Planning a trip to Cape Town in South Africa? You’re in for a treat – but also a challenge. With countless attractions spanning amazing beaches, world-class wineries, historic sites, and breathtaking natural wonders, fitting everything into your itinerary can feel overwhelming. What’s truly worth your time? Don’t worry – we’ve done the hard work for you. From penguin-spotting to wine tasting, here are 20 unmissable experiences in Africa’s most beautiful city.
1. Swim With Penguins At Boulders Beach
Only a few places on Earth allow you to swim with African penguins in their natural habitat, and Boulders Beach near Cape Town is one of them. What many people don’t know is that there are two entrances to Boulders Beach. Foxy Beach, accessible via Kleintuin Road, is the main entrance. It features wooden boardwalks for observing the colony from dedicated viewing areas. While the entrance on the opposite side of the cove offers the unique opportunity to swim with these charming creatures. You need to navigate through and around large granite boulders to reach the secluded area where you can get close to the penguins. It’s best to come at low tide for this because accessing the area at high tide requires wading through waist-deep water. The exact times for low and high tide can be checked here.
2. Take A Stroll Among Atlantis Sand Dunes
Just 45 minutes away from Cape Town lies a slice of the Sahara – the Atlantis Sand Dunes. These white dunes offer a stunning desert landscape perfect for photography, but timing is everything. For the best conditions, head there early in the morning, ideally mid-week after rain or strong winds, when the dunes are at their most pristine. The beauty of the dunes can be diminished during peak hours when off-road vehicles leave tire tracks throughout the sand, at the same time making walking less enjoyable and potentially unsafe.
If you’re after the perfect breakfast spot with a view, grab a table at On The Rocks Restaurant at Blouberg Beach. Perched right on the water’s edge, you can sip your morning coffee while watching Table Mountain across the bay – it’s the perfect way to recharge after your sandy adventure in the dunes.
3. Try Local Delicacies At Oranjezicht Farmers Market
Open on weekends, the Oranjezicht Market is our favorite market in Cape Town. This covered venue (perfect for any weather!) offers an impressive selection of local produce, artisanal foods, and ready-to-eat dishes. Beyond food, you’ll find stalls selling locally crafted clothes and unique souvenirs.
If you visit on a weekday, head to Mojo Market in Sea Point instead. It’s open seven days a week and has its own vibrant atmosphere.
4. Take The Cable Car Up Table Mountain
The iconic Table Mountain is a must-visit, but here’s a pro tip: book your cable car tickets online and aim for the first trip up to avoid the crowds. The morning light is perfect for photos, and you’ll often find the mountain free from its famous “tablecloth” of clouds. Once at the top, follow the well-marked paths to different viewpoints – the one overlooking Camps Bay is particularly spectacular. Keep an eye out for the furry rock dassies sunbathing on the rocks.
5. Have A Beach Day At Muizenberg
Muizenberg Beach comes alive as surfers catch waves and families enjoy the sunshine. But what makes this spot truly special are the iconic colorful changing huts that line the beach – they create the perfect backdrop for memorable vacation photos. Several surf schools offer lessons and equipment rental, making it an ideal spot to try catching your first wave.
6. Wander Around Kalk Bay
If you’re looking for the perfect getaway from Cape Town, Kalk Bay is the place. This little seaside gem is all about boho charm, salty air, and laid-back vibes. Watch colorful fishing boats moored in the harbor as fishermen bring in their daily catch. Then, wander through quirky boutiques, vintage stores, and art galleries that line the main street. Later, take a refreshing dip in the Dalebrook tidal pool before enjoying a leisurely lunch at one of the quaint cafés or restaurants.
For lunch, we recommend SALT restaurant, which offers great vibes and tasty, beautifully presented food at a very reasonable price.
7. Watch Sunset From Maiden’s Cove
Maiden’s Cove is by far our absolute favorite spot to watch the sunset in Cape Town. The viewpoint at the parking lot offers a stunning sun-lit vista of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and Camps Bay Beach, making it worth a pause before descending to the cove. Once there, you’ll find two tidal pools and plenty of rocks to choose from for your perfect sunset perch, often alongside local families enjoying a traditional braai (barbecue) by the ocean. For the best experience, arrive an hour before sunset armed with a blanket, some local wine, and snacks.
8. Explore The Colorful Streets Of Bo-Kaap
Known for its vibrant houses, Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most photographed neighborhoods. Each colorful building has a story to tell about the area’s rich Cape Malay heritage. But to truly experience its soul, try a local cooking class or dine at one of the family-run restaurants serving authentic Cape Malay cuisine. In addition, a visit to the Atlas Trading Company, a historic spice shop where locals have been buying their spices for generations, adds to the neighborhood’s charm.
