Cape Town is the Mother City of sunny South Africa, and it’s no wonder why. Bringing together the beach, the bush, and the mountains, this city has it all.
Whether you are a local or visiting from far, far away, Cape Town offers an endless variety of possibilities to keep you busy.
What to Do in Cape Town
If you’re heading to Cape Town sometime soon and need some things to add to your itinerary, here are 50 of the best things to do in Cape Town.
1. V&A Waterfront
If you do not visit the V&A Waterfront when visiting the Mother City, you are missing out big time on some amazing Cape Town activities. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront offers everything from a shopping experience to take-out joints, and some spectacular restaurants looking over the harbour.
2. The Cape Wheel
The Cape Wheel at the V&A Waterfront is a must to add to your Cape Town itinerary. Whether you are just looking for a simple ride or a picnic in the sky, you get to choose.
Go during the day for a scenic view of the city and the sea, or go at night for a beautiful display of the city’s bright lights. Get a free ride if it’s your birthday and enjoy sites of the clock tower, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and Lion’s Head.
3. Hot Air Balloon in Stellenbosch
No matter where you find yourself in the world, one activity that should be on everyone’s list is going on a hot air balloon! But if you happen to find yourself in Cape Town, then be sure to go on a hot air balloon in Stellenbosch so you can tick it off.
4. Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is right by the V&A Waterfront and the Cape Wheel. Enjoy a walk around the aquarium where you can see the penguin exhibit or shark exhibit. You can also go scuba diving and watch feeding time if you get lucky. No matter what, you will find something to wonder over at this underwater wonderland.
5. Mojo Market
The Mojo Market is said to be the heart of Seapoint, and understandably so. The market has a lively atmosphere, with live music, sports screenings, food stalls, and artisan retailers. Whether it’s food or lifestyle that you are looking for, Mojo Market has got it all.
6. Sculpture Garden in Stellenbosch
The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Stellenbosch will give you serenity and a moment to reflect on the art and world around you.
Offering private guided tours, you will get a look at Lewis’s four exhibition pieces, including The Old Studio, The Pavillion, The Old Storeroom, and From Animal to Human. Each piece features different elements of life and living. It’s definitely worth every penny.
7. Table Mountain
Table Mountain is one of Cape Town and South Africa’s most prized gems, and for a good reason. The mountain stands stark against the sea views, and the hike, or cable car up, gives you views to die for.
Being an iconic landmark, it is full of tourists from all over the world. Once you get to the top, enjoy a self-service buffet cafe while you see the world from above. There’s a reason it is iconic.
8. Sea Point Promenade
Sea Point Promenade finds itself in the same area as the Mojo Market. However, at the promenade, you are awarded views of the ocean, and activities that range from a maze to putt-putt.
Along with the ocean view comes a spectacular sight of Table Mountain. Take a stroll as you enjoy the sunset at this lovely little place.
9. Franschhoek Wine Tram
Hop on and off at different places throughout the Cape Winelands to enjoy the harvest in a new way. While on Franschhoek’s Wine Tram, enjoy wine tasting at the different wine farms from Cape Town center to Paarl, Strand, and Stellenbosch.
10. Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is famous for its African Penguins that inhabit the area. Between large granite boulders, find yourself amongst the penguins as you tan and enjoy the day.
The beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park and is a marine protected area. This means you might have to pay for entrance, but it also means you’ll likely get the beach, and the penguins, all to yourself.
11. Lion’s Head Mountain
Lion’s Head is another famous spot for those who have seen and done the whole Table Mountain experience. Enjoy a hike up the mountain and be rewarded with golden sights of Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and Robben Island. Get up and get active with this Cape Town beauty.
12. Atlantic Outlook Kayaking
Enjoy your time in Cape Town on the water with guided kayak tours. Atlantic Outlook lavishes you with views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and sightings of dolphins, seals, penguins, and if you’re lucky, even whales.
You would have probably seen most of these places before venturing out, but what better way to see the world than from the water?
13. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens stands in the upmarket Constantia area. It flourishes with flora and fauna and stands as a protected nature reserve.
Enjoy a picnic, a hike, or even a movie with the Galileo Open Air Cinema while you take in the fresh breeze around you. This place is a beauty and one that demands to be discovered.
