There is a little something for everyone in Cape Town, with no shortage of excitement, entertainment and eateries. However, with so many options, choosing what to do on a short visit or with limited time can be daunting and challenging. Fortunately, we have you covered. Check out our list of things to do in Cape Town to get you started.
Here is a list of things to do in Cape Town to get you started
1. Iziko Museum
Starting off our list of things to do in Cape Town is Iziko Museum. The world-renowned museum offers a vast selection of artworks, artefacts and all kinds of animal exhibits. Visitors will love exploring this massive facility with its big displays, animal skeletons and relics from the past. In addition, several interactive quizzes and games are scattered throughout the museum and are sure to entertain and educate.
Location: 25 Queen Victoria St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Contact: 021 481 3800
Opening times: Weekly | 9am – 5pm
Cost: Adults: R30 | Children 6 to 18 years old: R15 | Children 5 years and under: Free | SA pensioners and students (with valid cards): R15.00 | Free entry on Friday
2. Newlands Forest
At Newlands Forest, located on Table Mountain’s eastern slopes, people of all ages can enjoy a walk in woodlands rich in local flora and fauna and dotted with a network of trails and pathways. The streams and waterfalls are popular attractions, and there are also places to picnic.
Location: Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, 0001
Cost: Free | R25 for parking on site
3. Arderne Gardens
Arderne Gardens is the Southern Suburbs’ overlooked beauty, home to towering trees, many water features, and a plethora of wildlife. Its verdant grounds are ideal for picnics and activities, and its towering trees guarantee that there will always be a cool space to rest. The centre water feature is filled with birds, and families may enjoy exploring the lovely sequence of bridges that traverse the lake.
Location: 222 Main Rd, Claremont
4. Sea Point Promenade
The Sea Point Promenade is a fantastic 2km walkway along the picturesque Atlantic Ocean. The perfect place for a sunrise or sunset.
The area is also a perennial favourite for fitness enthusiasts, with phenomenal views of Lion’s Head and the coastline along a very simple but pristine route. The walk is also perfect for parents with young children and pets as it is easy to navigate with a pram and is dotted with a miniature golf course, playgrounds, beaches and lawns.
Location: Sea Point Promenade, Cape Town, 8005
Cost: Free
5. Grand West Ice Skating Rink
Ice skating opportunities are few and far between in South Africa but the Grand West is an exception. The casino’s rink is among a handful nationwide, offering an exciting treat for anyone who rarely, if ever, gets a chance to put on a pair of skates. Patrons can take to the ice or any of the other forms of entertainment on offer, including ten-pin bowling, amusement rides, movie theatres and video arcades.
Location: Grand West Casino, 1 Jakes Gerwel Drive
Contact: 021 535 2260
Opening times: Weekdays | 10am – 7:30pm | Weekends 10am – 11:30pm
Cost: R65 per person | R55 if you have your own skates
Also read: Some of our favourite things to do on a rainy day in Cape Town
6. Two Oceans Aquarium
The V&A Waterfront’s Two Oceans Aquarium is a watery wonderland where the public can learn more about the deep blue sea and the creatures that live in it. Offering many exhibitions, ocean life and interactive experiences for children of all ages, a visit is a stimulating experience for young and old. Visitors are given chance to get up close and personal with some fascinating marine life, including sharks, stingrays and jellyfish, all while learning about conserving our seas.
Check out some new ways to experience the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Location: Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Contact: 021 418 3823
Opening times: Monday to Sunday | 9:30am to 6pm
Cost: Adults: R220 | Children 14 – 17 years: R165 | Children 4 – 13 years: R105 | Children 3 years and under: Free
Tickets: www.aquarium.co.za
7. Cape Point Nature Reserve
Cape Point Nature Reserve, at the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, is another favourite among locals and visitors to the city, with a spectacular range of fauna and flora to admire. Along with the exquisite ocean views and the variety of wildlife inhabiting the area, there is also no shortage of activities.
The nature reserve is home to a fantastic selection of trails and tidal pools ideal for family swimming, making it a perfect option for a family day outdoors. A plus for families is that you don’t have to walk uphill from the parking lot to see the historic lighthouse and beautiful views. Instead, you can take the Flying Dutchman funicular.
