There is so much to do in Cape Town. But there are a few activities that you simply cannot afford to miss.
Here is our list of the Top 10 things to do when visiting Cape Town.
Top 10 Things to Do in Cape Town
1. Table Mountain and Lion’s Head
Long before Table Mountain was named one of the 7 wonders of the natural world it attracted thousands of visitors each year. On your way up in the cable car you will have 360° views of the city below. Look out over the city to the ocean or look down the 12 Apostles towering over Camps Bay. Besides great views Table Mountain also has great restaurants and a souvenir shop so bring your wallet and take a little bit of the mountain with you.
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, you could always take a hike up Table Mountain, but be sure to do your homework first. Read about our experience of hiking on Table Mountain here. An easier option is the 45 minute hike up Lion’s Head – well worth it for the spectacular views especially on full moon!
2. Eating Out in Cape Town
Cape Town has some of the best restaurants in the world and a real foodie culture to boot. Whether you choose to dine by the beach, in the city or out in the Winelands you are guaranteed great food in breathtaking locations. Check out Rhino Africa’s list of our favourite restaurants in Cape Town for any occasion.
3. Winelands Tour
One of the best things you can do while visiting Cape Town is to take a drive to the breathtakingly beautiful Winelands. Whether you like wine or not, it’s a trip worth taking. The winelands offer fascinating history, exceptional restaurants and the best wines South Africa has to offer. You will also get an opportunity to buy the wines that you like at a much better price. The tours include a few other attractions on the way to the Winelands to make sure your day is filled with interesting discoveries. Find out more about our Cape Town day tours here.
4. Seaside Sundowners
Nothing says “I am on holiday” better than a cheeky sunset cocktail by the sea. The ideal Facebook photo to send to your mates back home in the middle of a Northern hemisphere winter. If you are in Sea Point pop in to La Vie Cafe and Bar and if you’re lucky you will not only have a great view of the beach but also a live band for entertainment. If you go further up, Camps Bay offers one of the trendiest seaside cocktail bars and lounges.
5. Boulders Beach
There are so many beaches you can visit while in Cape Town but not all of them are home to thousands of African penguins and that is exactly what you can expect at Boulders beach. This protected beach is close to other great tourist attractions such as Simon’s Town.
6. Whale Watching
Hermanus is known for being one of the best whale watching spots in world. The best time to visit Hermanus for whale watching is between July and November. And it’s not just whales that you’ll need to look out for. Check out our video about the Marine 5 here.
7. Robben Island
Robben Island is a very important part of South African history. It is where political prisoners were kept separated from the rest of the world for years and of course it’s the place where Nelson Mandela spent most of his 27 year sentence. On the island you will hear firsthand accounts of how life was like from ex-prisoners and you’ll also visit Nelson Mandela’s cell. It’s an incredibly powerful experience (and the boat trip out to the island is spectacular!).
8. Kirstenbosch Gardens
Kirstenbosch is known as one of the best botanic gardens in the world and is synonymous with the Chelsea flower show. Once you enter you’ll soon see why. Tucked away at the foot of Table Mountain the gardens have over 7,000 plant species to keep you fascinated. Part of the gardens is a nature reserve for protected plants and animals. Look out for summer concerts every Sunday evening, as well as the Galileo open-air cinema.
9. V&A Waterfront
With over 450 stores and 6 hotels there isn’t much you won’t find at the V&A Waterfront. It is South Africa’s most visited destination. The V&A Waterfront is a getaway to many other tourist attractions which makes it a perfect place to visit. You will not only catch your boat to Robben Island here but helicopter rides, yacht trips and red bus tours can be arranged too. There are hundreds of restaurants, a food market, the aquarium and cinemas aplenty. Waterfront also has a number of 5 star hotels to stay in. It’s ideal for those with children and perfect for a rainy day.
10. Helicopter Tour of the Cape Peninsula
By car the Cape Peninsula is great but a view from the top is always best. You can decide how long you want your ride to be depending on your budget but the rules are simple, the longer you are up there the further you will go and the more you will see. Flying to Cape Point you can look forward to seeing the new Green Point Stadium, the white sands of Camps Bay, Sea Point and Hout Bay to name just a few. Just makes sure the weather plays ball.
Come explore Cape Town!
Now that you see why you should come to Cape Town, it’s time to plan your own adventure. Our team of Rhino Travel Experts are on-hand to guide you through the process and ensure that your African dream comes to life!
