The Best Things to Do in Cape Town 2024
Cape Town is a city that seems to have it all: nature, culture, the beach, and nearly perfect weather. Choosing what to do in Cape Town can seem daunting only because there is simply so much to do there! I’ve compiled the top 10 things to do in Cape Town that you can’t miss on your visit! If you’re looking to venture on a road trip out of Cape Town, check out this Garden Route 7 day itinerary.
Still wondering what to do in Cape Town? In this blog post you’ll find a list of activities in Cape Town, fun things to do in Cape Town, and Cape Town tourist attractions.
Is Cape Town safe? While South Africa is one of the safest places in Africa – still do keep your wits about you! There are some unsafe areas in Cape Town you’d like to avoid during your trip but overall it’s one of the safer cities to visit.
Chapman’s Peak Sunset
Regarded as one of South Africa’s most picturesque cities, Cape Town is where majestic mountains meet the vibrant Atlantic Ocean. During the warmer months from October to April, sunsets extend well into the evening, offering some of the most spectacular views globally. The iconic Chapman’s Peak, stretching from Hout Bay to Noordhoek along the ocean, is a lovely and affordable activity in Cape Town. It is a prime spot for experiencing these breathtaking sunsets, making it a top Cape Town highlight.
The 9km cliff drive provides numerous spots to stop and soak in the stunning vistas. The sunsets at Chapman’s Peak are unparalleled and consistently awe-inspiring, earning it a spot as one of Cape Town’s most romantic activities.
It offers a perfect moment to relax after a day’s exploration and to mingle with the friendly locals who treasure this view as part of their daily ritual. Access to Chapman’s Peak is available from either the Noordhoek side or the Camps Bay side via Cape Town City. A nominal toll is charged for maintenance purposes, ensuring safety from potential rockfalls, which is unquestionably a small price for such unrivaled beauty!
Visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens
The list of activities in Cape Town is not complete without a visit to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. I’ve been to a lot of national gardens, but this is amongst the most beautiful gardens I’ve seen. It is nestled on the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain. It is the first botanical garden in the world to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 1,300 acres garden is home to over 7000 plant species indigenous to Southern Africa.
Depending on your interest in botanical gardens you can easily spend a half-day there. There are a plethora of things to explore, including a fragrance garden, a Braille trial, a kopje (hill) planted with pelargoniums, a sculpture garden, and medicinal plants. Walk the Boomslang, a canopy walkway that provides stunning panoramic views of the gardens. If you are up for a full day adventure, hike Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine, two trails from the gardens that lead up Table Mountain. During the summer season (September to March), live music concerts are held every Sunday.
Visitors who prefer a structured stay can enjoy a free guided tour. Which is great if you are looking for things to do in Cape Town on a budget. Guides present the highlights of the season while also exploring the majority of the garden. Kirstenbosch’s hours of entrance varies by season. You don’t want to miss this cultural gem, which is one of the most fun things to do in Cape Town!
Trekking Signal Hill
Heard a loud “boom” at noon in the City Center or V&A Waterfront? That’s the Noon Gun from Signal Hill, a daily tradition at 12:00 PM, startling first-timers but familiar to locals.
Signal Hill is more than just a historical cannon; it offers stunning vistas over Cape Town. This 350 m elevation is famed for its sunset views. Afternoon visits are ideal, allowing time to enjoy a snack and wine while watching paragliders. As sunset approaches, it becomes a popular spot for its remarkable views, adding to Cape Town’s romantic allure.
For those pressed for time yet eager to catch the sunset, consider an Uber to avoid parking hassles. Alternatively, for the active visitor, a hike from Central Cape Town to the summit is manageable. With less than 350 m elevation gain, it takes roughly 2 hours, making the hike up Signal Hill a top activity in Cape Town.
Ascending Table Mountain (or Opt for the Cable Car)
What is Cape Town famous for if not this? A trip to Cape Town wouldn’t be complete without experiencing Table Mountain, the city’s emblem. Opting to hike Table Mountain is a fantastic means of enjoying the area’s natural splendor, with various trails available. The preferred path starts at Kirstenbosch Gardens and takes approximately 3-4 hours. It’s one of the adventure activities in Cape Town.
For those less inclined to hike, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is a remarkable alternative, offering swift access to the mountain’s summit.
The Cableway operates from 8 AM to 7 PM, costing R290 in the morning and R275 in the afternoon. Regardless of how you reach the top, strolling around Table Mountain’s plateau affords stunning vistas of Cape Town below.
When planning your visit, aim for a clear day to avoid the mountain’s notorious “tablecloth” of cloud cover. Exploring Table Mountain, whether by foot or cable car, provides an unparalleled perspective of Cape Town, making it a quintessential sightseeing adventure.
Climbing Lion’s Head
For those daunted by the challenging ascent of Table Mountain (though the cable car is an alternative), tackling Lion’s Head offers a splendid substitute and stands as a prominent feature of Cape Town’s skyline. (And note, there’s no cable car option here!) To fully capture the sunrise, start your journey between one and one-and-a-half hours before the sun emerges, and don’t forget a flashlight.
Spanning five kilometers, the trek up Lion’s Head is moderately challenging, incorporating steep sections where chains and ladders aid your ascent. The final stretch may test your limits, but the reward at the summit is incomparable, offering 360-degree views from Table Mountain across to the Atlantic Ocean and Camps Bay.