Location: Cape Peninsula, Simon’s Town
Contact: 021 780 9010
Opening times: Weekly | 8am – 5pm
Cost: SA nationals: R94 | SA national kids: R47 | International adults: R376 | International kids: R188
Tickets: www.capepoint.co.za
8. Boulders Beach
The penguins at Boulders Beach are sure to delight children of all ages, and the protected beach is the perfect place for anyone wanting to enjoy the water without having to battle rough seas and currents. The beach gets its name from its giant boulders, which protect the cove from currents, wind and big waves to create shallow, calm waters.
Location: Kleintuin Rd, Simon’s Town
Contact: 021 786 2329
Opening times: Weekly, 8am – 5pm
Cost: SA nationals: R44 | SA national kids: R212 | International adults: R176 | International kids: R88
8. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, found at the foot of Table Mountain, is a must-see. The breathtaking gardens boast stunning vegetation but there is also more to Kirstenbosch to explore. These include a stroll on the Tree Canopy Walkway, or “The Boomslang”, a raised walkway that meanders through the trees and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Location: Rhodes Dr, Newlands
Operating Times: Weekly 8:30am – 5:30pm
Cost: Adults: R210 | Children 6 to 17 years: R30 | Children under six: Free
9. Red City Sightseeing Bus Tours
The Red City Sightseeing Bus is the best way to familiarise yourself with all of Cape Town, especially for those with little time to spend in the city. Visitors can see all the major landmarks and attractions with the three different routes on offer. With the added convenience of hop-on, hop-off access, you can easily spend an entire day on the bus while the live commentary keeps you both informed and entertained.
Location: Ticket Office, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Operating Times: Weekly from 8:00am and 5:30pm
Cost: Prices vary from R60 to R630
10. Catch a ride on the Cableway
For those looking for exciting and memorable things to do in Cape Town, the Cableway is an excellent option that never disappoints.
The approximately five-minute ride offers awe-inspiring views of Robben Island and beyond, weather permitting.
Visitors can explore various hiking trails, enjoy refreshments, or purchase souvenirs at the summit.
If you’re feeling adventurous, paragliding is a great option, while flight tours with one of several helicopter operators are also available for a truly unforgettable experience.
Location: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Tafelberg Rd, Gardens
Operating Times: Weekly from 8:30am and 5:00pm (Weather permitting)
Cost: Adults 18 years and older: R390 (Return) R210 (Oneway) | Children’s prices vary from R160 to R320
11. Clifton Beaches
Each with its own unique characteristics, Clifton’s four beaches offer something for everyone. With pristine sands and beautiful scenery, Clifton first offers fantastic sea views and restaurants while the second beach is perfect for sunbathing or building a sandcastle.
Clifton third is very popular among beach sports enthusiasts with volleyball, soccer and frisbee games a common occurrence.
The waters of Clifton fourth beach might be on the chilly side but this doesn’t scare off surfers, swimmers and bodyboarders.
Location: Clifton 4th Beach, Clifton
12. Mojo Market
Arts, crafts, live music and other regular performances are just some of the attractions at the Mojo Market.
However, the wide variety of food stalls are the biggest drawcard, offering something for everyone.
Mojo Market also has several options for anyone wishing to quench their thirst with a great selection of craft beers and spirits available.
Location: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point
Cost: Free
13. Perseverance Tavern
The Perseverance Tavern may only have received its official status as a pub in 1836 but this still makes it the oldest operating bar in Cape Town.
Affectionately known as Persies by locals, the pub was actually established in 1808, nearly half a century before its closest rival.
Among its influential patrons are the likes of Cecil John Rhodes and countless other political figures from both Africa and Europe.
Persies offers stunning, cool courtyards for summer and cosy fireplaces for cold winter nights, making it a firm favourite among locals two centuries after its initial opening.
The establishment has undergone extensive renovations over the years, but never at the expense of its authentic charm and ambiance.
- Location: 83 Buitenkant Street, City Bowl
- Times: Monday to Sunday | 12pm to 11pm
14. Elephant’s Eye (Silvermine)
Elephant’s Eye is by no means a difficult route but its a great hike for anyone looking to up their heart rate without breaking too much of a sweat.
Offering breathtaking scenery, the simplest route to the cave is from the Silvermine Nature Reserve.
