Top 10 Things To Do in Cape Town

In February 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to spend time exploring the scenic and vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town truly captured a piece of my heart as I experienced its many amazing destinations. From the beaches to the mountains, and the wine lands to the shopping centers, here are my top 10 things to do during your first trip to Cape Town.

1. Explore the wine lands

Take a stroll through the vast vineyards and enjoy a farm-to-table meal at one of the many wine estates. With numerous wineries to choose from, planning which ones to visit can feel overwhelming. The good news is you can’t go wrong with any of them! However, if you would like some guidance, here is some information about the three I visited during my time in Cape Town:

Boschendal – We stayed in the charming cottages on the estate at Boschendal Winery. These cozy accommodations welcome you with complimentary snacks, wine, and ready-to-build fireplaces, both indoors and out! Spend time with friends (or make new ones) at the pool or campfire pit. Indulge in farm-to-table meals at one of their restaurants, then enjoying some wine and chocolate pairings. Once you’ve had all of the food and wine you can take, stroll through the farm shops and art gallery or book a time to explore the farm on horseback (but don’t drink and ride)! Boschendal also offers activities for kids, bike/running trails, and summer picnics.

Babylonstoren – WOW! This wine estate is enormous! I recommend setting aside a few hours to explore all that Babylonstoren Wine Estate has to offer. Wander through the grape vineyards, fruit and vegetable gardens, flower gardens, and more. Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, located in the Franschhoek wine valley. Although we didn’t stay overnight, the farm hotel looked comfortable and elegant. Be sure to visit their restaurant, “Babel,” for one of the best and freshest farm-to-table meals you can experience in South Africa! You can also book a tour of the cellar or hop on the Franschhoek wine tram, which stops at seven other wine estates, including Babylonstoren.

Buitenverwachting – Meaning “Beyond Expectation,” this winery really lives up it’s name! Buitenverwachting is another one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms, located in the Constantia Valley. After driving past hundreds of vineyards, we had the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting and dinner at their “Beyond Restaurant.” We savored a delicious five-course meal, and the stunning views made the experience even more memorable!

2. Spend time with African Penguins at Boulder’s Beach

Boulders Beach is home to an adorable African penguin colony. This beach offers clear blue waters and soft white sand, where you can take a dip in the chilly ocean waters, or watch some penguins swim around! Visitors can observe these adorable birds up close (but don’t get too close, they will bite), making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers. You can read my full guide for this must-visit destination here: Visiting Boulders Beach African Penguin Colony

3. Visit the colorful town of Bo-Kaap

Bo-Kaap is more than just a picturesque destination; it is a place of great history and culture. Bo-Kaap has been home to Cape Town’s Muslim community for over 200 years. The museum offers fascinating insights into the neighborhood’s history and the lives of its residents. You will learn about how all of the houses were painted bright colors as an expression of freedom, and how it progressed from there.

4. Kayak with marine life

Just off the coast, you can encounter a breathtaking array of ocean wildlife. During our kayaking adventure, we were incredibly fortunate to witness an array of sea creatures. We were lucky to see sea lions, dolphins, fish, and whales!

5. Hike Lion’s Head

Hiking Lion’s Head is an exhilarating adventure that provides some of the most spectacular views of Cape Town. We opted to begin our hike just before dawn, to beat the heavy crowds of hikers. The 3.41 mile (5.5km) hike has it’s challenging sections, especially in the last stretch that involves some rock climbing, and is rated moderate difficulty. Be sure to take breaks when needed, pace yourself, and bring drinking water! I promise, the views and feeling of satisfaction will be worth it!

Packing Tips
1. Water: especially on hot days.
2. Snacks: light snacks such as energy bars, nuts, fruits, or trail mix.
3. Comfortable Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip.
4. Weather-appropriate Clothing and sunscreen: Apply sunscreen before you start.
5. First Aid Kit: Include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications.
6. Cell Phone
7. Headlamp/Flashlight: If you plan to start early or stay for the sunset, this is essential.

6. Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain

Take an scenic ride to the top of Table Mountain in a cable car. As you ascend to the top of the mountain, the rotating floor allows everyone to get a panoramic view of the city and ocean. Upon reaching the top of the mountain, you have the opportunity to hike, relax, or enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Cost: Adults R370 – R490 ($20 – $27), Children R185 – R245 ($10 – $13), Seniors R130 ($7)
Tip: The cable cars close for annual maintenance. Check the website to check dates and pre-purchase your tickets.

7. See the city and oceanfront from a birds-eye view

A helicopter ride in Cape Town offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the city landscapes and oceanfront. While soaring over the ocean, keep your eye out for whales in the water! You will fly around iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and the coastline. This exhilarating and unforgettable experience will leave you in awe with a lasting memory.

Check out the top 10 Helicopter tours in Cape Town according to Trip Advisor here.
Cost: $125+
Tip: Wearing all black clothing eliminates reflection in the windows to help you capture better photos.

8. Spend time on the many beautiful, white-sand beaches

Pack a picnic for a fun and relaxing day at the beach! From the trendy shores of Camps Bay, to the stretches of soft white sand at Clifton’s four beaches, there are many of stunning beaches to choose from. Muizenberg Beach is known for its excellent surfing, colorful huts and a family friendly atmospheres. Each beach offers cool clear water and mountain backdrops, creating picture-perfect settings.

9. Shop and eat local at the Oranjezicht Market

Immerse yourself in the local shopping and eating at the Oranjezicht City Farmers Market. The bustling market showcases stands of fresh, organic produce, delicious artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods from local vendors. You will enjoy the aromas of the many fresh food stands, making it difficult to choose just one, so be sure to come hungry! Beyond the food, you’ll find unique handmade crafts, jewelry, spices, and more, all reflecting the creativity and sustainability that Cape Town is known for. The Oranjezicht Market provides a lively shopping experience that celebrates the best of local culture and cuisine.

10. Do some more shopping at the V&A Waterfront

Enjoy some more retail therapy at the V&A Waterfront. The indoor shed offers a wide range of vendors from clothing, crafts, art, and souvenirs. After some shopping, stroll along the waterfront where you may see some friendly sea lions and boaters. The waterfront includes a large selection of dining, including Time Out Market of Cape Town!

Other suggested activities:

Check out the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, visit the Old Biscuit Mill, eat and shop in Kalk Bay, go to any of the delicious local bars and restaurants, watch the sunset on the popular “sunset rock,” spend time at one of the MANY other wine estates, or just go off and explore!

I chose to travel with TBA Escapes for this trip to South Africa. Typically, I handle all the planning for my trips, so it was a pleasant change to have a carefully curated itinerary that included all the top destinations for my first visit. TBA Escapes hosts many all-female travel groups to various destinations. If you’re looking for an organized, friendly, and fun travel group, I highly recommend checking them out!

You might be wondering, what about going on a safari? Embarking on safari game drives is one of my top must-dos on a trip to South Africa, but this list focuses specifically on Cape Town. We’ll get to the safaris in another post…

Check out my Google Map, highlighting the locations I visited, plus more suggested spots: