Arriving in Cape Town was extra special for us as it meant we had just completed our 9-month Cairo to Cape Town African adventure!
Needless to say, we were very excited to be in Cape Town for this fact alone. However, we did not expect to love this city as much as we did!
In this article, we check out exactly why Cape Town is such a great city and offer you our Cape Town guide so that you too can fall for this incredible city as much as we did.
Why Should I Visit Cape Town?
After spending three weeks in Cape Town, we left with a promise to ourselves to return someday for a more extended stay! It may have a bit of a bad reputation sometimes, but the fact is that Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
Laying eyes on the breathtaking and iconic Table Mountain firsthand stood out as one of the top highlights of our Africa journey from Cairo to Cape Town.
Additional attractions in Cape Town include the rugged cliffs of the Cape Peninsula, stunning beaches with turquoise water at Camps Bay, and Clifton (the water is freezing though!). And lastly, the nearby Winelands region with endless vineyards and picturesque towns, there’s no shortage of stunning scenery to explore.
Besides breathtaking landscapes, Cape Town also has a fascinating history. The city started as a strategic outpost in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company as a supply station for ships en route to the East Indies spice route. At the time, the VOC would have been the Apple/Amazon of its time.
British occupation followed in 1795, followed by The apartheid era from 1948 to 1994, which marked a dark period of racial segregation in South Africa.
The Bo-Kaap Neighborhood, known for its colorful houses and cobblestone streets along with Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years are the two most famous historical landmarks in Cape Town
Adventure seekers will find plenty to do in the city, with activities such as paragliding over Signal Hill, scaling the iconic Table Mountain, catching waves at Muizenberg Beach, or experiencing the thrill of bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge.
Food enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs also have good reason to visit Cape Town. The city is surrounded by renowned wine regions like Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. These areas offer stunning vineyards and lots of award-winning wines combined with delicious food pairings.
Lastly, With a mild climate and some very affordable deals on accommodation, Cape Town invites visitors to kick back and enjoy one of the world’s greatest cities.
What’s not to love about Cape Town?!
What Are The Top Attractions in Cape Town?
Now that we know that there is plenty to see and do in Cape Town let’s take a closer and more detailed look.
We have done all the hard work for you and narrowed down all the activities in Cape Town in our top 10 recommendations.
1 – Best Things to do in Cape Town: Table Mountain
First up is one of the most iconic and recognizable natural landmarks in the world! A UNESCO site standing nearly 1100 meters tall is the majestic Table Mountain.
You can hike up on several trails all different with difficulty or else Take the cable car ride to the top for breath-taking panoramic views of Cape Town, the surrounding coastline, and the Atlantic Ocean.
2 – Best Things to do in Cape Town: Lions Head
The downside of reaching the summit of Table Mountain is the limited view of the mountain itself!
The solution to this is to hike Lions Head, which is located right next to Table Mountain.
This trail ascends nearly 700 meters and arguably provides the best stunning views of Cape Town and Table Mountain from many different angles. It was one of our favorite hiking experiences in Africa.
3 – Best Things to do in Cape Town: Robben Island
Another UNESCO World Heritage site in Cape Town is Robben Island. This former political prison gained notoriety during apartheid, serving as Nelson Mandela’s incarceration site for 18 years.
These days you can take a guided tour by a former political prisoner who served time on the island.
4 – Best Things to do in Cape Town: Bo-Kaap
A famous colorful neighborhood in Cape Town known for its brightly painted houses and cobblestone streets. Many of its early residents were slaves who were brought to the Cape Colony by the Dutch East India Company. These slaves were primarily from the Dutch East Indies (modern-day Indonesia).
The tradition of painting the houses in bright colors is believed to have originated from the residents’ desire to express their identity and individuality after gaining freedom from slavery. Basically, a two-fingered gesture to the authorities!
You can visit Bo-Kaap along with many of the places already mentioned on a Cape Town Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour.
5 – Best Things to do in Cape Town: Wine Tours
One of the best and funniest day trips we ever did was exploring the nearby Cape Winelands and the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl.
While wine tasting was certainly a highlight, we found much more to appreciate beyond just sipping wine—the history of why vineyards were grown, the delicious food pairings, and the breathtaking surrounding landscapes all added to the experience.
6 – Best Things to do in Cape Town: Road Trip from Cape Town
One of the world’s best road trips is in Cape Town. Begin your journey with a scenic drive through Chapman’s Peak on your way to the Cape Peninsula.
Afterwards, relax with a swim at Muizenberg Beach before paying a visit to Boulder Beach to greet the penguins.
7 – Best Things to do in Cape Town: V&A Waterfront
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a beautiful harbor area with lots of historical buildings and the launch point for tours to Robben Island.
The waterfront is huge offering a full day of enjoyment with scenic views, seal-watching, extensive shopping opportunities, and plenty of restaurants and pubs to conclude the day with a satisfying meal and drink.
8 – Best Things to do in Cape Town: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Relax and wander through the beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, with the special feature being the backdrop of Table Mountain. The gardens boast a wide variety of native plants, themed gardens, walking paths, and canopy walks.
