I’m calling it: Cape Town is one of the most stunning cities on the planet.
Where else can you find a world-famous mountain so close to the water that its base rolls out towards the ocean, and is fringed with pristine white sand beaches? Or a place where in a single day you can go for a sunrise hike, paraglide back down, enjoy coffee at the waterfront, go wine tasting at renowned vineyards, walk on a beach with penguins and still make it back to the city in time for happy hour?
Oh, and it’s also only a two hour drive to the nearest game reserve if you’re into safaris.
Yup, Cape Town is the absolute best.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, this is one of my favourite cities on the planet (saying this as someone who has been to 100 countries) and is absolutely worth the long trip to get there. Incredibly cosmopolitan yet surprisingly affordable, Cape Town gives off Sydney vibes without the high price tags.
Plus you don’t get to see wild elephants and rhinos in Australia, so there’s that.
During my first trip to South Africa I planned four nights/five days for my Cape Town itinerary, which felt like the perfect amount of time as we managed to see all of the city’s top sights and still go on a couple of day trips.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning the ultimate trip to this incredible destination, and all of the fun things to do in Cape Town, South Africa.
Fun things to do in Cape Town: Enjoy the views from the top of Table Mountain
One of the top places to visit in Cape Town is unsurprisingly Table Mountain—it was voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, after all.
Take the rotating cable car up to the summit of Table Mountain, and prepare to be awestruck by the panoramic views of the entire city spread out 1,067 metres below.
The experience starts with a ride on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway which whisks visitors all the way to the top in about five minutes, and the rotating cars mean that no matter where you’re standing you’ll get to enjoy fantastic birds-eye views.
Globe Guide tip: Afternoon visits usually aren’t as busy as morning time slots, so it may be worth going later in the day unless you have reserved tickets with a tour. Fast track passes are also available to purchase online ahead of time as well as at the ticket office.
At the top Upper Station you’ll find a gift shop and a few eateries, then head outside where the real fun begins. Here, a network of walking paths and viewing platforms offer lots of different vantage points to enjoy the stunning scenery from all angles.
Expect to spend at least an hour or two up here soaking it in; there are also free audio tours and guided 30-minute walks from 9 AM to 3 PM departing from the Twelve Apostles Terrace where staff share additional insights about the mountain and history of the cableway.
Globe Guide tip: High winds can force the closure of the cable car (which happened the day we went right as we got back down the mountain) so check conditions before heading over and plan to visit early in the trip in case you need to reschedule for another day. Be sure to bring lots of layers due to the inclement weather at the top.
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Hiking on Table Mountain
If you’re up for some exercise, skip the cable car and hike up Table Mountain instead. Options include:
Platteklip Gorge Hike (90 minutes-2 hours): This route is considered relatively easy with a series of switchbacks and staircases, and no ledges to edge along or boulders to scamper over. It’s the fastest trail for getting to the top, and can be quite crowded in the summer. Guided hikes are also offered.
Pipe Track from Kloof Nek (2.5-3 hours): Another moderate option, this 9 km out-and-back trail follows the contours of Table Mountain with views over Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles.
India Venster to Upper Cable Station (3.5-4 hours up): Only attempt this one if you have lots of time and experience, as there are scrambles, chains and steep climbs along the 3.4km path and exposed rock faces with no ropes. The payoff is a much quieter experience than crowded Platteklip Gorge, and dramatic views of the city, ocean, Lion’s Head, ‘Venster’ rock formation and passing cable cars. This article has some great info with tips and what to expect.
Go hiking in Cape Town
Speaking of hikes, Cape Town is great for those who enjoy active sightseeing, with fantastic trails right in the city.
If you only have time for one, pick the iconic Lion’s Head hike which has phenomenal views all the way up (along with some pretty insane vertical), and Capetonians love to head to the summit at sunrise to see the skyline bathed in a pink-hued, ethereal glow. This was definitely one of my favourite activities in Cape Town!
At 669 metres above sea level, the 2.1 kilometre pathway to the summit is tough terrain that will make you work for every step, and rewards the effort with dreamy views looking down at the city, Atlantic Ocean coastline and Table Bay.
The out-and-back trail is like a spiral up the hillside, and takes about 90 minutes to three hours to complete depending on fitness level and which route is chosen
READ MORE: The spectacular Lion’s Head hike in Cape Town, South Africa
Other popular picks for hiking in Cape Town are:
- Woodstock Cave Trail: 6.4 km out and back, difficult
- Skeleton Gorge: 5.5 km out and back, difficult
- Chapman’s Peak via Noordhoek: 5.1 km out and back, difficult
- Kloof Corner: 1.9 km out and back, easy
- Newlands Forest – Block House: 6 km out and back, moderate
- Constantia Nek to Kirstenbosch: 6.1 km point to point, moderate
Admire the colourful houses in Bo-Kaap
The Bo-Kaap neighbourhood is one of Cape Town’s most Instagram-famous photo spots, thanks to its multi-coloured streetscapes.