Fitter hikers can opt to start from the Tokai Arboretum, a slightly more difficult route that is still easy enough for children to enjoy.
The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
15. Tygerberg Nature Reserve
For those seeking more hiking options in Cape Town, Tygerberg Nature Reserve offers beautiful, winding trails through the forest and grasslands, with a stunning panoramic view from the top of the reserve hill. This reserve is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to explore and appreciate the natural beauty around them, and it’s an excellent addition to your list of things to do in Cape Town.
Location: 1 Totius St, Welgemoed, Cape Town, 7530
Cost: Children (3 – 17): R10 | Children under 3: Free | Adult (18 – older): R20
Contact: 021 444 8971
16. Noordhoek Beach
With its wide-open space giving a sense of solitude, Noordhoek Beach certainly has its charm.
It can be on the windy side but its cold water and precious little human activity, mean the beach is in pristine condition – a true jewel of the Atlantic coast.
Horse riding on the beach is a unique and popular experience for adults and older kids, offering full advantage of the coastline’s beauty.
Location: Noordhoek, Cape Town
Contact: www.horseridingcapetown.co.za | Noordhoek Beach Horse Rides
17. Foresters Arms
Nestled in the leafy suburb of Newlands, at the foot of Cape Town’s majestic mountains, Foresters’ Arms is another pub that has weathered many years.
Forries, as it is better known by locals, was established in 1852 and has been a consistent favourite for well over a century.
The venue has undergone a few usage changes but was eventually settled, and the inn and the pub remained.
Forries offers a wonderful full pub menu to guests and an impressive range of draught beers.
- Location: 52 Newlands Avenue, Newlands
- Times: Monday to Thursday 11m to 11pm | Saturday 9am to 10pm | Sunday 9am to 10pm
18. Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome
Located next to the Iziko museum, the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome give aspirant space explorers an ideal opportunity to learn all about the stars and planets above. In this state-of-the-art facility, guests may recline under a simulated sky full of stars and listen to knowledgeable guides talk about the various constellations. This is also a great addition to a list of things to do in Cape Town with kids.
Location: 25 Queen Victoria St
Contact: 021 481 3800
Opening times: Weekly | 9am – 5pm (Except for Mondays)
Cost: Adults: R60.00 | Children: R30.00 |SA pensioners and students (with valid cards): R30.00
19. Signal Hill Spine
If you’re looking for things to do in Cape Town, don’t overlook Signal Hill’s Spine, one of the city’s exquisite hiking trails.
Basking in the shadow of Lion’s Head, this 5km out-and-back trail always delivers impressive panoramic views of Cape Town, including stunning views of the Atlantic Seaboard on the left and breathtaking cityscapes on the right.
Starting at the Kramat, hikers approach the paragliding launch site with Table Mountain and Lion’s Head on full display.
So, put on your hiking shoes and explore this overlooked gem for some of the best views in Cape Town.
Location: Signal Hill Road, Cape Town
20. Camps Bay Beach
Rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Camps Bay Beach is certainly deserving of its accolades.
The beach itself is absolutely pristine with beautiful sands and aquamarine waters.
The adjoining tidal pool makes swimming both safe and popular for families, while the wide selection of bars and restaurants along Victoria Road are perfect for ending the day with an ice-cold sundowner.
Location: 63 Victoria Road
21. Company’s Garden
Known for its beautiful, historic and child-friendly atmosphere, the Company’s Garden is a perennial favourite for young and old alike.
Originally used as a refreshment station by the Dutch East India Company to replenish supplies on its trade route between Europe and the East, the garden is both a national monument and treasure, right in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD.
With trees dating back over two centuries, teeming with squirrels and pigeons, the Company’s Garden is both scenic and tranquil and an ideal refuge from the hustle and bustle of the middle of town.
Location: Queen Victoria Street, CBD
Cost: Free
Website: capetown.gov.za
22. Clay Cafe in the city
Clay Cafe in the city is a must for anyone looking to express their creativity while grabbing a bite to eat.
The craft-focused space offers patrons the opportunity to try their hand at painting and pottery in a relaxing and family-friendly environment.
Mugs can be painted from as little as R55 while the studio fee is R40 per person. A fun afternoon can work out to as little as R250 including a drink and small meal.
