Cape Town is a vibrant city filled with so much to see and do – you could easily spend a week or more exploring and still not experience it all.
Cape Town is one of the most spectacular cities in the world and there are so many amazing tourist attractions. From seeing some of the most beautiful beaches on the continent, to visiting fascinating historic and cultural sites, there are also incredible hikes and also thrilling wildlife experiences available to book all year round.
Just to get you started, we’ve broken down our top must dos and also top tips to make your visit to Cape Town a memorable one!
Cape Town Travel Essentials
If you are looking to plan a trip to check out these websites:
• Book cheap flights to Cape Town on Skyscanner
• Find accommodation in Cape Town on Booking.com
• Browse small group adventure tours and safaris of South Africa with G Adventures
Best Time to Visit
Expect pleasant weather throughout the year, October through to March suffering from that curious habit of the Southern Hemisphere, of actually being warm. Couple that with low-humidity, and you’ve booked yourself superb weather for exploring every nook and cranny of this fascinating city.
1. Go Up Table Mountain
Table Mountain looms high over Cape Town no matter where you, and this is somewhere you have to visit before leaving the city. This is of the most popular tourist attractions in South Africa and if you’ve got a full day, hiking Table Mountain is certainly worth doing.
However, if you are a bit pressed for time, or you’re not quite up for it after a long night out in Cape Town’s club scene, riding a cable car up to the top is a perfectly acceptable short cut. Whatever way you get there, make sure you make the effort as the views are phenomenal.
2. Beaches
Cape Town is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa, here are some of the top ones to check out: Camps Bay, Noordhoek Beach, Queen’s Beach, Bikini Beach, Strand, Mnandi, Strandfontein, Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Long Beach.
3. Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
There are lots of sightseeing tours in Cape Town and one of the best ways to discover the highlights of the city is on a hop on hop off bus tour. This service literally drops you off at all the top rated locations without the hassle of having to get there independently. Search sightseeing tours & activities in Cape Town on GetYourGuide.
4. See the Colourful Houses of Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap is a historic and super trendy neighbourhood in Cape Town which has been put on the tourist map due to the cobbled streets and colourful painted houses. This neighbourhood is one of the most Instagramable places in Cape Town! To get here you can ride the hop on hop off bus tour, or on foot, walk down Wale Street in the direction of Signal Hill.
5. Robben Island
Robben Island is an essential destination for anyone interested in history or social injustice. This is the island which was a maximum security prison and where former South African president Nelson Mandela was jailed for 18 years.
Robben island now has a museum, a lighthouse, and other attractions, and you will get to learn about Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s struggles and also about other prisoners who were brought here from other African countries. Robben Island was made a World Heritage Site in 1990.
6. V&A Waterfront
Those looking for a more cosmopolitan experience are bound to be thrilled by Cape Town’s night life and shopping destinations, especially at the V&A Waterfront. There are lots of places to shop for souvenirs here, as well as sample the local cuisine or just people watch and take in the scenery.
Cape Town is blessed with lots of choice when it comes to local food and drink and some of Cape Town’s most popular restaurants are a located in the V&A Waterfront. You will get a true reflection of the cultural diversity which have influenced the city itself. Choose between several Indian, Cape Malay, seafood and fusion restaurants which cater to all palates, whilst wine connoisseurs will enjoy local wines that rival the finest in the world.
Sample authentic dishes from all around the continent can be sampled here like Cassava bread and Umngqusho, while some restaurants have singers and drummers to surround you with the rhythms of traditional African songs.
7. Go Whale Watching
We love a good beach day as much as the next guy, but getting out on the water and taking advantage of the incredible whale watching South Africa has to offer is an absolute must.
Cape Point is one of the best destinations to go for whale watching. Peak whale watching season is from June to November, but many species of whales and dolphins can be seen year-round.
It’s breathtaking to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat, interacting with one another, hunting, rearing their young and even playing together in their family pods.
