50 Best things to see & do in Cape Town

Thrill-seekers will love this unforgettable abseil – 360 feet (110m) off the summit of the world-famous Table Mountain. Behind you – heart-stopping views over the city and Atlantic coastline laid out below you.

Tours start at the top, so you take the cable car to the summit – or hike up. After your abseil, you’ll take scenic hike back to the summit on a lesser-known trail.

Cape Town’s iconic flat-topped mountain is 1,085m (3,559ft) above sea level at its highest point, Maclear’s Beacon. One of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature’, its name also derives from the thin layer of wind-blown cloud that forms over the flat summit before dropping dramatically over the edge like a tablecloth.

It’s now part of the Table Mountain National Park, set up to protect the landmark but also the rare fynbos vegetation. The site is now a UNESCO Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site.

Ride up in the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the city, and wander the fynbos-fringed footpaths that criss-cross the serene and beautiful flat-topped sum

If you’re reasonably fit, and a little adventurous, you can hike up to the summit rather than take the cable car. There are a number of different trails that you can do independently or with a guide. You can also abseil down from the summit.

In the waters off Cape Town it’s the Great White Shark, carcharodon carcharias, that rules the roost, and admiring this remarkable predator in its natural environment – from the safety of a sturdy steel cage, of course – is a bucket list experience you’ll never forget.

Spacious speedboats leave Kleinbaai harbour (two hours’ drive from Cape Town) in the early morning, setting course for Dyer Island and the famous ‘Shark Alley’. Here, chum (fish bait) is released into the water, the cage is lowered and adventurers don their wetsuits. When a shark comes to investigate, it’s into the water you go.

Note – you don’t have to go in the water to enjoy this trip. Watching these majestic, and curious, creatures glide around from the security of the boat is also worth going for.

Note from Matt: the great whites vanished from the area following the arrival of two orcas (that prey on the great whites) in 2000. They were spotted again at the start of 2024… but check before you book to see if they are being seen on these tours. If there are no great whites, the tour operators will often take you to dive with other types of shark – still worth doing.

South Africa’s oldest wine route is home to more than 150 wineries, many of them still family owned, and the estates around Stellenbosch continue to produce wines that are internationally recognised for their excellent quality.

With a mild Mediterranean climate, proximity to cooling sea breezes and good clay soils, this region is becoming increasingly known for red wines – cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, Bordeaux-style blends, and pinotage.

With gourmet restaurants, gorgeous Cape Dutch architecture and superb art galleries, the route offers so much more than just wine tasting. And it’s not just for adults. Some of the wine estates have good facilities to keep the kids entertained, such as the outdoor playparks at Tokara and Warwick.

Towering more than 3,000-feet above the city, Table Mountain defines the skyline of Cape Town. And while going up by cable car is an easy option for the unfit, hiking the mountain slopes is a far better way to appreciate the flora, fauna and fine views of this World Heritage Site.

There are dozens of routes on, up and around the mountain. The most popular, independently-tackled route is the well-marked Platteklip Gorge (a challenging 2- to 3-hour hike). If you want something more adventures – like the forested trails that lead up the eastern slopes above Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – book a guided hike. Guides will teach about the local fynbos and the Cape Floral Kingdom as you ascend.

The true summit is at Maclear’s Beacon, but keen hikers should allow time to discover the quieter trails that explore the ‘Back Table’ to the south.

One of the most poignant destinations for any visitor to Cape Town, this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and museum is an infamous prison island in the middle of Table Bay. During apartheid it held some of SA’s most famous political prisoners, including former president Nelson Mandela.

It remains as an important reminder of the evils of the apartheid era, brought home powerfully by the guides, some of whom are former inmates.

The picturesque Constantia Valley is a compact wine route; home to some of the oldest wine farms in the Cape. Ten wineries are open for tastings, ranging from boutique cellars to grand estates.

Situated just 20 minutes’ drive from the city, it’s a convenient option for those lacking the time to visit Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The valley’s ocean-facing location, cooled in the summer by steady sea breezes, results in vibrant white wines reminiscent of Bordeaux, alongside structured and elegant red wines. The valley is also increasingly becoming a culinary hotpot in the city.

