30 unforgettable experiences to have in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is renowned as one of the most stunning cities in the world, with majestic mountains and the ocean visible from nearly every angle, and often both at once.

The weather here is famously unpredictable – you can experience all four seasons in a single day. Locals often keep a jacket, an umbrella, and a swimsuit in their cars, just in case.

But this only adds to the city’s charm and variety of activities. If the mountain trails are too cloudy, you can enjoy art galleries, visit wineries, or relax on the beaches. Swim with penguins, explore the city’s rich history, or simply stroll along its charming cobblestone streets and soak up the atmosphere.

Despite facing recent water shortages, Cape Town remains one of the world’s most remarkable destinations.

Here are 30 top activities to enjoy in Cape Town during your visit:

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is the defining landmark of Cape Town. Locals often use it as a reference point for giving directions, whether it’s towards or away from the mountain, and which side of it you need to be on.

The mountain influences the weather, the views, and even the mood of the city. When the sky is clear and the mountain’s outline is sharp, the day feels just a bit brighter.

The summit is easily reached by cable car, with tickets available for purchase online in advance. On days when the mountain is shrouded in clouds, park officials will temporarily close the top until the weather clears.

Hikers can make the journey to the summit on foot (but always in groups, for safety). Among the unique plants clinging to the rocks are species that exist nowhere else on Earth.

This is a one-of-a-kind ecosystem, thriving on the moisture that comes directly from the clouds.

Simon's Town / Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

Located within Table Mountain National Park, the Simon's Town penguin colony is situated just down the coast from the city center, en route to Cape Point.

What was once a typical neighborhood has become home to a surprising colony of penguins, who decided to settle on the beach and in the gardens of the houses perched on the hillsides along the shore.

As the number of visitors grew over time, the beach was thoughtfully developed to better accommodate tourists, featuring designated boardwalks to protect penguin nests from accidental damage.

However, at the far end of the beach, the original charm remains, where visitors can still wade into the shallow waters and wait for a penguin to swim by.

Kalk Bay

In the charming village of Kalk Bay, the main street is lined with art galleries and boutique shops, while restaurants and bars offer stunning views of the ocean.

Just across the street and down a short path, families bring their children to splash in tidal pools that shield them from strong currents and keep the water pleasantly warmer.

At the marina, beyond the more upscale dining spots, you’ll find Kalkies’ – a casual spot serving Cape Town’s finest fish and chips at picnic tables.

District Six Museum

Before apartheid, District Six was a vibrant, mixed-race neighborhood where former slaves, migrants, workers, and merchants coexisted.

In the early 20th century, Black residents were forcibly relocated, and by 1966, District Six was declared a whites-only area. Bulldozers demolished homes, displacing tens of thousands of people to the harsh Cape Flats on the outskirts of Cape Town.

The District Six Museum brings to life the vibrant community that existed before the forced removals, as well as the deep trauma caused by the displacement.

District Six Museum, 25A Albertus St & Buitenkant Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town, 8000; +27 (0) 21 466 7200

Mzoli’s Place

Part butchery, part restaurant, and part social gathering spot, Mzoli’s is known by many names, including Mzoli’s Meat, Mzoli’s Place, and KwaMzoli.

It’s all one place – a butcher’s shop where people dress up to visit, select fresh cuts of meat, and cook them over open flames on a traditional home-style braai, or BBQ.

Mzoli’s is located in Guguletu, one of Cape Town’s largest townships, drawing in a mix of tourists, locals, celebrities, and an eclectic crowd of beautiful people.

Mzoli’s Place, Ny 115, Guguletu, Cape Town, 7751; +27 (0) 21 638 1355

Robben Island

The infamous Robben Island prison, once home to Nelson Mandela and other icons of the liberation movement, has now been transformed into a museum. The unique tours are led by former inmates who share their personal stories.

While the prison itself offers a stark look into the harsh realities faced by political prisoners, it is the personal stories shared by former inmates that truly bring the place to life.

The only way to reach the island is by ferry, which departs from the Waterfront. It’s recommended to book tickets online in advance as tours often sell out quickly.

Company’s Garden

When the first European settlers arrived at the Cape, they established these gardens to provide food for both the settlers and the ships that traveled between Europe and Asia.

The gardens were named in honor of the Dutch East India Company.

Today, the gardens are beautifully landscaped and stretch from St. George’s Cathedral, past Parliament and the National Library, all the way to the luxurious Mount Nelson Hotel.

