30 Best Things To Do in Cape Town 

Last Updated on December 17, 2025 by Hannah Stephenson

Wondering what to get up to in Cape Town?

Well, good news, because its blend of vibrant culture and dramatic natural landscapes will have you falling in love from the second you arrive. And from hiking to swimming and wine tasting, there are plenty of fun things to do.

Whether you come to visit Cape Town for ten days, two weeks, or two months, there’s absolutely no risk of you ever getting bored here. But having said that, it’s nice to know where to start. That’s why I’ve put together a guide to what I think are the very best things to do in Cape Town.

Quick Picks
If you put me on the spot, I’d say that the absolute best things to do in Cape Town are:

1. Heading up Table Mountain
2. Winery hopping on the infamous Franschhoek wine tram
3. Visiting the beautiful Clifton Beaches
4. Going to see the penguins at Boulders Beach on this top-rated tour
5. Exploring the iconic Bo Kaap area with a local who grew up there!

1) Table Mountain Cableway 

I must admit, starting off with Table Mountain does feel a bit cliché, but it has to be done.

Table Mountain is a huge, flat-topped mountain that overlooks the city of Cape Town. It’s visible from all over the city, so heading to the top is a must!

The famous Table Mountain Cableway takes you right to the top of the mountain in about 90 seconds. I still think they missed out by not calling it the “Table Car”, though.

Then, at the top, you can hike to Maclear’s Beacon if the weather’s good, take one of the free tours, or just walk around by yourself and learn about the mountain from the information plaques. Then, I like to grab a beer from the bar and enjoy the views!

Tickets are slightly cheaper online, and it’s a good idea to buy them in advance so you don’t have to queue. The prices are as follows:

Guided option

You can also book a guided tour of Table Mountain which includes hotel pickup and pre-booked cable car tickets! You’ll be with a friendly local guide who will teach you all about the mountain’s history and wildlife to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

I think that this makes life so much easier, and it’s really a must for anyone who’s keen to learn about the Cape Floral Kingdom. Just don’t wait too long to book as this one often sells out!

Read the glowing reviews and grab your spot on this guided tour here!

2. Hiking Table Mountain 

The cable car is a great, but hiking up Table Mountain is also very popular! There are four main trails available:

• Platteklip Gorge
• Kasteelspoort
• Skeleton Gorge
• India Venster

If, like me, you’re directionally challenged and unsure of which route to take, then the best thing to do is book a guided hike! I like this one because you can choose your own adventure and pick either an easy or an adventurous route.

But a guided hike is not only easier, it’s also a lot safer. Unfortunately, there has been a spike in muggings on the mountain over the last few months. Thieves tend to target those hiking alone or who look lost, so going with a local who knows the mountain well is the smartest thing you can do. Plus, there’s safety in numbers and this is a group hike!

With over 200 5-star reviews, this hiking tour certainly has a strong track record. Plus, your guide can capture great photos for you and they’ll teach you about some of the lesser-known stories about Table Mountain. When I went, I loved learning about Joshua Penny, a deserter who hid out in a cave on the mountain for over a year.

Check availability and book this top-rated hiking tour here!

3. Do the Franschhoek Wine Tram 

Franschhoek always reminds me of the town of Duloc from Shrek. It’s a perfect place!

It’s meticulously maintained, with not a single blade of grass out of place. The town itself is very small, but the wine valley is big, and the best way to explore it is on the infamous wine tram. 

The wine tram is a ton of fun. There are a bunch of different routes, but it doesn’t really matter which one you choose!

If you stay overnight in Franschhoek and do the wine tram from there, you can pick whichever route you like. I’ve got more details on that in my Franschhoek itinerary post!

However, it’s possible to do it on a day trip from Cape Town on the wine tram explorer tour, which takes you on the Navy Route. It’s super easy and such great value for money.

The tour includes return transport from the Waterfront as well as your wine tram ticket, which I think is a really good deal. We left Cape Town at around 8 am, caught the tram at 9 am, and then spent the day hopping between four different wine farms. I loved the wineries on the Navy Route, especially Bartinney.

You can grab your spot on the wine tram here, with free cancellation!

