What to see and do in Cape Town, South Africa? Cape Town is a fantastic city that offers everything from nature and adventure to culture, food and wine. Here we have gathered all our tips for things to do in Cape Town.
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Cape Town in South Africa
Cape Town is South Africa's second largest metropolitan area, after Johannesburg, and is also a very popular city for tourists. We visited this city at the end of our long trip to South Africa, together with Peter's son Robin and his wife Alexandra, and fell in love with it.
Cape Town is located in the south-westernmost part of South Africa.
What to see and do in Cape Town?
So what can you see and do in Cape Town? In fact, this is a city for both nature and culture. We've listed our top tips here.
1. Admire the colourful houses in Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap is a colourful neighbourhood in Cape Town that's made for Instagram photos. With houses painted in colours like green, purple, orange, pink and yellow, it's almost impossible not to love this place.
Bo-Kaap is the centre of the so-called Cape Malay-culture in South Africa, which includes an ethnic group with roots in Asia and the religion of Islam. Among other things, the group is descended from slaves once brought in from Indonesia and other Asian countries.
When visiting Bo-Kaap, take the opportunity to eat at one of the area's restaurants, which offer typical Cape Malay dishes. Note, however, that alcohol may not be served here, as it is a Muslim area. You can also enjoy shopping for arts and crafts in small charming shops. In addition, you will find The Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum here.
2. Take the cable car up Mount Taffel.
One of the most famous sights in Cape Town is Table Mountain. Most people choose to go up by cable car, which allows you to get to the top quickly. Three in our party made this trip while I, Helena, stayed on the ground because I am afraid of heights ...
From the top you have a fantastic view in all directions. There are also several restaurants and bars for those who want to grab a bite to eat or enjoy the views with a drink.
3. Hike up the Lion's Head
Another popular thing to do in Cape Town is to hike up Lion's Head. This hike offers great views from the start, and the views get better and better.
The hike up and down takes about 3 hours, and the views are truly breathtaking.
The majority of the trail is relatively "easy", albeit strenuous as it is constantly uphill, while the last leg offers tougher challenges with steep ladders. When we hiked, it was extremely hot and Peter and I stopped before reaching the top because the heat and effort was a bit too much for us, while Robin and Alexandra continued all the way to the top.
4. Try paragliding at Signal Hill
Right next to Lion's Head is Signal Hill, which offers beautiful views of both Table Mountain and Lion's Head. Paragliding is very popular here, and when we were here we saw people taking off pretty much every five minutes. Did we fly? No, we just enjoyed the view... and an ice cream!
5. Strolling along the V&A Waterfront
Perhaps the most popular area in Cape Town is the V&A Waterfront, or Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Located in the harbour, this area offers a great mix of shopping, restaurants, cafes, hotels, museums, activities and boats.
For example, there is an aquarium, a Ferris wheel and the possibility to rent SUP boards to use on the canals. It's also nice to just stroll around and soak up the atmosphere. We checked out the four bronze statues in Nobel Square, which depict the country's four Nobel Peace Prize winners: Albert Lutuli, Desmond Tutu, F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela.
6. Shopping in the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre
Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre is a huge, and very nice, shopping centre located in the V&A Waterfront. You'll find everything from high-end brands and mainstream chains to small shops.
7. Grab a bite to eat at Time Out Market
Time Out Market is a large food court in the V&A Waterfront with a wide range of cuisines, including bars and a wine bar. It has a great atmosphere and the Asian food we ate was also very good.
8. Have a tasting menu at The Pier
One thing you can do in Cape Town is to have dinner in a more luxurious restaurant, not least because the price level is lower than in most places in Europe. We had a tasting menu at the restaurant. The Pier in the V&A Waterfront, and it was absolutely fantastic.
The menu included ten small dishes, and each dish was both innovative and exciting, in addition to being beautifully served. The oysters, for example, came in on rocks, in a delicious dish filled with smoke.
