31 Best things to see & do in Cape Town

One of the world’s great abseils – a one-hour descent down the iconic Table Mountain. Comes with unforgettable views of the city and Atlantic coastline.

The iconic flat-topped mountain – sometimes covered with ‘tablecloths’ of clouds – that towers over the beautiful coastal city of Cape Town. Cable car or hike to the top; cable car or abseil down.

Get up close to man’s most feared predator, the infamous great white shark, diving in steel cages just off the back of the boat.

One of the world’s greatest wine regions, home to more than 150 wineries producing numerous world-class wines, gorgeous Cape Dutch architecture, superb restaurants and top-notch art galleries.

Lace up your boots and tackle one of the myriad hiking trails going up to the summit of the iconic Table Mountain, a challenging but rewarding 2- to 3-hour scenic hike.

Powerful, moving and fascinating museum where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. See his cell and the quarry where he crushed rocks for decades.

The picturesque Constantia Valley is a compact wine route that’s home to some of the oldest wine farms in the Cape.

A fascinating insight into the vibrant but disadvantaged township communities, their history and current challenges.

One of the world’s most spectacular drives, twisting and turning along a heart-stoppingly beautiful coastline.

At the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point offers a nature lover’s paradise with a lovely scenic drive to get there.

Take a deep dive into the creative spirit of Africa at the Zeitz MOCCA, a remarkable home for Africa’s leading collection of artworks from Africa and its diaspora.

One of the Cape’s most beautiful beaches, hosting a rare 2,500-strong African Penguin breeding colony.

The most exciting foodie destination in Africa, with a diverse range of cultures and cuisines on the menu, plus two world-class wine regions.

The gorgeously quaint ‘French Corner’ of the Cape Winelands is also South Africa’s premier gourmet destination.

Take to the skies for unrivalled views of Cape Town’s dramatic coastline, and to fly over the iconic Table Mountain.

South Africa’s premier botanical garden is a treasure trove of flora from the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Snorkel with playful Cape Fur seals in the kelp forests of the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Cape Town.

See southern right whales at this stylish holiday town, offering some of the best land-based whale-watching in the world. Also see them from boats and kayaks.

Heart-stopping 5.5km (3.4m) hike up the iconic Lion’s Head, for spectacular views of the Cape’s dramatic Atlantic coastline.

Adventure into the deep seas south of Cape Point to free-dive, snorkel and scuba dive with mako and blue sharks. A unique opportunity to get close to these pelagics.

A bustling food, wine and design market situated overlooking the ocean. Wonderful fresh produce and dozens of food stalls. Open weekends, 9am-2pm.

Unique pelagic birding trips, in the company of expert guides, taking keen twitchers up to 40kms south of Cape Point.

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.

Stop by the South African Museum to see the famous Linton Panel, one of the world’s foremost examples of rock art, extracted from a shelter in the Drakensberg Mountains. Open daily.

For an easy-going, relaxing day at the beach, Camps Bay has great sand, a buzzy local vibe, and a strip of decent cafés and restaurants. After the beach, head to Café Caprice – the ever-popular hang-out for models, surf dudes, artists and trendsetters – for 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.

In the V&A Waterfront, this world-class aquarium offers three large tanks for pelagic fish alongside dozens of smaller exhibits. The hands-on ‘Touch Pool’ is always a hit with kids.

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.

Join locals on ‘The Prom’ for a leisurely 5km seaside ramble, cycle or skate as you enjoy the city’s best sunset views. There are pavement cafes if you need a break, and play parks for kids.

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.