4. Relax on the beach

Visiting the beautiful beaches is one of my favourite things to do in Cape Town. I mean, is there anything better than whiling away a Sunday on the sand? 

The best beaches in Cape Town are in Clifton. All of them are beautiful, but Clifton 4th is the best for swimming. For that reason, though, it does get pretty busy. Beaches 1-3 tend to be quieter. You can also take a kayak tour here to admire the white sand and dramatic mountains from out on the water!

Camps Bay also has a gorgeous beach, but it’s a lot busier, with lots of hawkers around. Or if you want to go surfing, head to Muizenberg, where the waves are better and the water is warmer. And if you’re new to the sport, you can always book this private lesson.

5. Check out the V&A Waterfront 

The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s entertainment district, and I never get tired of exploring! The Victoria Wharf Mall is the best place to go shopping in Cape Town, and I highly recommend taking a sunset champagne cruise from here.

In fact, many of the best things to do in Cape Town are located around the Waterfront. You’ll probably see this area cropping up quite a lot throughout this blog post! 

One of my favourite places to grab dinner and drinks is the Grand Café. It’s easily one of the best affordable eateries in the area. They do AMAZING pasta and very reasonably priced wine. It’s a classy spot located right on the water, and it’s a lovely place to watch the sunset, or while away a sunny afternoon. 

You can also take a ride on the Cape Wheel, which is now right outside the mall, visit the Zeitz Mocaa museum, and go for drinks at the famous Silo Hotel.

6. Hike Lion’s Head 

Lion’s Head is an iconic part of Cape Town’s skyline, and it’s so much fun to hike. The route to the summit takes you around the mountain (twice!), which means you get 360° views of the entire city.

You’ll need 3 – 3.5 hours to get up and down Lion’s Head. Your smartwatch won’t say you’ve done that many steps but I promise, you’ll get a decent workout! At the summit, you’ll enjoy incredible views of Cape Town, and great photo opportunities to boot.

To find the trail, head to the parking lot. Then, when you turn to face the mountain, you’ll see that there are two trailheads. Take the one on the left, and then it’s a straightforward uphill path for about half of the hike.

The second half of the climb is rockier and requires a bit of clambering. There are also two ladders you’ll need to climb up. Don’t worry, they’re securely in place!

Lion’s Head is really safe to climb during the day but you do need to be careful if you want to do it at sunrise or sunset. So if this is something you’re interested in, I recommend that you join this top-rated guided hike so you don’t miss out!

For a more in depth guide to hiking Lion’s Head, check out this post!

7. Visit Stellenbosch 

Stellenbosch – or “Stellies”, as it’s affectionately known – is a charming town in the Cape Winelands. It’s also home to one of the most famous universities in South Africa!

Stellies students party hard, but the town itself looks like something out of a storybook, with lots of white-painted colonial-style buildings and tree-lined streets. 

Stellenbosch is 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Cape Town. It takes just under an hour to drive between the two. You can do a day trip, or book a hotel and stay overnight, which is definitely a good option if you want to go wine tasting. I’ve also got a 2 or 3 day itinerary here that you can follow!

I loved doing the Stellenbosch wine tractor because it was such a fun and unique way to go wine tasting. We got to visit four beautiful wine farms, and the pace was super relaxed so we never felt rushed. If you do this tour, I highly recommend visiting Alto and Peter Falke, as they were real standouts for me.

You can book your spot on the wine tractor here, with free cancellation!

8. See the Penguins at Boulders Beach 

Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is home to a colony of adorable African penguins – how cool is that?

The beach is covered in boardwalks that you can stroll along to get up close to these cute little birds. You can’t actually touch them, but that wouldn’t be advisable even if it were allowed.

This is a year-round activity. I’ve been in both the summer and the winter… and I actually got better weather in the winter!

Boulders Beach is a 45-minute drive outside of the city and you can most definitely make a day of it. Entry prices are as follows:

If you’re not planning to hire a car in Cape Town, then I highly recommend booking this tour. I love it because not only does it give you two hours to enjoy the beach and all of the adorable penguins, it also takes you to the beach via the scenic route – aka the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive! It’s truly one of the most scenic roads you’ll ever have the pleasure of travelling along.