Located near the base of Signal Hill, the candy-coloured rows of flat-roofed homes feature pastel and bold technicolour facades. But there’s more to this area than just fun backdrops; it’s considered one of the city’s most distinct areas and home to a predominantly Muslim, Cape Malay community dating back to the 1760s.
A few landmarks include the Auwal Mosque in Dorp Street which is South Africa’s oldest mosque, and the Bo-Kaap Museum where visitors can learn more about the area’s long history. Some operators also offer cooking tours here to try traditional Cape Malay specialities and visit local eateries.
Globe Guide tip: Unfortunately pickpocketing and muggings do occur in Cape Town especially in Bo-Kaap, so stay aware of your surroundings and try to avoid bringing pricey jewelry and electronics here.
Walk along the V&A Waterfront and Silo District
The pulse of Cape Town is found in the V&A Waterfront (Victoria & Alfred Waterfront), a lively downtown district with shopping, live music, food halls and even sea lions.
Luxury hotels, malls and packed patios overlook the working harbour, and the V&A is also the city’s busiest tourist area as the meeting point for many sightseeing tours, day cruises, fishing charters and the ferry over to Robben Island.
Wander down to the water, and you’ll likely see a colony of sea lions lounging on a jetty in the sun!
Attractions to check out include:
- The Cape Wheel: A ferris wheel with views of Granger Bay, Robben Island, Table Mountain and Signal Hill
- Two Oceans Aquarium: Family-friendly activity in Cape Town with multiple exhibits, shark feedings, a PADI dive school, and a chance to hold their adorable northern rockhopper penguins during the Penguin Experience.
- Cape Town Diamond Museum
- Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa: Acclaimed modern art museum
- Clock Tower: A historic Victorian Gothic-style clock tower built in 1882 that was originally the port captain’s office.
- The Watershed: Very cool multi-storey marketplace with locally designed goods
- Nobel Square: Statues of Nobel Peace Prize laureates, and you’ll often find buskers entertaining the crowds here
- Time Out Market Cape Town: Lots of options in a cool refurbished warehouse to grab lunch
Globe Guide tip: If you happen to time your trip right and find yourself in Cape Town on the first Thursday of the month, be sure to head to the waterfront for ‘First Thursdays Cape Town’ where the streets are packed with people enjoying live music, art, fun food offerings in a festival-like atmosphere.
Another part of the V&A is The Silo District, a trendy, slightly quieter and upscale area with slick condos, hotels, shopping, restaurants and the pièce de résistance, The Silo Hotel.
Once a grain elevator inside a repurposed silo complex, it’s been brilliantly redesigned as a boutique hotel, featuring a unique, geometric grid of glass windows. The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is found below, while the hotel’s rooftop terrace has a bar and elevated pool with phenomenal views of the water and Table Mountain.
Another fun happy hour option is the sky-high Locâl at RED Roof at the neighbouring Radisson RED hotel, which has a pool, bar and food truck and is open from 6 AM until midnight.
Take a thrilling tandem paragliding ride above Cape Town
I LOVE paragliding in new places (the views are elite), and Cape Town is one of the best places in the world to do it. Thanks to consistent winds, you’ll see those bright parachutes floating down from Signal Hill or Lion’s Head most days of the year.
There are quite a few operators offering tandem paragliding, and no experience is required. It’s as simple as signing your life away with a liability form, getting harnessed in, and the instructor will give you a quick briefing about what to expect before heading off.
There’s not much to do other than ‘running’ off the hill at the beginning while the wind catches the wing, and you’ll quickly find yourself soaring high above the city looking down at the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain.
The views are breathtaking as you glide around, and it’s actually quite relaxing—unless you ask for the ‘roller coaster’ treatment near the end where the instructor will do some fun flips and turns before landing. When I did it we launched from Signal Hill and I got to spend about 15 minutes in the air before landing in Sea Point
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Globe Guide tip: The best paragliding weather is during Cape Town’s winter season (June to September); I did it in December and was the second last person able to launch that morning since the winds suddenly died down, so keep in mind that the time of year is a big factor in if you’ll be able to try this or not.
Relax on Cape Town’s best beaches
One of Cape Town’s best features is its unbelievable beaches, where white sand, turquoise water and dramatic granite boulder formations make for a picture-perfect scene.