Townships – undeveloped, sprawling communities of small houses and shacks – are a blight on what is otherwise a gorgeous city. Home to the ‘non-whites’ during apartheid area, they remain a symbol of division and inequality. Aside from a few new satellite dishes, for most residents, not a lot has changed in the post-Apartheid era. Most houses are still made from cobbled-together corrugated iron sheeting for ceilings and walls.

Townships are integral to the city landscape, and to understanding Cape Town’s history, culture and post-apartheid challenges. No wonder then that so-called ‘Township Tours’ have become so popular. They offer a fascinating insight into the realities of life on the socially-depressed Cape Flats.

Perhaps surprisingly, rather than being a depressing experience, they can be uplifting – especially when you witness the ubuntu, meaning the spirit of togetherness, despite the hardships and challenges of daily life. There are many community projects on the go, with opportunities for sponsorship or a donation.

Locals are generally friendly, and you may even get invited into the local ‘pub’ to try some home-made beer.

This 9km stretch of road, etched into soaring cliffs, with 114 curves and a 593m drop off to the ocean, ranks as one of the most spectacular drives in the world and should be on every visitor’s list.

‘Chappies’, as it’s affectionately known, also sees cyclists, bikers and runners enjoying the sweeping, staggering coastal views: think giant boulders, seal colonies, pounding surf, dramatic cliffs and miles of endless blue stretching into the horizon.

For an extra special treat, book a night at Tintswalo Atlantic, a romantic and alluring hideaway set in the ancient milkwood forest at the foot of Chapman’s Peak. Remote but spectacular.

Treacherous seas, sandy coves and sheer cliffs characterise Cape Point, located at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, 60km southwest of Cape Town.

The 7,750-hectare Cape Point nature reserve, which falls within the Table Mountain National Park, makes a great day trip for nature lovers, with its fynbos (the smallest yet richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms), antelope, baboons, Cape Mountain zebras and Cape clawless otters. But note, contrary to popular belief, it’s not the place where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet – that’s Cape Agulhas, 150Km to the east.

The drive there is lovely, and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach is conveniently on the way and often included as a stop on a Cape Peninsular tour. It’s a rare spot to see wild penguins in their natural habitat.

Be sure to climb up Cape Point’s lighthouse, 286m above sea level, for spectacular ocean views. To reach the lighthouse, walk or take the ‘Flying Dutchman’ – a funicular named after a ghostly ship that is said to sail around the point.

Cape Town is well established as the fine art capital of Africa, and there are few better places to discover the continent’s creative powerhouses than at the Zeitz.

A dramatic architectural conversion of historic grain silos was done by British ‘starchitect’ Thomas Heatherwick in 2017, creating a remarkable home for Africa’s leading collection of artworks from Africa and its diaspora.

Alongside permanent galleries, the Museum runs an exciting schedule of special exhibitions, featuring African artists exploring historic and contemporary themes across mixed media.

From the upper levels you’ll also enjoy panoramic views of the city and Table Mountain.

Most visitors on the way to Cape Point stop off to see the heart-warming penguin colony at Boulders Beach – a 2,500-strong African Penguin breeding colony, one of the largest in the world. These charismatic critters that will charm adults and kids alike.

A number of operators also offer kayak tours to see the colony – without the crowds. Tours will take you past the breeding area and around to Boulders Beach.

Also stop by the adjoining boulder-strewn Seaforth Beach, which boasts picturesque, family-friendly coves where the penguins often swim freely with bathers in the sheltered water. In winter, there are also seals and whales. In summer, there’s snorkelling.

Africa’s most famous road trip starts from the ever-beautiful Cape Town and heads up the eastern coastline to the typical first stop at pretty Hermanus, a Mecca for whale watching. From there, the route takes you on through the charming towns of Mossel Bay, Knysna, George and Plettenberg.

It’s a route of spectacular coastal cliffs, lush forests, serene lagoons and golden beaches – a dream for wildlife and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Highlights include the Tsitsikamma National Park, famous for its suspension bridge and ancient trees; whale-watching at Hermanus; bungee jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge, the picturesque town of Knysna, stunning limestone formations at the Cango Caves, and outdoor adventures at the Addo Elephant Park.