Hotel pickup and drop-off is included, and it’s a half-day tour so you’ll still have the afternoon free for another activity! Plus, your guide will even show you a secret unofficial spot where you can go swimming with the penguins – how cool is that?

Read 200+ reviews and book this fantastic penguin tour here!

9. Explore Bo Kaap with a Local

Bo Kaap is a historically working class, Cape Malay neighbourhood that’s now famed for its brightly coloured houses.

It was originally built for tradesmen and liberated slaves, and is one of the oldest residential areas in Cape Town. Most of the people who moved here were Muslim, and several Mosques were built in the area. This is the reason why it wasn’t bulldozed like District 6 was during Apartheid. 

In my opinion, the best way to explore Bo Kaap is with someone who grew up here on this local-led walking tour! The whole oeration is organised and led by Bo Kaap residents who will share personal anecdotes about life in this unique enclave, and share insights about modern-day struggles the area is facing.

It’s also an awesome way to support the locals! They have to put up with a lot of tourists visiting their neighbourhood every day, so booking this tour is a good way to ensure the right people benefit from the influx of visitors.

Plus, at just an hour long, this tour should be easy to slot into your schedule. Your guide will also give you tips on the best places to eat and drink, so you can stick around afterwards and enjoy some yummy Cape Malay cuisine. Nothing beats local food recommendations, am I right?

Read 150+ glowing reviews and book this fascinating Bo Kaap tour here!

10. Go kayaking

Kayaking is not only a great workout, it’s one of the best ways to see dolphins in Cape Town!

There are a couple of different choices available, but I think that the easiest thing to do is join this tour that leaves from the V&A Waterfront. It’s a top-rated experiences and the guys who run the tour are really fun and laid back, so you’ll be in good hands with them.

When I went kayaking, I saw dolphins, a sunfish, seals, and even a penguin. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale! Plus, you get unparalleled views of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, and Lion’s Head from out on the water.

The kayaks also have rudders which makes them easy to steer – much easier than I was expecting, actually! And at just R600 per person, it’s a pretty affordable way thing to do. Views, marine life, and a workout – what more could you want?

Book this kayak tour here with free cancellation, before it sells out!

11. Watch the sunset at Saunders Rockpool 

Saunders Rock Beach is a fantastic spot for both swimming and sunsets. It’s a rocky beach with a man-made pool to swim in. The water is super cold, as is the norm in Cape Town. In fact, people often come here to do their Wim Hof breathing!

Regardless of the cold water, Saunders is a lovely picnic spot, and I love to come here to watch the sun go down. It’s located at the end of the promenade in Sea Point, as the neighbourhood changes into Bantry Bay.

You can usually find parking nearby, although you might struggle during late December and early January, because this is peak tourist season.

12. The Constantia Wine Bus

South African wines are known for their excellent quality and VERY reasonable prices. It would almost be rude not to go and sample some of the local blends while you’re in the city!

One of my favourite ways to go wine tasting in Cape Town is to hop aboard the Constantia wine bus.

The Constantia Valley is a lush green suburb about 25 minutes south of central Cape Town. Its rolling hills are a beautiful place to spend the day sipping wine.

I’ve got a full guide to the Constantia wine bus right here but I’ll give you the abridged version now:

To catch the wine bus, you need to buy a regular hop-on hop-off sightseeing ticket. The bus departs from outside the Aquarium at the Waterfront, and you’ll need to take the Blue Route. Then, when you get to Constantia you can change to a smaller bus which takes you between wine farms.

Grab your tickets for the Constantia wine bus here!

13. Enjoy a Sundowner at the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa 

If you ask me, there are few things better in life than watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand. Fortunately, the Leopard Bar at the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa is perfect for this! It’s just north of Camps Bay, and it’s a super quiet spot where I’ve never needed a reservation.

Cocktails cost between R100-R180 rand, which is quite pricey for Cape Town, but you’ve got to remember you’re paying for the view. I recommend the Bloody Mary or Piña Colada.

14. Hang out in hippie Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is a super charming neighbourhood about 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) south of central Cape Town, along the coast of False Bay.

