It’s time for the ULTIMATE Cape Town Bucket list, are you ready? 2020 has officially arrived and the glorious Mother City can’t wait to celebrate it with you! Cape Town certainly has no shortage of amazing things to do and see, but to make it a little easier for you we set out to create the ultimate bucket list, containing 60 of the best things to do in Cape Town in 2020.
It is jam-packed with all-time-favourite classics, thrill-seeking adventures, must-do experiences, can’t-miss escapades, and of course some truly exhilarating and awe-inspiring bucket-list quests you just cannot let pass you by. Here is the ultimate bucket list, 60 things to do in Cape Town – we hope you’re excited!
Things to do in Cape Town in 2020
1) Go on a New7Wonders of Nature Yellow Frame tour through Cape Town
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There are currently 7 of these Cape Town gems scattered around the city for your enjoyment and photo taking pleasure. And here are their locations: Signal Hill, the V&A Waterfront, Eden on the Bay at Blouberg, the Cape Town Station, District Six, Silo District and the Lookout Hill in Khayelitsha.
2) Hike up the all-mighty Table Mountain
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The ultimate Cape Town bucket list just wouldn’t be complete without a couple of the classics, and hiking up one of the New Natural Wonders of Nature certainly is one of them. Be sure to plan your route, pick your crew, pack plenty of water and a thrilling sense of adventure too, it’s going to be quite an epic bucket-list worthy experience. And just in case you need some back-up – give our Table Mountain Hike and Abseil Tour a try!
3) Experience the unbeatable Lions Head combo – sunrise AND sunset hike!
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Lions Head is easily known as one of Cape Town’s best sunrise and sunset spots, and with the Mother City certainly having no shortage of sensational spots to watch the sun rise and set, it is quite an accolade. It is therefore absolutely essential that you do both on your visit to Cape Town. Are you up for the challenge?
4) Hang with the Cape Town ‘cool kids’ – the African Penguins!
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Seeing these ocean cuties in their natural habitat is quite a treat, but getting to swim, kayak or snorkel with them is EVERYTHING – and you can do all of that right here in Cape Town. Boulders beach in Simonstown and Stoney Point in Betty’s Bay or two of the African Penguin fan-favourite hotspots.
5) Take to the Cape Town streets: Long Street, Kloof Street & Bree Street
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This Mother City triple threat is known as Cape Town’s most trendy, vibrant and lively streets and is an absolute MUST when exploring Cape Town. Home to some of the coolest hangouts, chic hideaways, renowned eateries, colourful street art, rich history and authentic culture and electric nightlife you’ll discover something new, exciting and delicious around every twist and turn.
6) Lounge on Bloubergstrand beach and watch the Kitesurfers go by
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Did you know Bloubergstrand is known as one of the best places in the world to kite-surf? Well, it’s true! On a windy Cape Town day you will see the Bloubergstrand skyline decorated in a glorious display of kites as they take to the waters in search of the perfect breeze. So grab yourself a prime beach spot and be amazed, you are in for quite a show!
7) Wine taste your way through the Cape Winelands
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We can’t call it the ultimate Cape Town bucket-list without mentioning some traditional Cape Town wine tasting now can we? Absolutely not! The Western Cape is home to the largest, and certainly the most unique, wine producing region in Africa and boasts a glorious and extensive line-up of award-winning wine estates and sensational wines. It is also a great idea to do an organised tour in order to ensure you get the full experience – give our Cape Winelands Full Day Tour a try!
8) Learn to surf the Cape Town waves like a pro
Learning to surf in Cape Town certainly deserves a prime spot on the ultimate Cape Town bucket list. And the best thing is absolutely everyone can get in on the surfing action! Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg is definitely a Cape Town surfing fan-favourite, but there are also a range of other beaches that offer surfing lessons.
9) Attend a Summer Concert at Kirstenbosch
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In Cape Town summer time is concert time and attending one of Kirstenbosch’s summer concerts is EVERY bit as epic as it sounds. Every summer the Mother City gets some of the very best local and international acts together to celebrate her magic in an incredible line-up of concerts spread over November – April.
