Quick answer: The must-dos in Cape Town are Table Mountain (cableway R475 return online), a Cape Peninsula drive via Chapman’s Peak to the Boulders Beach penguins and Cape Point, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront, colourful Bo-Kaap, Kirstenbosch, a Lion’s Head sunset hike and a day in the Winelands. Do Table Mountain on the first clear, calm day.
Cape Town has an absurd amount to do for a city of its size. Here are the 20 best experiences, grouped so you can plan around the weather, which decides a lot here. Prices are 2026 rates from official sources where available.
City and mountain
- Table Mountain: the rotating cableway costs R475 return online, and Platteklip Gorge is the steep 2–3 hour hike. See tickets and hikes.
- Lion’s Head: a 2–3 hour round-trip hike with chains near the top. Sunset and full-moon hikes are legendary.
- Signal Hill: drive up for sunset views over the city and Atlantic, which is easy and free.
- Bo-Kaap: brightly painted houses, the Bo-Kaap Museum and Cape Malay cooking classes.
- Company’s Garden and the museums: the historic heart of the city, near the South African Museum and the National Gallery.
- The District Six Museum tells the powerful story of forced removals under apartheid.
Waterfront and coast
- The V&A Waterfront has a working harbour, restaurants, the Watershed craft market and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
- Zeitz MOCAA is Africa’s largest contemporary art museum, inside a converted grain silo.
- Robben Island: tours leave from the Nelson Mandela Gateway and take about 3.5–4 hours. See Robben Island tickets.
- The Sea Point Promenade is best for a sunset walk or run, ending with an ice cream.
- Camps Bay and Clifton beaches have white sand under the Twelve Apostles. The water is cold Atlantic.
Cape Peninsula
- Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the world’s great coastal roads (toll payable).
- Boulders Beach has a colony of African penguins in Simon’s Town. Foreign adults pay R282 from 1 November 2026.
- Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope offer lighthouse views and wild coastline. Foreign adults pay R592 from 1 November 2026 (Rio Times, SANParks).
- Kalk Bay and Muizenberg are fishing-harbour cafés and colourful beach huts with gentle surf. See our Peninsula day trip guide.
Gardens, wine and wildlife
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden has the Boomslang treetop walkway, and summer sunset concerts.
- Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer wine tastings among the mountains, or take the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
- Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine region, just 20 minutes from town.
- Whale watching in Hermanus (about 1.5 hours away) is best from about June to November.
- Shark-cage diving or a boat trip runs from Gansbaai or Simon’s Town with reputable operators.
Compare Cape Town tours, wine trips and Peninsula day tours.
Tips
- Check the cableway status on the morning you plan to go, because wind closes it often, especially in summer.
- Hike in groups on popular trails, start early and take water.
- Use Uber or Bolt after dark, even for short distances.
More Cape Town guides
- Cape Town travel guide
- Cape Town itinerary: 3, 5 or 7 days
- Where to stay in Cape Town
- Table Mountain cableway tickets and hikes
- Cape Point and Boulders Beach day trip
- Robben Island tickets and tour
- Cape Town Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Cape Town
FAQ: Things to do in Cape Town
What is Cape Town best known for?
Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula and Cape Point, Robben Island, the penguins at Boulders Beach and the Winelands.
What can you do in Cape Town for free?
You can hike Lion’s Head, drive up Signal Hill and walk the Sea Point Promenade. Exploring Bo-Kaap and the beaches is also free.
How many days do you need in Cape Town?
Five to seven days, with buffer days for wind and weather. See our Cape Town itinerary.
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