Did you know that Cape Town was voted “Best City in The World” by the prestigious Telegraph? This comes as no surprise, as South Africa’s Mother City is well-known for its scenic beauty and historical heritage. Instead of the most popular activities and attractions, we’ve put together a list of inspiring and unique experiences in Cape Town.
1 Franschhoek’s Wine Tram
Image:bookmundi.com
Famous for its award-winning wine estates and exquisite cuisine, the Franschhoek Valley is definitely one of the places worth visiting while exploring the Western Cape. The most notable attraction here is the Franschhoek wine tram that offers dozens of different wine tastings routes in the area to choose from. It’s a perfect leisure activity and one of the best ways to explore wine estates and admire the charming mountain-valley setting. There are six wine tram routes available including the Yellow Line, Green Line, Red Line, Blue Line, Orange Line, and Purple Line.
2 Kayaking with Whales in Hermanus
Image:extremesports.com
With the whale season upon us, make sure to book a kayaking tour in Hermanus. This two-hour tour is an ideal opportunity to enjoy sightings of marine life, seabirds, penguins, seals, and of course whales. Besides encounters with these lovely creatures, travelers will have a chance to enjoy scenic mountain views and visit dozens of attractions in Hermanus including the Old Harbour Museum and Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
3 Markets in Cape Town
Image:timeandaway.co.za
There is no shortage of amazing experiences in Cape Town and a visit to one of the food markets in the city is one of them. The most popular market is the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill which works on Saturdays, while the V&A Waterfront Food Market is open to visitors throughout the week. At both of these markets, expect to find everything from local foods and delicacies to imported goods. In case you are looking for arts and crafts, make sure to check out the Hout Bay’s Bay Harbour Market.
4 Sunset Views from Signal Hill
Image:weekendsherpa.com
Every Capetonian will tell you how Signal Hill is the best spot to watch the sun go down. There are several bus lines that will take you close to the top and a good idea is to bring a picnic basket. Make sure to come early in the afternoon to find a perfect spot, as this place gets crowded really fast.
5 Horseback Riding on Noordhoek Beach
Image:bramante-it.com
Noordhoek is home to one of the longest beaches in South Africa’s Mother City, the popular Noordhoek Beach. In order to make the most of your time here, feel free to book a ride with one of the horseback riding schools and admire the unspoiled views of Chapman’s Peak.
See Also: 15 Most Incredible Experiences in Cape Town
6 Hiking to Lions Head
Image:hikelinkshead.co.za
Popular with both locals and tourists, the freely accessible Lions Head hike is one of the most popular hikes in the city. It takes about 90 minutes to reach the top and the best time to go on this hike is when there is a full moon. Once you reach the top of Lion’s Head, you will have a chance to enjoy spectacular views from the second most iconic mountain in the Mother City.
7 Springbok Experience Rugby Museum
Image:whatsonincapetown.com
Did you know that South Africans are just crazy about rugby, especially the ones who are Springbok fans? You will find many of them at the V&A Waterfront where the popular Springbok Experience Rugby Museum is located. Expect to find everything from various interactive displays and photos of matches to rugby memorabilia including boots and trophies. Visitors can also practice their passing and kicking skills in the interactive games zone. Tickets to the museum will set you back R65. Children and pensioners pay R40 to get in.
8 Cape Town’s Underground Tunnels
Image:thegreentimes.co.za
A visit to Cape Town’s underground tunnels is probably one of the most unique experiences that you can have while staying in the city. These tunnels date back to the 17th centuries and were designed to divert mountain water straight into the ocean. For some time, they were even used to transport sewerage. In case you wish to learn more about these underground tunnels, book a guided tour for R175. The tours range from one to three hours.
9 Chocolate Experiences in Cape Town
Image:womenstuff.co.za
Here are two great spots that serve amazing chocolate in Cape Town. The first one is called My Sugar and it’s basically a coffee and chocolate bar where you can combine creative chocolate with various coffee blends. They also serve tasty milkshakes here at My Sugar. The second joint is called Honest Chocolate and they offer a wide range of chocolate treats including milkshakes and bunny chows.
See Also: 15 Awesome Experiences Exclusive to Cape Town
10 A Visit to Beta Beach
Image:pinterest.com
Not as popular as Clifton or Camps Bay, Beta Beach is an ideal destination for travelers who are looking for a secluded spot where they can escape from all the bustle and hustle of city’s busy beaches. The beach is located in Bakoven and offers extraordinary views of Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles. There are large boulders at the beach, which means that the whole place is protected from the wind and the conditions for swimming are ideal.
11 Silvermine Nature Reserve
Image:dreamstime.com
For an unforgettable adventure in Cape Town, make sure to visit the lovely Silvermine Nature Reserve. This place is part of the Table Mountain National Park and boasts dozens of climbing, hiking, and biking trails. If the weather is nice, you can go for a drip in the Silvermine River dam or bring a picnic and admire the large fields of beautiful flowers. This is one of the best experiences in Cape Town for nature lovers. The entrance costs R15 for children and R30 for adults.
12 Chapman’s Peak Drive
Image:thevibestudios.co.za
One of the most scenic drives in the Western Cape, the Chapman’s Peak Drive boasts spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the road itself is cut out right of the cliff. This road starts in Hout Bay, goes all the way up to Chapman’s Point, and ends at Noordhoek. The highest point of the entire drive is the Chapman’s Point and the views from here are simply amazing.