You won’t find any chain stores or restaurants here. Kalk Bay is all about independent boutiques, cool cafes, and art galleries. It’s actually nicknamed “the Lentil Curtain” because it attracts creatives and bohemians who form a pretty close-knit community. 

I love wandering around Kalk Bay, checking out the tidal pools, and eating fish and chips while looking out over the ocean at the Brass Bell. It’s got a lovely, relaxed, seaside atmosphere and you can definitely spend a day here wandering around.

It’s also close to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, so you can definitely combine these two activities!

15. Stroll around Dewaterkant 

De Waterkant is such a lovely area. It’s a small enclave on the slopes of Signal Hill and its cobbled streets are lined with picture-perfect pastel coloured cottages. There’s also the Cape Quarter shopping centre here, a small mall which houses lots of unique shops, cafes, and boutiques. It feels very European!

I was lucky enough to live in Dewaterkant and I absolutely loved it. It’s one of the safest neighbourhoods in Cape Town, thanks to the 24/7 security around. I recommend the coffee and tiramisu at Café Chiffon, and Lello’s Deli is a really cute spot.

16. Have a drink at the secret Gin Bar 

The Gin Bar is one of my favourite places to grab a drink in Cape Town. It’s tucked away behind the Honest Chocolate Cafe on Wale Street, which runs adjacent to vibey Bree Street (another nightlife hotspot). You can get some amazing G&T combinations here, and they’ve got a huge range of artisan gins to choose from. 

There’s also the Bodega Ramen Bar upstairs from the Gin Bar, and you can even take your gin upstairs to enjoy with your food. There’s also a small little bubbly bar on the ground floor if you feel like something a bit more celebratory! 

17. Go on a marine safari

Cape Town is home to an array of marine life, and so on a friend’s birthday I booked this marine safari in an attempt to see as much of it as possible.

We went during the summer so I didn’t think we would see whales… and I have never been happier to be wrong!

We saw FOUR whales! One of them was so close to our boat I think I could have reached out and touched it.

As well as whales, we saw a pod of dolphins, lots of seals, and some cute African penguins. It was a truly incredible experience, and so much better than I was expecting.

And what sets this marine safari apart from others you can book is that it departs from the V&A Waterfront, right here in the city. We saw all of these amazing creatures in just 90 minutes, whereas other experiences I’ve looked at take you way out of Cape Town and involve a lot of sitting in a van. Seriously, I can’t recommend this one enough – you can read my full review here.

Book this fantastic marine safari here, with FREE cancellation!

18. Walk on the prom 

The Sea Point promenade stretches from the Waterfront all the way to Saunders Rock Beach. It runs right along the seafront and it’s a very safe place to walk, run, or cycle.

When I lived in Sea Point, I went for a sunset walk along the prom most days. There are some food stalls along the way where you can stop for a cold drink, an ice cream, or some falafel. 

19. Visit Elgin Valley

The Elgin Valley is an underrated place to go wine-tasting in Cape Town. It’s quiet, scenic, and the cool climate wines here are even better than those in Constantia, Stellenbosch, or Franschhoek.

Elgin is about an hour outside of Cape Town, and it’s super quiet and peaceful. We stayed for two nights at the Paul Wallace wine farm, which was a really nice place to stay. They had some very friendly dogs on site, especially Benji the cocker spaniel! 

As for the wineries we went to, our favourite was Almenkirk, which has stunning views and some of the best red wine that I’ve ever had. We also went to Oak Valley twice because we were obsessed with their riesling. 

But Elgin has more to offer than just wine! You can actually book a historic steam train ride from Cape Town and visit the beloved Railway Market. On the way there and back, you’ll have lovely views of Table Mountain, False Bay, and Sir Lowry’s Pass, plus a great selection of wine and snacks on board to enjoy. Don’t eat too much though, as you’ll definitely want to grab some food at the market itself.

20. Go SUPping at the Waterfront

If you’re looking to combine a great core workout with a little bit of sightseeing, then SUPping at the Waterfront is a great way to go about it. We booked this paddle boarding session in Battery Park and then headed out on a 3-kilometre loop around the canals, which took about an hour.

We went past nice hotels, fancy apartments, and saw the local resident otter (who was a bit of a menace, just FYI).