If you have the time, it’s a fantastic addition to any Cape Town itinerary – and one of the world’s great road trips. Plan on at least 6 nights, though you could easily spend two weeks here and not see it all.

Note – the name of the route has nothing to do with gardens; it takes its name from the Garden Route National Park that it passes through.

From tapas to sushi, coffee to wine, Cape Town’s international food, with an African twist, is sophisticated and superb.

Cape Town is perhaps best known for delicious Cape Malay cuisine – curries that are fragrantly spicy rather than fiery – a unique style of cuisine originating with the thousands of Malay slaves brought to Cape Town from Indonesia and Malaysia in the 17th and 18th centuries. See our recommendations below for tasting tours and Cape Malay cooking classes.

Being a port city, fresh seafood features prominently – expect plenty of fresh local line fish, crayfish and mussels – though meat is much-loved and excellent too. In summer look out for fresh yellowtail and rock lobster. Also, see our round-up of traditional foods you must try in South Africa.

Two world-class wine regions – Constantia and Stellenbosch – are on the city’s doorstep. Constantia is a 40-minute drive from the city centre, Stellenbosch around 1 to 1.5 hours, so both are very do-able on day trips.

Cradled in a valley of fynbos-clad mountains, the ‘French Corner’ of the Cape Winelands is famous for outstanding food and wine experiences. The lovely, character-filled town of Franschhoek, known as South Africa’s gourmet capital, is the hub for exploring the best of it. From boutique wineries offering cellar tours and tastings, to charming bistros and fine dining in the heart of the village, it is a bucket list destination for bacchanalian adventures.

Alongside the feast of food and wine, there’s culture to discover here too, from the town’s graceful Huguenot Monument to the many art galleries dotted along the main road and on surrounding estates.

If it’s joie de vivre in the Cape you’re after, head straight to Franschhoek. It’s barely an hour’s drive from Cape Town – very doable for a day trip – though foodies and oenophiles will undoubtedly want to stay longer.

Cape Town stretches out along a dramatic peninsula, fringed by the Atlantic Ocean and rising up to towering mountain peaks. A helicopter tour offers an unforgettable perspective on ‘the Fairest Cape’. Itineraries include flights over Table Mountain and the city, or out to the Winelands.

A variety of flight paths and themed tours are available, usually lasting from 15-60 minutes (flight times are dictated by the route).

For a memorable start (or end) to your trip, turn your flight into an airport transfer. You can alight at the V&A Waterfront, Winelands and other landing points.

Established in 1913, South Africa’s premier botanical garden is a treasure trove of flora from the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest yet most diverse of the planet’s six floral kingdoms.

The 36 hectares of cultivated garden cover just a fraction of the 528-hectare estate, which can be explored on well-marked walking trails. Alongside greenhouses and forest trails, a highlight is the ‘Boomslang’ treetop walkway, taking visitors through the forest canopy to offer impressive mountain views.

Picnics are welcome on the wide lawns, and in summertime they play host to the ever-popular Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, held every Sunday, featuring South Africa’s best loved musicians.

Cape Fur seals are a common sight on the coastline around Cape Town; with a handful of large colonies situated on the rocky islands situated close inshore.

While boat tours offer an accessible way to see these entertaining animals, adventurous swimmers can enjoy a scuba-free ocean wildlife experience by snorkelling in the kelp forests that thrive on the fringes of Duiker Island near Hout Bay.

No prior experience is needed. All you’ll require is a healthy sense of adventure… and the courage to get in the cold water.

When the southern right whales make their annual migration from icy Antarctic waters to mate and calve in the temperate seas off South Africa, Hermanus is the place to be. With its steep cliffs and plentiful vantage points, this somewhat-trendy holiday town offers some of the most accessible land-based whale watching in the world.