Pause at the peak to relish the sunrise, complemented by light snacks and water. It’s also an ideal moment for photography enthusiasts, so ensure your camera is at hand. Apply sunscreen before descending; the return trip is less strenuous and more delightful, allowing you to appreciate the early morning’s serene beauty. Scaling Lion’s Head ranks as a thrilling and adventurous activity in Cape Town.
Discovering the V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s hip and happening spot. It combines a shopping complex, the Diamond Museum, the Two Oceans Aquarium, a yacht marina, and oceanfront villas into one dynamic location. It’s a one of the fun things to do in Cape Town. Our visit in August coincided with South Africa’s low season, making it less crowded, though I’d expect the opposite during peak times.
Beyond shopping, the waterfront dazzles with breathtaking views of Table Mountain. Take a spin on the Cape Wheel for a panoramic perspective of the city’s unique landscape. The area’s top dining venues are here, offering everything from seafood and meat to global cuisines. Yet, it’s the priciest district, so budget travelers might find better value elsewhere.
This locale is a starting point for boat excursions to Robben Island and helicopter tours over Cape Town, making it South Africa’s top tourist draw. The V&A Waterfront is undoubtedly among Cape Town’s prime attractions.
Exploring Robben Island
Plan this excursion requires consideration of the weather, as it might influence ferry operations. To avoid disappointment, aim for an early morning slot early in your stay. The 3.5-hour journey is utterly rewarding and the tour is one of Cape Town experiences not to be missed.
Declared a World Heritage site, Robben Island holds a profound historical significance, notably as Nelson Mandela’s incarceration site. The island symbolizes the fight against the suppression of fundamental freedoms and has housed many prominent figures. The tour unfolds in two segments: first, a bus ride across the island, where it’s advisable to sit mid-bus for the best interaction with the guide. Highlights include the leprosy graveyard, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s residence, the Bluestone quarry, military bunkers, and the Maximum-Security Prison.
The latter half, led by a former prisoner, offers an unparalleled perspective. Our guide recounted his five-year imprisonment with an inspiring spirit and no bitterness. His firsthand narrative brought a deep sense of humility and enlightenment, sharing not just his ordeal but that of his fellow detainees. This experience is indispensable, making Robben Island one of Cape Town’s most significant visits and unexpectedly romantic destinations.
Capturing the Vibrancy of Bo-Kaap
Vibrance Bo-Kaap shines as a vibrant, multicultural area famed for its rainbow-colored facades. If you’ve scrolled through Instagram images of Cape Town, you’ve likely spotted its dazzling streets. Bo-Kaap, one of the city’s most historic districts, was once called the Malay Quarter, reflecting its significant Malay community. This area, with deep Muslim roots, also features the nation’s oldest mosque.
The origin of the neighborhood’s vivid colors is a tale of tradition and necessity. A popular belief ties the palette to Ramadan and Eid celebrations, with residents painting their homes in bright hues to mark Eid. Another narrative suggests economic hardship led locals to use whatever paint was available. Regardless, Bo-Kaap has emerged as a top spot for Instagram-worthy shots in Cape Town. Found just a stone’s throw from the city center, a stroll through Bo-Kaap is a must-do when in the area.
Exploring Muizenberg Beach
For those enchanted by colorful vistas, Muizenberg Beach offers another palette of joy. Situated along the False Bay coast, Muizenberg is celebrated as South Africa’s surfing cradle. A mere 30-minute drive from Cape Town’s CBD, this beach beckons with its historical charm and sporting opportunities.
Muizenberg has seen a renaissance, transforming from a neglected area to a vibrant beachfront, thanks to community-led efforts. The iconic Victorian bathhouses, currently under revitalization, add a picturesque touch to the shore. Whether you’re aiming to surf, kite-surf, or stand-up paddleboard, Muizenberg provides a perfect backdrop.
Accessible by car towards Simon’s Town or via MetroRail from Cape Town to Muizenberg, this beach is well within reach for a day of adventure and scenic beauty.
Unwinding at Clifton Beach
After exploring Cape Town’s numerous attractions, Clifton Beach offers the perfect spot for relaxation. Secure a beach chair and umbrella, then spend the afternoon soaking in the serene beach vibes. Clifton Beach showcases the multifaceted charm of Cape Town, also noted for being among the city’s most prestigious residential districts. Enjoy not just the ocean’s calm but also the magnificent views of the luxury homes.
What sets Clifton Beach apart, apart from its beauty, is its shelter from the strong South Easterly wind, known locally as the Cape Doctor. This ensures a peaceful beach experience, free from the nuisance of gusty winds. Lounging at Clifton Beach ranks among the top complimentary experiences Cape Town has to offer.
The Best Things to Do in Cape Town: Which Activity Did You Like Most?!
In wrapping up our exploration of the best things to do in Cape Town, it’s clear that this vibrant city offers an endless array of experiences, perfectly blending the splendors of nature, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures. From the stunning sunrise at Lion’s Head, the colorful facades of Bo-Kaap, to the serene beaches like Clifton, Cape Town captivates with its diversity.
Whether it’s delving into history at Robben Island, wandering through the botanical beauty of Kirstenbosch Gardens, or embracing the surf culture at Muizenberg Beach, there’s something for every traveler. Ending your journey with a relaxing day at Clifton Beach allows for a moment of reflection on the vibrant memories created.
Cape Town is a destination where every corner holds a new discovery, solidifying its status as a city with some of the best things to do in the world. Experience the magic of Cape Town yourself and understand why it remains a beloved destination, inviting visitors back time and time again.