The Best Things to Do in Cape Town: 33 Top Attractions and Must-See Spots

Cape Town is one of the most breathtaking cities in the world, offering endless adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From Table Mountain to a beach with penguins, there’s no shortage of epic activities here, and we're so excited to share the best things to do in Cape Town for any type of traveler.

Whether you're looking to explore iconic landmarks, relax on beautiful beaches, or go on epic adventures, Cape Town has something for everyone. The city’s unique blend of nature and culture makes it one of Africa’s most exciting destinations, and one of the top-recommended destinations in the world.

Get ready to experience stunning landscapes, world-class cuisine, and unforgettable adventures. This guide will take you through the must-see spots and hidden gems that make Cape Town truly special!

The Best Things to Do in Cape Town: Culture, Nature, Food, and Adventure

Cape Town is a city that has it all—stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and endless adventures. 

Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful South African destination. we're diving into the best things to do in Cape Town, with a guide tailored for every specific type of traveler. This way, you'll be able to easily find the activities that best suit you.

The Best Things to Do in Cape Town for Culture & Top Attractions

Before diving into the stunning nature and epic adventures of Cape Town, we'd like to share some of the low-key cultural activities around the city.

These are the best things to do in Cape Town for history lovers, families, and those that want to experience the culture and heart of one of South Africa's most beloved cities.

 Stroll the V&A Waterfront

The Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most iconic destinations. This lively harbor area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, museums, and entertainment venues. 

Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy street performances, ride the ferris wheel, and soak in the breathtaking views of Table Mountain. This is a great area to enjoy in the late afternoon and evening, and you can also easily book a lot of tours from here for some of the other best things to do in Cape Town.

 Hang Out at Hout Bay

Hout Bay is a charming coastal suburb that offers a mix of local culture and natural beauty. Visit the Hout Bay Market, enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor, and take a boat ride to see the incredible seal colony at Duiker Island.

Hout Bay is the perfect place to spend a few hours, and is one of the best areas to explore in Cape Town.

 Explore the Colorful Neighborhood of Bo-Kaap

The Bo-Kaap neighborhood is famous for its brightly colored houses and has become one of the most Instagrammable spots in Cape Town.

Not only is the area vibrant and fun to photograph, but it is a historic area that was home to freed slaves and has a rich cultural heritage. Explore the streets, visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, and taste traditional Cape Malay cuisine in one of Cape Town's most beloved neighborhoods.

 Check Out the District 6 Museum

The District 6 Museum tells the emotional story of Cape Town’s apartheid history. It highlights the forced removal of residents from the District 6 area and serves as a reminder of the city's past struggles and resilience.

If you're interested in the history of the city, then this is definitely one of the best things to do in Cape Town's center.

 Stop by Mostert's Mill

Mostert’s Mill is a historic windmill and the only working windmill in South Africa. Originally built in 1796, it’s an interesting spot to learn about the city’s history and its milling techniques.

 Visit Robben Island

A visit to Robben Island is one of the best things to do in Cape Town for history lovers. 

Located just 7 kilometers off the coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site served as a political prison, most famously holding Nelson Mandela for 18 years.

These powerful tours include a ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront, guided walks through the prison by former inmates, and tell stories of South Africa's struggle for freedom.

The Best Things to Do in Cape Town for Foodies & Partiers

Looking to eat and drink your heart out? Well, Cape Town is an absolute paradise for the gluttonous, and these experiences are a reflection of that.

 Experience Mojo Market

Mojo Market is a vibrant gastronomic market in Sea Point. With over 80 food vendors, live music, and craft stalls, it’s the perfect spot to sample Cape Town’s diverse culinary scene.

 Take a Cooking Class

Learn to make traditional South African dishes by joining a cooking class. From Cape Malay curries to bobotie, these hands-on experiences give you a deeper understanding of local flavors and traditions of this diverse city.

 Go Winery Hopping

Cape Town is surrounded by world-class wine regions like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Constantia. 

You could easily spend an entire week wine hopping in Cape Town! But make sure to dedicate at least one day to touring wineries, tasting award-winning wines, and enjoying the scenic vineyards in the outskirts of Cape Town.

If you love wine, then this is definitely one of the best things to do in Cape Town.