8. Shop the Street Markets
Sure, souvenir shops are fine, but walk through Cape Town’s street markets and you’ll find too many treasures to fit in your carry on! T-shirts, bags, pottery, wood and stone carvings, beaded jewellery, tribal masks, whatever you need to weigh down your bag, you’ll find it here. Vendors expect to haggle with you so be prepared to use your best negotiation skills to find a great bargain.
9. Party on Long Street
If you are looking to enjoy the famous Cape Town nightlife head to Long Street, a popular strip of shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and clubs which is just over 3km (2mi) from the city’s Foreshore region. This is one of the best party streets in the city where you can enjoy live music from local artists or dance the night away.
10. Dive with Great White Sharks
If you are looking for a thrill, South Africa is one of the best places in the world to go scuba diving, and there are options for complete beginners and also pro levels. If you are looking for the most scary and exhilarating adventure of your life you could go cage diving with great white sharks!
Lots of travel operators offer packages, which aren’t cheap, but are lifetime bucket list to tick off. If you have ever thought about volunteering abroad, some local organisations offer inspirational marine conservation projects here too.
11. Go Hiking
Cape Town is the perfect travel destination for those that love the outdoors. Not only is the weather perfect, but it also boasts some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world with unique biodiverse ecosystems.
Cape Town has stunning scenery, and one of the best ways to see the city is by going on a hike. There are lots of begginers and advanced level hiking trails which can be done independently, or via organised tour.
Some of the best trails we recommend include Lion’s Head, Platteklip Gorge, The Pipe Track, Maclear’s Beacon, Tygerberg Nature Reserve, Kasteelpoort Hiking Trail, Devil’s Peak and Skeleton Gorge.
Whether you climb up Table Mountain or hike your way up one of several trails, take time to enjoy the spectacular views.
12. Sports
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the great Cape Town climate in several ways, playing a round of golf at one of several coastal golf courses, walking along our many trails (some of which feature caves with original Khoi art), mountain biking, horse riding, and even monthly full moon cycle rides.
The Cape West Coast is also a haven for water sports enthusiasts, including kite-surfing and windsurfing. There are plenty of surf schools to get you surfing like a pro before your holiday is over.
13. See Animals At The Cape
The Cape Of Good Hope was formerly believed to be the southernmost point on the African continent, but despite further research showing that it isn’t, it is still an important part of the geography of the Cape Town area.
There are several species that are associated with the cape, and one of these is the African penguin, which is often referred to as the ‘Jackass’ penguin because of the braying noise that it makes. For something totally unique and different head to Boulders Beach to check out the local penguins!
Other species that is particularly associated with the Cape is the Chacma Baboon, with the population at the Cape of Good Hope made up of eleven troops of these wonderful primates.
14. Learn to Surf
One of the most popular sports for residents and visitors to Cape Town is surfing. With Cape Town’s stunning location at the southern tip of the continent it has some of the best surfing conditions. There are surf spots for novices and experienced surfers alike, with Muizenberg offering one of the best places for those looking to try surfing for the first time.
When the winds pick up the waves at the Dungeons are superb, with Table Bay and Big Bay also popular among pro surfers. Even just heading to the coast and watching the surfers is an experience in itself.
15. Winelands Tour
After the endless exploration that Cape Town has to offer, what better way to unwind than with a chilled glass of one of South Africa’s famous grape blends. Perhaps a Cabernet Sauvignon?
The temperate climate makes the Cape an ideal place to grow grapes and the local wine rank amongst the best wines in the world. No holiday in the Cape is complete without a wine tasting tour along one of several wine routes in the area.
The Cape Winelands is an ideal destination for travellers looking for a packed day. Visit a handful of the region’s best wineries with an experienced and local knowledgeable guide. If you travel to vineyards along the West Coast make sure to stop in at Evita se Perron in Darling to sample some local theatre too.
The picturesque village of Franschhoek is another highly recommended destination for wine. Franschhoek is surrounded by magnificent mountains and vineyards. After a short drive through the town, go in search of the best vineyard and also take the chance to try some of the fresh trout that Franschhoek is famous for.
Whether you are planning a city break somewhere new, keen to go on safari in Africa, or just want to explore South Africa, a visit to Cape Town is essential! This really is one of the most spectacular cities in the world.