It costs around R300 to rent a board for an hour, and you’ll need to book in advance. The staff will give you a quick tutorial before you head out. The tour operates all year round but it is weather dependent, so you won’t be able to go when the Cape Doctor is acting up. 

Book this fun paddle boarding session here and enjoy free cancellation!

21. Paragliding 

Oh my gosh. Paragliding in Cape Town was an insane experience!

It had been on my bucket list for a while, and then my friend got me a voucher for my birthday, so there was no way I could chicken out.

The launch process was a lot less scary than I expected it to be, and I loved the views. The flight only lasted for about five minutes but boy oh boy, what a five minutes it was!

This top rated flight costs R1,750, which is one of the cheapest rates available in the city. It’s definitely one of the pricier things to do, but I’d say it’s worth it if you’ve got the budget. It usually costs around R300 if you want the GoPro footage afterwards, and it’s uploaded instantly to your phone.

Read 200+ 5-star reviews and book your flight here!

22. Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch Gardens are world-famous botanical gardens at the base of Table Mountain, close to the Constantia wine valley. There are lots of scenic walking trails through the gardens, including a treetop canopy walk which offers stunning views of the gardens and Table Mountain. 

The gardens are open from 8 am – 7pm. It costs:

• R250 for an adult admission ticket
• R100 for South African and SADC residents
• R40 for kids aged 6+
• Free for kids aged 0-5

If you’re in Cape Town during the summer, it’s definitely worth trying to catch one of the Kirstenbosch concerts. I saw the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra here and it was wonderful! We packed a picnic and spent most of the afternoon just soaking up the sun as we enjoyed the music.

Meanwhile, the Galileo Open Air Cinema also often plays movies in Kirstenbosch Gardens, which is a really cute idea for a date night. You can catch lots of classic rom coms, like Pretty Woman or Notting Hill, or action movies and musicals. 

23. Visit Cape Point + Cape of Good Hope

Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope are dramatic headlands at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. They’re both very famous, and although I personally don’t consider them must-dos, they do make for a fun day trip!

Cape Point is a rocky promontory with a lighthouse that offers great views of the area. Then, the Cape of Good Hope is the southEASTernmost (not southernmost, as many believe) point of Africa.

Entry to the Cape Point Nature Reserve costs:

• R515 for internationals
• R225 for SADC residents
• R110 for South African residents

You can drive yourself or take this Cape Point sightseeing tour, which is what I did. It costs R625, which doesn’t include the Cape Point entry fee. It also took us to Boulders Beach to see the penguins, and it made visiting really easy. I would highly recommend this tour if you’re not planning on renting a car. You can read my full review of it here.

24. Hang out at the Oranjezicht Market 

Pretty much all Capetonians love the Oranjezicht Market. It’s an upscale farmer’s market at the Waterfront with dozens stalls from local businesses. And it has just moved to a brand new, purpose-built location as of December 2025 because it was just getting too popular for its own good.

For me, the main draw here is definitely the food. Whether you’re in the mood for flammekueche, Cape Malay curry, or just a good old bagel, you’ll be able to find something delicious to eat here. In fact, I often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices on offer when I visit! 

Whatever you end up eating, make sure that you go to the Vadas Bakery stall and get a pastel de nata for dessert. They are INSANELY good – literally everyone in Cape Town knows about them. 

There are also a two bars here and a few smaller stands selling booze. And as if that weren’t enough, there’s also a section of the market dedicated to local artisan goods, from leatherware to hand-knit cardigans and luxury body products. I’ve found some really cute clothes here, as well lots of gifts for my family.

25. Party!

I love the nightlife in Cape Town. So whether you want to drink at a dive bar or go for upscale cocktails, this city has you covered.

I recommend heading out on buzzing Kloof Street. It’s a fun and mostly safe place to party. Van Hunks is my all-time favourite and the drinks here are really cheap, but if you feel like something more upscale, head to Asoka. Or if you’re a cool kid, you’ll find kindred spirits at Blondie.

Meanwhile, Bree Street is a lot of fun, too. I like House of Machines, which is just off of the main drag, and the Station on Bree is a nice pub to check out. I love the vibe at Leo’s Wine Bar, and the Drinkery is the place to go for interesting cocktails.

