The Top Things To Do In Cape Town

There’s something for everyone in Cape Town. Scale Table Mountain or Lion’s Head, swim in Llandudno Beach’s clear blue waters, and sample the Cape’s finest wines at a local vineyard. Then there’s the wildlife, and Africa’s promise of the “Big Five” – elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinos. Try the restaurants on trendy Bree Street and you’ll be dining out on your experiences of Cape Town for decades to come. Here’s our list of the 10 best things to do in the South African capital.

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Get an aerial perspective of the city

There’s no better way to put the whole city of Cape Town into perspective than by getting up high, and for most people this means queuing for the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. Open whenever the weather permits, it’ll take you to the top in a matter of minutes (although peak season queues can add an hour or two to this). If you’re physically able and up for the hike you can choose to summit Table Mountain via one of the many hiking trails. For a shorter hike, the incredible 360-degree views from the most climbed peak Lion’s Head are well worth the effort. And for a takes-no-effort view, check out our guide to the top rooftop bars in Cape Town.

There are dozens of beaches in and around Cape Town that are worthy of at least a morning or afternoon of your itinerary. The most iconic and glamorous beaches are along the Atlantic Seaboard: the likes of Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno are beautiful – particularly if you’re a fan of sunsets. But those along the False Bay stretch are equally alluring, and the slightly warmer waters make for some enticing swimming.

Sample wines at a vineyard estate

The Cape’s world-famous wines punch well above their weight and are still remarkably affordable. The vineyards make a great destination even if you’re not a fan of the product; old architecture, tranquil surroundings and popular restaurants make them a fun day out. Estates are dotted throughout the region (the closest is the Groot Constantia-Trust) but for a more expansive experience consider heading to the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The drive’s a bit longer, but you’ll find some truly breathtaking estates with award-winning wines for you to sample.

Explore the local wildlife

If you’re looking for Africa’s ultimate Big Five wildlife experience you’ll want to head to Johannesburg and then onto Kruger National Park. Though there are some private reserves within reach of Cape Town with big cats and elephants, they tend to be smaller and more exclusive than those up north. That’s not to say the Cape is short on other wildlife: nature reserves such as Cape Point and West Coast National Park are home to large antelope and unique bird species. Then there’s the marine life; try land-based whale-watching from the town of Hermanus, the ever-popular penguins at Boulders Beach and the vibrant Two Oceans Aquarium.

Soak up the atmosphere of the inner city

These days Cape Town’s inner city is an attraction in itself. Day or night there’s always something to do – whether you’re looking to enjoy a coffee in a quirky café, dinner in a bustling restaurant, take in the local history, or party the night away in a trendy bar or club. Keep your wits about you, and the city is a safe and fascinating place to explore – but if you’re unsure, there are several guided walking tour options that will escort you around the major attractions.

Shop for souvenirs at the V&A Waterfront

If you’re a fan of shopping then Cape Town should have you covered. The V&A Waterfront is a popular mixed-use development offering all the international items and brands you could wish for in its harbour environment. There’s a curio market here that will supply you with loads of artisan trinkets to take home. If you’re looking for the best range and prices, however, strike a bargain with one of the stall owners on Greenmarket Square – one of Cape Town’s oldest markets.

Dine out in the city’s best restaurants

Cape Town is home to the country’s best restaurants. Whether you’re a foodie looking for innovative cuisine or simply want a lunch to remember, this city has a great variety of places to sample. Take a walk along vibrant Bree Street and stop in for tapas at Villa 47, or fondue at Culture Cheese Club which is entirely dedicated to dairy – this street is vying for coolest place in the city. Alternatively, lunch or dinner at pretty much any of the wine estates should leave you more than satisfied. This helpful list of the top 10 restaurants is a good place to start.

Explore the peninsula

There’s a lot to explore further south of Cape Town, particularly if you have access to a set of wheels. The towns dotted along the False Bay coastline – Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town – are all worth visiting en route to Cape Point. On the return leg, the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive is a thrilling route to take. There’s no right or wrong way to appreciate the peninsula, but if you’re in doubt try a gentle drive to Cape Point on the eastern roads, and a return along the Atlantic Seaboard.

Picnic in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are beautifully tranquil and serene, and you can while away a good few hours here wandering among the plants. Pack a picnic and enjoy it on the lush green lawns. If your timing is good, you might also be able to catch a live concert in the natural amphitheatre – they usually take place on Sunday afternoons during summer, and advance booking is essential.

Learn about the complex history of South Africa

Cape Town holds an important place in South Africa’s turbulent, recent and ongoing history. As the first city of settlers it’s home to some of the oldest buildings in the country, but there are several other (arguably more pressing) important historical sites and museums to visit including Robben Island (Nelson Mandela’s place of confinement), the District Six Museum focusing on apartheid and Bo-Kaap with its diverse cultural history. Each will elucidate and illuminate a piece of the city’s political-historical puzzle, and add to your understanding of its present.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.