Situated along the shores of Table Bay and framed by the dramatic landscapes of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, and Lion’s Head, Cape Town is South Africa’s tourism hub. And these are the top 10 things to do in Cape Town.
Top 10 things to do in Cape Town
1) Take the Cable Car
For spectacular views of the harbor and “The City Bowl,” you’ve got to take a ride on the Table Mountain cable car. The cable car platform rotates 360 degrees giving you stunning views.
And why not try abseiling back down the mountain when you’re done taking in the view.
2) Head to the V&A Waterfront
One of Cape Town’s most popular attractions, the V&A Waterfront, is home to coffee shops, craft markets, designer shopping, and restaurants. Check out the Cape Town Diamond Museum and Two Oceans Aquarium while you’re there.
3) Visit Pan African Market
If you’re on the hunt for African souvenirs, there’s no better place to find them than the Pan African Market. There, you’ll see everything from masks and fabrics to art and ceramics from cultures spanning the African continent.
4) Cruise Chapman’s Peak Drive
Stretching between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most stunning marine drives in the world. Visit in the spring and summertime months for an opportunity to pull over and do some whale watching along the way.
5) Visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, these botanical gardens are home to more than 5,000 plant species from both the Cape Region and other South African regions.
6) Go Shark Diving
Situated about 175 kilometers (110 miles) from Cape Town, Gansbaai has been dubbed the white shark capital of the world. You can go head-to-head with one by booking a diving excursion in the harbor.
7) Listen to jazz
Cape Town’s jazz tradition was born from the struggles during the apartheid years and continues to be an important cultural symbol to this day. Head to a live jazz venue like West End Jazz Club or Mahogany Room, or plan your visit around the annual International Jazz Festival or Jazzathon.
8) Explore Cape Point and the Good Hope Nature Reserve
Cape Point is a mecca for outdoor and adventure tourism, as well as fine dining and shopping. Want an up-close encounter with zebra, buck, baboons, and birds? Head to the Good Hope Nature Reserve.
9) Visit Robben Island
Nelson Mandela served 18 years in the maximum-security prison on Robben Island, just a short ferry ride away from Cape Town. Visit the Robben Island Museum to learn more about the island’s inspirational history.
10) Sip on South African Wine
You have a few different options when it comes to sampling the region’s best wine. Stick close to Cape Town with a visit to the wine estates in Constantia Valley, or follow the wine routes of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Wellington about an hour’s drive from the city.
