When visiting South Africa, Cape Town is always first among the cities that tourists seek out. It gives unparalleled natural beauty, making it easy to sit and stare, but that’s a waste with so many things to do in Cape Town. Here’s how to max out your time visiting Cape Town’s attractions and get the most out of your stay in the “Mother City.”
1. Catch rays on Cape Town beaches
Cape Town’s beaches are notoriously Insta-worthy and offer the best of two coastal worlds if you’re up for the trip. Head to the False Bay side for the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Sign up for a surfing lesson on a longboard alongside Muizenberg’s iconic colourful beach huts or get splashed while feasting on seafood at the Brass Bell in Kalk Bay.
Head west and hit the Atlantic Ocean where pristine white sands, massive boulders, and icy clear waters await. Visit Clifton or Camps Bay for impeccable views and people watching or Llandudno if you prefer peaceful beach beauty.
2. Understand history on Robben Island
South Africa’s apartheid history is powerfully captured at the infamous Robben Island, the site of a former maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were incarcerated. A guided walking tour of the prison is included in the ticket price and gives front-row access to the island’s history, its prisoners, and their stories. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an unmissable place to visit in Cape Town for travellers interested in South African history.
3. Meander in the mountains
There are plenty of hiking routes around Cape Town, and Table Mountain and Lion’s Head are the most popular. It’s best to hike in a group – don’t forget to bring sunscreen and lots of water. Budget in time to spend at the summits so you can take in the panoramic views.
If you’re after sightseeing in Cape Town (minus the sweating), Table Mountain has a cable car, used by more than a million visitors each year. And it’s easy to understand why – the views from Table Mountain are incomparable, and you can see plenty of flora and fauna at the top (along with a gift shop and restaurant).
4. Hang out with wild penguins
If you love animals, Boulders Beach is the best thing to do in Cape Town. Wander along boardwalks to observe resident African penguins and watch them sunbathe, swim, and bray. (If you’ve never heard penguin noises before, don’t spoil the surprise by looking it up before you go).
This colony is a conservation effort after marine pollution, commercial fishing, and habitat destruction impacted their original home of Dyer Island, near Gansbaai. The penguin population has seen remarkable growth since the 1980s, though it’s still a fraction of its former glory. In 1910, the area was home to more than a million penguins.
5. Explore the Atlantic seaboard
The Atlantic seaboard is packed full of activities to do in Cape Town. From the shopping haven of the V&A Waterfront to the promenade that winds along the shore, you can easily find things to do. Visit Mojo Market for live music, food stalls, and some retail therapy. Adventure seekers can hire a kayak and make for the beach. You may spot some dolphins along the way!
6. Picnic in Kirstenbosch
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is an oasis and a popular place to visit in Cape Town. Meander the Tree Canopy Walkway for a picturesque view of the surroundings and check out the art that adorns the gardens, including sculptures by revered local artists. Pack a picnic and spend time perusing the grounds for your favourite spot.
7. Drive Chapman’s Peak
For travellers who handle heights with ease, driving along Chapman’s Peak might be the highlight of your visit to Cape Town. Affectionately dubbed ‘Chappies’ by Capetonians, the cliffside drive, constructed during World War I, takes you between the fishing harbour of Hout Bay and the artsy town of Noordhoek. A toll is charged for the road, but it’s a small price to pay for panoramic views. Attempt the drive only in good weather. Pull into the various viewpoint stops and take time to admire the natural beauty of Cape Town.
8. Snap a pic in the Bo-Kaap
The Bo-Kaap, Afrikaans for “above the Cape,” is largely known for its picture-perfect multicoloured houses stretching up the mountainside. While it’s worth visiting for that reason alone, it has a rich and varied history dating back to the 1760s. It’s one of the oldest residential areas in Cape Town, combining Cape Dutch and Cape Georgian styles of architecture.
Subject to the Group Areas Act of 1950, the area was labelled a Muslims-only district by the apartheid government, though its link to Islam goes back to 1794 when the Auwal Mosque on Dorp Street was constructed, making it the oldest mosque in South Africa.
9. Sample award-winning local wines
No list of Cape Town attractions is complete without a recommendation to visit its vineyards, more commonly called “wine farms” by the local people. Venture out to neighbouring Franschhoek to hop aboard the iconic Wine Tram or visit the estates in Stellenbosch.
Closer to the city, you’ll find gems on your doorstep. Spend a few hours sipping at Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine estate, founded in 1685 – even Napoleon was a fan.
10. Lose track of time in Babylonstoren
Head to the Cape Winelands region and find Babylonstoren, often hailed as one of the best things to do in Cape Town. While away a few hours walking the grounds of this working farm to see the sprawling fruit and vegetable gardens. Watch the workers in the essential oil distillery or witness the blending of olive oil. Visit their restaurants to try the farm’s produce under a canopy of trees or shop for cured meat and cheese. You can also buy luxurious bath and body products made from botanicals grown on-site. Wrap up your visit with a wine tasting before heading back to the city.