Company’s Garden, 19 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town; +27 (0) 21 444-1901

Slave Lodge

Located near St. George’s Cathedral and the entrance to Company’s Garden, Slave Lodge is a museum that delves into a frequently overlooked chapter of South Africa’s history.

The Dutch East India Company constructed the building in 1679 to house slaves, with as many as 9,000 enslaved individuals confined within its walls.

Interestingly, this building was later repurposed as government offices, parliament, and the Supreme Court. Today, it holds exhibits that reveal the harsh conditions slaves endured on their journey to the Cape, explore their daily lives, and trace the stories of their descendants.

Slave Lodge, Corner Adderley and Wales Streets, Cape Town; +27 (0) 21 467 7229

Cape Wheel at the Waterfront

The Waterfront draws visitors from across the globe, and during the busy summer months, the piers become bustling with shoppers and sightseers. However, one attraction that’s definitely worth experiencing is the Cape Wheel – a 40-meter high Ferris wheel with fully enclosed cabins that offer breathtaking views of the city, mountains, and the ocean.

Cape Wheel, Dock Rd, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8000; +27 (0) 21 418 2502

The Old Biscuit Mill

Once a cookie factory, the Old Biscuit Mill is now the trendiest weekend market in Cape Town. It's the place to find everything from artisanal kombucha to gourmet burgers and indulgent French fries.

The site also hosts a number of permanent businesses, including The Test Kitchen, one of South Africa's finest restaurants, along with art galleries, a coffee roastery, and designer ceramics.

The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915; +27 (0) 21 447 8194

The Promenade

The Atlantic coastline of Cape Town is lined with parkland stretching from Mouille Point to Sea Point, featuring lighthouses, public swimming pools, and interactive sculptures for both adults and children to enjoy, whether for selfies or climbing.

The Promenade is a popular spot for jogging, but it's equally ideal for enjoying a sunset view over the Atlantic.

Bo-Kaap

With its vibrantly colored houses lining the cobblestone streets, Bo-Kaap is a picture-perfect snapshot of Cape Town.

However, Bo-Kaap is also one of the city's most culturally unique neighborhoods.

After emancipation, many freed slaves made Bo-Kaap their home, and their blended cultural heritage became known as Cape Malay, a rich fusion of Asian influences brought by the slaves.

Biesmiellah's restaurant offers a delightful menu of traditional Cape Malay dishes, which have become a beloved staple throughout Cape Town.

Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden

Nestled at the base of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is home to an array of unique plants native to the Cape, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

The garden features trails that lead up to the summit of Table Mountain, but visitors can easily spend a whole day wandering through its lush greenery, admiring the diverse protea species on display.

In the summer, Kirstenbosch becomes a vibrant venue for a popular series of outdoor concerts, perfect for a relaxing picnic in the garden.

Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town, 7735; +27 (0) 21 799 8783

Chapman’s Peak

The road along Chapman’s Peak is a popular route for car commercials, twisting and turning along the mountain's edge with dramatic drops to the ocean below.

The cliffs are vulnerable to rockslides, so the road may occasionally be closed for safety.

Road conditions are regularly updated on the Chapman’s Peak Drive website and its official Facebook page.

Cape Point

The Cape of Good Hope offers breathtaking views along the winding roads that lead to Cape Point.

While a car journey through the park can take most of the day, cycling or hiking offers a more adventurous way to explore.

The road culminates at a visitor center, complete with a restaurant and a trail leading to the lighthouse perched atop the hill.

The Flying Dutchman Funicular takes visitors to the summit, though the walk itself offers plenty of scenic stops for relaxation and ocean views as waves crash against the cliffs.

The Labia Theatre

As the oldest cinema in Cape Town, this art-house theater retains much of its original charm, including vintage seats, an old-fashioned ticket booth, and a traditional concession stand.

Originally a venue for live performances, the theater now screens art films, cult classics, and foreign cinema.

The Labia Theatre, 68 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town; +27 (0) 214245927

The Fugard Theatre

Nestled in District Six, the Fugard Theatre stands on the former site of textile suppliers and a gothic church, becoming a key cultural hub in Cape Town.

The venue boasts a cinema, two stages for live performances, and a rooftop bar offering sweeping views.

The Fugard Theatre, Corner Caledon & Lower Buitenkant Street, District Six, Cape Town, 8001; +27 (0) 21 461 4554

Babylonstoren

The oldest structures at Babylonstoren, a historic Cape Dutch farm that has been transformed into a hotel and restaurant, date back to 1690.