A cliff-top trail meanders through town, offering up a number of easy-to-access viewpoints. The wonderful thing about whale season is the luck of the draw: pick your spot, take out your binoculars and scan the seas. If you’re lucky, the blubbery tourists will be breaching, lob-tailing and spy hopping off the cliffs, barely 100m away.

Alternatively, take a boat tour for close-up views. Boat-based whale-watching tours depart from the New Harbour. They’re not cheap, but you’re all but assured of incredible sightings. You can also kayak out to see them. Walker Bay Adventures will take you out into Walker Bay in sea kayaks.

Whales are there in season, but dolphins and seals are present all year round. If you time it for late September/early October, you’ll catch the Hermanus Whale Festival. The climax of the season is a celebration of cetaceans, complete with live music, kids’ entertainment and a tempting range of food stalls.

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a Big Game African safari. The sense of wild that has your senses on highest alert; the spine-tingling roar of a lion or menacing cackle of a hyena, the added spice of fear, terror even, from sleeping in the realm of big, man-eating cats. It’s why a safari should be on everyone’s bucket list.

You’re not going to get that same raw Africa experience here. The private game reserves a few hours’ drive from Cape Town are somewhere between a safari park and the real deal. Often the reserves are ‘stocked’ with animals.

But don’t be discouraged, if you have time, it’s well worth tagging a few days onto your Cape Town itinerary to spend a few days in the bush. You’ll get to experience a safari in more comfort and safety, and see the Big Five on exciting game drives. Perfect for anyone who wants to do a safari, but doesn’t fancy the full ‘Out of Africa’ experience, and for those of us who cannot get enough.

There are numerous great camps within driving distance, including Aquila, Sanbona and Inverdoorn. Children of all ages are usually welcome, though there will be age restrictions for kids to join game drives.

Cape Town is blessed with superb beaches, celebrated for their natural beauty, with fine powdery white sand and clear water. Depending on where you go, the water temperature ranges from toe-numbingly cold on the Atlantic Ocean side – where even the bravest swimmer wouldn’t last more than a few seconds – to warmer in False Bay on the Indian Ocean side. Each offers a different experience too – from vast empty stretches of sand to social hubs thronging with locals.

The gorgeous Atlantic side beaches in the trendy neighbourhoods of Clifton and Camps Bay are more of a ‘scene’ and thrum with Capetonians. The beaches further out from the city are better for beach lazing and surfing.

For the best views of the Cape’s dramatic Atlantic coastline, climb the iconic ‘Lion’s Head’.

This 669m peak is a rewarding walk for nature lovers – within minutes of setting off, the Cape’s classic mountain and seascapes envelop you.

The somewhat challenging hike up is beautiful at dawn, popular at sunset, but best known for daring, full-moon walks. The route involves exposure to heights and climbing metal ladders. Vertigo-sufferers be warned!

While Great White Sharks have been the star attraction of Cape Town’s marine adventures for years, shark-lovers and ocean adventurers can also head into the waters south of Cape Point to free-dive, snorkel and scuba dive with the mako and blue sharks that patrol these waters.

Alongside these graceful deep-sea sharks, there is also the opportunity to spot yellowfin tuna, bonito and sunfish, as well as a range of pelagic birds including albatross, petrels and skua.

Full-day excursions depart from Simon’s Town harbour, and all equipment is provided. A valid certification is required for those wishing to scuba dive.

A bustling food, wine and design market situated in Granger Bay, next to the V&A Waterfront and overlooking the ocean. It’s renowned for wonderful fresh produce, including many local delicacies, served up by dozens of food stalls. It’s a great place to try local delicacies. See our round-up of traditional foods you must try in South Africa – see how many you can find and try here. Open weekends, 9am-2pm.

With its location near the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town offers remarkable opportunities for pelagic birding (species that spend most of their time on the ocean, apart from when nesting).

Pelagic birding trips in the company of expert guides take keen twitchers up to 40km south of Cape Point, to the edge of the continental shelf. From petrels and fulmars to the remarkable Black-browed Albatross, this full-day trip is a sure-fire opportunity for birders to tick a number of species off their ‘life list’. In winter you’re also likely to spot Southern Right whales en route.