Location: 199 Bree Street, CBD
Cost: Under R250 depending on painted item and meal
Website: claycafeinthecity.com
23. Fruit of the vine tastings
There are few better ways to start your weekend than with a complimentary wine tasting at Divine Wine Boutique.
Focussed on small, family-owned vineyards, the boutique aims to offer an interesting and relatively unknown selection to visitors through its regular Friday tastings.
The details for these are posted on social media and while it is not necessary to book, entry is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
As a result, the tastings fill up fast and reserving a table is crucial if you plan to linger after the tasting and sample their wonderful selection of cheese and charcuterie boards, tapas and oysters.
Location: 35 Lower Long Street, CBD
Time: 5pm to 7pm | Every Friday
Cost: Free
Website: divinewineboutique.com
24. Sky-Hi Ride
For those looking for things to do in Cape Town, the eye-catching Sky-Hi Ride located on the 28th floor of Hotel Sky is a perfect way to get an adrenaline rush while taking in some of the best views of the city.
This 35-metre thrill ride offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of Cape Town and is open to both hotel guests and visitors from noon until 8pm, from Tuesday to Sunday, with ride and observer tickets available, weather permitting.
Location: 28th Floor, Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long Street
Cost: R200 per person
Tickets: Webtickets
Website: sky-hiride.capetown
25. St James Walk
The paved walkway between Muizenberg and St James is quite heavily trafficked, but with good reason.
The walk is easy enough for the whole family to enjoy, culminating with a dip in the ocean or the iconic tidal pool if preferred.
Dusk and dawn are certainly the best times to visit when the sun reflects off the stunning blue waters.
26. Galileo Open Air Cinema
While drive-ins may no longer be a common occurrence, the Galileo Open Air Cinema’s screenings offer a rare opportunity for movie goers to enjoy a film under the stars and take advantage of Cape Town’s beautiful locations.
This romantic setting is not only perfect for a date night but it’s also an ideal venue for birthday parties and work socials.
However, entertainment options are not limited to movies, there is also great music, entertaining games and a roaming photo booth.
27. Putt-Putt
Sea Point’s outdoor putt-putt course is a fun family activity to partake in while taking in some fresh sea air.
Located off the Promenade, it has long been a feature of the Atlantic Seaboard, offering golfers, young and old, hours of excitement regardless of handicap.
The course is well designed and accessible, giving young and old the perfect chance to prove their putting prowess.
Location: Beach Road, Sea Point
Cost: 1 Game ticket: R40 | 3 Game ticket: R80 | 10 Game ticket: R320 | Group play (10 or more players): R32
Contact: 021 434 6805 | [email protected]
28. Acrobranch
Acrobranch is another great option for children’s parties with zip-lining and obstacle courses a major attraction for young and old.
Swings, trapeze and rope courses are always popular drawcards, while the breathtaking setting alone warrants a visit.
Apart from children’s parties, Acrobranch is also ideal for adult functions including bachelor and bachelorette parties as well as corporate team building programmes that are sure to get your hear racing.
With a major focus on safety, parents can rest assured that their children are well looked after and having a marvellous time between the trees.
Location: 1 Hout Bay Road, Hout Bay
Contact: +27 86 999 0369 | [email protected]
29. Alphen Trail
One of the most spectacular stretches of Constantia’s Greenbelt, the Alphen Trail offers some truly breathtaking scenery.
With a stunning array of plant life lining the trickling waters, this tranquil and very accessible 7.7km out-and-back trail is the perfect option for an active family.
Parts of the route can get somewhat tricky when pushing a pram but this trail is very easy to navigate, and protected from scorching weather conditions.
It is also extremely popular among dog walkers and horse riders, with pets of all shapes and sizes a regular feature along the way.
30. Weapons on Wheels
Last on our list of things to do in Cape Town is Weapons on Wheels. Specialising in all types of weapon experiences, axe throwing, ninja stars, knife throwing and crossbow shooting, Weapons on Wheels is a mobile projectile party. Facilities can be hired for events but Weapons on Wheels also hosts pop-up parties. Once ready, participants get into lanes, get comfortable with their grip, distance and rotation, and start throwing.
This is an interactive experience and expert coaches guide you through the process, giving feedback on how to throw in a way that works for you.
Website: weaponsonwheels.com
Contact: [email protected] | +27 61 864 2659
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Picture: Murray Swart