Article updated on March 30, 2024
Text: Marcella van Alphen & Claire Lessiau
Photographs: Marcella van Alphen & Claire Lessiau

With its jaw dropping geographical location between Table Mountain & the Atlantic Ocean,  you will need at least three days to explore its ins & outs and soak up its vibes. Spread the activities based on the weather as the ocean can be rough (for Robben Island) and Table Mountain is often covered in a table cloth of clouds. We can assure you one thing, after spending a few days in the “Mother City”, you will want to come back for more!

Work out in the most beautiful fitness center: nature

Given the scenery and the weather, it is not hard to understand why Capetonians are sporty. Join them and run along the shore or explore Signal Hill or Table Mountain if you are looking for a more challenging trail. Be aware that muggings do happen, so stick to well-trodden running paths and preferably run with a buddy.

Hike up Table Mountain

Admiring the view on Cape Town is definitely a must. Hiking up is even more rewarding as you will be discovering the precious fynbos ecosystem of Table Mountain National Park with its sugarbirds, rock dassies and klipspringers. Table Mountain is a hiker’s paradise and many trails of various difficulty levels (from the stairmaster-like Platteklip Gorge to more exposed ones requiring some serious scrambling) lead to its summit. The easy way up and down is by cable car. If you do not feel like hiking, at least make it to Maclear’s Beacon for a 360° view on Cape Point, Muizenberg, Houtbay and more.

Be careful: as the weather can change very rapidly it is common to start hiking up in the sun and end up in a cloud on Table Mountain. It can get quite cold and rescue units are sent almost on a daily basis for under-prepared tourists. Make sure you are wearing proper hiking boots and carry layers, food and water in your back pack. Muggings happen regularly on the less trodden trails, so hiring a guide is your best bet to fully enjoy it.

Visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Not to be missed! Whether you enjoy visiting botanical gardens or are new to it, these are some of world’s best. Do as locals do: pack a picinic, or buy one onsite, and enjoy it in the grass at sunset after walking these stunning gardens showcasing the local biodiversity. In the summer, movies and concerts in the garden make the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden the place to be!

Travel back in time & shop at the V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is the most touristy spot of Cape Town, and it remains a must. From dodgy harbor, the area has been turned into an enjoyable recreational district with great shopping opportunities, quality street performances, and many bars and restaurants. It is also the embarkation point to Robben Island. To know where to start and to learn more about its history click here!

Follow the footsteps of Nelson Mandela on Robben Island

Out of his 27 years in jail, Nelson Mandela spent most of his time on Robben Island. Embark to land on the island and listen to former prisoners guiding you through it. As this is a popular destination you will have to book your tickets in advance during the high season (December/January). This unique place definitely deserves its own article to help you decrypt it, check it out here.

Spice it up in the colorful Bo-Kaap & join a food tour

Maybe the most instagrammable district of Cape Town, Bo-Kaap and its colourful houses are a visitor’s favourite. Wander its streets with its designer stores, listen to the muezzin as you pass by its mosques, make sure to stop by Atlas to stock up on spices and join a food tour to learn more about Cape Town’s & food scene which is influenced greatly by the Malay people.

Sunbathe at Clifton Beach (and swim for the bravest!)

With its massive boulders, villas on the beach, and chic buildings along the mountain slopes, Clifton Beach is the most stylish beach in town. You will find four beaches to choose from and each with its vibes, from Clifton 1 often visited by locals, 2 for a quiet tan without too much going on, 3 for gay people, and 4 just being the most popular one to be seen so make sure to pack your fanciest swim wear! Choose whatever suits you best and take in the unique setting. Would you dare to swim in the cold Atlantic waters?

Conquer Lion’s Head

From Lion’s Head, the view on Cape Town comprises Table Mountain, the 12 Apostles and the city bowl. The hike and scramble up to Africa’s most climbed mountain is fun and a bit challenging (if you are afraid of heights, skip on it and stick to Signal Hill), as well as very, very busy especially for sunset.

Admire modern African art

If the Zeitz MOCAA, proudly rising at the waterfront of Cape Town, astonishes the visitor by its architecture, the Norval Foundation blends in its natural environment of mountains and vineyards. In the protected Cape Lowland wetland area full of endemic flowers and plants, cherry-picked modern African art is displayed in the galleries and sculpture garden. The quality of the temporary exhibits makes the Norval Foundation a museum to not miss and to visit often.

Our advice: check out the architecture of the Zeitz MOCAA and visit the Norval Foundation for its exhibits.

Enjoy the weekend food markets

Whether in Woodstock or by the Waterfront, weekend food markets are a must. Locals and tourists mix to take a food trip around the world and buy organic goods grown by local farmers. Try a red cappuccino (rooibos cappuccino) and pick a delicious treat, then sit at a table to enjoy whether it is the view when you are at the Oranjezicht City Farm market or the live music at the Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock.

Meet Cape Town’s resident dolphins

The ocean around Cape Town is teeming with wildlife! For the best chances of spotting the heaviside dolphins, cape fur seals, sunfish , whales in season or even penguins, rise early and embark on a paddle adventure with Cape Kayak Adventures. Not an early riser? Paddle out for sunset instead and enjoy the incredible skyline of Cape Town from the ocean.

Indulge at some of world’s best restaurants

Not even mentioning the Constantia Wine Route, the food scene in Cape Town has become incredible! With Fyn that beat every restaurant of Africa on the list of world’s 50 best restaurants setting the example, chefs have been taking Cape Town’s food scene to the next level. New fashionable places open regularly so keep an eye out for them. A few of our favourites? The Chefs Warehouse, Thali and the Cafe Paradiso!

Fly over town for a whole different perspective

Elevate yourself and enjoy a whole different perspective of Cape Town while you take in its breathtaking landscapes from a helicopter. With its majestic Table Mountain, dramatic coastline, different suburbs, and historical harbour, the view is simply stunning. Whether it’s a romantic sunset flight, a visit to the wine lands, or an exhilarating tour of the peninsula, a helicopter flight over Cape Town is definitely an experience that will stay with you long after you touch down.

Travel tips:

• Some of these activities are free, others require an entrance fee, some are included in the Cape Town City Pass that will save you lots on your trip to Cape Town!
• This article is now featured on https://www.gpsmycity.com. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in (Cape Town) on GPSmyCity. 
• To best enjoy Cape Town, Stay at the Kensington Place.

• Check out this interactive map for the specific details to help you plan your trip and more articles and photos (zoom out) about the area! Here is a short tutorial to download it.

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