10) Explore the secret beaches of Cape Point
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The ultimate Cape Town bucket list wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the world-renowned Cape Point. Cape Point certainly is any nature lover’s dream come! But besides SENSATIOANL views and an extensive range of activities and adventures on offer, it also boasts the most spectacular secret beaches. This is one bucket-list Cape Town adventure that is definitely worth it!
11) Enjoy a sunset cocktail at one of Camps Bay’s trendy sunset strip hangouts
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The iconic and ever-striking Camps Bay is known for many things, two of it being sensational sunsets and incredible cocktails. But whether you choose to enjoy a delicious cocktail, local beer or craft gin, one thing is for certain, it promises to be one spectacular Mother City sunset and bucket-list experience.
12) Take a dip in the Atlantic – refreshing & rewarding!
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Did you even come to Cape Town if you haven’t dipped your toe or taken a dive into the chilling waters of the Atlantic Ocean? Yes the water is cold, yes it might just numb your body for a couple of seconds and leave you breathless, but do you know what? It’s certainly worth it!
13) Enjoy a good ol’ traditional Cape Town beach day
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Because the Mother City is pure beach bliss and you deserve to soak up EVERY second of that Cape Town beach time magic! There is nothing quite like being sun-kissed, salty-haired and beached-up while in Cape Town, and with so many sensational coastlines, charismatic Bays, secret beaches and strips of white sand to choose from you truly get to pick from the best of the best!
14) Go on a Cape Town adrenalin rush!
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You know what they say, there is no adrenalin rush quite like a Cape Town adrenalin rush! In the mood to abseil down Table Mountain, sky-dive through the Cape Town air or shark cage dive at one of the few places in the world you can actually dive with Great White Sharks, Gansbaai? The Mother City is where it’s ALL happening! It is even home to the longest aerial cable courses in Africa – the zip line at Silvermist Estate at Constantia Nek.
15) Take a sunset drive along Chapman’s Peak & see Mother Nature show off
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There are few better views in the world than what you’ll see on a late afternoon drive along the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive. This renowned toll road ribbons along the striking Atlantic Coastline between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. And with EVERY turn around the cliff’s edge comes another picture-perfect moment.
16) Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain – there is no view quite like it!
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This is another Cape Town classic experience you absolutely MUST do on your visit to Cape Town. Taking a cable car up and down this iconic flat topped mountain by means of the Aerial Cableway will not only leave you with a lasting bucket-list Cape Town memory, but with the most spectacular view of the glorious Mother City too! This truly is one of those ‘pinch-me-please-I’m-not-sure-if-I’m-dreaming-moments’!
17) Stroll, cycle, skip or jog along the Sea Point Promenade
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The Sea Point Promenade is the ultimate mecca for anyone looking to enjoy a run, cycle, walk, stroll, skateboard or dog walk along the beach front. It is also the perfect destination for a fun family adventure day out exploring the Mother City.
18) Paraglide down Lions Head or Signal Hill
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Time to awaken your inner adrenaline junkie, because you’re about to go on one Cape Town paragliding adventure you won’t soon forget! Paragliding down one of these 2 Mother City fan-favourites is a thrilling bucket-list worthy experience in every way. Are you ready to come on this Cape Town Paragliding adventure with us?
19) Indulge in some Woodstock street art shenanigans
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Woodstock is at the forefront of the Mother City’s street art scene and we’re loving every second of it, and so will you! Going on a walking street art tour of this diverse, vibrant and ever-changing neighbourhood allows you to fully immerse yourself in the lively artistic Cape Town culture and explore and experience all it has to offer.
20) GO SUP!
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Stand-Up Paddleboarding, more commonly known as SUPPing, has taken the world and Cape Town by storm. Whether you want to learn to SUP, rent a SUP or do a yoga session while on a SUP the possibilities truly are endless, and the Mother City invites you to make all your Stand-Up Paddleboarding dreams come true.
