The Ultimate Guide to Cape Town City
Flanked by the iconic Table Mountain and pristine sandy beaches, vibrant Cape Town is a traveller’s delight. As one of the most beautiful cities in Africa, Cape Town is home to the majestic Table Mountain, which dominates the skyline. The scenic City offers breathtaking scenery, pristine beaches, delicious food, incredible hiking, and a fascinating floral biome. Additionally, it is globally recognized for its historical sites and as a gay-friendly city. Whether you are exploring the markets, hiking, enjoying the beach, or visiting the Winelands, one thing is sure: you’ll never run out of things to do in Cape Town.
It can be challenging to narrow down your choices when planning your Cape Town travel Itinerary. To assist you, I have compiled a list of the top must-see attractions and places to visit in Cape Town.
21 Best things to do in Cape Town
Here is my choice of the Best things to do at Cape Town in no particular order.
1. Take a Free Walking Tour
Join a free city walking tour to familiarize yourself with the City, led by a knowledgeable local guide who will show you around. Besides being one of the fun things to do in Cape Town for couples, you get to ask questions you might have. It’s also one of the Fun things to do in Cape Town for couples.
These free tours are not only fun but very informative. In the sunshine or rain, you can join any tours departing at 09h30 or 11h00. Midday tours depart at 14h00, and the last Cape Town walking tour departs at 16:20. Booking is only required when you’re in a group of 10 or more. This is one of the top ten free things to do in the Mother City.
2. Table Mountain Peak
Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Cape Town is Table Mountain. To fully appreciate the beauty of Table Mountain and its surroundings, you have to go to the very top! There are quite a few options to reach the peak of this natural wonder loom, and one of them is to go up to the iconic mountain in a Cable car. As it’s one of the Best things to do in Cape Town, it’s a trendy Cape Town attraction, so I recommend you book your table mountain tickets early.
Besides the Cable car ride, Hiking up Table Mountain is another unique experience. For hiking prices, what to expect, and bookings, visit Table Mountain Hike. A Table Mountain sunset experience is one of the most romantic things in Cape Town.
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The Best Cape Town Beaches
3. Hit the Beaches in Cape Town
You can’t visit Cape Town without experiencing at least one or more of the best beaches in Cape Town. South African beaches are beautiful, and The Cape Peninsula offers two glittering coastlines with every kind of beach you can imagine. There are probably more than enough beautiful beaches to visit a new one every day of your holiday. Aside from beaches alongside buzzing bars, there are secluded romantic beaches and safe swimming beaches for kids.
- Clifton Beach, situated in one of the sought-after suburbs, is a must-visit and one of the most famous beaches.
- Camps Bay is my favourite beach for families playing volleyball and walking dogs. From the beach peaks, you can also view the Twelve Apostles mountain.
- Cape Town Llandudno Beach is a spectacular off-beaten-track beach where you can watch a Cape Town sunset.
- Visit the Blue Flag-status beach of Muizenberg, which has warmer waters. Muizenberg Beach is famous among surfers and is the perfect place for surfing lessons.
- The best Beaches on the West Coast of South Africa are Langebaan Beach, Strandfonein Beach, and Calypso Beach.
- Sandy Beach in Cape Town is a white sand south of Llandudno Beach. Sandy Bay is most famous for naked sunbathing and surfing as the water is freezing at Sandy Bay; therefore, it is not renowned for swimming.
4. Get lost on Noordhoek Beach
The magnificent, untouched Noordhoek Beach is a true hidden gem. There are various options nearby to savour a cup of coffee, and further down the main road away from Hout Bay, there’s a charming ‘village’ selling crafts and offering various dining options. With its expansive stretch of sand, Noordhoek is a popular destination for horseback riding along the beach and a haven for dog walkers. If you choose to trek to Kommetjie, be mindful of the tides. You can also enjoy swimming with a wetsuit and horseback riding from local stables or with your horse.
5. Hang out at Blouberg Beach
Besides being known for its Kite and windsurfing beaches, Blouberg, also known as Blouberg Strand, has amazing eateries. Blouberg Beach is located about 20 km outside Cape Town City. It is famous for swimming, long walks, the beautiful view of Table Mountain, and Watersports. Moreover, Blouberg, meaning Blue Mountain Beach, is one of the World’s best destinations for Kite surfing. Weather plays a huge role, so to check the weather for Kitesurfing, go to Weather Today for Bloubergstrand, Western Cape. Sunset Beach Cape Town is about 1.6 km from Bloubergstrand and the third-best windsurfing region in the World.
