The 25 best things to do in Cape Town right now

What is it? Table Mountain has long defined this corner of South Africa, from the early San people’s reverence of ‘Hoerikwaggo’ (the ‘mountain in the sea’) to modern-day locals who’ll use it to give you driving directions. There are myriad hiking routes to explore or there’s the option to ride the scenic aerial cableway and be whisked to the top in a few minutes. 

Why go? The views are spectacular, with panoramic vistas over city and ocean. On the summit you’ll find a choice of easy paths to explore and longer hikes to the ‘back table’ – but be warned that cloud cover (known locally as the tablecloth) can swoop in suddenly and obscure the panorama completely.

What is it? Former president Nelson Mandela served 18 of his 27 years behind bars on this infamous prison island, alongside hundreds of other political detainees. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sobering reminder of South Africa’s tumultuous past.

Why go? The Robben Island Museum is a site of key historical importance. Lying nearly seven kilometres offshore of the city, the island welcomes visitors on pre-booked tours, which reach the island by scheduled ferry from the V&A Waterfront. Many tours are led by former inmates, offering personal insights into the struggle against apartheid.

What is it? Billed as the world’s largest collection of contemporary works from the African continent, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa features works from across the diaspora. London-based architect Thomas Heatherwick outdid himself in converting an abandoned grain silo into striking gallery spaces.

Why go? The works speak for themselves, and across a roster of rotating exhibitions you’ll discover the depth and breadth of African creativity. Arts aside, the central atrium is magnificent.

READ MORE: The best museums in Cape Town

What is it? The south-western tip of South Africa is as iconic as Table Mountain, and it’s also the halfway-point of a memorable full-day tour along the coastal roads of the peninsula.

Why go? Cape Point Nature Reserve is the wildest section of the Table Mountain National Park, and there’s a chance to spot baboons and antelope up-close. There are clearly-marked hiking trails to explore and tidal pools for a swim. Don’t miss the walk out to the historic lighthouse (or ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular) to admire the views. But don’t be fooled: despite what guides may tell you, this isn’t where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet – that’s at Cape Agulhas, 150km to the east.

What is it? First established in 1913, Kirstenbosch is South Africa’s flagship botanical garden, stretching across 90 acres on the flanks of Table Mountain. The canopy walkway known as the ‘Boomslang’ – ‘tree snake’ in Afrikaans – offers an elevated spot perfect for bird-watching and selfie-snapping. Don’t miss the Protea Garden, dedicated to South Africa’s national flower.

Why go? It’s a wonderful respite from the bustle of the city, with manicured gardens melding into wild fynbos vegetation. Pack a picnic and enjoy a few lazy hours or join a free guided tour. The sunset concert series in the summer months is hugely popular.

What is it? A sandy cove on the southern reaches of the Cape Peninsula, conveniently on the way to Cape Point. it's a popular slip of sand for sunbathing, even if space is limited at high tide, and for a dip in crystal-clear waters. But the main draw is actually the colony of wild African penguins.

Why go? African penguins are listed as an endangered species, and this is one of only two breeding colonies on the South African coastline. It’s endlessly entertaining watching them waddle, swim, honk and parade about.

READ MORE: The best beaches in Cape Town

What is it? A five-kilometre seafront walkway that’s hugely popular with locals, whether you’re strolling or cycling, power-walking or jogging.  

Why Go? Beyond mingling with the locals, the ‘Prom’ dishes up glorious sea and sunset views for very little effort. Whether you wander the length of the Promenade, or just hang out on a bench in the gardens alongside, it’s a fine place for people watching. Seek out the public artworks and ongoing photographic exhibitions or catch a few rays on the beaches and coves that pepper the Prom. Just be wary when swimming, as the rip currents here can be treacherous. For that, rather head to the charming (if chilly) Saunders rock tidal pool at the western end of the promenade. Sea Point has long been home to a vibrant Jewish community, and the city’s only eruv is just alongside the Promenade.

What is it? A landmark aquarium in the heart of the V&A Waterfront precinct with immersive displays celebrating the diversity of the Cape oceans.

Why Go? With over 3000 creatures – from rays and penguins to yellowfin tuna and sharks – the Two Oceans Aquarium lets you delve below the surface of the oceans that surround the South African coastline. Be sure to check the schedule of animal feeding times, and don’t skip the predator exhibit, the astonishing kelp forest and the penguin area. There are jellyfish, eels, seahorses and even crabs – these enormous tanks contain them all. The Touch Pool is great for kids, as is the 10-metre-long tunnel that allows you to get up close with subtropical species.

What is it? On the fringes of the city centre these burgeoning blocks are home to some of the city’s most creative corners

Why Go? There are so many good reasons to visit Cape Town’s East City we wrote a whole article on it. But in a nutshell: it’s bursting with creative energy. You’ll find bakeries and art galleries, boutiques and some of the city’s best restaurants. Start with a coffee at Truth.Coffee and let your feet guide you from there. 

What is it? The most advanced planetarium in Africa, set alongside the South African Museum and historic Company’s Garden.

Why Go? Using digital projection technology to create an immersive 360-degree experience, the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome offers a schedule of planetarium shows that take stargazers on a discovery of southern hemisphere skies. Here’s an excellent combo of science and folklore, and dedicated shows for kids.

What is it: Africa’s first amphibious bus-and-boat tour, which launched in Cape Town in 2024. Based in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront, The Waterfront Duck Co. offers nine tours per day, each lasting an hour.

Why Go: A ‘surf-and-turf- discovery of the city! While the land portion will vary according to traffic, expect a rumbling meander around the Atlantic Seaboard while the on-board con-duck-tor shares the city's history through notable landmarks and stories. The Duck then returns to the Waterfront and down the slipway for a 30-minute watery ‘drive’ around the harbours and basins of the Waterfront.

What is it? Turn the adrenaline dial right up on a scenic flight around the peninsula, taking in scenic panoramas and ocean vistas from above.

Why Go? For the best views of this beautiful city. Helicopter tours take off regularly from the recently expanded heliport on the edge of the V&A Waterfront: the shortest flips (15 minutes) dash to Camps Bay and back for a taster, while the longer journeys head as far south as Cape Point for an epic discovery of the entire peninsula.

What is it? An historic naval village on the southern peninsula, filled with coastal charm and seaside attractions

Why Go? Many visitors speed through Simon’s Town on their way to Cape Point, but it’s worth spending a day here if time allows. The African penguin colony at Boulders Beach brings most tourists here, but locals know that it’s the ‘secret’ beach alongside that is the best cove for sunbathing and snorkelling. Delve into history at the excellent Naval Museum, and discover the tale of Able Seaman Just Nuisance (spoiler alert: he was a dog) at the statue in Jubilee Square. There are waterfront restaurants aplenty, and tour operators offering kayak, fishing and boat tours. Long Beach, on the left as you come into town, has safe swimming for kids.

What is it? An award-winning cocktail. Bar that champions the award-winning brandy produced in the Cape Winelands.

Why Go? South Africa’s wine cellars may be making waves worldwide, but for centuries they have also been famous for crafting brandewijn, or ‘burnt wine’, which was first distilled on a ship in Table Bay in 1672. In the years since Cape Brandy has routinely beaten French cognac in global competitions. Sacre bleu! Cause|Effect in the V&A Waterfront (with other branches in Stellenbosch and Camps Bay) puts brandy front and centre in both their inventive cocktails and the dedicated brandy bar offering bespoke tastings.

What is it? Zip up your lifejacket for a guided kayaking adventure on the city’s Atlantic Seaboard. Guided kayak tours depart daily from Three Anchor Bay, weather permitting. 

Why go? You’ll enjoy an all-new perspective on Cape Town, with the chance to paddle alongside pods of dolphins and, if you’re lucky, Southern Right whales.

What is it? Cape Town plays host to a range of top-notch golf courses, ranging from nine-hole inner-city layouts and fun ‘mashie’ par-three courses to remarkable championship tracks.

Why Go? If you love golf you’re going to love playing in Cape Town, where green fees are (especially if you’re spending foreign currency) largely affordable, and the city’s scenic beauty allows for some truly memorable tracks. Links-style Milnerton Golf Club is a fairly short 18-hole layout, but the views on offer along the dunes are superb. Further up the coast, Atlantic Beach ups the ante with longer holes and less forgiving rough that’s also home, ahem, to a healthy population of Cape cobras. Rather put down another. In the Constantia Valley Steenberg is an immaculate championship course with signature holes scampering up the slopes of the Table Mountain National Park. Simonstown offers a scenic, if rough around the edges, seaside option, while Westlake and Royal Cape are suburban standouts worth a look too. If you’re playing with kids, it’s worth the 30-minute drive to the 18-hole ‘mashie’ course on Hazendal estate.

What is it? The city’s original Cape Malay Quarter is rich with history, and as famous for its spice shops and cobbled streets as its brightly painted houses.

