Headed to Cape Town, soon? Here’s a list of 18 amazing things to do in Cape Town, South Africa!
Browse any travel brochure of South Africa, and you’re bound to run into an iconic shot of Table Mountain, creating a picture-perfect backdrop to Cape Town. While seeing Table Mountain for yourself is undeniably the top thing to do in Cape Town, the city has much more to offer than just its crown jewel. Think gorgeous beaches, epic viewpoints, colorful neighborhoods, a rich history, beautiful wine farms, and a thriving food scene!
So, if you’re ready to venture to one of South Africa’s most beautiful cities, here are the best things to do in Cape Town. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to visit, and after reading this guide, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it too!
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Cape Town Travel Essentials
Before we deep dive into this guide on what to do in Cape Town, here are a few tips to make your trip easier.
- Cape Town has oodles of fantastic accommodation options for all kinds of budgets. If you’re visiting during peak season, booking accommodation at least a few months in advance is advisable. That way, you’ll be guaranteed the best rates and places.
- Most of Cape Town’s attractions are quite spread out. While the city has a good bus network (MyCiTi bus) and a hop-on-hop-off bus, the best way to explore the city is with your own set of wheels. If you need to hire a car, I recommend DiscoverCars or RentalCars.
- Cape Town is a relatively safe city, but crime is not uncommon. Use the same judgment you would in any other big city; avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables locked up. That said, please don’t visit South Africa without travel insurance. You never know what can happen on a trip. I use and recommend SafetyWing. These travel tips for South Africa will also come in handy.
- You’ll want to have access to the internet while touring Cape Town. Whether that is to check your socials, update family or friends, get directions, or plan your stops. This e-SIM for South Africa will save you the hassle of figuring out where to buy a SIM card.
- If you’re planning to visit many tourist attractions in Cape Town, a real money-saving hack is to grab the Cape Town City Pass. It gives free entry to over 80 of the city’s top attractions and experiences, such as Table Mountain, Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Zeitz MOCAA Museum, and more. Another perk is that you’ll have free transport on the City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off bus! Two, three, or five-day passes are available.
How much time do you need in Cape Town?
Cape Town is huge and full of exciting things to do and beautiful places to see. To really experience all of its best bits, spend at least one week in the city. But if that’s not an option for you, with careful planning, you could visit most of Cape Town’s main attractions in as little as three days.
Where to Stay
I’ve written a detailed guide on the best hotels and hostels in Cape Town, so be sure to read that. However, if you’re in a rush, here are some of the coolest places to stay:
Luxe: The Silo — A beautiful 5-star hotel housed in a former grain silo that also houses the Zeitz MOCAA Museum.
Mid-range: Primi Seacastle — A lovely guesthouse with stunning views over Camps Bay Beach.
Budget: The Greenhouse Guesthouse — A charming little guesthouse in a historic Victorian building.
How to Get to Cape Town
The main gateway to Cape Town City is Cape Town International Airport, which has frequent domestic connections from cities like Johannesburg and international flights from major hubs like London, Amsterdam, Paris, Dubai, and more. Find or compare flights here on Skyscanner.
If you’re ticking off a few other places on your South Africa bucket list, another option is to drive to Cape Town. If you don’t have transportation, hiring a car in South Africa is easy and affordable. Compare prices here on DiscoverCars or RentalCars.
18 Best Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa
Without further ado, here’s my list of the very best things to do in Cape Town.
Admire the views from atop Table Mountain
If you’re planning a visit to Cape Town, you simply can’t miss out on Table Mountain – it’s the number one thing to do! This iconic landmark stands tall at 1086m and boasts a flat tabletop that’s simply breathtaking.
Table Mountain is part of Table Mountain National Park and has some really idyllic trails, stunning views, and unique fauna and flora. If you want to see the entire city from the top, you can take a fun ride in the rotating cable car that gets you to the top in about 5 minutes. The lines can get pretty long, so buy your tickets online in advance. You’ll still need to queue for the cable car, but you’ll save a step and get a dedicated slot to go up.
Once on top, you can stroll along the mountain on well-maintained paths to admire the views and snap some great photos. And if you get hungry, there are a couple of places to refuel and grab ice-cold beer. Just remember to bring a jacket because it can get pretty windy up there!
If you’re feeling adventurous, there is another amazing way to reach the top of Table Mountain: hike up! Several trails, like the Platteklip Gorge Trail or the India Venster Trail, can take you to the top. However, joining a guided hike with an experienced guide is best. Alternatively, you can take things to the next level and try tandem paragliding.
Admission: R360-R420 for standard tickets and R700 for fast-track tickets. | Opening hours: 8 am to 7 pm in summer and 8 am to 5 pm in winter.
Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve
Another unmissable thing to do in Cape Town is to visit Cape Point Nature Reserve. It’s an absolute gem with stunning trails, pristine beaches, and dramatic cliffs. Trust me, it is one of the prettiest attractions in the city!
While many people mistake it as the southernmost point of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet (that’s actually at Cape Agulhas, about 150km away), Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope are part of the Table Mountain National Park and sit at the most southwestern tip of the continent.
Some of the highlights include hopping on the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the historic lighthouse, trekking down to Dias Beach (which is seriously one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town), hiking to the Cape of Good Hope, swimming in the tidal pool at Buffels Bay, and spotting baboons, zebra, antelope, and even whales.
If you have some extra time, I recommend spending an entire day here exploring the reserve and lounging at one (or more) of the dreamy beaches. Of course, you could also join an organized Cape Point combo tour, which includes a few other stops like Boulders Beach. Either way, you’re in for an incredible experience!
Admission: R400 for tourists and R100 for locals (bring your ID) | Funicular: R95 for a return ticket and R80 for a single journey. | Opening hours: 6 am to 6 pm (Oct-Mar) and 7 am to 5 pm (Apr-Sept)
See the penguins at Boulders Beach
Visiting Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is one of the coolest things to do in Cape Town and will be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip.
This beautiful beach is famous for its adorable African penguin colony, which has lived here since 1983. It is an idyllic spot for swimming, taking photos, and learning more about these endangered birds.
Most tourists don’t know this, but Boulders Beach actually has two areas: one for viewing the penguin colony from wooden boardwalks and another for swimming with them at the beach. Both sites are well worth a visit, but since this is a protected area, you’ll need to pay a conservation fee to enter. Don’t lose your ticket because you can use it to access both sites. If you’re joining a guided group tour to Boulders, note that the entrance fee is often not included in the price. For more tips, read my guide on how to visit Boulders Beach.
Admission: R190 for international visitors and R45 for South Africans (bring your ID) | Opening hours: 8 am to 6:30 pm during the warmer months, but closes at 5 pm during winter.
Visit the V&A Waterfront
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, more commonly known as the V&A Waterfront, is one of the best places to hang out in Cape Town. It covers a large area (roughly 300 acres, to be exact) and has shops, restaurants, bars, markets, museums, and landmarks to check out.
Besides shopping and eating (who doesn’t love those?), some of the best things to do here include visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium, going on the Cape Wheel, or browsing the impressive Zeitz MOCAA Gallery, housing the largest collection of contemporary African art.
If you’re sticking around until sunset, why not end your day with a sunset cruise while sipping a glass of bubbly? Tours depart right at the V&A Waterfront, and it’s the perfect way to round off your day in Cape Town!
Join a Robben Island tour
One of the most fascinating places to visit in Cape Town is Robben Island — a former prison for political activists. Nowadays, Robben Island is a World Heritage Site and is most famous for being the place where Nelson Mandela (the first black president of South Africa) was imprisoned for 18 years during the apartheid era.
If you’re interested in touring the prison, seeing Mandela’s cell, and learning more about South Africa’s past, you can join a guided tour of the island. The 3.5-hour tour includes a ferry ride to/from the island and an in-depth tour with a former prisoner. You can buy tickets directly on the RIM website, but if you need transport to/from your hotel, it’s best to book one via GetYourGuide. No matter which option you choose, book tickets well in advance as they often sell out.
Cost: R600 for international visitors and R400 for South Africans (ID required) | Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Tour the Castle of Good Hope
The Castle of Good Hope is a famous bastion fort in the heart of Cape Town. Built in the late 17th century by the Dutch East India Company, it served as the local headquarters of the armed forces. Today, it is one of the oldest remaining colonial buildings in South Africa and a treasure trove for history lovers.
Inside the star-shaped fortress, you can browse several museums and exhibits, including the Military Museum and the William Fehr Collection. If you can, time your visit around the Key Ceremony when the gates to the Signal Cannon are unlocked and the cannon is fired. The ceremony takes place at 10 am on Mondays to Fridays.
You can explore the Castle of Good Hope independently, but if you want to learn more about its history, it’s worth joining a guided tour. The castle offers daily guided tours at 11 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm, but it’s also often included in city tours like this half-day tour.
Admission: R50 | Opening hours: 9 am to 4 pm
Wander around the Company’s Gardens
A great free activity in Cape Town is strolling through South Africa’s oldest park – The Company’s Gardens.
