Pondering about Africa, you will think about the grasslands, the safari, giraffes, lions, “The Lion King” even, and the fashionable Ankara fabrics. But, this continent is definitely much more than these. Africa is also known for its beautiful mountains, delicious wines, pristine beaches, and vibrant shopping destinations. The lion’s share of all these goes to South Africa, particularly its capital, Cape Town. In this travel guide, we’re going to explore more about the best things to do in Cape Town.  

A buffet of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, there seems to be nowhere quite comparable to the Mother City. While Cape Town has a strong reputation for outdoor activities, thanks to its mountain chains and beaches, over the recent years, South Africa’s oldest city has gradually added gastronomy and culture to the list of the best things to do in Cape Town. Let’s go ahead and explore!

Here Are The Best Things To Do In Cape Town

Cape Town is a fantastic place to discover. Here are some of the best things to do in Cape Town. 

1. Get Treated To Amazing Views From The Top Of Table Mountain

The “mountain in the sea.” That is how the nomadic Khoe-San people who once settled on the slopes of Cape Town’s famous 1,085-meter high flattop called Table Mountain, the first on this list of the best things to do in Cape Town. And their nickname for this mountain is just on pointe. This rocky massif amid Cape Town features gorgeous peaks running down the Cape Peninsula from its iconic front face to Cape Point, which is bounded by Table Bay and the Atlantic coast.

There are various ways to reach the mountain’s peak, depending on what’s most comfortable for you. You can relax and ride a cable car, unleash your inner adventurer and hike, or it could also be a mix of both. Once you reach the plateau, simply follow the well-marked trails between the viewpoints and the summit, Maclear’s Beacon. There, terrific views of the surroundings await you.

2. Tour Robben Island, Where Nelson Mandela Was Imprisoned

Second on this things to do in Cape Town guide is touring Robben Island. We’re going to tell you right now, right here that this place is famous for once being where anti-apartheid activist and former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned. Somehow, Robben Island has become a reminder of this country’s troubled past.

Since the city was founded at one point during the 1600s, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has served as a military base, a mental institution, a home for a leper colony, and a prison – yes, rolled into one.  

Today, much of its past has gone. It now houses an insightful museum that details the island’s history, as well as offers tours, interestingly (and eerily, maybe), led by former inmates of this former prison. But, nonetheless, you’ll get first-hand accounts on what it is like to live here.

3. Summertime Is Best In Cape Town’s Beaches

Forget about Hawaii, the Bahamas, or Thailand for now, and discover the beaches of South Africa. Time for a change. 

There are several beaches here where there are also a lot of things to do in Cape Town. The list begins at the Atlantic and False Bay coastlines that offer a beach experience for everybody, whether you want to kitesurf and be treated to unbeatable views of the Table Mountain at Bloubergstrand, surf at Muizenberg, or sunbathe at Clifton. For those who want to take things a little bit further, you can visit Sandy Bay, a clothing-optional beach, and swim with African penguins at Boulders Beach. 

However, False Bay can be crowded during holidays. If you want alternatives, you can instead go to Long Beach where you can get showstopping views of Chapman’s Peak and Hout Bay. If you just want seafront, period, head over to Sea Point Promenade where you also get to mingle with the locals.

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4. Mingle With Penguins

We’re going to make sure you heard that right. Penguins in South Africa, you ask? Yes! South Africa may not be located in the North or South Pole, but somehow, penguins have considered it their home, particularly Cape Town. 

Cape Town’s Boulders Beach, as you have learned a while ago, is where you can swim the waters together with the penguins wading around. This is the perfect time for kids curious about these creatures, since they get to see these birds in person.

5. Or, How About Cage Diving With Sharks?

Don’t worry, because you’ll just be diving with these deadly sharks while you are inside a cage. Perfectly safe. 

South African waters are a home for almost a hundred species of sharks swimming around. So, will you take the plunge? Worry not because in this experience, you’ll be guided by professionals who prioritize your safety, of course. 

This is one of the best things to do in Cape Town, if you’re after the thrill. Aside from being perfectly safe, this also actually makes humans aware that many shark species mean no harm. Go give it a try.

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6. Immerse Yourself In The Wildlife Safari

You might ask – can experiencing Africa’s wildlife safari be possible with the things to do in Cape Town? The answer is yes. So, aside from enjoying what the city has to offer, there’s also a nearby safari where you can encounter the wildlife.

Spend the entire day at the Aquila Game Reserve, which is the closest safari to Cape Town. See all the “Big Five” game animals – the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo, they’re all here – as well as endangered species such as the Aquila black eagle. It’s a worry-free tour that picks you up from your hotel. 

7. Make It Unique With A Helicopter Tour

Helicopter tours are becoming more and more popular lately. Not only do they offer the tourist unparalleled travel experiences, but they also get a different perspective of the sights. 