14. SUP Around V&A
Stand-up paddling includes you and a bunch of your friends enjoying the waters that surround the V&A Waterfront on a long paddleboard. Choose to SUP alone, or with a friend on one of these boards. You can explore the places inside the city like the One & Only Hotel where many celebrities have stayed.
You also have the option of a much bigger paddleboard if you want to hang with all your friends. And don’t worry about falling in the water, it will just refresh you as you take a swim.
15. The Old Biscuit Mill
The Old Biscuit Mill is a local food and lifestyle market in the vibey center of Woodstock. With food stalls, restaurants, and even workshops, you’ll find yourself busy the whole time you’re there.
Choose whether you want to enjoy the night markets or their famous Neighbourgoods Market. At both markets, enjoy art and design, food and drinks, and shopping or activities. They have it all.
16. Kalk Bay Harbour
Named one of the twelve coolest neighbourhoods around the world by Forbes Magazine, Kalk Bay Harbour is a little seaside village outside the busy Cape Town city. With historic buildings all around and a bohemian atmosphere, it’s no wonder Kalk Bay is one of the coolest neighbourhoods. You might even get to spot a seal while you’re at one of the seaside restaurants.
17. West Coast National Park
The West Coast National Park is close to the harbour at Saldanha Bay where azure blue waters lie still. Located within Langebaan, you can stay at the beach cottage accommodation and enjoy a bite to eat at Geelbek restaurant. Whether you hike, cycle, or mountain bike, all you can do is at this little harbour bay.
18. Canal Walk
Canal Walk is different from the other places mentioned so far in that it is a spectacular shopping center. While the idea of shopping is not as adventurous as other things, Canal Walk offers the ultimate shopping spree experience.
With restaurants and stores to keep you busy for hours, there is something for everyone. And if you are feeling tired from all the walking, enjoy a movie while you’re around. It may be a shopping mall, but it’s so much more than just that.
19. Cape Point
Walk beyond rocks and cliffs that reach above the ocean at Cape Point. Within the Table Mountain National Park, the Cape of Good Hope offers you the most incredible sunrises and sunsets.
Enjoy views across False Bay and find shipwreck trails to explore. Cape Point is a place you don’t want to miss out on.
20. Llandudno Beach
On the Atlantic Seaboard, Llandudno beach lies. Take a scenic drive to this destination within its upmarket suburb. Enjoy the private and exclusive coastal town where you will find yourself away from the noise and buzz of the city center.
In this little town, it will be just you and whoever you bring with you, no shops or restaurants to distract you from simply enjoying the world around you.
21. Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch Farms in the country. It lies in Simonsberg, Franschhoek, and offers itself up as a fruit and veggie garden. They do offer accommodation at the Farm Hotel and a place to enjoy the spa and some food and wine. A romantic getaway if you’re looking for one.
22. Surfing at Muizenberg
Surfing at Muizenberg can be the perfect holiday activity for you and your friends, or you and your kids. If you don’t know how to surf, they offer lessons. And if you do know how to surf but don’t have a board, you can rent one locally.
Everything is prepared for you to have the perfect day surfing the waves. Stay over at the beachfront accommodations and enjoy hiking, surfing, or sunbathing while you stay.
23. Oranjezicht City Farm Market
An educational, non-profit project was founded at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market. It stands as a local food and culture community with its urban agriculture. Enjoy their weekly Farmer’s Market, where they sell fresh produce and artisanal foods. And if you want to really enjoy this city farm, pitch in with a little community service if you’re ever free.
24. First Thursdays
First Thursday has become the event of the month with its special, one-night hustle and bustle on the streets of Cape Town. Every first Thursday of the month, find yourself walking down the street to explore galleries, restaurants, shops, and a night full of arts and culture.
Be prepared to stay late into the night because things get busy on First Thursdays. You won’t even realize the time passing by.
25. Secret Gin Bar
Ever wanted to travel back in time to 1920s New York City to experience the vibes and the speakeasies? Well, the Secret Gin Bar is exactly that: a time machine to the speakeasy.
Hidden behind a chocolate shop, find yourself immersed in the luxuries of the Secret Courtyard that will transport you to Spain, Greece, or Italy. And then enjoy a little gin tasting in the Embalming Room with some of the Gin Bar’s very own signature…