visit Cape Town
Beautiful City to visit and your article covers the best “things to do”. We did most of them a few years ago, except the Chapmans Peak drive and hike which was unfortunately closed, the rest were all exceptional.
I love how there are many outdoor activities in Cape Town. I’m a huge fan of hiking and would love to visit Table Mountain, Chapmans Peak, and Lion’s Head and see the views. Seeing the adorable penguins at Boulder Beach sounds like a lot of fun too! I can’t wait to visit Cape Town in the future.
Very detail information thanks.