Here are some great wine tours that you can take from Cape Town:

 Experience First Thursdays

On the first Thursday of every month, Cape Town’s art galleries, restaurants, and bars stay open late, and have exciting offers. Explore the city’s creative scene, enjoy street performances, and join the locals for a truly wild night out.

The Best Things to Do in Cape Town for Nature Lovers

Cape Town has to be one of the most cities in the world. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and breathtaking mountain landscapes at the same time, it is impossible not to love this city, even if you are not traditionally a "city-person".

There are endless places out in nature to enjoy, from large parks to scenic bays, and unique animal encounters in and around the city.

Here are some of the best things to do in Cape Town for those that want to connect with nature.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

 Explore Cape Point Reserve

Cape Point Reserve is a stunning natural park located at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. Hike through rugged landscapes, visit the historic lighthouse, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Cape Point Reserve is just gorgeous to. visit, especially during sunrise or sunset, and they also have a beautiful restaurant with panoramic views of the cape!

Have a Beach Day

Cape Town has a never ending list of great beaches to enjoy from the popular Camps Bay to the hidden coves along Cape Point.

With breathtaking views of the mountains and sandy shores, Cape Town is the perfect destination to relax at one of its many beaches, as well as to enjoy an array of water activities on them.

 Visit Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is famous for its colony of African penguins, and is hands-down one of the best things to do in Cape Town for animal lovers.

Walk along the boardwalk to observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat and even take a swim at a beach where you can experience them up close!

if you'd like to learn more about the experience, don't miss out on our Boulders Beach travel guide.

 Coast Along Chapman's Peak Drive

Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the most stunning coastal routes in the world. Stretching for 9 kilometers between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, the road winds along steep cliffs, offering jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the mountains around Cape Town. 

Along the way, you'll find a number of lookout points perfect for photos, picnics, or spotting whales and dolphins. A drive along Chapman's Peak is a bucket-list experience that showcases the true beauty of Cape Town's coastline.

 Take the Cable Car (or Trek) to the Top of Table Mountain

No visit to Cape Town is complete without visiting Table Mountain. Take the cable car for the most incredible panoramic views of the city, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take the long trek to the top. It isn't for the faint of heart, but it's truly rewarding to do once in your life!

 Explore the Botanical Gardens

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are a must-visit for nature lovers. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, take in the diverse plant species, and take out your camera for some really scenic shots.

In the summertime you can also enjoy concerts there!

 Check Out the Skeleton Gorge Waterfall

Located inside the botanical gardens, you can also hike through Skeleton Gorge, which is one of the most scenic routes on Table Mountain. Along the way, you’ll come across a beautiful waterfall and incredible views of Cape Town.

 Experience an Alpaca Farm

Visit the Alpaca Loom, a working farm where you can meet friendly alpacas and learn about their wool production. This is a fun and unique experience for animal lovers, and is great for families that want to doing something unique outside of Cape Town.

 Enjoy an Incredible Sunset

Cape Town is known for its spectacular sunsets, and being located on the west coast. there are no shortage of great places to along the coast.

We found so many great spots to enjoy the sunset in Cape Town, that we actually have a full guide coming up for you!

 Hike Lion's Head

Lion’s Head is one of the top bucket list experiences in South Africa when it comes to hiking, and is also one of the best things to do in Cape Town. 

The moderate hike takes you to a peak with 360 degree panoramic views of the city, Table Mountain, and the ocean, making it one of the most beautiful places in all of Cape Town.

We've written a full guide for what to expect hiking Lion's Head, so don't miss out!

Take in the Views from Signal Hill

Looking for one of the best views in Cape Town? Well, one of the most popular things to do in the city is to enjoy the views from Signal Hill, which is just a short drive from the center.

With no hiking involved and food options at the top, this is a great place for a picnic with your friends or significant other, and particularly beautiful during sunrise or sunset.

 Experience a Seal Encounter

Take a boat trip to Duiker Island, where you can get up close to Cape fur seals in their natural habitat. Some tours even offer snorkeling experiences to swim alongside them for a truly unique experience!

Here are some fun tours that include the seal island in Cape Town:

  Enjoy the Colorful Huts at Muizenberg Beach

Muizenberg Beach is famous for its brightly colored beach huts. It’s a great spot for a beach day, surfing lessons, or simply enjoying the ocean views and taking cute pictures.

