Best things to do in Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is an absolute must visit destination on any trip to South Africa – it gets such international praise and recognition, and for absolutely good reason. Cape Town is easily one of my favourite cities in the entire world! The city is so dynamic with stunning scenery, delicious restaurants, and vibrant culture.
These are some of the most iconic destinations and the absolute best things to do in Cape Town!
- It goes without saying that weekends are when cities around the world are most animated, but it is worth seriously trying to plan your trip to get one (or more) weekend in Cape Town. The city hums on a whole other level on Saturdays and Sundays. Do not miss out on the vibrant weekend markets or the busy beach days because you planned your days wrong!
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Hike Lion's Head
People say no trip to Cape Town is complete without hiking to the top of Lion’s Head – so I’ve had this on my hike bucket list for a long time, and wow, did it ever live up to my expectations!
The hike is a moderate to easy hike for an average hiker – mostly made difficult by the final kilometre of somewhat exposed scrambling to the summit. Though I am from the mountains in Canada, so take my perception of easy with a grain of salt if you’re from somewhere flat… Until the last section the path is a nice gradual and wide climb circling the mountain. The payoff for this modest hike is unbelievable – you get stunning 360º views of Cape Town, the bay, and Table Mountain without having to spend all day grinding up to the summit. Definitely an incredibly rewarding day hike.
There seems to be a love of doing the hike at sunrise or sunset, but unless you’re with a guide or know the trail incredibly well… I’m not sure it is worth being at the summit in the dark. Morning or night, it would require a lot of technical scrambling in the dark, especially if you don’t have a headlamp and you’re trying to hold your phone as a flashlight, you risk not being able to hold on properly which could be quite dangerous. I would consider doing the first 2/3rds (the easy part of the hike) and watching the sun do its thing from there. You’ll still get stunning views from all angles, just slightly lower elevation.
Book a sunrise/sunset hike with a guide
Visit the top of table mountain
Go on, dance (walk) on the table (mountain)! Table Mountain is THE iconic vista and getting to explore this landmark is one of the best things to do in Cape Town!
If hiking up Lion’s Head was enough effort for you, I have great news, there is an easy way up Table Mountain. Take the cable way to the top – but make sure you book your tickets online in advance and defo plan to go early in the day. The lineup gets very long, very quickly. We arrived at 8AM, before the first cable car even started up the mountain, and it took about 1 hour before we got to the top.
Once you’re on the top, have a wander around and grab a coffee or snack from the cafe to enjoy with the views. This is where the crowds are thickest, so I definitely recommend pushing further out from the main area and hike towards the “summit” of Table Mountain. It is well worth the couple hours of hiking to Maclear’s Beacon to see more of the mountain – you’ll get more stunning views across the city and will have a more intimate experience. Plus, the mountain is referred to as a table for a reason, it not a challenging hike with very little elevation.
If you’re travelling on a tight budget and want to avoid the cost of the cable car tickets you could hike all the way up but unlike the hike to Maclear’s Beacon or even up Lion’s Head, climbing all the way up Table Mountain is not a simple little hike. If you’re fully committed to hiking to the top there are a few popular, but strenuous, routes up the 1,086m mountain including Skeleton Gorge or Platteklip Gorge.
However you get yourself to the top make sure you plan your visit with the forecast in mind. If you can help it, go on a clear, sunny day so you don’t get lost in the foggy “table cloth” and can appreciate the stunning 360º views of the city and the sea.
Book cable way tickets
soak up the sun at Saunders Rocks Beach
You know, there are some beaches where the vibes are elite, and I would put Saunders Rocks Beach on that list. Cape Town has many beaches but to me this is the one. Maybe it is because I often refer to myself as a little lizard who just wants to bask on a warm rock, or maybe it is just that good – we may never know?
Saunders is not a big beach with a long stretch of soft white sand, but it will sure bring in a crowd. People perch on different levels across the massive rocks, dipping and diving into the chilly South Atlantic waters. Spend the day in the sun or go to watch the sunset, but whatever you do, be sure to spend some time lounging at Saunders Rocks Beach.
