50+ best things to do in Cape Town

Looking for things to do in Cape Town ? Read on...

Cape Town, also known as South Africa’s Mother City, is consistently listed amongst the best cities in the world.  It is endowed with abundant natural beauty, umpteen opportunities for adventure, world-class shopping, delicious food, and captivating history. There are so many places to visit in Cape Town as well as things to do in Cape Town - whether you are a first-time newbie, a resident or a regular visitor.

Here are the top things to do in Cape Town on your first visit. These are Cape Town's top tourist attractions.

1. Go up Table Mountain

Cape Town’s most famous attraction is Table Mountain, recognized as one of the world’s seven wonders of nature. This flat-topped mountain is a prominent landmark overlooking the city. The aerial cableway will take you to the top of the mountain. If you’re fit enough, you can also opt to hike up. Once on the mountain, you can see indigenous flora and fauna, and enjoy a picnic high above the city. The panoramic views of Robben Island, the city and the Cape Peninsula, from the top, are stunning. Book your tickets in advance as it is busy.

During the many years of incarceration on Robben Island, we often looked across Table Mountain at its magnificent silhouette … To us on Robben Island, Table Mountain was a beacon of hope. It represented the mainland to which we knew we would one day return.– Nelson Mandela.

Table Mountain

2. Take a ferry to Robben Island

This is where former President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of the 27 years that he was incarcerated. Today, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a must-do in Cape Town. A ferry will take you to the island, where you can go on a guided tour and even see Nelson Mandela’s former cell. Book your tickets well in advance though as this attraction is very popular.

Robben Island

3. Visit the Bo-Kaap

This is one of Cape Town’s oldest, and most colourful, urban residential areas. Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, the Bo-Kaap is steeped in history. The narrow cobbled streets, lined with brightly painted houses are an Instagrammer’s delight. Locals will show you around the area where you can visit the museums and even do cooking tours.

Bo Kaap

4. Have a picnic at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the most magnificent gardens in Africa and one of the great botanical gardens of the world. It lies at the foot of Table Mountain and is the perfect place for a relaxing family day out. One could easily spend a full day here, admiring the different gardens and other features. Be sure to walk along the tree canopy walkway to get great views of Cape Town.

Kirstenbosch Gardens

5. Step back in time at the Castle of Good Hope

This is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. It was built in the 1600’s as a defensive fort. It is now a national monument. You can walk around the castle grounds and see the exhibits as well as a live cannon-firing demonstration.

Castle of Good Hope

6. Shop and eat at the V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is located in the Cape Town harbor. It is a sprawling shopping centre with many eateries, but there is more to it. It is surrounded by other attractions like an aquarium, a giant observation wheel, markets, museums and boat cruises. The ferries to Robben Island leave from here too.

Cape Town Wheel

7. Go on a Cruise

There are many types of boat cruises to choose from. They include sunset cruises, sight-seeing cruises, harbour cruises and adventurous cruises. You are likely to see seals on many of these cruises. Cruises from Simon's Town, will take you to Seal Island, home to 75,000 Cape Fur Seals.

Muizenberg Beach

8. Enjoy the beautiful beaches

Cape Town has many stunning beaches. The Clifton beaches are amongst the best in the world, Camps Bay Beach is the place to see and be seen. Muizenberg Beach and St James Beach have colourful beach huts and there is a lovely walkway between the two. Boulders Beach is a must-visit if you have children. It is one of the only beaches in the world where you can get so close to African Penguins. For a free option, check out Seaforth Beach, next to Boulders Beach where some of the penguins venture.

African Penguins at Boulders Beach

9. Take a ride on the City Sightseeing Bus

The City Sightseeing Cape Town hop-on, hop-off bus is a convenient way to see Cape Town and will take you to most of many of the city’s attractions. There are several different routes. A running commentary is provided by earphones in 15 different languages.

City Sightseeing Bus

10. Take long scenic drives

Cape Town, and the area around it, has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The best way to see it is to rent a car and take long drives along the coastline. Drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive to Hout Bay, where you can eat fresh fish. Drive further to Cape Point Nature Reserve, and Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

Cape Agulhas

More things to do in Cape Town

Museums in Cape Town

1. Admire art at the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world -the Zeitz MOCAA.
2. Learn about diamonds at the Cape Town Diamond Museum.
3. Visit the Iziko South African National Museum which also houses the planetarium.
4. Relive your childhood at the Simons Town Toy Museum.
5. Learn about Africa’s dark history at the Slave Museum.
6. Marvel at the world’s first successful heart transplant at The Heart of Cape Town Museum.
7. Be emotionally moved at the District Six Museum.
8. Study local Navy history at The South African Naval Museum.

Unique Rides in Cape Town

1. Feel like a pirate on the only authentic Pirate Ship in South Africa - the Jolly Roger.
2. Go for a ride on the Elgin Railway steam train (every Saturday/seasonal).
3. Ride a horse on the beach in Noordhoek.
4. Go tobogganing at Cool Runnings on Africa's first downhill tobogganing track.
5. Go sandboarding and/or quad-biking on the Atlantis Dunes.

Hikes in Cape Town

1. Jump into refreshing mountain springs at Crystal Pools, Steenbras River Gorge.
2. Take a dip in cold fresh black water while hiking at Silvermine Reservoir.
3. Chase waterfalls in Cecilia Forest near Table Mountain.
4. There's a plethora of places to hike. Try one of these:  Newlands Forest, 12 Apostles, Table Mountain, Chapman's Peak or Lion's Head.
5. Attempt the highest abseil in the world at Table Mountain with Abseil Africa.