Nestled right in the city center, this perfectly manicured garden is a beautiful oasis brimming with beauty and history. It was originally created to grow produce to supply ships passing the tip of southern Africa. Today, the 3.2-hectare park is a treasure trove for those who appreciate plant life, with various trees, shrubs, flowers, and herbs. The park is also home to several historical statues and museums, including the Iziko South African Museum and the Iziko National Gallery.
Take your time to explore all its beauty. And if you stick around long enough, you might even spot a squirrel or two!
See the colorful houses of Bo-Kaap
Another cool place in Cape Town and an absolute dream photo spot for any Instagrammer is Bo-Kaap. Characterized by its bright-colored houses and beautiful cobblestone streets, Bo-Kaap is the historic home to the Cape Malay community and once served as slave quarters during the Dutch occupation. Today, it’s a fascinating place to learn a little more about the area’s past and a great photo op.
If you have time, it’s worth stopping by the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum to learn more about this colorful neighborhood’s history and community. It also happens to be the oldest building in the neighborhood. Tickets cost R60 for non-SA tourists and R40 for South Africans upon showing an ID.
Another fun way to get acquainted with this neighborhood is to join a free walking tour. Highlights include visiting Auwal Masjeed (South Africa’s first-ever mosque), the old Tailor’s House, and the Atlas Spice Trading Centre. Tours depart from Motherland Coffee Company twice daily at 2 pm and 4:20 pm. No booking is required, but watch for the green umbrellas.
Hang out at the beautiful beaches
Cape Town’s beaches are simply out of this world, and the best part? There are tons of them — from cozy nooks with gorgeous soft white sand to dreamy bays with stunning views.
You’ll find some of the best beaches at the foot of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, but there are also many fantastic beaches along the False Bay coastline on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. The beaches at Clifton, Camps Bay, and Llandudno are all must-visit spots, but if you prefer something less touristy, don’t miss Water’s Edge, Miller’s Point, or Witsand Beach.
Drive Chapman’s Peak
If you enjoy breathtaking views, you should definitely add Chapman’s Peak Drive to your list of things to do in Cape Town! This stunning 9km-long road winds along the coast and connects Hout Bay and Noordhoek. While this driving route is quite an engineering feat, it’s also one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of road, with spectacular views of mountains and ocean.
You’ll need to pay a small conservation fee (R61 one-way) to access the route, but it’s definitely worth it. Also, check their website before you go, as road closures due to rockfalls aren’t uncommon.
Indulge at the food markets
Cape Town is a foodie heaven with not one or two but dozens of cool food markets! If you’re a foodie looking to stuff your face with a range of delicious snacks and artisanal goods from around the world, Cape Town is the place to do it! Here are some of the best ones:
- Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Granger Bay is one of the finest food markets in the city. It’s a hotspot for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
- Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock is probably the hippest weekend market in the city. It offers a variety of street food, drinks, and organic produce. You can also shop for young designer clothing, vintage collectibles, and decor.
- Noordhoek Farm Village Market is a great family-friendly market with loads of tasty eats and sweet treats. It also has a huge playground to keep the kids busy.
- Bay Harbour Market in Houtbay is a lively, family-friendly market in a former fish factory. It has over 80 stalls offering everything from fashion and jewelry to decor and delicious food and drinks.
If you’ve got some extra time and fancy a little road trip, the Boschendal Friday Night Market and Elgin Railway Market are also well worth a visit.
Enjoy sundowners at Chinchilla
Sure, there are loads of awesome cocktail lounges in Cape Town. But if you’re looking to sip a boozy cocktail while admiring a gorgeous view, you’ve got to get yourself to Chinchilla in Camps Bay.
This laidback rooftop bar has an awesome vibe, beautiful decor, stunning views over the beach, and amazing cocktails! It’s one of our absolute favorite spots in Cape Town to catch the sunset while enjoying a meal or a drink. Try their signature rainbow rolls and wash them down with a litchi and basil G&T—divine!
Prices are on the higher side, and parking nearby can be tough to find. But it will be well worth the effort! Booking in advance is also essential.
Opening hours: 4 pm to 10 pm on weekdays and 12 pm to 10 pm on weekends and public holidays
Buy snoek at Hout Bay Harbor
You can’t visit South Africa without participating in one of the country’s favorite pastimes — a braai. While barbequing meat is a popular choice for most of the country, Cape Town is a paradise for seafood lovers. And if you’re going to grill seafood, you’ve got to try snoek (a firm, strong-flavored fish similar to mackerel but so much better!).
While it’s possible to find snoek at just about any of Cape Town’s local harbors, the absolute best place to buy it is at Hout Bay Harbor. Our go-to spot is Mariner’s Wharf Harbour Front Emporium. They sell oak-smoked snoek, but for a real dream combo, grab some fresh snoek and toss it on the grill with butter and apricot jam—delish!
