Cape Town, South Africa’s glorious ‘Mother City’

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Welcome to Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa’s glorious ‘Mother City’ was a destination I had wanted to visit for a long time now. Before my first visit, I had dreamed of gorgeous beaches and a lively and cosmopolitan city. The city was exactly that, and so, so much more.

I was told hundreds of times before arriving that I was just “just going to love it”. So my expectations for Cape Town were pretty high.

But fortunately, my high expectations were met and exceeded. Cape Town has simply so much to offer. It’s definitely one of those cities that’s amazing to visit, and amazing to live in. And I could live in this beautiful city without a doubt.

The Capetonian lifestyle is so healthy and outdoorsy. Yet it has all the cafes, bars and galleries that Europeans and Americans tend to look for in a destination.

I’ve written a much more detailed guide here on Cape Town, covering how to plan your time in the city. I’ve split this guide into various length itineraries, from three day visits to 10 day visits.

If possible, I would suggest one week in Cape Town. This would be ample time to see the main attractions in Cape Town, but several excellent day trips too.

But no matter how long you spend in the city, you’ll be able to squeeze in a surprising number of activities and sites. So here’s my guide to all of the best things to do in Cape Town!

Top things to do in Cape Town

Catch the sunset at Signal Hill

Signal Hill is one of the most popular places in Cape Town to watch a sunset. The number of cars in the car park and the approach road certainly indicates this. But the potential trouble in parking is well worth the reward.

Visitors gather on the hill with picnics and blankets to watch the sun set over the sea in the distance. It’s spectacular and if you’re looking for romantic activities in Cape Town, this is definitely one of them!

Blend in with the locals at Seapoint

Seapoint is the seafront promenade stretching from near the V&A Waterfront all the way towards Clifton.

In the early evening, it is packed with locals and their dogs getting some fresh air after a day at work. You’ll feel like a real Capetonian if you take a walk along here.

Especially as there tends to be far fewer tourists here than in the Waterfront, for example.

Robben Island

Robben Island is an absolute must see attraction for any tourist visiting Cape Town. It would be an injustice to your South African experience to visit the country and to not visit Robben Island.

Our tour guide pointed out that each year, there are fewer and fewer ex-prisoners still alive. So if you’d like to experience hearing their tales first-hand, you’d need to visit in the next couple of years.

This post details in-depth my experience of Robben Island, including everything you need to know to visit yourself.

Wander the V&A Waterfront

This vast waterfront development feels a bit like the beating heart of Cape Town. It’s also car-free and completely pedestrianised making it a lovely area to explore.

There are plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and even a couple of beach clubs at the V&A Waterfront.

Many of the best hotels in Cape Town are located near here so you’re likely to be staying nearby.

The waterfront is also where many sailing day trips depart, incuding the ferry to Robben Island. Make sure to watch out for the exciting marine life if you head out on to the water. You could see seals, dolphins or even whales!

Silo Hotel

This ultra luxurious (and very expensive hotel) is in the Silo District, part of the Waterfront area.

The Silo Hotel in Cape Town tops many ‘Best Luxury Hotels’ lists around the world and I’d definitely recommend visiting whilst in South Africa. You don’t actually have to stay overnight to enjoy it’s restaurants and bars.

So whilst an overnight stay might be out of your budget (rates start at £900 a night), it’s worth making an advance reservation to have a drink or bite to eat in the Silo Rooftop. The 360 view is spectacular!

Table Mountain

Looming over the city is the iconic Table Mountain, another must see attraction in Cape Town. In fact, it’s probably one of the most famous attractions in all of Africa.

There are several different hiking routes of varying difficulty, or you can take the cable car up and/or down. There are several viewing points at the top.

Table Mountain is one of the most iconic hikes in the world, and it’s very easily accessed from the city centre! It is without doubt one of the best adventure activities to do in Cape Town.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

This beautiful scenic drive winds along the coastline, and is considered one of the most beautiful routes in the world and a place not to miss on Africa safari tours in South Africa.

It starts in the picturesque fishing village of Hout Bay and finishes in Noordhoek in the Cape Peninsula.

Factor this drive into a Cape Peninsula day out and drive this stunning route at sunset back towards Cape Town.

You will not be disappointed! Read more about this drive in my guide to the best day trips from Cape Town here.

Go beach hopping

Cape Town is known for its fantastic beaches. There are dozens to pick from, from gorgeous sandy alcoves to vast bays with gorgeous views.

Enjoy sundowners at Camps Bay

Camps Bay is definitely one of the most stunning beaches in Cape Town, and is one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in the city. It has a really lively and cosmopolitan bar and cafe scene along its beachside road.

I’d recommend turning up early for sunset. Grab a seat at one of the cool cafes on the beachfront and watch the sky turn red and purple in front of your eyes! Or arrive for a sunrise run from Camps Bay to Clifton and back.

Camps Bay is also known for its nightlife at places such as Cafe Caprice.

Visit the local vineyards at Constantia, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek

South Africa is globally renowned for its excellent wines. And fortunately, some of the best wine growing regions are found right next to Cape Town.