More outdoor adventures in Cape Town

1. Zipline over the treetops at Silvermist Estate with SA Forest Adventures.
2. Take the kids ziplining at Acrobranch Adventure Park in Constantia Nek.
3. Go paragliding over the mountains. There are launch sites at Signal Hill and Lion’s Head.
4. Skydive over Cape Town.
5. Float in a hot air balloon over the picturesque Cape Winelands.
6. Try a microlight flight.

Water activities

1. Go surfing. Llandudno, Off the Wall, Long Beach, Big Bay and Scarborough Beach are some of the best spots
2. Kitesurf or kiteboard at Big Bay.
3. Take a water-bike tour with Cape Town Water Bikes.
4. Hop on a kayak or do a guided kayak tour on the ocean.
5. For the brave ones - do a shark cage dive at Dyers Island in Gansbaai.
6. Go snorkelling or scuba diving and enjoy astonishing underwater views.
7. Try stand-up paddle boarding.

Eat and drink in Cape Town

Truth Coffee

1. Go strawberry picking at Polkadraai Farm (seasonal).
2. Have a cuppa one of the world’s best coffee shops – the steam-punk style Truth Coffee.
3. Enjoy a decadent high tea at a five star hotel.
4. Learn how to cook Cape Malay food in the Bo Kaap.
5. Eat fresh fish and chips at Mariners Wharf in Hout Bay or Kalky’s Fish & Chips, Kalk Bay.
6. Shop for delicious goodies at the Old Biscuit Mill market on Saturdays.

Animals and sanctuaries in Cape Town

1. Feed the squirrels at The Company Gardens.
2. See attractive birds at the Hout Bay Bird Park.
3. See the Hippos at Rondevlei Nature Reserve.
4. Visit an Alpaca farm in Paarl.
5. See colourful butterflies at Butterfly World in Stellenbosch.
6. Spot whales on the False Bay coastline between June and November. Southern right whales are the most common, but you may also see humpback whales and Bryde’s whales.

Entertainment in Cape Town

1. Enjoy an outdoor movie with Galileo Open Air Cinema.
2. Get some laughter therapy at the Cape Town Comedy Club.
3. Watch a live theatre performance at Artscape Theatre.
4. Attend an outdoor concert in De Waal Park on a Sunday afternoon.
5. Go indoor rock climbing at City Rock indoor rock-climbing gym.

Explore Cape Town

1. Discover Cape Town’s caves.
2. Do a Free city walking tour.
3. Get spooked on a Ghost Walk in Simonstown.
4. Experience a Turkish bath at the Long Street Baths.
5. Visit a township but do go with a reputable guide. (Khayelitsha / Langa/Imizamo Yethu)
6. Sleep in an airstream trailer (Grand Daddy Hotel).

Day trips near Cape Town

Yzerfontein

1. Visit a picturesque fishing village on the West Coast, like Paternoster (The Wolfgat Restaurant there was once voted the best in the world).
2. Take a stroll on South Africa’s longest stretch of beach in Yzerfontein, 16 Mile Beach. You may even spot a flamingo or two.
3. Explore the West Coast National Park.
4. Soak in natural heated mineral pools near Citrusdahl.
5. Go hiking or stargazing at the Cederberg Observatory.
6. Spot whales in Hermanus (in season).
7. Visit the exquisite Garden Route.
8. Spend a weekend in De Hoop Nature Reserve.
9. Go to Cape Agulhas - where the two oceans meet.

As you can see, a trip to Cape Town will include many different experiences. I would recommend staying there for at least a week.

Where to Stay in Cape Town

If you’re looking for accommodation in Cape Town, here are some hotels I’ve personally stayed at and would highly recommend.

12 Apostles Hotel

The 12 Apostles Hotel is where many royals and celebrities from around the world choose to stay when in Cape Town. If you can’t stay there, then go for high tea or sun downers while you watch one of Cape Town’s most breath-taking sunsets. Read about our stay at 12 Apostles Hotel.

The President Hotel

If it’s proximity to the seaside combined with affordable family-friendly comfort that you’re looking for, then look no further than The President Hotel, situated in Bantry Bay, between Sea Point and Clifton. Read about our stay at The President Hotel.

Hyatt Regency Cape Town

A luxurious halaal hotel located at the beginning of the Bo-Kaap district, close enough for one to immerse oneself in the culture and colour of the neighbourhood but not enough to encroach on its ambience. Read about our stay at the Hyatt Regency Cape Town.

Tintswalo at Boulders

Tintswalo at Boulders is a luxurious boutique villa with the most dramatic views and direct access to the Boulders Penguin Colony via a meandering boardwalk. Read about our stay at Tintswalo at Boulders.

Taj Cape Town

For a Cape Town city experience, stay at the Taj Cape Town. It is housed in two historic buildings in the heart of Cape Town, across the historic Company’s Gardens. The hotel offers a fascinating complimentary walking tour for guests. Read about our stay at Taj Cape Town.

Hotel Verde

Hotel Verde is Africa’s greenest hotel. It is conveniently located near the airport. The hotel features advanced recycling technologies and other green features, and has won many awards worldwide. Read about our stay at Hotel Verde.

Find more budget-friendly accommodation.

If you live in Johannesburg, a road trip to Cape Town is a great way to go there.

Download the GPS guide here.

Click here for things to do in Johannesburg.

What are your favourite things to do in Cape Town ? Let me know in the comments below.

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