Best Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa….According to Me
You know a place is special when you talk about it for a full year after your first visit. You know it’s legendary when you book your flight back almost immediately after returning home. That is how I felt the first time I visited Cape Town, South Africa in 2022 — and it’s why we came back for a full month in 2023.
You’ll never forget your first visit to South Africa. It’s a country that is intoxicating and enigmatic, complete with breathtaking landscapes, unmatched wildlife, food & wine, hotels, beaches, and culture. Cape Town tourism is largely built on combining all of these threads in some way to create an itinerary that will, undoubtedly, blow your mind. Whether you’re a foodie, a hiker, an oenophile, a sun worshipper (or, a combo of them all like myself), you’ll find a lengthy list of great and unusual things to do in Cape Town.
But it’s also a country with an incredibly painful past rooted in the atrocities of colonialism and the deeply systemic issues regarding race that still persist today. South Africa is two different countries for the people who live there, and the reasons are unequivocally tied to race and culture. You cannot ignore that to be true when you visit, nor should you ignore it.
I am not an expert on the current politics and social problems in South Africa, so I’m not going to try to explain it from my perspective as a white person traveling there. I will, however, recommend that you read Trevor Noah’s “Born a Crime,” which gives an introductory overview, and important insight into the problems facing South Africa today. Understanding what is happening in South Africa, and I’m speaking from the lens of an American white woman, will help you visit with a bit more perspective on the way things really are in Cape Town, versus how they appear.
With all of that said, there’s no denying that South Africa will change you, and it should change you. It’s an incredible part of the world and there is something, for me, about being so far away from home that always makes me feel like I’ve grown as a person and a traveler.
So, without further ado, let’s get on to the best things to do in Cape Town….according to me, of course.
Where is Cape Town
Cape Town is located on the southwestern coast of South Africa. It is the largest city in the Western Cape province. You can fly directly into Cape Town International Airport. Or, you can combine your trip with a safari in Kruger National Park and fly into Johannesburg or Hoedspruit first.
Is Cape Town Safe?
A moment for Cape Town's safety, and safety in South Africa in general. One of the most popular questions about travel to South Africa is, ‘Is Cape Town safe?’. And I’m here to give you the answer I usually give whenever I’m asked about anywhere in the world: yes it’s safe, but you’ll find trouble if you look for it.
It’s as simple as that. I have never felt unsafe in Cape Town. But I am also a vigilant traveler. I don’t flash my cell phone or jewelry. I don’t go out alone late at night. I stick to the neighborhoods that I am familiar with. I don’t buy drugs or get inappropriately drunk. These are good travel practices anywhere in the world, and I’d say the same is true for Cape Town safety.
Cape Town Currency
Cape Town uses the South African Rand (ZAR) as its currency. Credit cards are accepted practically everywhere, as well.
When to Visit Cape Town
Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere, so its seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere. Summer in Cape Town is from November through February. I’ve gone to Cape Town both times in November, which has been perfect. The temperature is warm but not hot. Some days are a little chilly or rainy, but the majority of the time it’s sunny with a nice breeze. January and February are typically hot and dry. It gets rainy in Cape Town during the winter months.
Best Things to Do in Cape Town
Now, onto the good stuff. This is a mix of tourist things to do in Cape Town, as well as a few unusual things to do in Cape Town. I love all of these activities and have taken my friends and family to experience them when they have come to visit us.
Tip: If you want a wonderful luxury tour experience, book a tour with Angaza. These high-end tours are with local, experienced guides. A little bubbly atop Table Mountain? Or perhaps a lovely picnic lunch at Cape Point? We have had countless memorable experiences traveling with Angaza and recommend them wholeheartedly.
Table Mountain
Everyone says if you do one thing in Cape Town, let it be a trip to the top of Table Mountain. The icon of Cape Town, and a formidable presence no matter where you are in the city, Table Mountain is truly magnificent. It’s hard to not feel humbled when you’re at the base of this natural phenomenon. It’s not only one of the best things to do in Cape Town. It’s one of the best things to do in South Africa overall.
You can get up Table Mountain one of two ways. One is hiking up, a thoroughly taxing journey for which I highly recommend using a guide. The other is to take the Table Mountain Cableway. The cable car takes three minutes to ascend the mountain and once at the top you have access to spectacular walking paths and 360-degree views around Cape Town. If you opt for the cableway, then I do recommend splurging on the FastTrack ticket. These cut the line, saving valuable time — potentially hours. It's about 950 ZAR for the FastTrack, which is absurdly expensive by Cape Town standards. But I'm not kidding when I say it's worth every cent.
Victoria & Albert Waterfront
I have been comparing the V&A Waterfront to New York City's South Street Seaport. It's crowded, it's touristy, it's dominated by shopping and expensive restaurants. But it's one of the most historic areas of Cape Town and it is absolutely charming and beautiful. I like to arrogantly declare myself a "traveler, not a tourist," but I can't deny that I've been swept up in the allure of the V&A Waterfront. Go here early on in your visit, check it off the bucket list, and then get back to doing as the locals do: avoiding it altogether.
Lion’s Head
The hike up Lion's Head is a rite of passage for both Capetonians and tourists alike. Even if you're not an avid hiker, I highly recommend this outdoor experience for the views. The hike is less than three kilometers (1.8 miles) out and back, but the whole way in is uphill. Towards the end of the hike, things start to get a bit treacherous with ladders and staples, so you really need to be paying attention. But the views from the top are drop-dead spectacular. Check the weather conditions before you go. If it's cloudy or windy, save the hike for another day.
Cape Point and Chapman’s Peak Drive: Visiting the Cape of Good Hope
Gorgeous, dramatic landscapes and an ends-of-the-earth vibe await at Cape Point, part of Table Mountain National Park. Most travelers to the national park are visiting the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern point on the African continent. (This is different from the southernmost point on the continent which is further east.) You'll be sharing the space at the Cape of Good Hope with a lot of tour buses, but if you're interested in geeky superlatives like I am, then I recommend ticking it off the bucket list.
I also highly recommend booking Angaza for a visit to Cape Point. They made it such a delightful experience for us, complete with a gorgeous picnic and the perfect views of the mountains and landscape far away from the crowds.
Note: Beware of baboons! They are kind of a nuisance in the park and are aggressive when looking for food. Don't try to feed them, don't approach them, and if they're coming for your food lock it in your car. Baboons are no joke.
After visiting Cape Point, take the drive back to Cape Town along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most scenic drives in the world that hugs the Atlantic Coast up the western edge of the peninsula. It is definitely one of the best things to do in South Africa.
Cape Town Beaches
Cape Town is one of the best places in the world for beachfront views and coastal landscapes. It has beautiful beaches that extend for 307 kilometers (190 miles). But some of the best beaches can be found close to town, notably in Clifton and Camps Bay. These white, sandy beaches have epic views of Lion's Head and the 12 Apostles, brilliant white sand, and the crashing (often chilly) Atlantic surf.
District Six Museum
To visit Cape Town and ignore the tragic history of South Africa is irresponsible. We can't forget about Apartheid and the fact that South Africa is still quite divided in race. Colonialism has taken its very ugly toll across the country and systemic racism is prevalent throughout. That's just a fact, as it is in most countries with a history of colonialism.
As travelers, we have the choice to travel responsibly, and where we spend our money and giving money to original communities and indigenous groups of people is a great way to help make tourism sustainable.
So with that in mind, a visit to the District Six Museum is a wonderful opportunity to learn about what Cape Town was like before downtown became so white-washed. It serves as a memorial to the forced movement of 60,000 residents of various races in the neighborhood that was called District Six. This happened during Apartheid in the 1970s.
Former residents of District Six take visitors through the museum to teach them about the lives of the families in the area, what happened to them in Cape Town, and what has happened to them since.
Food Tour
This was one of my favorite activities in Cape Town. I took a food tour through the Central Business District with Dennis (@dennismolewa). A German expat living in Cape Town for two decades, Dennis is committed to teaching visitors about the local African communities that are so often glossed over whenever visitors come to Cape Town.
The three-hour food tour takes you to local holes-in-the-wall, where you can try indigenous dishes from several countries across Africa. He also gives you history and cultural context along the way.
Boulders Beach Penguins
Penguins on the beach. This is not a drill. Penguins on the beach. Perhaps my favorite thing we did in Cape Town was to go to Boulders Beach to hang out with the African penguins. These adorable, peculiar, impossibly cute little creatures are roaming freely along the white sands and crystalline water. And you can bring your towel and hang out with them all day long.
When you go to Boulders Beach, be sure to pay at the beach entrance. There is another entrance along a boardwalk, which is only a viewing platform. You want the Boulders Beach entrance, which gives you access to the actual beach.
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
South Africa's Winelands region deserves a guide all on its own. The wines of South Africa are among the best in the world, and the top regions for wine here are the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
About an hour from Cape Town, these charming towns are surrounded by spectacular mountains and carpeted with rolling vineyards. Fine dining, beautiful hotels, and exceptional wine are all part of the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek experience.
You can't go wrong with any of the wineries, but the ones I have tried (and recommend) are Quoin Rock, Bartinney, and Plaisir. If you can score a stay at the impeccable La Residence in Franschhoek, do yourself a favor. It is one of the most beautiful hotels I've ever stayed in. For something more budget-friendly, Stellenbosch Manor is quaint and cozy with a fantastic staff.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Cape Town is part of the Cape Floral Region, which spans the southern tip of South Africa. It is the most diverse place on the planet when it comes to flora. For every 1,000 square kilometers, there are 94 different types of plant species. It's wild and insanely beautiful. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is the best place in Cape Town to learn more about the plant life across the southern portion of the country.