When it was time for the seventh course - nitrogen poached fish calamansi - we had to move to the chef's table, where we could see the whole process. The meal ended with a cheese cart (!), dessert and chocolate. What an experience!
9. Sunbathing and swimming in the centre of Cape Town
Cape Town is a great place to sunbathe and swim, with several fine sandy beaches such as Clifton Beach and Camps Bay. If you find the sea cold, there are also a number of swimming pools in the centre of the city.
10. Bargain hunting at Oranjezicht City Farm Market
The Oranjezicht City Farm Market is open on weekends, with an occasional 'night market' organised on Wednesdays. This is a really cosy market with everything from vegetables and food service to clothes and accessories. We found some nice shirts here, which we took home with us.
11. Experience the market at The Old Biscuit Mill
Vid The Old Biscuit Mill there is a range of designer shops, food stalls and restaurants. On weekends there is also the Neighbourgoods Market, where you can expect a great atmosphere with shopping, food and music.
12. Trying small dishes at the Potluck Club
At The Old Biscuit Mill you will find the restaurant The Potluck Club. Here you can order various exciting small dishes, which are definitely a bit out of the ordinary. We ordered a bunch of smaller dishes to share. Very good and very interesting!
13. Visit Robben Island
Robben Island is an island located about 7 kilometres from the mainland and 12 kilometres from Cape Town. The island has served as a prison island for several periods, and many opponents of apartheid have been imprisoned here. Most famously, Nelson Mandela was held here for 27 years.
Today, various boat trips and guided tours are organised to the island, where you can learn more about the history and Nelson Mandela. We never did a tour here, but instead visited Mandela's house in Johannesburg earlier in the trip. The photo of the island we took from the aeroplane, when we flew towards Victoria Falls.
14. Enjoy the view at The Lawns
If you want to enjoy a dinner with great views at sunset, we can highly recommend the restaurant. The Lawns at the Roundhousewhich is located in Camps Bay. Absolutely magically beautiful!
The menu ranges from meat dishes to pasta and pizza.
15. Surfing in Muizenberg Beach
Muizenberg is about half an hour south of Cape Town by car, on the road to Simon's Town. As well as being known for its beautiful beaches and colourful bathhouses, it's also very popular for surfing.
16. Hanging out in Kalk Bay
Right next to Muizenberg Beach is the incredibly charming Kalk Bay. Here you can stroll in a wonderfully picturesque setting, with cliffs, fishing boats and seals. There are also plenty of cosy restaurants and fun boutiques, with a slightly different selection.
17. Make an excursion to Simon's Town
Simon's Town is a very charming little harbour town, located about 40 minutes from Cape Town by car. Here you will find beaches, restaurants, shops, small museums, boat trips and lots of wild South African penguins. You can do a day trip or choose to stay for a few days and make excursions to everything there is to see and experience around Simon's Town.
18. See penguins at Boulders Beach
When visiting Simon's Town, you won't want to miss seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach. A large colony of South African penguins resides here, and on the beach you can see them up close and personal. All you have to do is pay an entrance fee to the centre. Table Mountain National Park and then make your way along the beach, which includes some climbing over and under boulders.
19. Discover Kapudden
From Simon's Town it's about half an hour's drive to Cape Town and Godahoppsudden on the Cape Peninsula. At Cape Point, you can walk up to, among other things Cape Point Lighthouse, a tour that offers stunningly beautiful views.
20. Take a selfie at Godahoppsudden.
Godahoppsudden is the most south-westerly point in Africa, and it's popular to take a photo at the sign marking the site. There's a hiking trail up to a viewpoint on the mountain behind, and if you're lucky, you might even see ostriches here.
21. spend a night in a vineyard
One thing you won't want to miss in Cape Town is a visit to a winery. We stayed one night at the winery Zevenwacht Country Inn, which is about 40 minutes from the city centre by car. This was a cosy experience with a nice room with terrace towards the vineyards and a nice restaurant with good food, good wine and lovely breakfast.