 Go on a Safari

While Cape Town isn’t the most popular safari destination, there are nearby game reserves where you can spot the Big Five. Consider a day trip or overnight stay for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

If you don't have plans to make it over to some of the other national parks in South Africa, then taking a safari while in Cape Town is a must-do for animal lovers.

Here are some safari trips you can take while in Cape Town:

The Best Things to Do in Cape Town for Adventure Junkies

Calling all adrenaline junkies! Some of the best things to do in Cape Town are on the other side of fear, and these activities will leave you with the ultimate thrill.

 Take a Helicopter Ride Over the City

For a truly unforgettable experience, take a helicopter ride over Cape Town. This is one of the best things to do in Cape Town for epic views and an exciting experience all in one.

You’ll get to see the city’s landmarks, beaches, and mountains from a unique perspective, and tick off a major bucket list activity in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Here are some cool helicopter tours that we've found:

Go Paragliding

Looking for scenic views but don't have the cash to splurge on a helicopter flight? Get a bird’s-eye view of Cape Town by paragliding from Signal Hill or Lion’s Head instead. This is a popular activity for adventure enthusiasts and offers incredible aerial views, making it one of the best things to do in Cape Town.

Go Cage Diving with Great Whites

For thrill-seekers, cage diving with great white sharks is a must.

This is hands-down the scariest item I ticked off my bucket list, and it truly is a one-of-a-kind experience that is unique to Cape Town. 

Several operators offer this adrenaline-pumping experience from Gansbaai, just a couple of hours from Cape Town.

 Try Scuba Diving

Explore Cape Town’s underwater world by scuba diving. The city’s waters are home to kelp forests, shipwrecks, and diverse marine life, making it an epic activity to add to your South Africa itinerary.

Here are some great scuba diving tours around Cape Town:

 Ride an ATV Along Atlantis Dunes

Located just outside Cape Town, the Atlantis Dunes offer a stunning desert-like landscape, that will make you feel like you're in another country. Hop on an ATV and ride through the dunes for a a truly thrilling adventure on one of these guided tours:

 Sail Around Cape Town

Being surrounded by water, one of the best ways to explore the beauty of Cape Town is on the water. Take a boat tour to explore Cape Town’s coastline with a variety of options from sunset cruises and harbor tours to whale-watching trips.

Here are some fun options for boat trips in Cape Town:

The Best Things to Do in Cape Town for Shoppers

After all of the wild adventures in Cape Town, you'll certainly want to take home a souvenir or two.

Well, one thing that we love about South Africa is that it is full of creative artists that offer stunning textiles, beautiful handicrafts, and the most delicious homemade foods like jams, sauces, and biltong.

If you're visiting Cape Town on the weekend, you definitely won't want to miss out on these great shopping experiences.

 Oranjezicht City Farm Market

The Oranjezicht City Farm Market is a must-visit for food lovers and shoppers. Open on weekends, it offers fresh produce, artisanal products, and delicious food stalls.

We could have easily spent hours here, and it's a great place to find handmade clothing, high quality products, and the best local businesses in Cape Town.

 The Old Biscuit Mill Market

Held every weekend, the Old Biscuit Mill Market in Woodstock is a trendy spot for shopping and dining, and it also has a live DJ on site. It's truly a vibe, and was one of our favorite local spots in Cape Town to experience. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs, sample local dishes, and meet other fun people.

 African Curios Market

Located in Greenmarket Square, the African Curios Market is a vibrant place to shop for handmade crafts, jewelry, and traditional African art. There are various shops around the square, as well as along the surrounding streets. Support local artisans and take home a piece of Cape Town’s culture.

So are you ready to experience all of the best things to do in Cape Town? We know you're going to fall in love with city, as it's truly one of the coolest cities in the entire world.

Want to experience other awesome places around South Africa? We have several other South Africa travel guides, as well as articles about Eswatini and Namibia. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you can stay up to date with all of our most recent content, and get exclusive discounts on our shop!

Ready to book your South Africa trip? We're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers travel planning services dedicated to getting you the best rates on flights, as well as finding you the most unique hotels to stay at. Not only that, but we're creating really unforgettable group trips to South Africa soon!

Here are some other articles you'll love: