Best Things to Do in Cape Town: A Complete Guide

Godefroy
Jul 2
3 min read

Cape Town offers an incredible blend of dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and historical significance—making it a must-visit for every traveler.

1. Table Mountain National Park

A true icon—Table Mountain stands tall as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, offering spectacular views over the city and ocean. You can reach the summit by cableway or tackle popular hikes like Platteklip Gorge or the more scenic Pipe Track. Lion’s Head and Signal Hill are nearby favorites for sunset vistas and paragliding thrills (africasafaritrips.com, adelaidenow.com.au).

2. V&A Waterfront

Cape Town’s social and cultural heart—home to shopping, dining, and attractions like the Cape Wheel, harbor cruises, and the renowned Two Oceans Aquarium. With Table Mountain as your backdrop, it's the perfect place to spend an indulgent afternoon .

Two Oceans AquariumNestled within the waterfront, this award-winning aquarium houses over 300 species from both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Interactive exhibits like shark and touch pools make it an ideal stop for families or marine enthusiasts (en.wikipedia.org).

3. Robben Island

Accessible via ferry from the V&A Waterfront, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers powerful insight into South Africa’s apartheid history. Many tours are led by former political prisoners—allowing you to step into Nelson Mandela’s cell and feel the weight of its history (cchotels.co.za).

4. Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

Located in Simon’s Town, this iconic reserve is home to a flourishing colony of African penguins—now numbering around 3,000. Wooden boardwalks allow close, respectful viewing, and the sheltered granite inlets make it a beautiful spot for swimming and conservation (en.wikipedia.org).

5. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, this globally acclaimed garden celebrates South Africa’s indigenous flora. Highlights include the architectural Boomslang canopy walkway and summer sunset concerts—a serene must for nature lovers (cchotels.co.za).

6. Signal Hill & Lion’s Head

Whether you’re chasing sunrise, sunset, or the thrill of paragliding, both spots deliver panoramic views of Cape Town and its coastline. Lion’s Head is particularly popular for its full-moon hikes and urban escapes (en.wikipedia.org).

7. Cape of Good Hope & Cape Point

Part of the dramatic cape peninsula in Table Mountain National Park, this area features breathtaking cliffs, historic lighthouses, and native wildlife—including baboons, ostriches, and antelope. Don’t miss the funicular ride to the lighthouse at Cape Point (cchotels.co.za).

💬 What Locals & Travelers Say

“Trust me, it’s an absolute must! Whether you hike up or take the cable car, the views from the top are unbeatable.” (reddit.com)“Recent visitors love getting up-close and personal with the penguins.” (travel.usnews.com)

🌿 Insider Tips

Cable Car Timing: Visit Table Mountain early or late to avoid clouds and ensure the best conditions .
Penguin Encounters: Head to Boulders Beach early or late for serene moments with these charming birds (insideguide.co.za).
Waterfront Feasts: Book ahead for popular waterfront restaurants—dine at sunset for a magical experience (blog.rhinoafrica.com).

🗺️ Summary

From the heights of Table Mountain to the penguin shores of Boulders, Cape Town is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences:

Experience	Highlight
Hiking & Views	Table Mountain, Lion’s Head & Signal Hill
Culture & Shopping	V&A Waterfront & Robben Island
Wildlife Encounters	Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Natural Escapes	Kirstenbosch Gardens & Cape Point