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21) Tour the glorious Cape Peninsula
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The Mother City is home to a variety of incredible world-renowned landmarks, fan-favourite tourist attractions, hidden gems and glorious displays of beauty, it can often seem a bit overwhelming especially if you’re trying to see them all. One of the best ways to ensure you don’t miss a single second of the Cape Town action or glimpse of beauty is by taking a Cape Peninsula Tour – it’s worth every second!
22) Swim, sight-see and rock scramble at Silvermine Nature Reserve
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Silvermine Nature Reserve is located in the middle of the Table Mountain National Park and is any nature lover and thrill seeker’s dream come true. Hiking trails, cave discoveries, reservoir swimming, waterfall chasing and views that will render you speechless is just some of the magic you’ll experience while visiting this Cape Town gem. It is also the perfect opportunity for a fun-filled family day out!
23) Pack your bags and take a trip!
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And where will you go you ask? Hermanus, Langebaan, Ceres, Riebeek Kasteel, Stellenbosch, Betty’s Bay, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Robinson and Scarborough are merely a few of the hundreds of incredible destinations you can visit. Each one offering something unique and spectacular to be enjoyed. What are you waiting for? It’s time for a Cape Town adventure trip!
24) Have a cup of coffee at the Department of Coffee in Khayelitsha
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In Cape Town coffee is a culture, so it makes sense that there is no shortage of unique, world-renowned and super authentic coffee serving hotspots found just about around every twist and turn. But, having a cup of joe at the first township-based artisan coffee shop in South Africa is something quite incredible!
25) Craft beer or craft gin – you decide!
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It’s the ULTIMATE showdown of the ‘craft’s’ – GIN VS. BEER– who will take the craft crown? It’s up to you to decide! And the only way you can do that is by tasting a whole lot of both. Embark on the ultimate Craft Gin & Craft Beer tasting tours Cape Town has to offer in the ultimate craft showdown. You are in for the tasting experience of a lifetime as Cape Town certainly has some of the very best local craft beers and gins in the business
26) Look out over the beautiful city from Signal Hill – a local favourite!
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This is one Cape Town look out point this will never lose its magical charm, even the locals keep going back for more! A view that includes the whole bay, Table Mountain, the bustling city and the Atlantic is certainly tough to beat, but wait until you see it all at sunset. Easily one of Mother Nature’s most elegant shows, it’s sure to capture your heart.
27) Take a stand at the point where two oceans meet – Cape Agulhas!
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With one foot over the Atlantic Ocean and the other over the Indian Ocean border you’ll get to experience a bucket-list-moment only those who visit this specific site get to. A visit to the iconic Cape Agulhas is certainly worth every second of the trip there, and a photo at the stone monument to show you were there is just a cherry on top!
28) Go on a hop-on-hop-off Red Bus Sightseeing Tour through the Mother City
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This is another one of the Cape Town classics! A trip on this iconic open-air bus ensures you see all of the Mother City’s most favourite and celebrated landmarks, attractions and destinations all in one jam-packed tour.
29) Eat local fish & chips at the favourite local spots!
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The ultimate Cape Town bucket list definitely deserves to have a few delicious Cape Town feasts on the agenda, and enjoying some local fish & chips is without a doubt a must! There are a variety of fish & chips spots that are beloved by the locals with some of them being The Salty Sea Dog (Simonstown), Kalky’s (Kalk Bay Harbour), Fish on the Rocks (Hout Bay), Fish Hoek Fisheries (Fish Hoek), Lucky Fish & Chips (Sea Point).
30) Kloofing at Crystal pools – time for some Cape Town thrill!
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So, you’ve gone cycling, climbing and hiking, but have you gone kloofing? Kloofing is the South African word for “canyoning”, and doing it at the incredible Steenbras River Gorge Crystal Pools is one thrilling Cape Town bucket list item you absolutely MUST tick off!