Even if having a braai or snoek is not for you, Hout Bay Harbor still deserves a spot on your Cape Town to-do list. Why? It’s a bustling hive full of sights, sounds, and smells and a fun place to stroll around. Plus, you can watch the cheeky seals baking in the sun or playing between the boats, chill on the beach, kayak, and even go on this fun glass-bottom boat tour to Duiker Island for an up-close look at its thriving seal colony.
Hang out in Kalk Bay
The False Bay coastline is dotted with loads of cute towns, perfect for anyone who wants to experience a quieter slice of Cape Town. Among the most notable is Kalk Bay, a quirky seaside village characterized by its laidback vibe, awesome boho-chic shops, and fantastic cocktail scene.
If you’re hungry, pop into Sirocco (a trendy outdoor cafe) for sushi, fresh oysters, and a few boozy cocktails. It’s the best! If you’re after the best fish and chips in town, accompanied by epic ocean views, don’t miss Brass Bell.
See the colorful beach huts at Muizenberg
Muizenberg is a charming coastal town just a stone’s throw away from Kalk Bay. It’s a must-visit place in Cape Town for everyone from beachgoers to Instagrammers.
If you’re into surfing, Muizenberg is perfect for you as it’s one of the most popular surfing spots near the city. But even if that is not for you, you should still pay a visit. The town has a great laidback vibe and some cool coffee shops where you can hang out. Another huge reason to visit is to snap photos of the colorful beach huts that line its sunny shores. They’re super cute!
Go wine tasting
If you fancy a boozy day tasting wine in a gorgeous setting, you must visit the Cape Winelands.
The Cape Winelands covers a large swath of land and is home to South Africa’s very best wineries. If you don’t want to travel too far, stick to Groot Constantia. But for the ultimate experience, I highly recommend spending a day in the Franschhoek Wine Valley. It’s absolutely stunning, and there are so many fantastic wine farms to try. Our favorite spots include La Chamonix, Dieu Donne, Vrede en Lust, Haute Cabrière, La Motte, Boschendal, Fairview, and Babylonstoren.
A truly unique thing to do here is go on the Franschhoek wine tram. The tram runs several routes, and its fun hop-on hop-off system allows you to visit several wine farms without driving to each one. Just a heads up, taking the tram is one of the most popular things to do in Cape Town! So, if you want to partake in this activity, book your ticket at least three days in advance. If you’re visiting during the peak season (easter or December), booking this even sooner is advisable as the tickets often sell out.
Go shark cage diving
A real adrenalin-pumping activity just outside Cape Town is shark cage diving with great white sharks in Gansbaai. If that is something you’re keen to experience, most shark cage dives last about 20 minutes and involve climbing into a large cage securely attached to a boat. No diving experience is required for this activity, and masks, flippers, snorkels, and wetsuits are supplied.
Gansbaai has many boat operators offering tours, but I recommend booking an experience through a reputable eco-tour operator to learn more about conservation efforts to protect these giants. This shark cage diving excursion includes a delicious breakfast and lunch, and you’ll get a certificate. The tour operator also offers a convenient hotel pickup service at a small additional charge.
Go whale watching
Although technically not in Cape Town, Hermanus is a lovely seaside town about an hour and a half away. It’s a great day trip destination, especially if you want to spot whales. In fact, it’s the best whale-watching spot in the entire country!
The best time to visit is between early June and late November, with October being the peak whale-watching season. There are loads of whale-watching tours available online, but I’ll let you in on a real insider tip: you can also spot these gentle giants from the shore! Voëlklip Beach, Grotto Beach, and Walker Bay are among the top places for sightings. Alternatively, hang around town and wait for the whale crier to blow his kelp horn, signaling sightings.
What to Do in Cape Town in Conclusion
If you ever have the chance to visit and discover the top things to do in Cape Town, you’re sure to have an amazing time! Cape Town has an amazing vibe and there are loads of awesome things to do, see and experience. It truly is one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Africa!
Well, there you have it — my ultimate list of must-do things in Cape Town, plus extra attractions just outside the city! I hope this list helps you figure out how to spend your time in the Mother City. Got any other ideas for cool things to do or places to visit in Cape Town? Let me know in the comments below!
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Hi Mariza, thank you so much for the very helpful and inspiring posts about Capetown etc. It tremendously helped with my travel plannings for our stay in your beautiful country in November. Greetings and Hi from Germany. Sandra
Aw thanks, Sandra! I’m so happy to hear that. Cape Town in November is lovely, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time. Enjoy every minute!