Things to do in Cape Town
Cape Town is a big, sprawling city against a dramatic coastline, and the range of things to do here reflects that.
Neighborhoods
Cape Town is a big, sprawling city against a dramatic coastline, and the range of things to do here reflects that. Most visitors arrive with a plan—mountains, beaches, wine, history—but the city rewards wandering. Choosing what to skip is often harder than deciding what to see.
A good place to start is the Table Mountain area, where the cableway takes you to the top for views over the city and ocean. On the other side of the same mountain range, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden offers a quieter outdoor option; its paths wind through indigenous plants up against the mountain slopes. For a coastal route, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront mixes working harbor activity with shops, restaurants, and boat rides, and the Two Oceans Aquarium there gives you an indoor option if the wind picks up.
Frequently asked questions about Cape Town
What are the top outdoor attractions in Cape Town?▾
The two most prominent are the Table Mountain aerial cableway and the Cape of Good Hope area, which includes Cape Point. Both are crowded on weekends, so go early. For a shorter excursion, the Sea Point Promenade is flat and easy, with ocean views the whole way.
Is there a good way to see Cape Town's history indoors?▾
The District Six Museum covers the forced removals of residents under apartheid. It's a small, moving museum with photographs, personal accounts, and a reconstructed street scene. Otherwise, the Iziko Museums complex includes several venues, including the Slave Lodge, which focuses on the city's early colonial period.
Where can I see ocean life in Cape Town?▾
The Two Oceans Aquarium at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront showcases marine life from both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, which meet around the Cape. It is a good option if the wind is blowing or the weather turns.
Are there beaches inside the city limits?▾
Yes. The city itself has several beaches, including the popular surfing spot at Muizenberg and the warmer, sheltered waters at Boulders Beach, which is also where the African penguin colony lives.
What is worth doing on a one-day food tour of Cape Town?▾
Start in the Bo-Kaap with its brightly painted houses and Cape Malay restaurants, then try a boerie roll or vetkoek from a street vendor. The Hout Bay market and several independent coffee shops scattered across the city give you a chance to fill in the rest of the day without overplanning.
Things to do in Cape Town
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The Cape Wheel
40-meter observation wheel featuring 30 air-conditioned, enclosed cabins for sweeping views.
Muizenberg Beach
Known for its brightly painted beach huts, this escape from the city is popular with surfers.
DHL Stadium
Modern, 55,000-capacity sports stadium & concert venue offering behind-the-scenes guided tours.
Mojo Market
Vibrant, modern indoor market featuring international food stalls, 4 bars, live music & boutiques.
N1 City Mall
Major retail stores, restaurants, an arcade & movie theater draw crowds to this expansive mall.
Canal Walk Shopping Centre
Upscale retail complex with elegant architecture & 400+ stores & restaurants, plus a movie theater.
V&A Waterfront
Vast complex of homes, businesses, restaurants, shops & an art museum on a historic working harbor.
Tyger Valley Centre
Modern mall with stores selling clothes, household items & electronics, plus a cinema & food court.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Hillside garden & nature reserve with rare plant species, walking trails & mountain views.
Cavendish Square
Small shopping mall with mainstream chain retailers, a cinema, a food court & coffee shops.
Green Point Park
Spacious urban park offering a stadium, biodiversity garden, exercise circuit & lots of green space.
Two Oceans Aquarium
Modern indoor aquarium & conservation center offering close encounters with sharks & penguins.
Castle of Good Hope
Expansive, 17th-century, colonial castle housing military & historical art museums.
Kenilworth Centre
Large, long-running mall offering over 140 stores, plus a food court, supermarkets & local services.
Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre
Popular destination featuring more than 450 retail outlets, plus restaurants & ocean views.
GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World
Casino gaming tables, slots & cabaret, plus kids' arcades in a vast, 24-hour entertainment complex.
Table Mountain National Park
Nature reserve encompassing the iconic mountain, a penguin colony, forest, beaches & walking trails.
Cape of Good Hope
Tip of the Cape Peninsula forming part of a protected wildlife reserve with picnic spots and walks.
Somerset Mall
Enclosed single-level venue for more than 200 stores, with casual dining & a multiplex.