31) Take a tour of Cape Town’s townships
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While the Mother City is pure love-at-first-sight, there is a lot more that lies beneath the surface. At the heart of Cape Town you’ll find its vibrant and eclectic townships, boasting a lively atmosphere, dedicated work ethic and never-say-die attitude it will be sure to charm you with its infectious spirit. Embarking on a Cape Township Half Day Tour will leave you with a new appreciation of the South African philosophy of ‘Ubuntu’.
32) Take a road trip up the Cape’s West Coast
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Charming fishing villages, sensational sea views, white sandy beaches and some of the best seafood you will ever eat are just some of the incredible treats the West Coast has in store for you. Get your crew together and embark on the ultimate west coast road trip to towns like Langebaan, Jacobsbaai, Paternosters, Saldanha Bay, Yzerfontein and Shelley’s Point.
33) Experience all the artistic wonder the Zeitz MOCAA has to offer
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Recently named one of TIME Magazine’s Top 100 destinations of 2018, a visit to the Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is an absolute must when visiting the Mother City. It is a stroke of pure artistic and architectural genius and it will have you wowed in a matter of seconds, no doubt about it!
34) Learn a cool new skill – longboard, kite-surf or snorkel?
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One of the best things to do when in Cape Town is to learn an epic new skill, and do you know what the best thing is? The possibilities truly are endless! The Mother City encourages you to step outside of your comfort zone in the very best way all that you need to do is enjoy every single second of it!
35) Enjoy Cape Town’s vibrant performing art’s scene
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The Mother City is any theatre lover’s dream come true, with performances across a myriad of genres at playhouses across the city there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. The Labia Theatre, Fugard Theatre, Baxter Theatre, Theatre on the Bay, Maynardville Open Air Theatre and Kalk Bay Theatre are merely just a few available for you performing arts pleasure.
36) See the Mother City from way-up-high while soaring through the Cape Town sky in a helicopter
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They say there is no better view of Cape Town than the view from the top, and viewing the glorious Mother City from a helicopter is about as good as it gets! Not only is this a truly bucket-list worthy Cape Town experience, it’s a pretty luxurious and exclusive one too. Take to the Cape Town sky in this exciting Helicopter Tour that will allow you to see the Mother City from a whole new perspective.
37) Go snorkelling with Cape Fur Seals – Cape Town’s most playful ocean mammals!
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Seeing the Mother City below the surface is quite a magnificent treat, but getting to do it while snorkelling with some of Cape Town’s most playful mammals is one exciting Cape Town bucket list experience you won’t soon forget! Duiker Island, also known as Seal Island, located in the charming fishing village of Hout Bay is a great pick for this underwater adventure!
38) Have a ‘lekker’ South African braai at Oudekraal Beach
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Oudekraal beach, located between Camps Bay and Llandudno, is not only one of Cape Town’s most beloved beaches, but also a local fan favourite to enjoy one of South Africa’s most cherished past-times – a braai! The secluded braai area also offers an ocean view that’s sure to knock your socks off!
39) Explore Cape Town’s tidal pools
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This is one adventure that is not only refreshing, but exciting too! And it’s tons of fun for the whole family! The Mother City boasts such an incredible selection of tidal pools you might not want to swim anywhere else again. Some of the top tidal pools to explore are Dalebrook, St James, Maiden’s Cove, Wooley’s, Glencairn, Millers Point and Camps Bay tidal pools.
40) Visit one of the Mother City’s vibrant markets!
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The Cape Town market scene is alive and kicking and you’re sure to love every second of exploring and tasting your way through it! Fresh local produce, tasty treats, home-baked delights, crafts, arts, thrifts and so much more is what you can expect. The Noordhoek Community Market, The Neighbourgoods Market, Bay Harbour Market, Mojo Market, Root 44 Market, V&A Food Market and The Slow Market are some of the fan-favourites.
41) Cycle your way through the Mother city on a city cycle tour
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Cycling your way through Cape Town is every bit as exciting as it is beautiful. Cycle, see the sights and tick another bucket-list experience off your list on an incredible Cape Town City Cycle Tour.