26. Hike Kloof Corner at Sunset

Watching the sunset at Kloof Corner is insanely beautiful. Not only that, it’s got a great effort-to-reward ratio!

It only takes 20 minutes to walk up to the viewpoint, and as you sit on the rocks and look out at the city, you get an insane panoramic view. It really drives home just how dramatic and varied the landscape here really is!

The hike up is short, although my legs do get a little tired towards the end. It’s a lot of steps!

The hike starts on Tafelberg Road, and it’s well signposted. There’s a small car park next to the trailhead, or you can easily Uber here. If you’re coming at sunset, just make sure you have a torch with you for coming down again, just in case.

27. Aquila Safari

For the best safari experience in South Africa, you should head to the Kruger National Park. However, if you don’t have the time or the cash to do that then there’s a much quicker and cheaper option closer to Cape Town.

Introducing: Aquila Safari!

I’ve done this day safari twice, and each time I got to see four out of the Big Five. You can find my full review of Aquila Safari here, but basically, it’s pretty dang good.

The price includes pickup and drop-off in Cape Town, transport to the reserve, a welcome drink, a buffet meal, and a 2-hour game drive. My friend and I actually went to the tour office to book in person but found a much better deal online!

We learned a ton about the animals we saw from our driver, Charlie, and the resort facilities were really nice. During summer, I even brought my swimming costume and enjoyed a dip in the pool.

You can book the Aquila Safari here, with free cancellation!

28. Enjoy a Champagne Sunset Cruise  

Cape Town’s sunsets are absolutely beautiful, so make the most of them by doing a champagne sunset cruise.

I loved this experience so much! I booked it for my friends to celebrate a little reunion, and we had a blast. We got a bottle of sparkling wine to share between two, and there was lots of music and a great atmosphere on the boat.

It was very windy though, so make sure you bring an extra layer!

The cruise costs R650 and lasts for 1.5 hours. Watching the sunset over Table Mountain truly is an epic experience, and nothing gives you that holiday feeling like drinking bubbly on a catamaran, am I right?

Click here to grab your spot, with free cancellation!

29. Drive Chapman’s Peak 

Chapman’s Peak Drive is probably one of the most beautiful roads in the world. It winds along the red cliffside of Chapman’s Peak mountain, overlooking the dark blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. There are also lots of places where I like to pull over and snap photos.

The drive starts in Hout Bay Harbour and ends in Noordhooek on the other side of the mountain. I love heading to the Aegir Project after completing the drive for a beer tasting! It’s only 9 kilometers (5 miles) long, but it takes about half an hour to drive as there are well over 100 bends in the road.

There’s a toll fee of R61 which you’ll pay in Hout Bay. Keep your receipt as you’ll need it on the way back! And be sure to check the status of the road before you head out because it closes during strong winds.

30. Visit West Coast National Park

West Coast National Park is 1.5 hours from Cape Town, but it’s well worth the drive. It’s home to the Langebaan Lagoon, which has calm, warm water that’s perfect for swimming in. Despite taking me three summers to discover, it’s now my go-to for a quiet beach day!

It costs R128 to enter the park (or R78 for locals) and there’s plenty of free parking near Kraalbaai Beach. The facilities here are only basic – just toilets and taps – so make sure to bring plenty of food and beach supplies with you. But if you get desperate, the town of Langebaan is only 15 minutes away and there’s a big Spar supermarket there.

You can even stay overnight in Langebaan, or for a super unique stay, check out the Kraalbaai Houseboats. I mean, imagine staying out on the water! How cool would that be?

Thanks so much for reading this blog! I hope it has given you a better idea of just how much there is to do in Cape Town, but honestly, I’ve only scratched the surface here. I have tons of content on my blog, so be sure to check out the following:

• Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide: Everything First-Timers Need to Know!
• The 25 BEST Things to Do in Cape Town at Night 
• Where to Stay in Cape Town – a Local’s Guide
• Best Ways to Go Wine Tasting in Cape Town
• 1 Day Road Trip in Cape Town: Ultimate Cape Peninsula Itinerary