Conveniently, it is located at the end of the Sea Point so you can explore the neighbourhood on your way to the beach, or go for dinner or drinks after a day in the sun.
wander the V and A waterfront
Cape Town’s busy harbour meets a happening entertainment district in the V&A Waterfront. The V&A attracts tons of visitors with a wide variety of shopping and dining options.
It is definitely worth a visit to wander around the district. Watch for the seals playing in the water, listen to the musicians harmonize, shop around and grab a cocktail at one of the luxe restaurants on the waterfront to enjoy a day in the V&A.
Watch the sunset on signal hill
Skip the sunset hike and opt for a dreamy sunset picnic up on Signal Hill. Every night locals and visitors gather on the paragliding launch site to watch the sun set below the horizon and enjoy the start of the evening. The vibes are great and it really does feel like one of the things you must do in Cape Town.
If you do bring some snacks be sure protect your food from the little spotted chickens (actually Helmeted Guineafowl) running around. I saw one sprinting off with a slice of pizza!!
To get to Signal Hill, you don’t need a car or the hop-on-hop-off bus ticket. You can call an Uber to pick you up, but just make a mental note that the road gets very busy right after the sun sets, so be prepared to wait a little while before you hail your ride.
spend a day winery hopping
South Africa holds ranks among a top-tier group of wine-producing countries in the world and so what better way to spend a day than sipping your way from winery to winery.
The celebrated Cape Winelands (around the towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl) are just an hour’s drive outside of Cape Town which makes it a fantastic day trip from the city. Unless you’ve got a DD, best to join an organized tour that will take you between wineries or towns, to help you safely access the many incredible Wineland wineries.
We visited the Franschhoek Valley on the hop-on-hop-off Wine Tram (so much fun!), booked with a transfer to and from Cape Town. The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a fantastic way to visit multiple wineries and makes your day of tastings scenic, safe, and simple!
Book a wine tour
Snack and socialize at the weekend markets
Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Neighbourgoods Market
Cape Town has some of the coolest markets that pop off every weekend! Visit with a full wallet and an empty stomach and you will have the best time! These weekend markets are some of the best things to do in Cape Town and are not to be missed. Keep your Saturdays and Sundays free for them!
Oranjezicht City Farm Market
The Oranjezicht City Farm Market is conveniently located right down near the V&A Waterfront. It is an elevated farmers market where you can pick up some fresh fruit and veg and a light meal from any number of the kitchens and local restaurant stalls. With plenty of outdoor seating (with and without cover) you can enjoy the views looking out into Table Bay and the vibes. Spend a bit of time shopping the eclectic stalls as well.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market Saturday – 8:15AM – 2PM | Sunday – 9AM – 2PM | Wednesday – 5PM – 9PM
Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill
The Old Biscuit Mill is a unique industrial hot spot for design and dining. Although the Old Biscuit Mill is open daily with a handful of artisan boutiques and restaurants, the time to be there is without a doubt on Saturday and Sunday.
The weekend is when the energy and the vibes hit hard. The covered garage is transformed into the Neighbourgoods Market, with rows and rows of food stalls, two bars, and an all day DJ to bring the jams and the energy. A weekend at Neighbourgoods is a vibe, a celebration, and a destination.
Neighbourgoods Market Saturday – 9AM – 6PM | Sunday – 10AM – 6PM | Old Biscuit Mill Daily – 10AM – 4PM
- Don't sleep on the boutiques that are at the Old Biscuit Mill every day. I was so enamoured by the pop up shops and stalls of the weekend Neighbourgoods Market that I didn't even make it into the permanent stores. I wanted to know what the place was like on a weekday (turns out much quieter without the market carrying the energy) but because it was quiet I actually went into all the boutiques and discovered the Leatherwise shop... Oh baby, let me tell you!! The most stunning, beautiful, perfect handmade leather shoes called out my name and it was like a Cinderella moment. I swear I am not being hyperbolic. I highly recommend checking out all the great design boutiques, but especially Leatherwise.