Why go? Look beyond the Insta-friendly pastel walls and take a deep dive into the multicultural history of Cape Town. A guided walking tour is ideal, unpacking the history of the suburb and its links to slavery, and stopping for a taste of traditional Cape Malay cooking in local kitchens. And, of course, to grab a selfie in front of the kaleidoscopic houses.

READ MORE: The best neighbourhoods in Cape Town

What is it? A striking observation wheel perched on the seafront, with capsules 40 meters in the air offering impressive views of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Atlantic Seaboard.

Why Go? Since it opened in 2008 the Cape Wheel has become one of the most popular attractions in the V&A Waterfront. For an upgraded experience book the VIP Gondola, which boasts leather seats, a glass floor, music and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine.

What is it? This boho-chic seaside suburb is packed full of colourful boutiques touting everything from African antiques to items from local designers.

Why go? It’s worth a few hours of wandering, even if you’re only window shopping. There’s also an excellent selection of restaurants, from The Brass Bell’s no-frills fare with a superb sea view to Olympia Café and its legendary mussels and ciabatta. Kalk Bay Harbour is a charmer, while locals flock to Dalebrook tidal pool throughout the year.

READ MORE: The best neighbourhoods in Cape Town

What is it? A half-day walking tour that offers the perfect introduction to Cape Town, bundling the biodiversity, food, culture and scenery of the Mother City into an immersive local-led experience.

Why go? To set the scene for your time Cape Town. The Lion Trail begins at the historic Mouille Point lighthouse where you’ll meet your local guide, Matthew Sterne. The first hour is the most taxing of the Trail, with a fairly steep ascent – taken at a gentle pace, though – through the suburb of Sea Point and onto the slopes of Signal Hill. Here the views steal the show, as Sterne shares anecdotes and histories of the mountain, city and culture of Cape Town. Winding around (not up) Lion’s Head, you’ll soon swop fynbos for forest en route to discovering the glamorous beaches of the Atlantic Seaboard, before a final e-scooter ride back to the starting point. With fabulous picnics filled with local fare to keep you fuelled up, and an entertaining local guide sharing tidbits and tales along the way, it’s a wonderful way to ease into the city, or discover corners you never knew existed.

What is it? Set just back from the quayside in Hout Bay in a former fish factory, Bay Harbour Market is known for its lively, family-friendly vibe. Open Friday evenings (5pm-9pm), Saturdays and Sundays (9.30am-4pm both days).

Why go? Quirky clothes and craft items occupy one large section of the market, but it’s the food hall which attracts most visitors. There’s a wonderful variety here, from Korean plates to pizza to grilled seafood. The Sound Stage features a roster of leading local musicians playing live, and always draws a faithful crowd.

What is it? A creative hub set in – yup, you guessed it, an old biscuit mill in the heart of Woodstock, a rapidly gentrifying suburb on the outskirts of the inner city.

Why go? Though it's most famous for the weekly (Saturday and Sunday) Neighbourgoods Market, The Old Biscuit Mill is host to a wonderful array of boutiques and restaurants that make it worth a visit any day of the week. Don’t miss Imiso Ceramics and Abode for African design, Espresso Lab for micro-roasted coffee, and The Pot Luck Club for globally inspired tapas plates.

What is it? Some call it gentrification, some say it’s the city’s most exciting emerging art space. Either way, this neighbourhood is so full of colourful public artworks that it seems like there’s a mural on every block.

Why go? There’s a growing appreciation for street art in Cape Town (evidenced by the annual International Public Arts Festival) and the city boasts a large number of incredible murals. The best art is often in the less salubrious suburbs, though, so consider joining a guided tour rather than exploring on your own.

What is it? In the leafy suburb of Constantia, the Norval Foundation celebrates contemporary African artists and global creativity with an impressive roster of exhibitions.

Why go? Art-lovers will appreciate the permanent and temporary exhibitions, which have set the bar high by featuring some of South Africa’s best-known artists. The outdoor sculpture garden, set below the mountains, makes for an excellent aimless ramble.

READ MORE: The best museums in Cape Town

What is it? A bustling market filled with fresh produce, street food stalls and local designers, set right on the water’s edge, close to the V&A Waterfront.

Why go? Why wouldn’t you? If you’re stocking your fridge you’ll find fabulous fresh produce from local artisans. If you’re searching for souvenirs, an entire section of Oranjezicht City Farm Market is devoted to local craft and design. And if you’re just plain hungry, the food hall section is brimming with global dishes and local flavours. Enjoy your order at the communal tables overlooking the ocean.

--