In this tour, you’ll climb aboard a private helicopter for a flight over Cape Town that you will surely remember for the rest of your life. This particular tour from Viator lasts 18 minutes, and within those minutes, you’ll see the majestic Table Mountain from all sides, as well as Cape Town’s City Bowl. You’ll also get the opportunity to soar above the beautiful Atlantic coastline, and enjoy bird’s eye views of iconic attractions like the Twelve Apostles, Lion’s Head, and perhaps even Robben Island. This is one of the best things to do in Cape Town that’s hands down, a must-try.

8. Be At The Edge Of The World At Historic Cape Of Good Hope

Ah, the historic Cape of Good Hope, where many sea voyages from Europe to the then uncharted territories of Southeast Asia passed by. You can see it in person here at Cape Town.

Extending further south from Cape Town is the Cape of Good Hope, which is also the peninsula that divides the Atlantic Ocean and False Bay. Thanks to South African authorities, this cape now encompasses the Table Mountain National Park, and features miles of tranquil walking trails. 

Visiting this place, you’ll bump into some of the region’s residents, including ostriches and baboons. Don’t forget to capture your best moments here as you literally be right at the edge of the world. Saying “wow” at what you’ll see is an understatement. 

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9. Embark On A Food Safari Tour Around The Bo-Kaap Neighborhood

Kinda confused where to take your food cravings while you’re here in Cape Town? The best recommendation is to bring them to the Bo-Kaap neighborhood. There are so many things to do in Cape Town while you’re here. 

Like you’ve learned earlier, Cape Town’s rich past goes back to the Khoe-San people, via the city’s founding in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company. Then, the city was a refreshment station for its vessels, and the Bo-Kaap neighborhood on the slopes of Signal Hall is part of this heritage. This neighborhood is also characterized by its minarents peeking above intricately colored terraced houses.

The food adventure here is not only a must-try, but also unique. Since the area is the traditional home of Cape Malay culture, developed by the clans after clans of enslaved people and Islamic dissidents who arrived from Dutch colonies in Southeast Asia, the gastronomic experience here gives a taste of Asia. Here, you can learn how to make mild curries and tomato-and-onion sambal, as well as roll rotis and wrap samoosas. And don’t forget to try the coconut-sprinkled koe’sister doughnut, or bobotie or curried mince with raisins under a dairy crust.

10. Go Wine Tasting

The wine tasting experiences in Cape Town are also intertwined with the city’ history. Among the first things the Dutch East India Company did as soon as they landed at Table Bay was to make wine, knowing that the Cape’s Mediterranean weather was ideal for cultivating vines. Thus, they were able to give birth to the oldest wine industry outside Europe. Today, where those things happened, at the Cape Dutch estates and mountainside vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, should be part of your travel itinerary while you’re in Cape Town. 

The wine tastings here are usually paired with learning the Cape Winelands’ glorious culture, history, and cuisine, so be sure to grab this opportunity. You can also enjoy a gourmet picnic, traverse the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, or board the Franschhoek Wine Tram. The best is yet to come.

Thank you for giving us a chance to guide you on the things to do in Cape Town. Lessons about Cape Town do not end here. Did you know we also listed down Cape Town as one of the best photography spots in the world? Click this link!

More Things To Do In Cape Town: Upcoming Events

Cape Town is warm and welcoming. If you can remember, the 2010 FIFA World Cup was held in this South African capital. Cape Town is energetic with events. Looking for more things to do in Cape Town? How about attending some events?

• Cape Town SMME Summit, Tomorrow – If you also happen to be an entrepreneur, you can attend this summit that will share ideas on how to rebuild your business after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s happening tomorrow!
• Innocence Music Experience, June 30th to July 1st – This event fuses together the vibrancy of Newlands Cricket Stadium’s indoors with its outdoor charm, for a festival experience like no other. Featured artists include Chunda Munki, Austin Cassim, Dean Fuel, and Lady M.
• Worldview Education Fair, October 5th – This event looks forward to students and families eager to learn more about its participating universities. 
• Secrets of Summer New Year’s Eve Music Festival, December 31st – Experience an unforgettable music festival that isn’t only about the music, but also dancing and celebration as Cape Town welcomes the New Year.

Trip Of A Lifetime

The lovely capital of South Africa, Cape Town is a must-visit destination for every traveler. Things to do in Cape Town include visiting its modern infrastructure, rich biodiversity, and stunning coastline. Whether you are an adventurer who likes the adrenaline rush, or somebody who just enjoys sitting back and relaxing, Cape Town has something for you. There’s just so much to indulge into, from extreme activities like cage diving with sharks to those soul-pampering experiences such as wine tasting. In this city where nature is within easy reach from the urban landscape, each day brings a new adventure.