Go for a walk along one of the adjacent palm-lined ‘proms’ (promenades), take a dip in a natural tidal pool, join in a beach volleyball game or simply relax and soak up the fun vibe.
Keep in mind this isn’t the tropical Caribbean and most people can only handle a couple of minutes in this chillier part of the Atlantic Ocean, so the beaches here are more about hanging out on the sand versus splashing around in the water.
The most popular beach areas to hang out at in Cape Town are:
Camps Bay Beach: The spot to see and be seen, Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s trendiest areas where cafes, restaurants, boutiques and swish hotels overlook the white sand beach sheltered by Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range.
The beach is Blue Flag certified, which is an eco-certification awarded to beaches that meet strict standards for water quality, safety and environmental management, and amenities include washrooms, lifeguards and access for those with disabilities. You’ll also find tidal pools here, and Camps Bay Beach hosts things like volleyball tournaments and summer festivals.
The Clifton Beaches: Made up of four separate beaches (aptly-named First, Second, Third and Fourth Beaches), First is quietest, Second is more lively and usually attracts younger folks, Third is favoured by the LGBTQ+ crowd, while Fourth is the largest and most popular with families and has amenities like food stands, lounger rentals, washrooms and lifeguards.
Sea Point: This high-end area nestled between Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean has gorgeous views overlooking the coastline where there are a handful of beach areas and the Sea Point Prom paved walkway.
Saunders Rock Beach is known for its large rockpool and is a great place for a post-work swim, picnics and watching the sunset. There are also multiple pools and changing facilities accessed via the Sea Point Pavilion.
Llandudno Beach: This secluded, picturesque cove in one of Cape Town’s most affluent neighbourhoods is Blue Flag certified, great for surfing thanks to its strong currents, and best for sunbathing and sundowners among the granite boulders.
Sandy Bay: A nudist beach, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Globe Guide note: Boulder’s Beach (Simon’s Town) and Muizenberg Beach are also worth visiting–more information on those up next.
See the Boulders Beach penguins (then visit Kalk Bay and Muizenberg)
Think penguins only live in cold places like Antarctica and Patagonia? Surprise: you can find a colony of these cuties just outside Cape Town!
The tiny African penguins live in a sheltered cove near a residential area between Simon’s Town and Cape Town, and protected thanks to a successful breeding program and conservation efforts.
While swimmers at Boulders Beach and Seaforth Beach might find themselves doing a backstroke with the birds, the best spot to view them is actually from land at Foxy Beach.
From the elevated boardwalks, visitors can watch the black and white birds waddling along the waterfront, huddled under rocks seeking shade, and paddling back up to the shore after fishing for the likes of squid and anchovies.
One of the best times to see the Boulders Beach penguins is in December, which is their peak moulting time. That’s when they’re confined to land while their old worn feathers are replaced which means they lose their waterproofing, and they enter a period of starvation for about three weeks until they can head back out the water again to feed.
READ MORE: Cute colony: Visiting the Boulders Beach penguins in Cape Town
A trip to Boulders Beach is a must-do on any Cape Town itinerary, and easy to do as a self-guided trip.
It takes about 45 minutes to drive from the centre of town out to Simon’s Town, and can be combined with stops for shopping in nearby Kalk Bay and checking out the cute, colourful bathhouses in Muizenberg. Expect to spend about $30 each way for an Uber, plus entrance fees into the park.
A lot of tour companies also include a stop at Boulders Beach as part of their day trips out to the Cape of Good Hope which is another good option:
Enjoy the best day trips from Cape Town
While there’s tons to see in the city itself, there are also some phenomenal day trips right on its doorstep that you’ll definitely want to include on your Cape Town itinerary. The most popular are:
The Cape Winelands
If you love wine, the Cape Winelands are your spot. There are nearly 3,000 different wine farms in and around Cape Town throughout five growing regions. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are the best known and it’s possible to visit all three in a single day.
We booked this fantastic tour with The Wine Tour Co. which includes transportation, five different tastings with food pairings and lunch. Our guide Angelo was incredibly charming and very knowledgeable, and this was hands-down the best wine tour I’ve ever been on (which says a lot since I can’t even count how many I’ve done around the world!).
What I liked about this one is that all tasting fees are included, which isn’t always the case with Cape Town wine tours.
READ MORE: Uncorking the 15 best Cape Town wine tours
Taking a ride on the vintage Franschhoek Wine Tram is another fun way to sip and see in the area, and you can elevate your wine tasting experience with e-bikes, helicopter rides and even a wine safari:
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The Cape Peninsula
Another one of the top day trips from Cape Town is a scenic road trip around the Cape Peninsula to see scenic viewpoints and mischievous baboons.