What’s more, Cape Town Pelagics donates all profits to seabird research and conservation, including Birdife International’s ‘Save the Albatross’ fund.

The craggy mountains around Cape Town, which offer such a wondrous backdrop to the city, feature several prominent and uniquely remarkable peaks: Table Mountain, the Lion’s Head, Devil’s Peak, and the Twelve Apostles.

That means spectacular vistas for paragliders – and Cape Town is a great place to do it – with panoramic views out over the ocean, over the city and back to the mountains on what is one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines.

Signal Hill and the Lion’s Head are the most common launch sites It’s open to all abilities, from novice to experienced; novices can go in tandem with professional instructors. All equipment is provided.

Delve into the lived experience of forced removals at this moving small Museum, which chronicles the diversity of District Six and its later destruction by the Apartheid government.

Set amid the Constantia Winelands, this contemporary gallery celebrates global and African artists in both indoor exhibition spaces and the outdoor sculpture garden. Excellent on-site restaurant.

This, the largest bird park in Africa, houses over 3,000 birds of 400 different species housed in walk-through aviaries spread around the four-hectare site. The park is also home to a variety of small animals, including monkeys. Great for families and nature lovers.

It’s situated in the pretty Hout Bay. While you’re there, drive further along the incredible Chapman’s Peak roadway to Noordhoek, for delicious food at the Foodbarn Cafe.

Established in 1825, the museum houses extensive collections of fossils, ancient artefacts, and natural history displays, showcasing South Africa’s cultural and natural heritage. The collection encompasses over one-and-a-half million specimens of scientific importance. Don’t miss the famous Linton Panel, one of the world’s foremost examples of rock art, extracted from a shelter in the Drakensberg Mountains. Open daily.

Set against a backdrop of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the striking Lion’s Head, Camps Bay Beach features fine white sand and clear, turquoise waters – albeit too cold for swimming.

It’s a vibrant and trendy spot, both on the sand and off it, with a lively promenade just off the beach lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars that thrum with Capetonians. Even if you’re not a beach-goer, it’s a convivial place to hang out with the locals and experience what life is really like here – and the Camps Bay strip is the city’s prime spot for beachside sundowners.

Held in late September/early October each year – the peak season for whale watching – this usually sleepy-town is host to a colourful festival of art, adventure and fine food across a festive long weekend.

Clifton’s four idyllic beaches, separated by oversized granite boulders, are famous for their sheltered, wind-free conditions and soft white sand. Being Atlantic beaches, however, they’re too cold for swimming. Each beach has its own character – the 1st for seclusion, the 2nd for sports, the 3rd for the young crowd, and the 4th for families – and each if guaranteed a welcoming, convivial atmosphere. Great for hanging out with the locals.

South Africa’s diamond industry dates back to the late 19th century; the country’s diamond fields, particularly in Kimberley, have played a pivotal role in shaping its economy and history. Today, South Africa remains a key player in the global diamond trade, known for its rich deposits and expertise in diamond cutting and polishing.

This museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of these alluring gems, showcasing the country’s rich mining history and the art of diamond cutting and polishing. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that detail the formation, discovery, and cultural significance of diamonds in the region. The museum also offers insights into the global diamond trade and features a display of diamonds and jewellery. Check the website for guided tours.

Located at the V&A Waterfront, this captivating aquarium showcases the marine life of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Exhibits include a kelp forest, a predator exhibit with sharks, and vibrant displays of tropical fish and corals showcasing regional biodiversity. Great for kids – with interactive experiences like touch pools and educational programs.

This Cape Town institution, set up in an Old Biscuit Factory in 2006, features food stalls from around the world, plus local artisans selling designer clothing, accessories and quality handicrafts. Live music adds to the atmospheric buzz and energy.

A secluded, picturesque beach nestled in a residential area. It features fine, white sand, and clear but cold water, and is surrounded by large granite boulders, offering a serene and natural setting. It’s a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and beach sports.

This house museum, set in a beautifully restored 18th-century townhouse, showcases South African decorative arts and period furniture. It offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of Cape Town’s affluent residents during the Dutch colonial era. The museum’s collection includes exquisite ceramics, silverware, and paintings, providing insights into the cultural and historical influences that shaped the region.