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 and 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.
Recommended: Book one of the full-day tours from Cape Town. In addition to visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach, the tour includes Bo-Kaap, Chapman’s Peak, Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Point, and Noordhoek village. Furthermore, the tour continues along the scenic Boyes Drive, where you can see Kalk Bay and St. James Beach, which have colourful beach cabanas for optional photos. Interestingly, there are twenty-two breeding colonies, with eighteen in South Africa and four in Namibia.
7. Enjoy the Sunrises and Sunsets in Cape Town
Take advantage of the sunset or Sunrise at Signal Hill for the most beautiful views. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, book a Signal Hill sunset or a Signal Hill sunrise with the Red Cape Town Sunset bus that departs from the V&A Waterfront. The journey down Signal Hill Drive will take you along the coastline through Seapoint and Camps Bay. Take some snacks to enjoy while admiring the views.
Other options for amazing sunsets are Waterfront Sunset Champagne Cruises
8. Lions Head Hike Cape Town
On a circular route up Lion’s Head, you can enjoy panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding beaches.
Recommended: Embark on a guided hike up the majestic Lion’s Head in Cape Town and uncover one of the City’s most picturesque spots for photos. Choose from a captivating sunrise or a mesmerizing sunset hike and soak in the breathtaking views from the peak.
9. Experience Cape Town Wine Tours
When Planning your Cape Town holidays, visit the Cape Town Winelands. If you have never experienced South African wine, you 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
Technically, the wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are separate towns located around 50 kilometres (31 miles) and onward to the east of The Mother City. Here, you’ll find a utopia for wine lovers – picturesque cellar doors dotted amongst rolling hills covered in vines, offering great wine. Full-Day Winelands Tour with Wine Tastings & Food.
Among the many wineries in Cape Town, some favourites include Leeu Estates, Rust en Vrede, and Meerlust Estate. You can now also book an extended Cape Town wine tour, which allows you to visit three estates and taste 15 wines. For bookings, visit the Three Regions Wine Tour.
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 visits. With its vibrant charm, Bo Kaap Kapstadt (pronounced by the locals) has earned its reputation as one of Cape Town’s most photogenic spots. The enchanting cobbled streets and brightly painted houses in the Bo Kaap neighbourhood make a picturesque setting. 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 echoes the tantalizing aromas of its spices and the soul-stirring call to prayer, embracing its visitors with a blend of age-old tradition and contemporary allure. Visiting the Bokaap is the perfect opportunity to indulge in traditional dishes such as Moerkoffie with koeksisters, bobotie, bunny chow, and malva pudding. Altogether, African beer Umqombothi, Ostrich medallions, Springbok stew, Chakalaka, and Samp with beans.
The neighbourhood remains a melting pot of cultures with a predominantly Muslim population. A great place to begin learning more about this fascinating Cape Town attraction is the Bo-Kaap Museum, one of the oldest buildings in town.
Discover the colourful, historic community of Bo-Kaap. For the best experience, I recommend you book the De Waterkant and Bo-Kaap Walking tour. The tour starts in the Bo Kaap Deli, promises an unforgettable culinary adventure for families, and focuses on traditions and food cultures. They also cater for vegetarians and halaal.
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.
The aroma of spices fills the air as you enter her cosy kitchen, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn her Malay cooking skills and Savour the delicious feast you helped her prepare. For options on Cooking classes, prices, and bookings, go to Book a Bo Kaap Cooking class with Faldela.
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. 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 excellent seafood. Mexicola locale for their Nachos and Massimo’s for their 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
As one of the most spectacular drives in the world, Chapmans 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’s Peak promises dazzling views 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, Chapmans Peak Road might be closed due to bad Weather.
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 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 amount 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. Kirstenbosch is nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain and is popular among locals and visitors of all ages. At Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, plants and flowers are on centre stage.
Picnicking at Kirstenbosch
One of the best things to do with kids in Cape Town is enjoy a picnic at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Take a picnic blanket to enjoy a picnic at the Kirstenbosch Gardens, as umbrellas, chairs, and tables are prohibited.
The Kirstenbosch tea room menu offers a wide variety of dishes. Visitors especially love the Kirstenbosch Teagarden 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 Cape Town
16. Go on Waterfront Boat Cruises
There is no better way than to end a perfect day with a sunset cruise on the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Town at sunset. 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 between April and September, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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-kilometer, 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, do visit them for Fish and Chips and let me know your 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 moving 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.
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 rate and Crime rate 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 keep a close eye on 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.