22. Ride the wine train in Franschhoek
For an even more special wine experience, we recommend the Franschhoek Wine Train. It takes about an hour to get here by car from Cape Town, and once there, you'll be treated to a charming train that chugs along between the various wineries. In true 'hop on hop off' spirit, you can spend a full day enjoying wine tastings, food and beautiful views.
23. Wine tasting in Stellenbosch
You can't talk about South Africa and wine without mentioning Stellenbosch, the centre of South Africa's wine production. Stellenbosch is home to around 200 wineries, many of which offer wine tastings, food and accommodation. The charming little town is also well worth a visit, offering everything from walking tours to shopping and tasting menus.
24. Dive with caged great white sharks
One thing that's popular to do in South Africa (but which not attracted us) is cage diving among white sharks. Tours are organised starting in Cape Town, and the actual diving can be done in Gansbaai, for example.
25. Go on a Big Five safari
Going on safari in South Africa is a special experience. The most famous place for safaris, Kruger Park, is far from Cape Town, but there are smaller private game reserves that are closer. For example, you can make excursions to Aquila Private Game Reserve, Inverdoorn Game Reserve or Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.
More things to see and do in Cape Town for culture and history lovers
Do you like culture and history? Then you'll find even more things to see and do in Cape Town here, in addition to the tips above.
- District Six Museum is a museum that recalls the forced removals in the area during apartheid.
- The fortress of Godahop (Castle of Good Hope) is a fortress from 1666-1679, making it the oldest surviving building in South Africa.
- Norval Foundation is an art museum of African art.
- Townships Tours to learn more about the history and life in the city's townships.
- Woodstock Street Art offers street art in the city.
- Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary African Art) is a museum of contemporary art.
More things to see and do in Cape Town for nature and adventure lovers
Do you prefer nature or fast-paced adventures? Then we have gathered some more tips for you on things to do in Cape Town.
- Chapmans Peak Drive is a 9 kilometre long and beautiful road that runs along the coast south of Cape Town.
- Helicopter rides can be done across the city.
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is an important botanical garden.
- The Lion Trail is a guided walk through fynbos (Cape vegetation), ending with a scooter ride along the Sea Point seafront.
More things to see and do in Cape Town for those travelling with children
Travelling with children or teenagers? Then you'll find even more tips here on things to see and do in Cape Town.
- Battery Park is a city park that includes a skate park and other activities.
- Camps Bay is an exclusive neighbourhood in Cape Town, which includes a long sandy beach.
- Cape Wheel is a Ferris wheel in Cape Town.
- Clifton Beach is a beautiful and popular beach in the city.
- Two Oceans Aquarium is an aquarium at the V/A Waterfront.
Where to stay in Cape Town?
There are many different hotels, guesthouses and bed & breakfasts in Cape Town. We stayed in two different places in the city centre, in addition to spending a few nights in Simon's Town and Stellenbosch.
Bluegum Hill Guesthouse is a guesthouse with fantastic Location. The best thing about this place is the incredible view from the balconies, where you can also have breakfast or relax by the pool. Breakfast, by the way, is cruel good. Did we remember to say that the sisters who run the place are incredibly nice? Top marks then!
Home Suite Hotels Station House is a stylish hotel, which also has a great location in the centre of the city. The rooftop is a great place to hang out, with a pool and great views of both the city and the Lion's Head.
Breakfast is served in a beautifully designed restaurant that the hotel has a deal with. Very good and creative breakfast options!
Things to do in Cape Town - on film
Peter has also made a film about Cape Town, which you can watch here:
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
Starting from Cape Town, you can continue your adventure journey along the coast to the east. You can drive the beautiful coastline Clarence Drive and visit the beautiful coastal town of Hermanus. You can then follow Garden Route and visit nice places like Mossel Bay and Oudthshoorn.
More tips for things to do in Cape Town?
Have you visited this South African city? Do you have even more tips on what to see and do in Cape Town?
Facts about Cape Town, South Africa
- Country: South Africa
- Provins: Western Cape
- Residents: About 3.7 million, of which about half a million live in the central city.
