Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa and is especially popular among international tourists.
Here are some things to do in Cape Town:
1.Visit Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren can be found between Paarl and Stellenbosch – right in the middle of South Africa’s wine region. With a beautiful mountainous backdrop and the perfect gardens and restaurants, you will be in for a treat when you visit Babylonstoren.
The farm dates back to 1692 and is less than 40 minutes away from Cape Town.
Cost: It is free to visit the gardens on your own OR you can book a tour. See rates for tour(s) here.
2.Go hiking
Cape Town is the capital of hiking since it is surrounded with beautiful mountains.
Here are some of our favourite hiking trails: (there are separate blogposts on all these hikes that provides more information on each hike)
2.1 Lion’s Head
Lion’s Head is situated between Table Mountain & Signal Hill with an elevation of 669m. This is one of the most popular hikes in Cape Town and here you get a 360 view of Cape Town.
Click HERE to read more about the Lion’s Head Hike.
2.2 Chapman’s Peak Hike
Even though the Chapman’s Peak drive provides you with stunning views, the view from the top of the mountain is even better!
This hike will take about 2-3 hours for a round trip and the view of Hout Bay and Noordhoek is just breathtaking.
Click HERE to read more about the Chapman’s Peak Hike.
2.3 Kasteelpoort Trail
The Kasteelpoort Trail is one way to get to the top of Table Mountain. This is a fairly moderate trail that can become a bit difficult on a windy day. When just hiking to the famous diving board, a round trip will take you about 3-4 hours, depending on your fitness level.
Click HERE to read more about the Kasteelpoort Trail.
2.4 Hiking at Cape Point
There are multiple hiking trails at Cape Point and one day is just not enough to explore them all. The two trails I would definitely recommend (and that can be done in one day) is the trail to the new lighthouse (Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail) – although this is more of a stroll than a hike and can be easily done with sandals. The second hike is the hike from the old lighthouse to the Cape of Good Hope.
Click HERE to read more about visiting Cape Point.
3.Go to the V&A Waterfront
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is situated on the Atlantic shore in the Table Bay Harbour. This is the perfect spot for shopping and the restaurants overlooking the bay provides you with the perfect scenery for dining out.
There are multiple activities to do at the V&A Waterfront:
3.1 Explore the V&A and do some shopping.
The V&A Waterfront is just breathtaking, and a stroll through the Waterfront is so serene. Get your shopping on with all the various shops available, but also go check out the shops at the Watershed and make your way to the V&A Food market.
3.2 Go on the Cape Wheel
Here you can also take a ride on the Cape Wheel, which provides you with stunning views of the Bay.
Cost: Check out their website to see the pricing for the Cape Wheel.
3.3 Go on a boat cruise
There are multiple boat cruises to choose from. You can even book a private boat trip. We’ve booked the Esperance through Waterfront Charters and went on an hour boat cruise in the Bay. This is the best way to see Cape Town from afar.
Waterfront Charters is located in Shop 5, close to the Belthazar restaurant. Just go down the steps and they’ll be located on your left side.
4. Visit Table Mountain via the Cable Car
Table Mountain is what Cape Town is famous for and is also one of the 7 wonders of the world. It is known for its flat top and when at the top you get this amazing view overlooking the city of Cape Town and the vast ocean.
Do take into consideration that the cable car is only working when the weather allows it. You can check on their website to see if you will be able to visit, the operating times and also the rates.
Another activity to do on Table Mountain (if you are an adventurist) is to go abseiling off Table Mountain.
GPS Coordinates for the Aerial Cable Car.
5.Drive Chapman’s Peak
Chapman’s Peak is a famous drive on the western side of Cape Town. It is located between Hout Bay and Noordhoek and has numerous viewpoints where you can stop and admire the beautiful scenery.
With the dramatic coastline just next to the road, this is a trip you do not want to miss. There are also hiking trails you can follow, leading you to secret lookout caves, beautiful coastal viewpoints, etc.
Cost: Toll Tariffs are here.
6. Visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
The Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is one of the best botanical gardens I’ve been to in South Africa and is situated on the slopes of Table Mountain. The grandeur of the gardens makes this a magical place to visit and with its mountainous backdrop and lush gardens, you will think you are in a scene from Jurassic World.
Make sure to look for the famous tree canopy walkway, also known as the ‘Boomslang‘. This walkway is located up in the trees and gives you a spectacular view of the gardens.
