South Africa

Things to do in Cape Town

Cape Town sits between Table Mountain and the Atlantic, with the Cape Peninsula, its penguin colony and Cape Point to the south and the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek winelands under an hour inland. History is part of every visit too, from Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years, to Bo-Kaap and the District Six Museum.

  • Table Mountain cableway
  • Robben Island tour from the V&A Waterfront
  • Cape Point and Boulders Beach penguins
  • Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine tasting

Experiences in Cape Town

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Outdoor and natureHikes, kayaks and nature trips within easy reach of the city.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in Cape Town

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Highlights

  • Table Mountain cableway
  • Robben Island tour from the V&A Waterfront
  • Cape Point and Boulders Beach penguins
  • Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine tasting
  • Bo-Kaap walking and Cape Malay food tour
  • Lion's Head sunrise hike

Best time to visit

November to March is warm and dry, but often windy; February and March tend to be calmer and less busy than December and January. June to August is the wet winter, while whales gather off Hermanus from about June to November.

Getting around

There is no metro, so most visitors use Uber or a rental car, plus the MyCiTi buses along the Atlantic seaboard and to the airport. Cape Town International is about 20 minutes from the city centre by car outside rush hour.

Local tips

  • The Table Mountain cableway closes in strong wind or cloud, so check its status on the morning and go up on the first clear day rather than waiting.
  • Robben Island tours often sell out days ahead in summer and are cancelled in rough seas, so book early in your stay.
  • Most wine estates charge for tastings, and many close early on Sundays, so plan winelands days midweek or on Saturdays.

Day trips from Cape Town

  • Cape Point and the Cape Peninsula
  • Stellenbosch
  • Franschhoek
  • Hermanus
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Cape Town?

The most booked experiences in Cape Town are Table Mountain cableway, Robben Island tour from the V&A Waterfront, Cape Point and Boulders Beach penguins and Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine tasting.

When is the best time to visit Cape Town?

November to March is warm and dry, but often windy; February and March tend to be calmer and less busy than December and January. June to August is the wet winter, while whales gather off Hermanus from about June to November.

How do I get around Cape Town?

There is no metro, so most visitors use Uber or a rental car, plus the MyCiTi buses along the Atlantic seaboard and to the airport. Cape Town International is about 20 minutes from the city centre by car outside rush hour.

Do I need to book tours in Cape Town in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Cape Town?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Dubai7640 km awayMarrakech7797 km awaySantorini7855 km awayCatania7950 km away