Highlights include the famous Chapman’s Peak drive which has steep drop-offs, hairpin turns and spectacular coastal views, Cape Point where there’s a funicular, lighthouse and amazing vantage points, and the Cape of Good Hope which has bragging rights as the most southwestern point of the African continent.
READ MORE: Spectacular spots along South Africa’s Cape Peninsula
The tour we did included stops in Cape Town which made the day feel way too rushed so I don’t recommend it; instead, book one that just focuses on the peninsula, or hire a private driver/rent a car so you can enjoy the stops at your own pace.
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Cape Town itinerary
As mentioned, I spent five days exploring in and around Cape Town post-safari. Here’s an idea of how you can plan a similar trip and which activities make the most sense to combine based on location and required time:
- Day 1: Cape Town city highlights (V&A Waterfront and Silo District, Bo Kaap, lunch on Kloof Street) and Table Mountain cable car in afternoon
- Day 2: Morning hike up Lion’s Head, paragliding off Lion’s Head or Signal Hill (if brave enough!), afternoon in Clifton and Camp’s Bay Beach areas
- Day 3: Day trip to Cape Peninsula
- Day 4: See the penguins at Boulders Beach, visit Kalk Bay and Muizenberg
- Day 5: Day trip to Cape Winelands
Globe Guide tip: Schedule activities like the Table Mountain Cable Car and paragliding for early in the trip, in case they need to be rescheduled due to weather.
Where to stay in Cape Town
When it comes to choosing your accommodations in Cape Town, there isn’t exactly a ‘popular’ area to stay in since there are so many great districts. Instead, it comes down to what kind of vacation you’re looking to have.
V&A Waterfront area: Best for those planning on doing lots of sightseeing and being out a lot. Very central and busy. Try: The Docklands CT or splurge on a stay at the luxurious One&Only Cape Town or iconic Silo Hotel which both overlook the water.
Sea Point, Clifton and Camp’s Bay: Lots of gorgeous boutique hotels here with stunning ocean views and great restaurants nearby. Tend to be more expensive and not near many attractions other than the beach, but great for those looking for a slower pace and neighbourhood vibe. Try: Atlanticview Cape Town Boutique Hotel in Camp’s Bay or Latitude Aparthotel in Sea Point.
Gardens: This neighbourhood sits in the shadow of Table Mountain for quick access to hiking trails and the cable car, and borders Kloof Street which has some of the city’s trendiest eateries, cocktail bars and cafes. Try: Canopy By Hilton Cape Town Longkloof or Derwent House.
FAQs about visiting Cape Town
Getting around Cape Town
Uber is the way to go here, which are plentiful, safe and relatively inexpensive (it costs about $20 to get downtown from the airport, for reference). Another option for a day of self-guided sightseeing is to get a Hop-on Hop-off bus pass, which heads out as far as the Cape Winelands. Purchase them through Viator or GetYourGuide, and note that both one and two-day passes are available.
We did a guided city tour which I wouldn’t necessarily recommend; there’s so much to see in Cape Town that each stop feels quite rushed in a group setting, so I definitely suggest exploring on your own instead by Uber or the Hop On/Off bus.
This unlimited attractions pass is another good option, since it also includes admission to a number of Cape Town attractions:
Is Cape Town safe?
I’m not going to sugar coat it: Cape Town isn’t exactly the safest place, especially when it comes to muggings. In fact, I personally know two very seasoned travellers who were robbed during their time there, and a fellow tourist had a necklace ripped right off of her while walking through Bo Kaap just a few minutes before I arrived in the middle of the day.
To play it safe, keep valuables locked away in your hotel or out of sight, don’t dress flashy, and secure things like bags when dining out. For example, my friend had her purse stolen from off of her chair at a restaurant, which could have been avoided if she’d had it wrapped around her torso instead. (When I ate at restaurants in Cape Town, I’d loop my backpack straps through the legs of the chair I was sitting on, and keep the bag between my legs to thwart would-be thieves).
No matter how comfortable you feel, don’t walk around the city at night and call a taxi or Uber instead. There are even accounts of hikers being robbed on trails, so it’s best to head out with at least one other person no matter where you’re exploring in Cape Town.
Electricity
South Africa operates on 230V supply voltage, so bring a three-prong converter for your electronics. I’d also highly recommend a portable charger like this, as ‘load shedding’ is a huge issue (which are essentially planned, rolling blackouts) and I ended up relying on it a few times to charge my phone.
I also keep this small portable charger in my purse during the day as it doesn’t require cords and plugs right into your phone.
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