There are also multiple hiking trails you can do at this gorgeous botanical garden.
Check out their website to see more about the rates and times.
7. Visit the colourful Bo-Kaap
The historic Bo-Kaap is situated just below Signal Hill and is lined with these beautiful colourful houses.
So why are these houses so colourful? The Bo-Kaap dates back to the 1760’s and these houses were built to rent out to slaves. While slaves rented these houses back in the day, they were only allowed to paint their houses white. As the years went on and slaves were allowed to buy these houses and paint it any colour they want, they decided to paint it bright colours as a symbol of their freedom.
8. Visit Kommetjie
The Kommetjie wooden walkway is a located next to the beautiful Slangkop Lighthouse. Take a nice stroll on this wooden walkway and enjoy the salty air while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
9. Pet an Alpaca
If you like furry friends, then Alpaca Loom is the place for you! Here you can go on an educational tour to learn more about Alpacas or/and you can buy a feeding bag and go out to feed the Alpacas.
There is also a coffee shop to enjoy something to drink. You can also support them by buying some products from their weaving shop.
10. Visit the Afrikaanse Taalmonument
The Afrikaanse Taalmonument is located in Paarl and has this monument on the hill overlooking the mountain areas.
11. Visit the Wine Farms
Cape Town is well-known for its wine and a visit to the many wine farms is a must! If you want to visit as many wine farms as possible, I highly recommend doing this via the Franschhoek Wine Tram! Definitely go check out their website to see different options and rates.
GPS Coordinates for the Wine Tram.
12. Stroll along the promenade at Sea Point
Park at the parking lot at the start of the promenade and walk along the promenade until you reach the lighthouse. Here are various restaurants to take a bite before you head back to your car. There are also various activities you can do like hiring a bike or scooter or you can take a swim at the Sea Point Pavilion swimming pool.
GPS Coordinate for the parking lot.
13. Watch the sunset at Signal Hill
This is a must experience!
Just make sure you go early to ensure you get a spot, as parking can be limited and you do not want to leave with a parking ticket. Follow the road all the way to the top until you’ve reached a parking lot.
Take a picnic basket with to enjoy while watching the sun set over the ocean. This is also a stunning spot to see Table Mountain.
14. Go to Spice Route
The nice thing about Spice Route is that there are multiple shops/ restaurants and it is situated in the picture square Paarl.
If you are a chocolate lover, then De Villiers Chocolate will be heaven. They have unique flavoured chocolates and ice-cream and also provide chocolate tastings.
Go have some lunch, do chocolate tasting afterwards and then some wine tasting if you want!
15.Go to the beach
Here is a list of my all time favourite beaches to visit in Cape Town:
15.1 Muizenberg
Muizenberg is located on the east coast and is only a 30-minute drive from Cape Town. This beach is famous for its cute coloured huts and makes for the most beautiful photos.
15.2 Boulders Beach
Boulders beach is located near Simons Town and is an hour’s drive from Cape Town. This is the perfect beach for animal lovers. Here you are met with the cutest penguins and they will definitely steal your heart. You can walk along the wooden walkway or you can hit the beach and see how the penguins roam freely along the beach.
Cost: check out their website under Boulders.
If you are a South African visiting the beach, do make sure to take your ID with as they do ask for it at the gate. If you don’t have it with you, you will have to pay the foreign visitors fee.
15.3 Bloubergstrand
Bloubergstrand offers you a beautiful view of Table Mountain, if not the best. You can also see Robben Island from Bloubergstrand. Follow along the promenade while enjoying the view.
15.4 Llandudno Beach
Llandudno beach is known for its huge granite boulders and has some of the most expensive residential properties in South Africa. This area has no street lights, shops or commercial activities, but it does provide you with amazing views. Parking here can be a bit tricky though.
15.5 Camps Bay
Camps Bay is located on the west coast of the Cape Peninsula and the perfect beach to go to for sundowners or to just watch the sunset from the beach. This is also where you have a gorgeous view over the twelve apostles.
Make sure to go to Maidens Cove, which has the most stunning tidal pool overlooking the ocean and the twelve apostles.
15.6 Kite Beach
Kite beach is located next to Bloubergstrand and here you can watch the kite surfers enjoy the water while the sun sets over the ocean.
You can park at the parking lot next to the Dolphin beach hotel and then head your way to the beach.
You can also go check out my Cape Town Travel Vlog:
Travel with Mariska 