The vibrant suburb of Cape Town, formerly known as the Cape Malay Quarter, is famous for its colourful house facades and steep, cobblestone streets.

It’s one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Cape Town, and one of the few areas genuinely historical areas – and is now a declared National Monument. It was built at the end of the 18th century, initially attracting lower-income families and artisans, followed by an influx of former Malay slaves following the abolition of slavery in 1830.

Originally, all of the (rented) houses, known as huurhuisjes, had to be white. But when this rule was lifted and the slaves were permitted to purchase their houses, they apparently painted them bright colours to express their new-found freedom.

Walking tours are best for those wanting to delve deeper into the culture and history of this fascinating neighbourhood. Bo-Kaap offers a unique and rare window into Cape Town – and South Africa’s – past. The tiny Bo-Kaap Museum, set within one of the oldest and most well-preserved houses dating back to the 1760s, houses historical documents, photographs, artefacts, and interactive displays.

The slave trade in Cape Town, initiated by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century, was the cornerstone of the city’s early economy. Slaves were shipped here from Malay (Indonesia and Malaysia), Madagascar and India, to work on farms and in households for the colonising British. Mercifully, this heinous trade was abolished in 1834, but its legacy endures. The immigrants have profoundly affected almost every aspect of the city’s culture and societal dynamics – food, music, and more.

This museum is dedicated to preserving this dark yet transformative period of the city’s history, bringing it to life through the stories of real slaves. Open Monday to Saturday.

Join the locals on ‘The Prom’ – a 6km stretch of oceanfront walkway in one of Cape Town’s most pleasant residential neighbourhoods – for a leisurely ramble, jog, cycle or skate. There are pavement cafes and art installations along the way, and play parks for kids. For a quirky twist, Atlantic Outlook will rent you a tandem bike.

If you’re wanting an invigorating walk on a quiet, beautiful beach, with views to sooth the soul, you can’t do better than Bloubergstrand. This long stretch of white sand offers an iconic view of Table Mountain’s flat top to accompany you as you stroll. It’s windy though, with almost constant trade winds bringing a 1–3 m surf for a majority of the year – making it a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Wondrous to walk all year round, but if you’re going in winter, be sure to wrap up warm.

Located in the heart of Cape Town, this vibrant culinary hotspot features a curated selection of top chefs, restaurateurs, and mixologists, providing a diverse range of gourmet experiences. The market also hosts live entertainment, art exhibitions, and other cultural events.

A great refuelling stop when you’re sightseeing in the city centre, and the chance to try some local specialities. See our round-up of traditional foods you must try in South Africa before you go.

The family-oriented educational facility is dedicated to getting people interested in science and technology. It offers hands-on interactive exhibits, workshops, and programs designed to engage and inspire visitors of all ages. The exhibits cover a wide range of scientific topics, from physics and chemistry to biology and space exploration.

The craft beer revolution is in full swing in Cape Town, and the Aegir Project in laid-back Noordhoek has long led the charge. Their easy-going taproom and restaurant offer a range of local brews and fine views.

Muizenberg Beach, located on the False Bay coast, is famous for its colourful beach huts. It’s a hotspot for surfing due to its warmer waters, averaging between 15°C and 20°C, and gentle waves. This family-friendly beach offers a more relaxed vibe and is less crowded compared to the oh-so-trendy Atlantic beaches.

The small museum, located at Groote Schuur Hospital, commemorates the world’s first successful human heart transplant performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard on December 3, 1967. The museum offers guided tours through preserved operating theatres and interactive exhibits, detailing the groundbreaking procedure and medical advancements.

The Glass Museum, housed at the Glenelly Estate in Stellenbosch, showcases an exquisite and fascinating collection of glass art amassed by estate owner and renowned glass collector May de Lencquesaing.

The museum features an impressive array of pieces from the 1st and 2nd centuries through to contemporary works by acclaimed glass artists. Go to admire intricate glass sculptures, vases, and other artworks, each telling a unique story of craftsmanship and artistic evolution.