The legislative capital of South Africa, Cape Town is a must-visit destination on the continent. The modern infrastructure, stunning coastline, rich nature and wildlife offer a number of things to do in Cape Town. You could be an adventure enthusiast or somebody who enjoys sitting back, you’d be mesmerized by what comes your way. There’s so much to indulge in, right from extreme adventures like shark cage diving to soul-pampering activities like wine tasting.
This list features the best activities in Cape Town meant for everyone from leisure travellers to thrill-seekers. As you read, you’ll get to learn important info as a tourist, such as charges, organizers, best time etc.
14 Best things to do in Cape Town
While planning an exciting trip to Cape town, don’t forget to go through this must-dos list. Whether you are planning a couples’ vacation or a family trip, you will find numerous activities to enjoy in Cape Town.
1. Cage dive with sharks
Image Courtesy: Pure Africa Experiences
With as much as 98 species of sharks swimming around in the South African waters, there’s no way you’d ever dare to take a dive in here. But thanks to professionals dedicated to the thrill and safety on the other hand, you have the opportunity to cage dive amidst many ferocious sharks. This activity though is an extreme adventure but it is safe and also intends to aware humans that many shark species mean no harm to us. This is one of the best travel experiences in the world, without doubt, and surely is one of the best things to do in Cape Town.
Organizers: Apex Shark Expeditions, Shark Bookings and Shark Zone
Charges for cage diving in Cape Town: INR 13,000 approximately
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2. Meet the penguins
Image Courtesy: Olga Ernst for Wikimedia
Vacation goals, you say? Well, the Boulders Beach in Cape Town is where you’ll live it. Right here, you can swim in the crystal clear waters amidst 2000 African penguins waddling around. These penguins are also called Jackass as their chirps sound quite like a donkey’s bray. Whether you’re traveling with kids, your better half or your family, this is one of the fun things to do in Cape Town! The attraction is wheelchair-accessible, so there’s nothing to worry about.
Tip: Penguins are otherwise friendly creatures, but they might get defensive if you touch or harm them. So, refrain from getting too close to them.
Best time to visit: The best time would be during the weekdays to avoid tourist crowd. Visiting early in the morning is also an ideal time, as you can easily get a parking spot.
3. Raise a toast in the midst of lush Cape Winelands
If you’re a wine-lover, there is no way you don’t know about the scenic Cape Winelands. South Africa is among the best countries in the world with vineyards that speak straight to the soul. Cape Winelands hails the explorer in you, as the more you’re in it, the more you’d want to stay longer. When touring around in the region, you can stop at any farm or estate and expect a good wine tasting session. Surely, our list of top 10 things to do in Cape Town would’ve been incomplete without this one.
To explore Cape Winelands you would need a designated driver to take you around. Or you can opt for guided bicycle tours to get the best out of your escapade.
Best places for wine tasting: Stellenbosch American Express Wine Route and Fairview Wine Estate
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4. Take the cable car to reach the top of Table Mountain
One of the best places to visit in Cape Town, The Table Mountain is South Africa’s well sought-after attraction. The journey to its top is as beautiful as the destination itself. As you hop aboard the cable car (112 metres) to reach the summit, you’ll enjoy bird’s eye view of the city; something that’s unforgettable. Keep your cameras ready as the picture-perfect frame awaits, but don’t forget to live in the moment either. This is among unmissable things to do in Cape Town today, tomorrow, always!
Charges: INR 840 onwards for adults (One way)
5. Enjoy water activities to the fullest
With stunning beaches Cape Town come the opportunity to get the adrenaline rushing as you indulge in various water activities. You could be a beginner or someone experienced, you’ll never run out of activities you can try. Dive underwater to witness the vibrant marine life as you Scuba Dive, or talk to the wind and waves while surfing or kitesurfing. If you’re traveling with kids, a banana boat ride is a must for all the fun. With so many choices, you don’t have to ask ‘What to do in Cape Town?’.
Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, jet skiing, kitesurfing, deep sea fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, to name a few.
Best places in Cape Town for watersports: Muizenberg, Hermanus, Knysna, Langebaan and Still Bay, among others.
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6. Unwind on a secret beach
Image Courtesy: Travel Snippets
Being among the famous holiday destinations in South Africa, Cape Town is often flocked with tourists around the year. So, you’d surely seek to escape to a place that’s peaceful and far away from tourist radar and that’s exactly when the secret beaches in Cape Town come to your rescue. The little-known sandy shores are perfect for sunbathing, swimming (but be careful!) or even camping, if that’s what you like!
Secret beaches in Cape Town: Oudekraal, Beta Beach, Tietiesbaai and Smitswinkel Baai
7. Take a peek into South Africa history
They say traveling is not merely about sightseeing, you also have to take a peek at the heritage to complete the experience. When in Cape Town, the South African history will intrigue you anyway. Right from the 18-year long struggle of Nelson Mandela in a prison to the announcement of Whites Only area by the government- South Africa’s people have faced a lot to make what we call one of the best countries in the world.