9. Indulge In A Wine Tasting Experience
If you love wine, prepare to fall head over heels with the Cape Winelands. In just 45 minutes, you can trade city life for rolling vineyards, historic estates, and world-class wine tastings. Our favorites include Delaire Graff for its state-of-the-art winery, Babylonstoren for its gorgeous gardens, and Spier for its farm-inspired picnics. For something unique, don’t miss the famous duck parade at Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate, where hundreds of Indian Runner ducks march through the vineyards to help with pest control!
10. Visit The Babylonstoren Gardens
Don’t miss a visit to Babylonstoren, where you’ll find so much more than just a wine tasting. Take a guided garden tour or simply wander the paths at your own pace. While there, you can pick and taste any fruit straight from the trees! The farm shops offer a delightful selection of fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, and homemade cheeses. Also, don’t miss an incredible buffalo milk ice cream – trust us, it’s delicious! If you have time for lunch, the Greenhouse Restaurant serves an exceptional farm-to-fork menu that changes based on what’s fresh from the garden.
11. Hike Up Kloof Corner For Sunset
Kloof Corner is the perfect destination for those seeking a relatively easy hike with maximum reward. This 20-minute climb offers some of the best views of Camps Bay, Lion’s Head, and the Twelve Apostles. The trail starts at the final bend before the Table Mountain cable car station. This is a popular spot for locals after work, so you might make some new friends while watching the sun dip into the Atlantic.
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12. Explore Cape Town’s Vibrant Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront buzzes with energy, especially during weekends and evenings when local musicians fill the air with traditional African rhythms. Take a 10-minute spin on the Cape Wheel for spectacular views of the harbor and Table Mountain.
For unique shopping, check out AAFRICAA, a beautifully curated space showcasing contemporary African design – from fashion and accessories to striking home decor. The Watershed is also worth exploring. It’s a light-filled market housing local artisans and designers, where you’ll find everything from handcrafted jewelry to original artwork.
13. Book A Fine Dining Experience At FYN
FYN Restaurant offers one of Cape Town’s most exceptional dining experiences – book at least one month in advance to secure a table. Their nine-course journey brilliantly fuses African and Japanese cuisines. Opt for the wine pairing to try some unique South African wines.
14. Take A Scenic Helicopter Flight
See Cape Town from a whole new perspective with a helicopter tour around the peninsula – you can’t truly appreciate how massive and beautiful the city is until you’ve seen it from above. Spot iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles, and fly over the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton. Get your camera ready – these views are made for photos.
15. Soak Up The Views from Signal Hill
Signal Hill offers the perfect sunset spot if you’re not up for a hike. Drive up just before the golden hour to watch paragliders soar off the hill and see the sun sink into the Atlantic. For a more peaceful experience, visit in the morning when the crowds are thin.
16. See Contemporary Art In Zeitz MOCAA Museum
Housed in a converted grain silo, the Zeitz MOCAA is Africa’s largest contemporary art museum. The building itself is an architectural marvel – the carved grain-silo tubes create stunning geometric spaces. Take the glass elevator to the top floor for panoramic views of the V&A Waterfront, then work your way down through the exhibitions.
17. Discover The Wild Beauty Of Cape Point
More than just another lookout spot, Cape Point is a destination where you could easily spend a whole day exploring. While there, you’ll discover sweeping ocean views, historic shipwrecks, and pristine beaches tucked between rocky cliffs. Additionally, the network of hiking trails offers chances to spot baboons, ostriches, and rare Cape Mountain zebras – Cape Point’s very own striped superstar.
Short on time? Hop aboard the Flying Dutchman funicular to the lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic and False Bay.
The Two Oceans Restaurant at Cape Point offers surprisingly good food and spectacular views. Reserve ahead for window seats.
18. Have Brunch At The Old Biscuit Mill
The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock is home to some of Cape Town’s best restaurants, artisanal shops, and workshops. On Saturdays, it also hosts the Neighbourgoods Market, where you can sample everything from specialty coffee to gourmet sandwiches.
19. Watch Whales In Hermanus
From June to November, Hermanus becomes a whale-watching paradise. The town’s cliff path offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the world – you can often spot Southern Right whales breaching and playing just meters from the shore. For a closer encounter, book a boat trip (but do it in advance during peak season). Even if you miss the whales, Hermanus is worth visiting for its charming town center and excellent restaurants.
On your drive back to Cape Town, we recommend stopping at Stony Point Penguin Colony and the stunning Kogel Bay beach.
20. Take A Street Art Tour In Woodstock
Hit the streets of Woodstock and Salt River to see building-sized murals and street art that tell stories of social change, local culture, and artistic expression. Between old warehouses and factory buildings, you’ll discover hidden art, quirky shops, and cool cafés. While you can wander the maze of lanes and hunt for artwork yourself, a guided street art tour helps you locate the best pieces and learn about the artists, their motivations and techniques. It’s a perfect way to spend a couple of hours, whether you’re an art lover, a keen photographer, or just curious about the city’s creative side.
