How do you sum up a city like Cape Town? A place where incredible history and cosmopolitan tastes mingle, the mountains echo with the call of exploration, and the food tells a story of its own, to know Cape Town is to love it. And exploring really is the best way of getting to know this fabulous city, so we’ve put together a list of our top 10 activities in Cape Town to inspire your trip-planning.
Kayaking & Table Mountain
Start your morning right (and just like a local) with a stroll along the Sea Point Promenade, stopping for coffee before hopping into a double kayak. Paddle along the Atlantic Seaboard, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, penguins and (if you’re really lucky) the occasional whale, while soaking up splendid views of Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles as you glide past. Or, if you would prefer to remain on dry land, a gentle cycle past the promenade’s art installations is an excellent alternative.
Next up, the magnificent Table Mountain awaits. Choose between a ride on the rotating cable car or tackle the challenging yet scenic hike to the summit. At the top, you’ll be rewarded by panoramic views of the city and ocean below, before wandering across the plateau to spot rare fynbos and hopping dassies (rock rabbits). Descend for a well-deserved lunch at one of the world-class eateries on Bree or Kloof Street.
Explore the Bo-Kaap & cooking class
If your picture of Cape Town includes those iconic, pastel-hued houses, then the Bo-Kaap should definitely be on your experience list. Dating as far back as the 17th century, its cobblestone streets are lined with ornate mosques, spice markets, artisanal shops, and enormous, vibrant murals.
The Bo-Kaap area is also known for its unique and delicious Cape Malay cuisine. Make a stop at Lekka Kombuis, where you’ll be welcomed into one of the oldest homes in the area for a fun and interactive cooking lesson. Learn to make a traditional curry, rotis, chilli bites and sambal – and the best way to fold a samosa.
Wine tasting in Constantia
The oldest wine region in the southern hemisphere, the Constantia Valley is a mecca for oenophiles from all over the world. Producing wines that have been the favourites of royals and celebrities alike, this lush corner of pretty vineyards and oak trees on the Cape Peninsula is well worth a visit. On a private tour, you’ll enjoy walks and tastings at three fabulous wine farms: Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting. Over the course of the day, you’ll have the chance to sample 10 wines surrounded by staggering mountain views, getting a genuine feel for what makes Constantia so special.
Discover the Cape Peninsula
Led by a local guide who knows all the nooks and crannies of the Cape Peninsula, your day begins in the boho town of Kalk Bay, where you’ll wander the high street of antique shops, galleries and artisan stalls, and watch the brightly coloured boats and raucous seals at the waterfront. Move on to Simon’s Town for a brief history lesson before seeking out a splinter colony of the area’s famous penguins on a secluded beach – usually known only by locals. Then, have a go at stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, or enjoy an enlightening walk with a penguin conservationist.
Your adventure continues at the Cape of Good Hope with a gentle hike along hidden beaches, shipwrecks and through the unique flora – look out for the Cape Five (ostrich, baboons, mountain zebra, bontebok and tortoises). A picnic lunch of tasty goodies will be set up on the beach – and dessert has to be from Kristen’s Kick Ass Ice Cream in Noordhoek Farm Village, followed by a drive back to the city via the scenic Chapman’s Peak. And of course, sundowners in a secret spot are a given…
Private tour of Robben Island
Ride the ferry across Table Bay toward Robben Island, and listen to your guide telling stories of Cape Town’s past as you gaze upon the cityscape from a totally new perspective. After landing at Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where freedom fighters were held prisoner during apartheid, you’ll embark on a private tour led by Christo Brand. The former prison guard and close friend of Nelson Mandela, he offers amazing insights into the island and its history as you explore the limestone quarry, leper cemetery and even Mandela’s cell itself.
Hang 10 in Muizenberg
Whether you’re a total novice or an avid surfer, Muizenberg is one of the top spots for surfing in Cape Town. Your day will begin with a look around the WAWA surf shop, where they build wooden boards inspired by the ingenuity of Hawaiian board builders. For beginners, a seasoned surfer will show you the ropes before you set off to chase the swells around the Peninsula. Perfect for surfers of all abilities, Kommetjie is a definite highlight and there’s plenty of beach breaks, points and reefs to discover.
Visit Cape Town’s art galleries
Led by a local art fundi, spend the day discovering everything from celebrated international pieces to up and coming South African names. Your day begins in the Silo District (steps away from the famous V&A Waterfront) where you’ll peruse the incredible offerings of the Zeitz MOCAA, the largest contemporary art museum in Africa. After an auspicious start, the rest of the day will be entirely tailored to your interests whether you fancy the meaningful installations at the Norval Foundation or the avant-garde WHATIFTHEWORLD creations. Get to know some of the city’s finest galleries in our full guide.
Historic walking tour
Accompanied by a fantastic and oh-so-knowledgeable guide, immerse in the history of Cape Town on a walkabout amongst the city’s most significant structures and sights. Entirely based on your interests, the tour could take you on a stroll through Company’s Garden, around the famed Greenmarket Square, and through the halls of the District 6 Museum. Along the way, you’ll gain incredible insight into Cape Town’s journey through colonialism, resistance and resilience, including the moment Nelson Mandela made his first speech as a free man.
Spend the day on Clifton Beach
Actually a collection of four fabulous enclaves of sandy bliss, Clifton is undoubtedly the darling of Cape Town beaches. Famously protected from Cape Town’s south-easterly wind, you couldn’t pick a better spot to spend the day sunbathing, picnicking or braving the chilly Atlantic waters. Their blindingly-white sands and exclusive feel make Clifton beaches one of the best places for a beach break – and it doesn’t hurt that they’re supremely photogenic too.
Eat your way around Cape Town
Dining out may not sound like much of an activity but in Cape Town, it is. The city is home to some of the finest restaurants in South Africa and the world, ranging from Mzansified fusion to hearty, home-made fare. Whether you prefer dining with views of the vineyards or the seafront, Cape Town does it all – and with plenty of flair. For our full list of favourites, take a look at our guide to the best restaurants in Cape Town.
We could go on and on about the many marvellous things there are to do in Cape Town but for now we’ll leave you with the image of salty, sunkissed days, fascinating history and some of the best food you’ll ever taste.
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