Best historical places in Cape Town: District Six Museum and Robben Island
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8. Shop to your heart’s desire at Long Street
And of course, one of the most exciting things to do in Cape Town (or any other city in the world) is to shop till you drop. Whether you want to bag blingy accessories, classy jewelry, perfumes, apparel or handicraft, this buzzing market will never disappoint. There are many fashion boutiques that will make the shopaholic in you utterly blissful. And when you’re tired and done with shopping, you can walk into any of the happening bars and relax before you make your way back to the hotel.
Other shopping areas in Cape Town: Victoria Wharf, Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village and Bree Street
9. Enjoy the nightlife
Day in and day out, Cape Town is always buzzing. Whether you want to have a dinner date plans or want to live the night away dancing at the grooviest numbers in a hip bar, this city will leave you enthralled. With many events, bars, jazz clubs, bistros and fine diners in Cape Town, your nightlife is sorted, just as you please.
Best nightclubs in Cape Town: Coco Nightclub, Asoka and Fiction
Best Jazz clubs in Cape Town: The Piano Bar and The Crypt Jazz Restaurant
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10. Witness the rich wildlife and birdlife
When we’re talking about best things to do in Cape Town, we know going home without witnessing its wildlife and birdlife would be downright depressing. So, make sure you’ve added this to your priority list when finalizing your itinerary. When taking a safari, you can expect to spot Hippos, Flamingos, Rock hyraxes, Malachite kingfishers, Orange-breasted sunbirds, Springbok, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Lion, among others. Many game reserves feature luxury accommodation options to complete your safari experience; Talk about glamping goals!
Best places to safari in and around Cape Town: Aquila Private Game Reserve, Fairy Glen Private Game Reserve, Inverdoorn Game Reserve and Gondwana Private Game Reserve
11. Try hands at water biking
Image Courtesy: Hydrobikeguy for Wikimedia
One of the best things to do in Cape Town for couples, water biking is a unique activity that gives you the feeling of walking on the water. The bikes are constructed in a way to suit the sea conditions. Moreover, they do not make any noise or require fuel. While biking, you can spot dolphins, whales, African penguins, seals, etc. You can start this exciting activity from Simon’s Town pier.
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12. Go on a sunset cruise
Image Courtesy: Captain Bluecrab for Wikimedia
Boarding a sunset cruise is a perfect way to wrap up the day. Sit back, relax, and gorge upon delicious meals while treating your senses to a majestic landscape around. Enjoy sailing out onto the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Town and indulge in experiences you’ve never tried before. The cruise generally lasts for 1.5 hours. Besides the sunset cruise, you can also book adventure cruises, private cruises, and morning/midday cruises.
13. Spend a day at Wonderdal at Hazendal
A perfect place to learn about, science, nature, and nutrition, Wonderdal is the ultimate place for children as well as for adults. This educational and creative space has several indoor and outdoor activity zones. Besides this, children get to enjoy the company of Amuki the virtual inhabitants of Wonderdal. So, if you are seeking the best things to do in Cape Town with kids, Wonderdal is the place to be.
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14. Enjoy horse riding on Pearly Beach
Image Courtesy: NaomiBooth for Needpix
If you are yearning for a unique experience, head to Pearly Beach where you can indulge in unforgettable horseback adventures. Ride on a pristine beach with a boundless ocean on one side and breathtaking fynbos-clad mountains on the other. Whether you are a novice or a pro, you will definitely enjoy riding on a 2.5-hour trail. Moreover, the horses are well-train to swim in the water and bear with the probable conditions.
Cape Town is a wonderful destination where you can enjoy plentiful activities and make your trip a memorable one. So, before you finalize your South Africa tour package, make sure you’ve added the listed activities to your customizable itinerary.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Cape Town
What can you do in Cape Town for free?
Some of the best things to do in Cape Town without paying any penny includes visiting the Aquarium, explore the hidden gems of the city, take a full moon hike up Lion’s head, swing on the Sea Point Promenade and also enjoy a drink in nature in Cecilia Forest.
What can you do in Cape Town for cheap?
Some of the best things to do in Cape Town for cheap includes exploring the neighbourhoods, go hippo spotting and bird watching at Rondevlei Nature Reserve, explore the Newlands Forest. And also take a tour of the Muizenberg.
What is Cape Town best known for?
Cape Town is famous for its enigmatic harbour and natural setting within the Cape Floristic Region. Alongside that there are landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point.
What can you do in town with no money?
For the people who have run out of money and still want to explore Cape Town can indulge into some activities like going on a picnic, go geocaching, take a historical tour of the city and also go camping.
Which are the best places in Cape Town?
There are numerous places in Cape Town where you can enjoy with your loved ones. Some of the best ones are Boulders Beach, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Castle of Good Hope, Cape Point, Bo-Kaap, Lion’s Head, Clifton and Camps Bay Beaches, Two Oceans Aquarium, The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Sea Point, and more.
Where can couldes enjoy in Cape Town?
For the people who are traveling with their partner can enjoy things like horse-riding on Noordhoek Beach, Cable Car trip, Bay Harbour market and also one can enjoy a picnic at Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Are taxis safe in Cape Town?
Cape Town is a small city which is very less prone to crime and considered to be quite safe than any other city. Here all the taxis are metered which makes it safe to travel, efficient and budget-friendly.
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