You can also access one of the most challenging hikes from within the park: Skeleton Gorge. This challenging uphill scramble is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it rewards with sweeping views across Cape Town. A reservoir at the top is perfect for a refreshing dip. Plus, there's a white sand beach located at the top of the mountain, which blew my mind.
Best Cape Town Restaurants
You can spend a lifetime trying restaurants across Cape Town, but these are just a few that I have tried (or had personally recommended to me).
Thali: A gorgeous Indian set tasting menu in a historic home-turned-restaurant.
Chefs Warehouse: From the same owners of Thali is Chefs Warehouse. This beachfront restaurant is part of the famous Tintswalo Hotel. An exceptional seafood journey takes the lead, but the fiery, explosive sunset and seaside perch steal the show.
The Butcher Shop and Grill: We love a good steakhouse and The Butcher Shop and Grill is the best we found in Cape Town. The service, the wine, the food — it's all just very, very great. Do yourself a favor and order a bottle of Thelema Merlot to go with your delectable steak.
Tang: This restaurant in the V&A Waterfront is definitely touristy, but we like bringing visitors here for their first meal in Cape Town. It’s great people-watching, the wine list is exceptional, and they have an Asian fusion menu that appeals to many different palates. The sushi and the dim sum in particular are wonderful.
The Codfather: Everyone I know who has visited Cape Town has recommended this restaurant — and for good reason. Not only does it have conveyor belt sushi (a personal favorite), but you get to choose your fish from the daily catch and the chef prepares it with nothing but olive oil and seasoning.
Our Local: This boho-chic restaurant in the cozy Gardens neighborhood has such a fun, local vibe. The burger is out of this world — probably the best I’ve had in Cape Town. They also serve a decadent breakfast.
Cushty: Speaking of breakfast, this cafe in Green Point was our daily breakfast spot. I love their fresh juices, coffee, and egg dishes. Their carrot cake is worth flying to Cape Town alone.
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel: I am told that this hotel in the Central Business District has the best Eggs Benedict in Cape Town.
Heaven Coffee: This coffee shop operates inside of a church and has become a haven for people of all denominations, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. It’s a warm, welcoming place with a great backstory and even better coffee.
Jason: I love this neighborhood bakery for their luscious chocolate croissants. They also do an assortment of other breakfast pastries and cakes.
Giovanni’s: A gourmet deli great for people-watching and made-to-order sandwiches.
Willoughby’s: Not much for the atmosphere (it’s in the mall at the V&A Waterfront), but the sushi here is the best in Cape Town.
The Lawns: Tucked behind Signal Hill on the way to Clifton, The Lawns is a beautiful tiered garden restaurant with views out over the beach and 12 Apostles. The pizza here is wonderful, as are the salads, mussels, and the wine list (of course!).
Oranjezicht Market: This weekly farmers market is a buzzy scene with dozens of stalls where local restaurants open pop-ups. The market is open on Saturday and Sunday mornings, as well as on Wednesday evenings.
The Greek Fisherman: This Sea Point restaurant serves fresh Greek cuisine, from salads and grilled meats to seafood, moussaka, and spanakopita.
Where to Stay in Cape Town
We spent a month at an Airbnb in the Green Point neighborhood. I really enjoyed this neighborhood for its central location to every other neighborhood. However, if I came back to Cape Town I’d book an Airbnb in Gardens/Tamboerskloof for the charming, walkable, restaurant-heavy vibe.
As for hotels, here are a few that I recommend:
One&Only Cape Town: Fabulous five-star luxury experience in the V&A Waterfront. Fabulous lobby bar.
The Silo: A chic, trendy, modern luxury hotel also in the V&A Waterfront. Incredible rooftop experience.
Ellerman House: An adults-only hotel in a Cape Edwardian mansion that dates back to 1906. Best views of Bantry Bay.
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel: Gorgeous historic hotel in the CBD. Best Eggs Benedict in Cape Town.
The Cape Cadogan: A Georgian-Victorian townhouse hotel in Gardens, with fantastic views of Tabel Mountain.
Compass House: All rooms have 180-degree views, private balconies, and direct access to an ocean view terrace with a pool.
Gorgeous George: The first hotel in Cape Town to be a member of Design Hotels, with 32 rooms and a rooftop bar.
Getting Around Cape Town
It’s very easy to move around Cape Town. Uber is a very safe and affordable method of transportation. That’s how we got around the majority of the time. You can also rent a car and drive yourself. Keep in mind that driving is on the left-hand side of the road and the majority of car rentals are manual. You can also use the MyCiTi bus system. But overall I recommend Uber over everything.