Best things to do in Cape Town: 5 must-see attractions & travel tips
- Jul 15
- 6 min read
Cape Town is, without a doubt, one of my favourite cities in the world. It's one of those places where you could easily spend two weeks and still discover something new every day. Whether you're looking for beautiful beaches, scenic hikes, incredible viewpoints, or cosy places to enjoy a glass of South African wine, Cape Town truly has it all.
That's exactly why I've visited the city several times. In this guide, I'm sharing my favourite things to do in Cape Town, along with some practical travel tips to help you plan your trip.
For most places in and around Cape Town, having a rental car is highly recommended.
Hike Lion's Head
Looking for a hike that's not too difficult but rewards you with spectacular views? Then Lion's Head is the perfect choice. Although several walking trails start in the city, I recommend driving to the parking area near the trailhead. Unfortunately, there have been incidents on some of the walking routes leading from the city to the mountain, so parking closer to the start is generally considered the safer option.
The local authorities also recommend hiking with a group whenever possible and avoiding the trail alone in the dark. If you're travelling solo, it's best to start during daylight hours when plenty of other hikers are around.
The trail itself is relatively straightforward. The final section involves a bit of scrambling, but nothing too technical for most people. The panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth the effort, and the hike takes around one hour each way.
Take the cable car to Table Mountain
No trip to Cape Town is complete without visiting Table Mountain. As one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, it's one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Once you reach the top, you'll quickly understand why. The summit is much larger than many people expect, with numerous walking trails offering spectacular views over Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean.
Don't forget to bring a jumper or light jacket, as it can be considerably cooler at the top.
I also recommend purchasing your cable car tickets online in advance. The cableway is extremely popular, and waiting times can easily stretch to several hours during peak season. Since only two cable cars operate at a time, the queues move slower than you might expect.
The cable car itself is a fun experience. Each cabin features a rotating floor that slowly turns 360 degrees, giving everyone panoramic views during both the ascent and descent.
If you'd rather skip the queue—or simply enjoy a challenge—you can also hike to the summit. The most popular route is Platteklip Gorge, which is also the shortest. We completed this hike during our first visit because the cableway closes every year for maintenance, usually sometime between late July and August.
Although the trail is well maintained, it's a continuous uphill climb and requires a reasonable level of fitness. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. The hike took us around 1.5 hours, followed by another 15-minute walk across the summit to the cable car station.
Explore Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens we've ever visited. Located at the foot of Table Mountain, the gardens offer incredible mountain views and feel almost like walking through Jurassic Park. With indigenous plants, colourful flowers, and lush greenery everywhere you look, it's the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon.
Bring a picnic, have lunch at one of the cafés, or simply wander through the beautifully maintained gardens.
The absolute highlight is the Boomslang Canopy Walkway, a curved wooden bridge suspended above the treetops. Walking among the trees while enjoying panoramic views of the mountains is an experience you won't want to miss.
Relax at Camps Bay Beach
There's a reason we chose to stay in Camps Bay for an entire week. This upscale neighbourhood is one of Cape Town's safest and most beautiful areas, known for its luxury villas, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning location between the beach and the mountains.
Whether you're staying in Camps Bay or simply visiting for the day, don't miss Camps Bay Beach. The wide white-sand beach, dramatic rock formations, crystal-clear water, and incredible views of Table Mountain make it one of the city's most beautiful beaches.
Behind the beach you'll find a lively promenade with plenty of excellent restaurants and cafés. Some of our favourites are Tiger's Milk, Plato Coffee, and Bo-Vine Wine & Grill.
For one of the best viewpoints in the area, take a short walk to Maiden's Cove. This beautiful picnic and braai area features natural tidal pools and offers spectacular views of Camps Bay Beach, Lion's Head, and Table Mountain.
Go shopping at the V&A Waterfront
Need a break from all the outdoor adventures? Spend an afternoon at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. This lively waterfront district is home to a large shopping centre filled with international brands, local boutiques, and shops selling handcrafted South African souvenirs. There are also countless restaurants overlooking the harbour, making it a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
A visit to the V&A Waterfront also pairs perfectly with a trip to Robben Island, as the ferry departs from here several times a day. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance, as tours often sell out quickly.
Is Cape Town safe?
Overall, yes—Cape Town is generally safe for tourists as long as you stay aware of your surroundings and take some basic precautions. Like most large cities, some neighbourhoods are safer than others. Areas such as Camps Bay, Sea Point, the V&A Waterfront, and the nearby Cape Winelands are considered among the safest places to stay and explore.
Avoid visiting townships on your own, and don't walk alone after dark. Instead, take an Uber or taxi to restaurants or attractions in the evening. Don't leave valuables visible in your car, avoid displaying expensive belongings, and never accept help from strangers at ATMs. And if you're hiking Table Mountain or Lion's Head, always hike with others or join a guided group rather than setting off alone.
With a bit of common sense and the usual precautions, Cape Town is an amazing destination and one of our favourite cities to visit.
Where to stay in Cape Town
The best areas to stay are Camps Bay, Sea Point, and the V&A Waterfront. Sea Point and the Waterfront are closer to the city centre, while Camps Bay offers a quieter atmosphere surrounded by nature.
We personally loved staying in Camps Bay. Waking up to views of Table Mountain, being close to both Lion's Head and the beach, and enjoying a more peaceful setting made it the perfect base for exploring Cape Town.
How many days do you need in Cape Town?
Cape Town is the perfect base for a South Africa itinerary. There's plenty to do within the city itself, but it's also the starting point for countless day trips. From wine tasting in Stellenbosch to visiting the Cape of Good Hope or spotting penguins at Boulders Beach, you could easily spend two weeks exploring the region without getting bored.
If you're mainly interested in the highlights, however, four to six days is enough to experience Cape Town's main attractions.
Best time to visit Cape Town
The seasons in South Africa are the opposite of those in Europe and North America. From October to April, it's summer, with temperatures regularly exceeding 25°C (77°F), long sunny days, and very little rainfall. Winter, from May to September, is generally mild. Temperatures average around 15°C (59°F), the days are shorter, and occasional rain showers are possible.
We've visited Cape Town several times in July and August and actually loved travelling during winter. The cooler temperatures were perfect for hiking, and we still enjoyed plenty of sunny days with temperatures around 20°C (68°F).
In other words, Cape Town is a fantastic destination all year round.
