Standing at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town stands as a captivating jewel on the southern tip of Africa. This vibrant coastal city, often hailed as the Mother City, entices visitors with its stunning natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage and complex history. It’s a place where nature meets modernity, resulting in a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and breathtaking landscapes.
In this article, we discuss the 12 best things to do in Cape Town. We highlight the best places to experience the local culture, showcase some of the amazing beaches, explore the best outdoor adventures and include options for day trips from Cape Town.
Cape Town is filled with abundant cultural sites which showcase the varied history and heritage of the astonishing city. On your visit to Cape Town, you can explore vibrant neighbourhoods and insightful museums which will immerse you in the local culture and provide useful context for the city’s social history.
One of the most fun things to do in Cape Town is exploring the psychedelic streets of Woodstock. This vibrant suburb is a hub for graffiti and street artists who have adorned the area with colourful murals and eye-catching art pieces.
Walking through Woodstock is like taking a trip to an open-air art gallery, where every corner reveals a story of the local community and culture. The area is truly dynamic and reflects the creative spirit of Woodstock’s residents, providing an immersive experience to visitors.
You can happily explore the streets on your own, but for the best experience, you should book a guided tour of the neighbourhood. You will be guided through Woodstock by a local artist who will share more details about the history of the neighbourhood and the subjects that take centre stage in the many murals and artworks. You will also get the chance to explore the Old Biscuit Mill and shop at artisanal boutiques.
Another amazing neighbourhood that you should explore on your Cape Town trip is the Bo-Kaap. This district is characterised by its colourful, postcard-perfect buildings, cobbled streets and Cape Malay heritage. The distinct hues and intriguing architecture have made the Bo-Kaap a popular destination for photographers, so don’t miss this incredible photo opportunity.
The Bo-Kaap is renowned for its multicultural atmosphere and tight-knit community that includes Malaysian, African and Indonesian influences. Visitors can explore the neighbourhood’s history in the Bo-Kaap Museum, which provides insights into the heritage, traditions and struggles of the Cape Malay community. Alternatively, you can take a guided walking tour of the Bo-Kaap which will include a delightful Malaysian cooking class for the ultimate cultural immersion.
As you explore the stunning streets, be sure to visit the local mosques, try Cape Malay delicacies and interact with the warm, hospitable locals who will be more than happy to share their rich heritage with you.
For more cultural insight into Cape Town, make a visit to the District Six Museum. This powerful and poignant institution stands as a testament to the apartheid policies that displaced thousands of residents from District Six in 1966. The neighbourhood was originally very diverse, but the apartheid government declared it a whites-only area, forcibly removing over 60,000 non-white residents.
The museum chronicles the stories and experiences of the residents of District Six and aims to honour the memory of the community that once lived there. The museum houses a variety of exhibitions, including photographs, artefacts, and personal testimonies, documenting the history and daily life of District Six residents before the forced removals.
One of the museum’s most moving features is its oral history project. Visitors can listen to recorded interviews with former District Six residents, providing personal and emotional insight into their experiences.
You can get your tickets for the museum in advance, which will help you make the most of your visit. You may also want to time your visit with one of the many events that take place in the museum’s community hall. They often host cultural events, talks and human rights exhibitions.
As you wander down the V&A Waterfront, be sure to stop at Zeitz MOCAA. The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is located in a historic grain silo and is also the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world. It houses an unrivalled collection of diverse artworks from across the continent and is one of the best places to visit in Cape Town for creatives and art aficionados.
Zeitz MOCAA showcases a wide array of contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photography, video installations and performance art. The museum hosts both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, providing a platform for emerging and established African artists.
The artworks at Zeitz MOCAA explore diverse themes, including identity, history, social issues and cultural heritage. Artists often incorporate traditional African motifs and techniques into contemporary contexts, offering visitors a unique perspective on the continent’s rich artistic traditions and culture.
Be sure to book your tickets to Zeitz MOCAA early to avoid waiting in long queues. When you arrive, take some time to soak in the architectural wonder of the building and its striking glass atrium. You’ll find there’s no place more fitting for the beautiful collection of inspiring art.
South Africa is blessed with some incredible beaches, which provide a serene setting to relax on your Cape Town trip. Whether you want to lounge on the golden sands or interact with the charming wildlife, you will find a beach that suits your needs. Below, we showcase some of the best beaches in Cape Town that will be the highlight of your visit to South Africa’s legislative capital city.
If you’re a traveller with a penchant for surfing, then Muizenberg is a Cape Town must-do. Situated on the False Bay coast, Muizenberg is approximately 25 kilometres from the city centre and is easily accessible via public transport. It is famous for its colourful beach huts and pleasant waves, which have made it a hotspot for novice surfers.
The golden stretch of beach is a serene spot for coastal walks and picnics, making it a great place to visit for any traveller. What is particularly notable about Muizenberg is its collection of surf schools, where visitors can take surfing lessons and rent necessary equipment. The vibrant atmosphere, paired with the incredible views of the surrounding mountains, makes Muizenberg a favourite spot for both locals and tourists.
For a more unique beach experience, consider taking a trip to Boulders Beach. This enchanting destination is about 40 kilometres from Cape Town, but its magical offering makes it worth the journey. You can visit the beach on a guided tour to be more time efficient and see other natural highlights on your visit.
Boulders Beach is renowned for its resident colony of African Penguins. These charming creatures attract hundreds of tourists every year, who come for the unique opportunity to see the penguins up close in their natural habitat. You can watch the colony from specially constructed boardwalks that allow for safe and non-intrusive experiences with these adorable animals.