A day trip to a wine farm near Cape Town is the perfect activity for couples or larger groups.

Constantia is the closest winelands area to Cape Town, located less than a 20 minute drive from the city centre.

There are plenty of transport options to get from Cape Town city centre to Constantia if you don’t have your own car. Even the famous red bus company, City Sightseeing includes Constantia on one if its routes.

The beautiful towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are both less than an hour driving from the centre of Cape Town.

There are many wine farms to visit, and you can even do these via hop-on hop-off tours. For example in a tuk tuk or on the popular Franschhoek wine tram.

Explore the City Bowl area

The centre of Cape Town is known as the City Bowl, because of its amphitheatre shape. Nestled in the shadow of Table Mountain, City Bowl encompasses a number of different neighbourhood and districts within the city.

It’s a complete melting pot of different cultures and background, and is home to many of the key attractions in the city.

Exploring Cape Town’s city centre really gives some insight into how diverse the city really is. I recommend strolling around the Bo Kaap area, home to the Cape Malay community.

You can also visit District Six Museum to learn more about South Africa’s history, with this museum paying homage to this vibrant neighbourhood.

Wander the hipster neighbourhood of Woodstock

The hipster hangout of Woodstock is also one of the oldest suburbs in Cape Town. Once an industrial and manufacturing zone, today Woodstock is lined with exciting street art.

There are plenty of eclectic stalls and boutiques to wander around, as well as cutting-edge restaurants, and hip cafes and a lively social scene.

An afternoon can easily be lost wandering its narrow streets and The Old Biscuit Mill. This is a converted warehouse full of workshops, shops, coffee shops and yoga spaces. Woodstock is a must-see area, for sure.

Meet the local penguins

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Cape Town is Boulder’s Beach.

For a small entrance fee of R190 (£8.15) for tourists, or R45 (£1.93) for locals, visitors can visit the penguins at two sites within the National Park.

You can even swim right up close with the penguins, a magical experience! Make sure to check out my detailed guide to visiting the penguins in Cape Town.

Explore Bo Kaap

This colourful neighbourhood in the city centre is home to the city’s muslim population, and was once known as the Malay Quarter.

This distinctive neighbourhood’s street are lined with ultra-colourful, old-style homes which visitors are free to wander. Many of the families living here have been here for generations and this area is important to the city’s cultural heritage.

Tuck into Cape Town’s local food

Cape Town is one of the best foodie destinations I have ever been to. I could have spent all day every day, cafe and bar hopping here and still not have made it to every spot.

I’ve pulled this foodie guide to all of the best cafes and restaurants you must visit in Cape Town. Make sure to sample as many local places as you can!

Visit a township in Cape Town

Visiting a township is definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Cape Town, but one that can give a real insight into life in South Africa. You can read more about my experience at Langa Township here.

South Africa is a nation of vast disparity, and I really noticed this in Cape Town. Nowhere can really give you an understanding and a feel for Cape Town and for South Africa than by visiting a township.

Something you can’t really avoid noticing is the level of security in the city, particularly in residential areas. It was something that made me feel a bit uncomfortable.

Catch the sunrise at Lions Head

Lions Head, directly in front of Table Mountain, is another must-do hike. It is easily one of the best activities to do in Cape Town.

The view from the summit is stunning and if you start at sunrise, you can be down by 9am. Whilst the very final stage of Lions Head is challenging, you can enjoy the incredible 360 views the whole way up.

So no worries if you do not make it to the top. It offers some of the best views in Cape Town, and maybe even the world.

Walk through the gardens of Kirstenbosch

Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain are the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Worth an afternoon exploring, there are canopied walkways to view the diverse flora and fauna, as well as wildlife indigenous to the area.

If you visit in the summer months, you can also enjoy Sundays at Kirstenbosch. A wonderful way to spend the day where you take your own picnic along and listen to live music.

Explore the Cape Peninsula

This beautiful route is so worth including in your itinerary and is one of the best road trips to do in South Africa.

Kalk Bay is cool and quirky, and Simon’s Town is historical and ever so quaint. The two towns are also next to Boulders Beach, home to Cape Town’s largest penguin colony.

The Cape Peninsula also has the Cape Point Nature Reserve, located within the vast Table Mountain National Park.

Africa’s most southernly point is often mistaken for being in here in this nature reserve. It actually isn’t, but the promontory here is still incredible beautiful and scenic.

Enjoy live sport at a cricket or rugby game

Depending on the timing of your trip, you may find that some top sporting action is set to take place.

Cricket at the Newlands Cricket Stadium is always a brilliant experience, and it has to be one of the most beautiful sporting venues in the world.

Tickets for cricket and rugby in South Africa are far more affordable than seeing sport in the UK or US too!

Land of the Tswana

There are so many places that you can visit in Botswana but there are some other attractions that stand out more than others and are worth visiting during Botswana Safari. These make the list of the top Tourist Attractions In Botswana.

There are many tours that you can do in Botswana and the most common is the overland tour, where you can drive around to most parts of the country in an overland truck. Most common tours include a Botswana Wildlife Safari, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park package, Desert tracking, Premium safaris and 5 to 10 day safaris.