- Name: In Afrikaans: Kaapstad. In English: Cape Town. The city is also nicknamed the 'mother city' (in Afrikaans 'moederstad' and in English 'mother city').
- Location: Cape Town is located in the south-westernmost part of South Africa.
You might also like:
Things to do in Mossel Bay, South Africa - 14 tips
Simon's Town in South Africa - seaside accommodation, penguins, excursions
Visiting Kruger Park in South Africa - all you need to know
Visiting Robberg Nature Reserve in South Africa - at Plettenberg Bay
Oudtshoorn in South Africa - caves, ostriches and boat accommodation on land
What to do in Stellenbosch in South Africa - 9 tips
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BP says:
Cape Town is easy to fall in love with, I see. The colourful houses, the decorations and not least the delicious food are very tempting, I must say. Yes, the view too of course, but there should be a cable car to get to the top;-)
06 April 2024 - 18:12
Helena says:
Cape Town is a great city indeed! There is a cable car to Table Mountain, but not to Lions Head ...
15 April 2024 - 19:32
Hannu "Mylle" Mylläri says:
BP:
If you mean the top of Table Mountain, there is a cable car. You can also walk up... a bit difficult.
Helena & Peter:
Have been to South Africa twice, once with HMS Carlskrpna and once where a friend and I travelled around by car for a month, that particular trip was done when it was still appartheit. It was different from today's South Africa and a bit more controls. We did about the same trip and wonder:
1. if in Port Elizabeth you visited "The only Pub with a bus and a pub in the bus"?
2. if you visited the Botanical Gardens in Cape Town and had an absolutely wonderful Champagne breakfast at the foot of Table Mountain with all the beautiful plants and animal sounds. Magist and the champagne added to it.
07 April 2024 - 12:30
Helena says:
Sorry late reply, I saw this and then forgot to reply!!! Interesting that you made a trip when it was still apartheid. It is so "recent" after all, a very tough story!
We never visited Port Elizebeth, even if we were nearby (Jeffreys Bay for example). So, we missed that place ...
We also missed the Botanical Gardens in Cape Town. We heard about it and considered visiting, but there was too much we wanted to do in too short of a time simply ...
15 April 2024 - 19:36
Monica says:
Is very beautiful everything in nature and cities, absolutely fantastic much you have seen and travelled around. I like the colourful little beach houses, they have those in the UK too and don't know if they are rented for the day only. People want to be comfortable when they change there, not like us who stand and flutter with bath towels.
I have travelled in cabins often and nowadays they are everywhere to see nature better. Not afraid of heights in any way, but today I think so much happens and what if it crashes. So refrained last time. I who jumped from a lift in Austria that got stuck, here you can not sit I thought, people got dandimpen but went well with the skis on😄.
So nice post and very good with all the clear and well written information.
07 April 2024 - 12:52
Helena says:
Glad to hear that you like our post Monica!!! Wow, jumping from a lift, that sounds dramatic!!!? I am quite afraid of lifts ... Pushes me sometimes, but this one was a little too tough for me 😉.
15 April 2024 - 19:38
Lena - good for the soul says:
Yes, what a trip you made! It really seems to be an extraordinary destination. So beautiful and interesting. Nice film to take part in too.
Thank you so much for letting us tag along 🙂 .
Hug Lena
08 April 2024 - 20:12
Helena says:
A fantastic trip! Yes, we thought this destination was a bit out of the ordinary, for sure! 🙂
15 April 2024 - 19:39
Bodil says:
Was maybe 12 years ago when I was in Cape Town, some of your suggestions check on but not all, maybe a return visit should be planned in the future 🙂.
Something you failed to mention (but may no longer exist) is visiting a township with a guide.
15 April 2024 - 19:10
Helena says:
Great that you were in Cape Town on Friday! Good that you mentioned the township with a guide! Yes, it still exists! (We have mentioned it very briefly under "More to do for those who like culture and history.) We did not go to this as we did this in Johannesburg. Very interesting to get some more understanding!!!
15 April 2024 - 19:42