42) Sit back, relax & enjoy a Cape Town spa day
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Because we all deserve to be treated from time to time and the Mother City knows how to do that just right! World-class treatments, sensational views and 5-star service will have you floating off to Cape Town cloud-9 never wanting to return again! The One &Only Spa, Spa at the Twelve Apostles, Angsana Spa at the Vineyard Hotel, Librisa Spa at the Mount Nelson, Amani Spa Radisson Blue and Heavenly Spa by Westin are merely just a few.
43) Sail away on the Cape Town waters – kayak, cruise, catamaran or speed boat?
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Your ocean adventure, your choice! Exploring Cape Town is always a thrilling experience, but doing it while cruising through the Cape Town waves is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives. Whether you’re in the mood for a fun day out, relaxing afternoon of sipping on cocktails and soaking up views or an exhilarating adventure jam-packed with adrenalin – Cape Town is happy to oblige!
44) Visit the V&A Waterfront
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The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, found right in the heart of Cape Town, is a vibrant and bustling hub filled with everything your heart desires. Whether you’re in the mood for some sensational food, Table Mountain views, exciting shopping experiences, musical delights or harbour front ocean adventures, the V&A is where it’s happening!
45) Enjoy a picnic in the Mother City – beach, boulder, or blanket on the lawn?
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Whether you choose to spread your picnic blanket out over the lawns of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a cosy beach spot, a Table Mountain facing boulder or under an Oak tree at the Groot Constantia Wine farm enjoying a picnic in Cape Town is truly glorious!
46) Explore Bo-Kaap – are you ready for colour and Cape Malay cuisine?
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Visiting Bo-Kaap is another classic Cape Town bucket list experience that’s certainly worth every second! A vibrant and charismatic neighbourhood that celebrates its culture and heritage in a glorious celebration of colour, Cape Malay cuisine and warm local hospitality.
47) Go on the ULTIMATE Cape Town Instagram tour
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The Mother City is at the top of her Instagram game and showing no signs of backing down anytime soon. All that’s left for you to do is snap away! Plan the perfect Cape Town ‘Insta Tour’ and see your follower count skyrocket! Table Mountain, Robben Island, 12 Apostles, colourful Muizenberg beach huts, Cape Point, Boulders Beach African Penguins and Lions head are merely a few of the Mother City Instagram fan-favourites you should post onto your feed straight away.
48) Take a trip to Robben Island
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Immerse yourself in a vital piece of South African history as you pay a visit to one of the most fundamental corner stones in South Africa’s journey to democracy – the world-renowned Robben Island. It is also a great idea to make use of an organized tour when visiting this iconic landmark, the Table Mountain and Robben Island Tour is a great pick and promises an incredible experience.
49) Discover a Mother City hidden gem
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Known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world it certainly is no surprise that Cape Town is filled with countless hidden gems, secret hideaways, cherished local spots and off-the-beaten-track diamonds in the rough all ready and waiting to be explored by you! Wander the road less travelled and embark on a journey of glorious discovery.
50) Enjoy EVERYTHING the Old Biscuit Mill has to offer
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A visit to the Old Biscuit Mill is a vibrant and delicious Cape Town classic that certainly earns it’s spot on the ultimate Cape Town bucket list! This lively and warm hearted little village in the heart of Woodstock is home to both a day and night market filled with farm stalls, decadent restaurants, designer stalls, fresh produce, as well as an inspiring line-up of festivals and productions.
51) Listen to jazz music & enjoy all the sweet sounds of the Mother City
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Did you know that the Mother City has an amazing Jazz scene? There is even a style of this music called Cape Jazz that is influenced by African music, how cool is that? Besides jazz, the Mother City is absolutely bursting with talent, so be sure to enjoy all the buskers and musical geniuses that are scattered throughout the city.
