From its charming scenery and wildlife to beautiful beaches and diverse history, South Africa’s Cape Town has plenty of unique and interesting activities to offer. Whether you are looking for spectacular views of the Cape Peninsula or you wish to visit exquisite cultural attractions, the Mother City has it all. Here is our round-up of the 15 most incredible experiences in Cape Town.
1 South African Penguins at Boulder’s Beach
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Boulders Beach in Cape Town is definitely one of the best viewing points in the region to see South African Penguins. You can actually get quite close to these adorable seabirds, but keep in mind that it’s not allowed to touch them. Boulder’s Beach is also an ideal place to go for a swim.
2 Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
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Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is world-renowned entertainment and shopping destination. Ideal for families with children on vacation, this place hosts dozens of free events, outdoor music performances, and annual festivals. Foodies will be happy to hear that some of the best Cape Town restaurants are located right here on the Wharf.
3 Top of Table Mountain
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One of Cape Town’s most famous attractions, Table Mountain stands at 1085 meters and you can reach it by going on a hike or taking a cable car to the top. If you choose to take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway up, you will be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of the city. Travelers who wish to make an adventure of reaching the top of Table Mountain can take the long-distance Hoerikwaggo Trail which starts at Cape of Good Hope and lasts for about 5 days.
4 Drinking and Shopping on Long Street
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In case you get tired of all the cultural experiences in Cape Town, unwind with a drink at one of the many bars on Long Street. Places like the Waiting Room, Beerhouse, and Dubliner are definitely worth checking out. The whole neighborhood has that special laid-back vibe and that’s one of the main reasons why people are so into it. Shopping on Long Street is also a must, as the street is home to dozens of great places where you can find everything from clothing to stylish jewelry and perfumes.
5 Horseback Riding on Noordhoek Beach
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One of the longest unspoiled beaches in Mother City, Noordhoek Beach offers spectacular ocean views and is a great place for horseback riding. You can easily book a ride with one of the local companies and enjoy spectacular views of Chapman’s Peas as you are riding along the water’s edge. It’s a perfect outdoor activity for couples on vacation.
6 Cape Winelands
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No visit to Cape Town is complete without exploring Cape Winelands which are home to some of the best wine estates in South Africa. Towns like Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are definitely some of the most famous towns in this area, but there are also hidden destinations like Montagu and Robertson. What’s great about Cape Winelands is that nearly every wine estate and farm offers wine-tasting. While these winelands are grabbing the headlines; Constantia, the affluent suburb located south of the city centre has exploded into the global spotlight since the 18th century. Constantia Valley is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Cape Town, inviting visitors to indulge in wine tasting and cellar tours.
7 District Six Museum
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If you wish to learn something about the history of Cape Town, a visit to the District Six Museum is a must. Established in 1994, this amazing museum is located right in the center of the city and educated travelers about the folks who lived in District Six. For those who don’t know, District Six was declared to be a “white neighborhood” during the apartheid back in 1966 and over 60,000 people were forced to move away to the suburbs.
8 The Franschhoek Wine Tram
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This is one of the most amazing trams in the world. This hop-on-hop-off tram will take you to some of the most popular wine estates and there are six routes to choose from. Each of these routes connects eight wine estates. Tickets cost R220 for adults and R90 for kids.
9 Springbok Experience Rugby Museum
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South Africans are crazy about rugby, so it comes as no surprise that there is whole museum in Cape Town dedicated to this game. Once inside the museum, travelers will learn a thing or two about the origins of rugby and how it came to Africa. There is also a rather cool interactive game zone where visitors can test their passing and kicking skill.
10 Cooking lesson in Bo-Kaap
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Cape Malay cuisine is spectacular in every way and you can even learn how to make some of the most popular Cape Malay dishes here in Bo-Kaap. Spend a day in this colorful neighborhood and embark on a cooking tour that will teach you how to become a local expert in Malay cuisine.
11 Robben Island
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Robben Island used to serve as a prison and Nelson Mandela was held here as a prisoner for nearly 20 years. The most amazing thing about the island is that the tours of the prison are led by people who were actually former prisoners. Their first-hand stories are quite incredible and worth listening to.
12 Sunset Views from Signal Hill
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If you don’t mind large crowds of visitors, take a bus to the top of the Signal Hill one afternoon. It is the best spot in the city for sunset views and the local’s call it the Lion’s Rump. For the ultimate sunset experience, pack a blanket, some food, and of course a bottle of wine from Cape Winelands.
13 Underground Tunnels in Cape Town
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Travelers who are after those secret experiences in Cape Town that are unknown to most people should go on a tour of the underground tunnels in the Mother City. These tunnels date back to the 17th century and were originally build to divert spring water into the ocean. As the city expanded, the tunnels were built over and almost forgotten.
14 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
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Spend a day at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and admire the beauty of its pristine plants, lush green lawns, and fynbos. These gardens are home to more than 20,000 South African plant species and there is even an incredible amphitheater where you can see a concert or a movie. Some of the other highlights include the Sculpture Garden, dozens of hiking trails, and the Botanical Society Conservatory.
15 Chapman’s Peak Drive
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Located just a 30-minute drive from the center of Cape Town, Chapman’s Peak Drive also known as Chappies is one of the most picturesque driving routes in the world. There are around 100 curves along the route and most of them offer amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. You may even spot Southern Right Whales from here.
Dreaming of a holiday in Cape Town? We are here to help. Browse our wide range of accommodation to find places to stay near Cape Point or closer to the city. We will help you make the most of every moment of your holiday, so that you experience not only Table Mountain but everything else the city has to offer.