While rooted in tradition, the cuisine at Babel embraces modern farm-to-table concepts, sourcing many ingredients directly from the farm's own gardens.

The wine is award-winning, and the guest rooms offer a charming yet modern take on country-style living.

Babylonstoren, Klapmuts Simondium Road, Simondium, 7670; +27 (0) 21 863 3852

Spier Wine Farm

Spier is a renowned wine estate in the Cape, celebrated not only for its exceptional food and wine, but also for its impressive collection of contemporary South African art, expansive family-friendly grounds perfect for picnics, and fun Segway tours that occasionally take you around by steam train.

Spier Wine Farm, R310 Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch; +27 (0) 21 809 1100

Franschhoek

This charming town, just an hour from Cape Town, was settled by French Huguenots whose culinary heritage has turned it into one of the world’s premier food destinations.

With a population of only 20,000, Franschhoek’s restaurants and wines are regularly featured on global best-of lists.

Afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel

This opulent hotel, situated across from the Company’s Garden, offers a high tea experience that feels straight out of a fairytale.

Whether indoors or on the sunlit terrace, the pastries are divine, and the tea is served in glass pots, showcasing the leaves and petals as they infuse.

Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001; +27 (0) 21 483 1000

Dancing at Marco’s

Marco’s is a top pick in Cape Town for anyone looking to savor authentic African cuisine.

Located on the edge of Bo-Kaap in a converted warehouse, the restaurant attracts both tourists and locals, drawn not only by the food but also by the lively dancing.

For those who aren’t quite ready to hit the dance floor, the music can still be enjoyed from the comfort of the balcony tables.

Marco’s African Place, 15 Rose St, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, 8001; +27 (0) 21 423 5412

Castle of Good Hope & Tunnel Tours

The tunnels beneath Cape Town, which the Dutch began digging in the 1600s when constructing the Castle of Good Hope, remain a hidden part of the city's history.

Once used as sewer lines until the late 1800s, these underground passages now carry water flowing from Table Mountain to the sea.

Castle of Good Hope, Darling St & Buitenkant St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001; +27 (0) 21 787 1260

Department of Coffee in Khayelitsha

Department of Coffee introduces cappuccino culture to Khayelitsha, one of Cape Town's largest townships.

Coffee prices here are about a third of what you'd pay for a specialty cup in the city center.

Conveniently located right outside the Metrorail train station, the café serves as a great starting point for exploring the neighborhood.

On Saturdays, live music fills the air, and bike tours of the township can be arranged, meeting at their cozy spot.

Maboneng Township Arts Experience

The Maboneng project teaches township residents how to turn their homes into galleries, curating exhibitions on their own walls.

The organization organizes daily tours, connecting these homes to create an immersive journey through the unique rhythms of South African life.

Maboneng Township Arts Experience, 337 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925; +27 (0) 21 824 1773

La Boheme Bistro & Wine Bar

This charming spot in Sea Point is popular with locals who flock here for its creative dishes and impressive selection of wines.

La Boheme Bistro, 341 Main Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005; +27 (0) 21 434 8797

The Book Lounge

This beloved independent bookstore in the heart of the city offers a carefully curated selection of literature in a cozy, welcoming space.

The Book Lounge is a key participant in the Open Book festival, attracting renowned authors and thinkers to Cape Town every September.

The Book Lounge, 71 Roeland Street, Cnr Buitenkant & Roeland Street, Cape Town, 8001; +27 (0) 21 462 2425

Long Street

With its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, Long Street is perfect for browsing or simply people watching.

By day, the windows along Long Street showcase books, local fashion, and unique artifacts from across Africa.

As the sun sets, the street comes alive with music, attracting Cape Town's vibrant young crowd to fill the sidewalks.

Seal Island

Cape fur seals dominate this island, where playful pups dive into the water while their watchful parents bark after them.

The boat trip from the Waterfront takes less than an hour. Glass-bottom boats provide a unique view of the seals swimming beneath the surface and lounging on the shore.

Cheetah Outreach

Cheetah populations have dwindled, partly due to farmers killing them in an effort to protect livestock.

The Cheetah Outreach initiative works to solve this by training Turkish Anatolian Shepherd dogs, known for their ability to chase cheetahs away safely.

At the Somerset West facility, visitors have the chance to meet cheetahs, and with a bit of luck, play with the adorable cubs too.

Cheetah Outreach, Firgrove, Cape Town, 7110; +27 (0) 21 851 6850