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Explore the mind-blowing things to do in this exhilarating city, Cape Town which is South Africa’s Mother City. The capital city is one of the best in the world with Table Mountain sights that gently roll down the bay. The vibrant city with its cultural hues and splendid beaches is unmissable. We put together 10 marvellous things to do in Cape Town for an incredible holiday. Take a look:
Top Things To Do In Cape Town
1. Take the Aerial Cableway to the top of Table Mountain
Get ready for some epic views on your cableway ride to the top of Table Mountain. Visiting the ‘Mother City’ is an unforgettable experience as you get familiar with the cities ‘tablecloth’. Watch the thick blanket of clouds on the top and be awe-struck with the 360 degrees rotating floor of the cable ride. The cableway ride lets you absorb picturesque views from far and beyond. The Table Mountain is named Africa’s leading tourist attraction in the World Travel Awards.
Price: $20-25 (entry per adult)
Timings:8.30 am to 1.00 pm
Pro Tip: The weather being unpredictable, it is good to be aware of the forecast.
2. Tandem Paraglide Down from Signal Hill
Visit Lion’s rump, the flat-topped Signal Hill, to paraglide, one of the top things to do in Cape Town. Historically, the hill was a signal for ships that passed by. Signal flags were used to communicate the warning weather signs to the ships while the ships showed their status to the harbour below. An old-fashioned cannon, the Noon Gun has been firing each day for hundreds of years. Tandem paraglide to discover an outstanding experience from the skies of the incredible city below. See the Atlantic coastline, Lion’s Head, Clifton Beaches, Robben Island and more.
Price: From $90.00 per person
Timings: Based on the tour
Pro Tip: Avoid visiting the attraction at noon, when the Noon Gun fires.
3. Sip into Refreshing Cocktails at Camps Bay
Head out to the palm-fringed Camps Bay, one of Cape Town’s incredible beaches. Immerse into the huge laid-back culture with trendy boutiques, cafes and bars to keep you entertained. The views of the ocean are mesmerising as you sip into cocktails on the beachfront. Soak in some ‘vitamin sea’ and watch the awesome sunset from Camps Bay. Hold your sundowner firmly and enjoy the fine white sands and sparkling sea. The pretty epic views as the sun falls into the Atlantic Ocean is a lovely way to end the day.
Price: $3.35 upwards (happy hour cocktail)
Timings:24 hours
Pro Tip: Try the Apple Jack Pie or a flavoured gin that pairs well with sushi and seafood.
4. Wander the Gardens of Kirstenbosch
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is an acclaimed attraction nestled in the eastern foot of Table Mountain. There is no better place that is rich in biodiversity than the Gardens of Kirstenbosch. Home to 7000 plant species, it has been part of the Cape Floral UNESCO World Heritage Zone since 2004. Wander along the 130m ‘Boomslang’, a tree canopy walkway. Enjoy high tea in the Tea Room and take a tour of the themed gardens blanketed with colourful cape wildflowers.
Price: $5 (adult)
Timings:8.00 am to 4.00 pm (conservatory timings)
Pro Tip: A good time to visit the garden is during spring.
5. Drive along the Scenic Chappies
Take a trip down Chapman’s Peak Drive, a beautiful road between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Get to see the dramatic cliffs, coastline and the incredible Atlantic Ocean views. The road reopened in 2003 and was constructed during World War 1. You could combine the drive with picnic stops along the way. If you are keen on a longer sightseeing trip, then you can combine the Cape Peninsula in your itinerary.
Price: Based on the tour
Timings: Day trip
Pro Tip: The road closes during poor weather, so we recommended checking the official website for the weather.
6. Take a trip to Cape Point Peninsula
No visit to Cape Town is complete without experiencing the edge of Africa at Cape Point Peninsula. The epic spot embraces you with dramatic landscapes where the mountains collide with the wild Atlantic Ocean. The ocean views are endless and the rocky cliffs in the most southern point of Africa is a thrill. There are plenty of things to do from hiking up to the old lighthouse or to the famous WWII SS Thomas T. Tucker shipwreck, to biking tours to explore the Cape of Good Hope.
Price: $10 (entry cost per person)
Timings: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm (Cape Point Lighthouse)
Pro Tip: We recommend you book a full-day tour that includes Boulder’s Beach and Simon’s Town.
7. Immerse in Street Art in the Trending Suburb, Woodstock
Woodstock welcomes you to incredible creative culture and vibrant vibes. This is an upcoming suburb that has blossomed into a super cool place. Life bustles around coffeehouses, eateries, epic street art and murals. Wander to witness over 100 works of fabulous street art in the buzzing neighbourhood. As you wander the colourful streets on a guided street art walking tour, recognise the environment or political messages. The eclectic neighbourhood gives voice through art by talented artists.
Price: $28 per person (guided street art tour)
Timings: Based on the walking tour
Pro Tip: Take a District Six tour that covers Woodstock experiences. Don’t miss the Old Biscuit Mill that comes alive every Saturday with market stalls.
8. Shop & Dine at the V&A Waterfront
Visit the V&A Waterfront on the Atlantic shore in Cape Town. Experience the oldest working harbour, Table Bay in South Africa that has developed into a residential and commercial site. Shop in the complex that houses 450 retail outlets from fashion, jewellery, homeware, curios and more. Watch as fishing boats bring in fresh fish to the working harbour and large container ships on the waterfront. With the Table Mountain in the backdrop, the neighbourhood is a symbol of heritage and diversity.
Price: Based on the purchase
Timings:9.00 am to 7.00 pm
Pro Tip: There is an Information Kiosk that serves international visitors that you could use.
9. Sip into the Finest Wines in Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch Winelands
Take a tour of the finest wine regions in Cape Winelands. Surround yourself by rolling vineyards and sample tasty red & white wine. Don’t forget to bite into cheese and chocolates on a tour led by an expert in wine tastings. The winery gives you a fun-filled experience into wine lands premier estates, cape ports, sparkling wine tasting moments and more. Take a tour to gain knowledge of the South African wine lands that are truly engaging.
Price: Based on the tour
Timings: Tour timings
Pro Tip: Take a trip in the Franschhoek wine tram for wonderful explorations of the valley.
10. Go on the Hop On Hop Off Cape Town Canal Cruise
The Cape Town Canal Cruise lets you explore the waterfront in a hop on hop off sightseeing tour. The commentary helps you understand the city’s maritime history as the cruise moves along from Cape Town central business district to the Victoria and Albert Waterfront. The boat trip is about half an hour that showcases the properties built around the canal. You can see the harbour area and landmarks, a grand thing to do on a bright sunny day.
Price: $2.01 upwards (canal ticket)
Timings: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (varies based on weather)
Pro Tip: The canal ticket is valid for a full day.
