Cape Town

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See all tours & things to do in Cape Town

10 things to do in Cape Town

While exploring the "Mother City," you'll uncover the layers of its history that span from the colonial period to the emergence of the Rainbow Nation. With a vibrant scene in a cityscape of sea and mountains, it's easy to fall for South Africa's oldest city.

  • Table Mountain

    1. Table Mountain

    The ride to the top of the iconic Table Mountain is one you'll never forget. You'll relish the views of the cobalt blue ocean and urban landscape from this lofty perch.

  • Lion's Head

    2. Lion's Head

    Reap the rewards of an encompassing panorama after an hour's hike to the Lion's Head. A night with a full moon makes it a popular place to view the sparkling city lights below.

  • Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

    3. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

    The eastern slopes of Table Mountain rise above the swathes of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The flora, locally known as fynbos, is at its best between August and November.

  • Cape of Good Hope

    4. Cape of Good Hope

    Dubbed the Cape of Storms by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, the lighthouse, which illuminates the Cape of Good Hope, is the strongest on the continent.

  • Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

    5. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

    For shopping, entertainment and a slew of restaurants, you won't go wrong at the V&A. It's convenient to reach the aquarium and stadium nearby, and it's the place for a bay cruise.

  • Two Oceans Aquarium

    6. Two Oceans Aquarium

    The Two Oceans Aquarium name reflects the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and it features the marine life in these waters. Don't miss the shark feeding on Sundays at 3:00 pm.

  • Cape Town Stadium

    7. Cape Town Stadium

    Learn about this venue from the 2010 FIFA World Cup by taking a tour that includes facts about its architectural design, a walk on the Cape Town Stadium field, and a look inside the locker rooms.

  • Robben Island

    8. Robben Island

    Located in Table Bay, Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life imprisoned here in Robben Island during apartheid. It's a humbling moment when you step into his former cell and reflect on his life.

  • District Six

    9. District Six

    The District Six museum recounts the history of the forced expulsion and relocation of black residents during apartheid, and the ultimate demise of this former, mulit-cultural district.

  • Boulders Beach

    10. Boulders Beach

    A raised boardwalk lets you take a walk on the wild side among the rowdy 2000 African Penguins that live here at Boulders Beach. It's also a great place to spend the day on the beaches of False Bay.

Planning Your Visit

  • A visit to Table Mountain

    You can buy a ticket online for either a morning or afternoon trip to the top by cable car. However, an excursion to the 3,500-foot summit always depends on the weather, so check it before you go. It's wise to bring a sweater or jacket with you, and wear sunblock and proper footware. If you plan to hike to the peak or along one of the three trails at the summit, be safe and bring water, snacks and a friend.

  • How safe is it?

    As in any other city you visit, it's always best to keep your wits about you. It is recommended to take a taxi in Cape Town at night, rather than walking, and be on your guard when withdrawing cash at an ATM. If you're curious about visiting a township, then go with a group led by an experienced guide.

  • When to go

    Cape Town has a temperate climate. October to April offer warm and dry weather, but the notorious south-easter winds occur from December through January. February to mid-April has great beach weather, and hiking enthusiasts will enjoy crisp, clear days from late April to early June.

  • How many days should you spend in Cape Town?

    Four to five full days allow you to experience the sites and sounds of the Mother City at a leisurely pace. Stay longer if you'd like and use the city as a base to explore the beautiful, surrounding areas in the Western Cape, such as the wine region of Stellenbosch.

Good to know

  • Language
    Afrikaans and English
  • Currency
    South African Rand (ZAR)
  • Time Zone
    UTC (+02:00)
  • Country Code
    +27
  • Best time to visit
    For a great sightseeing trip with some beach time, plan to come between January and April, when the temperatures are warm, the winds are dying down and the tourist rush is ending.

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What people are saying about Cape Town

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 11,198 reviews

Scary looking from the side 10 minutes before getting on the board. You might feel a bit nauseous and a lot of questions will start to run through your mind , like What was I thinking while booking the activity, but once your on it, you got it! You will most definitely stay on it with a 5-10% chance are of falling off the paddle boat. Lovely activity, enjoyed it very much with my Fiancé. Had lots of fun & Laughs. We definitely learned that my balancing skills are more advanced in the relationship Thank you very much for a lovely stand-up paddle board experience. ❤️

Cape Town: Stand-up Paddleboard Experience Reviewed by Bianca, 4/4/2021

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Emotional, sad & heartbroken to hear/see Sobukwe house/prison....and the story behind.... Wish we should have seen it inside, the same as Mandela's & his fellows..... Standing & listening in the scorching sun after disembarking barking from buses was a little bit to much.... Cells visit & the story behind was too short Registers/time book, boots, etc (in 1 of the 'offices' were never explained The narration was one-sided/focused more on Rivonia Trialists We were told more about Cell No 4 & nothing about Cells 1-3, 5-????? occupants

Robben Island Ferry & Island Tour With Hotel Pick-Up Reviewed by Mandla, 4/5/2021

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The trip was cool. At first, it was cancelled because I was only the one person, but than luckily two persons booked it as well. So it was only three of us. We had a very nice trip with great guide. Everything was prepared professionally. I enjoyed very beautiful views of Clifton Beach, the boat trip, the seals, the Cape of Good Hope and Boulder’s Beach. In addition, it was very comfortable to drive a Mercedes C250.

From Cape Town: Cape Point & Boulders Beach Full-Day Tour Reviewed by Каролина, 4/4/2021

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It was amazing! If your instructor is Marc, you are lucky! He is a great man! He is so positive, thus my flight was very nice! Beautiful view on the ocean and Cape Town! Definitely 5/5!

Tandem Paragliding in Cape Town Reviewed by Каролина, 4/6/2021

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The boat cruise was great. I would recommend that in the pick up instructions please include the street name for customers who don't know the area to find the the place easier.

Cape Town: Coastal Cruise & 2-Course Lunch Combo Reviewed by Anonymous, 4/5/2021

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