Other must visit markets
Greenmarket Square – Bustling daily market that has some beautiful African styled clothing, accessories, art, as well as some knickknack-y trinkets. Set up and torn down daily on one of the oldest public spaces in the city, you’ll meet the locals that animate the square and find treasures worth bringing home.
Time Out Market – Elevated food hall curated by the Time Out Magazine team, located in the V&A Waterfront. This is a great option if you want to sample a few Cape Town restaurateurs, or are looking for a light meal. The Time Out Market is open daily and sometimes has events and entertainment.
The Water Shed – Also in the V&A Waterfront, the Water Shed is a huge artisan design space that showcases local artists and designers. If you’re looking for a nice gift for someone back home or a special souvenir this is a great place to look, although the prices do match the craftsmanship.
Mojo Market – For a trendy lifestyle and food market visit the Mojo Market in Sea Point. They host events and entertainment 365 days a year, so you will always find something fun happening while you dine around.
visit the cape of good hope
Truly no trip to Cape Town is complete without a Peninsula day trip down to the rocky headland of the Cape of Good Hope. Set out early to maximize your day, there is a lot to see and do on the Cape Peninsula, and you are going to want to do it all!
Once you are in the National Park, make your way up to the Cape Point old lighthouse (on foot or by funicular). This is your highest vantage of the Cape of Good Hope, but for a wilder view of the rocky headland be sure to walk down the little path that detours towards the new lighthouse.
After visiting the Cape Point lighthouses you can do the boardwalk hike past Dias Beach to the top of the Cape of Good Hope or you can take your car down to sea level. This is where you’ll find the infamous sign marking the southwestern most point of the continent – don’t miss it!
There are lots of other beautiful places to visit in the National Park if you have the time, including other hiking trails, sandy beaches, and tidal pools. While you’re there, watch out for an ostrich ambling through the fynbos or a baboon that is ready to f*ck you up in search of food (please don’t feed them).
People often mistaken the Cape of Good Hope as the bottom tip of Africa, but it is actually the South-Westernmost point on the African continent. If you’re looking for the actual Southernmost point, where the two oceans meet, you’ll be on the hook for a bit more than a day trip. Cape Algulhas is the actual southernmost point, and it is about 150KM SE from the Cape of Good Hope.
Renting a car is the most enjoyable and flexible way to visit the Cape of Good Hope, but there are plenty of tour options that are guaranteed to hit the must-visit sights that leave Cape Town daily. No matter how you get there, this is one of the absolute best things to do while in Cape Town.
BOOK A CAPE OF GOOD HOPE TOUR or Rent a car
bonus !! bond with the Boulders beach penguins
While you’re on the Cape Peninsula, no trip is complete without a visit to the Boulders Beach penguin colony in Simons Town. At Boulders Beach you can watch these adorable little creatures paddle and waddle around from a raised boardwalk. You don’t know how delightful a group of penguins is until you’re there watching them just do their thing and giggling at their every move.
The National Park service manages the beach and surrounding coast to protect the penguins and their natural habitat. In 2024 the African penguin species was recognized as critically endangered, as their breeding pairs dipped to a new low below 10,000.
drive chapman's peak
As you make your way down the Cape Peninsula, a drive along the windy road carved into the mountainside is an absolute must. Chapman’s Peak drive is one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world, with striking views out to the Atlantic Ocean and the Table Mountain range.
There is a small toll (R64 / 3.50 USD) to access the road, but the views as you wind your way along the coastline are worth every penny. Make sure to check that the road is open – occasionally it will close due to inclement weather or other bad conditions.
From Cape Town, to get to the start of the drive you’ll make your way through the quaint seaside suburb of Hout Bay. Take a quick stop at Houtbay Coffee for a delicious cup of coffee and grab a few pastries to enjoy at one of the many viewpoints along the drive.
Rent a car from Cape Town
dine deliciously
Cape Town was one of those cities where I spent my whole day thinking about what delicious food I just ate and what I was going to eat next. I wished I was hungry all day so I could keep trying more of the excellent cafes and restaurants. Honestly, eating good is one of the best things to do in Cape Town.