Entry to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is approximately $5 for South African residents and $11 for international visitors.
If you are planning on hiking to the top of Table Mountain then you can use the gardens as a starting point with access to the popular trails – The Skeleton Gorge.
9 – Best Things to do in Cape Town: District Six Museum
Learn about the history of apartheid at the District Six Museum, which commemorates the area where thousands of residents were forcibly evicted during apartheid.
Another museum worth visiting is the Iziko South African Museum which focuses on South Africa’s natural history and archaeology.
10 – Best Things to do in Cape Town: Adventure Activities
As previously mentioned, Cape Town is often dubbed the “Adventure Capital” of South Africa due to its wide range of outdoor activities and adrenaline-pumping experiences available.
Some of the activities are paragliding from Signal Hill, sandboarding at Betty’s Hill, the world’s highest bridge bungee jump, and shark cage diving
Make sure to read the latest reviews if you are planning to go shark cage diving as there haven’t been many sharks in the Cape Town Bay for several years!
Where do I Stay in Cape Town?
Cape Town is a massive city with PLENTY of accommodation options that will cater to all budgets, but what area is the safest and the best to stay in Cape Town?
Below we have given a brief description of every area we recommend, but if you want to read a more detailed description then read our article – What Are The Best Areas To Stay In Cape Town?
The most popular neighborhoods in Cape Town are:
The City Bowl – The City Bowl is the central area of Cape Town and includes the city’s downtown CBD, the lively Long Street, and the popular “Gardens Area.” This is where we stayed for 3 weeks and never encountered any problems.
Camps Bay: Considered a safe area for tourists, Camps Bay is known for its beautiful beach and trendy atmosphere.
If you’re after a lavish Cape Town beach getaway, this is the spot for you. You’ll find plenty of high-end hotels, restaurants, and bars to enjoy here.
Clifton: Just North of Camps Bay is the even more upscale Clifton This area is famous for its stunning beaches and upscale residences.
It’s a great choice for those looking for an even more exclusive and luxurious stay!
Waterfront: This area is vibrant and bustling with shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Two Oceans Aquarium. It offers stunning views of Table Mountain and easy access to boat tours and ferries to Robben Island.
Make sure to check out Booking.com and filter to your budget preference. Otherwise, we have chosen a few different price ranges for you to have a look at.
Our suggestions for accommodation are based on factors such as value for money, guest reviews, good location, and amenities like swimming pools and city views.
- Budget |Long Street Backpackers | Zebra Crossin Backpackers|
- Mid Range|Amina Boutique Hotel |Bayview Boutique Guesthouse|
- High-end |Camps Bay Retreat Hotel|Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront |
When is the Best Time to Visit Cape Town?
During our visit to Cape Town, we discovered first-hand why it is also referred to as “The Windy City” so make sure you read the tip in the box below and watch the video!
The best time to visit Cape Town largely depends on the specific experiences you’re seeking, as the city offers diverse attractions throughout the year.
Summer (December to February):
Summer in Cape Town brings warm and sunny weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities, beach visits, and exploring the city.
This period is popular for tourists, so attractions might be busier, and accommodation prices could be higher.
Autumn (March to May):
Autumn offers pleasant, mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival usually takes place in March, attracting music enthusiasts from around the world.
Winter (June to August):
Cape Town experiences its rainy season during winter, with cooler temperatures.
While it might not be ideal for beach activities, this season is excellent for visiting museums, exploring indoor attractions, and enjoying the cozy ambiance of restaurants and cafes.
Spring (September to November):
Spring in Cape Town brings blooming flowers.
The weather starts warming up, making it a good time for outdoor activities before the peak tourist season.
We visited Cape Town towards the end of October and the hikes were starting to get quite busy.
An important tip that we wish we were told is that it can get very windy and cloudy in Cape Town, with the weather changing rapidly from one day to the next. Cloud cover often obscures views of Table Mountain, limiting hiking opportunities. Stay flexible when planning a hike, check the weather the day before and seize the days when hiking opportunities are available, they may not be there the next day!
The best time to visit Cape Town ultimately depends on personal preferences and the type of experiences you’re seeking.
For a balance between good weather, fewer crowds, and pleasant temperatures, many travelers find that the shoulder seasons of autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) offer an excellent compromise.
However, each season has its unique charm and attractions, so consider your preferences when planning your Cape Town visit.
Enjoy Your Cape Town Guide!
We hope you have had all your questions answered from this article and we are confident that whatever type of getaway you are hoping for, this incredible city will provide the best possible experiences for you.
Yes, Cape Town is amazing in itself but don’t just stop there, why not make it part of an epic South Africa road trip?!
Venturing beyond Cape Town allows travelers to discover lesser-known regions, like the Drakensberg Mountains, the Garden Route, or the Northern Cape, each offering unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences that showcase the country’s diversity.
Is this something you would be interested in doing? In fact, why not let us know? We would love you hear your thoughts!
If you have any questions then leave us a comment below, and don’t forget to check out our socials.
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