The beach itself is one of the best things to do in Cape Town for families as the waters are very shallow and the waves rarely get very strong. The shores are sheltered by large granite boulders that create small coves which are exhilarating to explore and provide a fun day out after visiting the penguins.
Travellers seeking a more glamorous beach visit should spend some time at Camps Bay. This is one of the most popular beaches in Cape Town and is situated to the west of the city against the Twelve Apostles mountain range. If you desire cool things to do in Cape Town, take a tour of Camps Bay in a helicopter, where you can marvel at the natural beauty of the bay from above.
The soft white sands of the beach are bordered by swaying palm trees which provide welcome shade against the sun. Camps Bay is a great place for sunbathing, swimming and socialising with other travellers and locals. There is a wide range of restaurants and bars along the beachfront, where you can tuck into classic cocktails and enjoy the sounds of the lapping waves.
Be sure to hang around till the evening. The beach boasts some of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean which are even more beautiful when the sun begins to set. The orange hues of the setting sun, coupled with the vibrant atmosphere and upscale amenities provide a picturesque setting for beach relaxation.
Cape Town is notorious for its natural beauty and there is no better way to experience it than by exploring the outdoors on an African adventure. There are some incredible hiking opportunities that will delight active travellers and trekking the monumental mountains that surround the city is one of the best things to do in Cape Town.
If you’re eager to visit Cape Town to experience the gorgeous African landscape, we’ve listed some of the best places to go below.
Cape Point is a dramatic promontory at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, about 60 kilometres south of Cape Town. It’s a part of the Table Mountain National Park and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The area is renowned for its rugged cliffs, endemic fynbos vegetation, and diverse wildlife.
Visitors can explore the Cape Point Nature Reserve, home to several hiking trails, pristine beaches and the iconic Old Cape Point Lighthouse. The Cape Point Funicular offers a convenient way to reach the viewpoint for travellers who don’t want to undertake the strenuous ascent.
Cape Point is also a popular spot for whale watching during the migration season and is rich in cultural and historical significance. You can take a guided tour to Cape Point that will take you through the stunning scenery and provide useful insight into the local ecology and history.
One of the best activities in Cape Town is hiking up Table Mountain. This rocky behemoth is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and dominates the Cape Town skyline. The flat-topped mountain forms part of the Table Mountain National Park and is accessible via hiking trails or a cable car.
Upon the summit of Table Mountain, visitors can take in the magnificent views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding natural landscape. It’s one of the best places in Cape Town for hikers, nature lovers and photographers eager to capture the innate beauty of the mountain.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours, sunset hikes and even abseiling experiences down the cliffs. Table Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Cape Town.
Another peak that is worth visiting in Cape Town is Lion’s Head. This distinctive mountain is adjacent to Table Mountain and is famous for being shaped like a lion. Like Table Mountain, it offers stunning views of Cape Town, the Atlantic seaboard and Table Mountain National Park. At the top, there’s a circular walkway around the peak, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic vistas and take incredible photos.
The mountain is a popular spot for hiking, particularly during the full moon, when many locals and tourists embark on the Full Moon Hike for a unique nocturnal experience. The trail to the summit is relatively easy, making it accessible for hikers of various fitness levels. Lion’s Head is also a top spot for sunset hikes, providing unforgettable vistas of Cape Town’s natural beauty.
While Cape Town is filled with a great deal of things to do, there are some great day trips available that will take you just outside of the city. If you are unsure of what to do in Cape Town, the following sites are great options to fill up your time on your visit. Whether you seek natural serenity or profound history, we’re sure these Cape Town day trips will inspire you.
Of all of the natural beauty that can be found in Cape Town, there’s no place where it is more prevalent than Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, the gardens span nearly 528 hectares and are lauded as one of the world’s most beautiful botanical gardens. Established in 1913, Kirstenbosch is renowned for its rich biodiversity, indigenous plant species and stunning landscapes.
At Kirstenbosch, you will find a variety of native South African flora. The garden boasts a vast collection of fynbos, the indigenous vegetation found in the Cape Floral Kingdom. Visitors can also explore themed gardens displaying different biomes and plant species, including proteas, ericas and restios.
One of the highlights of Kirstenbosch is the Boomslang, a tree canopy walkway that takes visitors through the treetops. You can also wander through the sculpture garden, where artworks by South African artists are displayed amidst the natural serenity. Likewise, the garden is home to various indigenous and migratory bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
If you desire more unusual things to do in Cape Town, consider taking a day trip to Robben Island. Located approximately 7 kilometres off the coast, the island is the historical site where many political prisoners were kept during the apartheid era.
You can reach the island by taking a ferry from the V&A Waterfront. There are multiple trips per day, so you won’t have any issues reaching it.
Robben Island has a history dating back to the 17th century when it was used as a place of banishment, isolation, and imprisonment. It gained international prominence during the apartheid era when it became a high-security prison for political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment there. It stands as a symbol of triumph and is a great place to visit in Cape Town to learn more about the history of apartheid.
The island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Robben Island Museum. Guided tours are conducted by former political prisoners, providing visitors with a firsthand account of the harsh conditions and the resilience of the inmates.
With a depth of history, stunning natural beauty and a wide array of fun things to do, Cape Town is certain to tick all of your boxes. On your visit, we encourage you to embrace the dynamic blend of cultures, bask in the warmth of the people and let the scenic beauty of Cape Town etch unforgettable memories into your heart.
As you explore the 12 best things to do in Cape Town, you’ll find that every moment is an opportunity to be immersed in the city’s diverse and captivating spirit.
We hope you have enjoyed this article and are feeling inspired for your Cape Town holiday. For more tips and advice, check out our other South African travel guides, like The 5 Best Family Holiday Destinations In South Africa.
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