These are some of the places I loved while visiting Cape Town, but I ALWAYS want more restaurant reccos. Please, please message me with your favourite Cape Town cafes and restaurants.
get out on the water
While I was on top of Table Mountain, two girls walked by and one said to the other with shock and awe “LOOK, THE COAST!!” tbh, I was wondering how this came as a shock but I did love how happy she was to see the ocean. And yes, Cape Town is in fact on the coast and so what better way to appreciate being by the ocean than actually getting out on the water by boat.
From the V&A Waterfront there are tons of options ranging from a 30 minute harbour tours, to pirate ships, to glamorous champagne sunset cruises. If your a little more daring you could rent a kayak or SUP, or a surfboard in one of the surf towns on the Cape. Just brace for the cold, cold water if you do decide to dive in.
Wander down Kloof Street and through de waterkant
Cape Town has wealth of cool cafes and restaurants, and the trendy neighbourhoods of Kloof Street and De Waterkant are brimming with options.
Cape Town is an incredible city, but not exactly the most walkable one… the pesky mountains kinda get in the way. If you want to explore Cape Town on foot, this is a nice route to see some of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods and eateries. Walk down Kloof Street, along Bree St, and connect into De Waterkant. From there you can make your way down to the V&A Waterfront, or down to the Promenade connecting Green Point and Sea Point.
walk the Prom from green point to sea point
The Promenade (or the Prom as locals call it) is a lovely 6km walkway along the ocean stretching between Green Point and Sea Point. It is perfect for a nice stroll, jog, or bike ride along the water’s edge. You get gorgeous views of the ocean and the mountains and can make pit stops at any of the beaches along the way. Along the Prom you’ll also find a kids playground, a mini-golf course, a salt water pool, as well as a few convenient food stands.
On your walk back be sure to take the ‘inland’ route along the main road and check out all the bars and restaurants that animate the neighbourhoods.
explore the Bo-Kaap community
This colourful, cobble stoned neighbourhood is far more than just an instagramable backdrop. The Bo-Kaap community is rich with history and tradition as the area became home to many Muslims and freed slaves after the abolition of slavery. I definitely recommend joining a Bo-Kaap walking tour to learn about the history of the area, the multicultural traditions of the local people, and their influence on the cuisine in Cape Town (try some delicious Cape Malay dishes).
Visit Bo-Kaap with a local
learn about South Africa's history on Robben Island
2024 marks only three decades of democracy and freedom in South Africa, making a trip to Robben Island an important educational and moving experience. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a sobering look at the atrocities of the not-too-distant Apartheid era.
Located out in the harbour, Robben Island was the prison that held many incarcerated political figures who fought for freedom, including Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 (of 27) years imprisoned there. On the tour, you can explore the stark cells, hear the stories of perseverance, and reflect on the sacrifices made for a nation’s freedom. Nelson Mandela went on to become South Africa’s first Black president, symbolizing the beginning of the country’s journey toward racial equality and justice.
While visiting South Africa it is important to spend some time learning about the nation’s history, and certainly spending the afternoon on Robben Island will do just that.
Book your Robben Island tour
Chic day in camps bay
Camps Bay is the place to see and be seen in Cape Town. Under the shadow of the Twelve Apostles Mountains is the white sand beach, lined with upmarket restaurants, chic cocktail bars, and boutiques. In high summer it can turn into a bit of a party zone, but it’s easy to get into the vibe of the beach by day, and then sip on a nice cocktail from a second or third floor bar as the sun sets for the evening.
Happy trip planning!
From one traveller to another, I hope this guide to the best things to do in Cape Town was helpful for you as you make plans and book your next adventure!
If you read through this entire Cape Town guide and still have questions about the city or have other questions about starting your planning… fear not because I can still help! I have a personalized trip planning and advice service available to all Everywhere Travel Club readers. I’d love to chat for an hour with you and help answer any questions you’re working through, share fun ideas, and help bring your big trip to Cape Town into reality! For more info about the one one-on-one call for advice check out the details of my Personalized Travel Planning Sesh.
Let me know what you think about this guide or if it helped you – I’d love to hear from you! You can find me everywhere on the Everywhere Travel Club Instagram, TikTok or Twitter!