52) Attend a screening of your favourite movie at the Galileo Open air cinema
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Enjoy a screening of one of your all-time-favourites under the Cape Town stars and beautiful moonlight. With screenings almost every day in the summer there’s sure to be something that catches your eye. You can even take your own picnic basket and drinks along!
53) Go horse riding on Noordhoek Beach
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Horse riding on the beach no longer has to be a fairytale you see in the movies, this experience can now be all yours! Noordhoek beach is a picture-perfect stretch of white sand and the ideal location for your horse riding beach adventure. It provides a backdrop that is truly sensational!
54) Live the Cape Town sweet life and have high tea at The Mount Nelson
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The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is famous for its lush gardens, luxurious quarters, and its traditional British high tea service. Get dressed up in your Sunday best and enjoy some of the most divine pastries and treats all while sipping away on your tea and staring out at the most sensational view.
55) Hike, hike, HIKE!
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When in doubt, hike it out, especially when in Cape Town! The Mother City is a nature lover and avid explorer’s dream come true, and with so many exciting, scenic, thrilling, sun-set-worthy hiking trails, walking paths and mountain adventures available, how can you possibly resist? Table Mountain, Lions Head, Little Lions Head, Kloof Nek, Pipe Track, Newlands Forest and the Helderberg Nature Reserve are definitely some of the top hiking picks!
56) Witness the Twelve Apostles Mountain range in all its glory
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Looking out over one of the most picturesque coastlines in the whole world, the 12 Apostles Mountain range, is truly captivating. Seeing it for the first time will stop you dead in your tracks and leave you stunned and star-struck – yes, it really is that magnificent! Did you know that each Apostle’s peak has its own name? How cool is that!
57) Have a drink at a Cape Town rooftop bar
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Cape Town by night is one spectacular sight, and getting to see it from one of the Mother City’s trendy rooftop hangout spots while sipping on a cool G&T is truly magical. Tjing Tjing, RED Roof at the Radisson RED, Up Yours at Yours Truly Café, Chinchilla, Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar, The Ghibli Bar and Pool Terrace are definitely a few you should try.
58) Walk the lawns of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
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Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Now home to over 7,000 plant species (many endangered) these gardens have been around since 1913, and are the only botanical garden to be housed within a UNESCO World Heritage Zone. You can enjoy a variety of flora and fauna gems, restaurants, walking tours, hiking trials, picnic spots all in the shadow of the stunning Table Mountain.
59) Explore the character & quirks of the charming Kalk Bay
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Voted as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Forbes 2018, Kalk Bay is certainly at the top of its cool game and ABSOLUTELY worth a visit. If it made it onto the Forbes list it DEFINITELY belongs on the ultimate Cape Town bucket list! Quirky street-side café’s, crafty corner stalls and stores, delicious local seafood and a vibrant atmosphere that will capture your heart and have you coming back for more a 100 times over.
60) Enjoy an authentic meal at Mzoli’s
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Mzoli’s is Cape Town’s most popular tshisa nyama (barebeque or braai) hangouts and a beloved local spot. Starting from humble beginnings, owner Mzoli Ngcawuzele has grown Mzoli’s from selling meat out of his garage to a thriving and authentic local eatery in the heart of one of Cape Town’s most lively townships. If you’re looking for an authentic South African experience, live entertainment, traditional braai meat and an incredible night of local hospitality, Mzoli’s is absolutely the place to be!
While the Mother City is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, she is also fun, exciting, charismatic, adventurous, brave and bold – talk about the TOTAL package – and the ultimate Cape Town bucket list allows you to see and experience ALL of that and so much more! And on your journey of Cape Town bucket list discovery, we certainly hope you fall as head-over-heels in love with Cape Town as we are every single day!
Planning to visit Cape Town in 2020? Learn more about the Mother City, how to get around, free things to do in Cape Town in 2020, and more from our blog. We can help you find the perfect place to stay. Get in touch if you’d like help finding accommodation or Cape Town tours to indulge in when you are around.
Post Updated: 2 January, 2020
