What to do in Cape Town

Activities, attractions and tours

A harbor with boats, a flag, and a cityscape with mountains in the background.
A sunset over a mountainous landscape with a silhouette of a mountain and a building.
A coastal town with a mountain, marina, and beach.
A treehouse surrounded by a field of crops under a sunset sky.
A cityscape with tall buildings and a large cloud formation above.

Cape Town Attractions

Cape Town, also known as "The Tavern of the Seas", is the second largest metropolitan area in South Africa. It is a great vacation destination for nature enthusiasts, extreme sports fans, and night owls. Its close proximity to some of the top tourist destinations in the country such as Table Mountain makes the city an ideal starting point for many Cape Town excursions.

One of the must see attractions in Cape Town is the Langa Township. As part of many Cape Town tours, the Langa Township is especially popular because of its historical significance. As a suburb of Cape Town, this shanty-like town was designated specifically for blacks before apartheid took effect. When taking this tour, make sure you have enlisted the services of a local guide and that you have a map with you at all times.

Among the various things to do in Cape Town, the African Dance Theater is not to be missed. The African Dance Theater, one of the main attractions of Cape Town, features groups performing a variety African dance routines, jazz performances, and more. Located in Central Cape Town, this theater is one of the best places to let your family absorb some local musical culture.

To continue your history-themed tour of Cape Town activities, head to the District 6 Museum. District 6, an old neighborhood comprised entirely of black residents, was destroyed by the government just before apartheid in the 1960's. This museum has preserved many historically-important items from this once sprawling neighborhood. Also located in Central Cape Town, a variety of other spots popular with citizens and tourists alike.

Cape Town, also known as "The Mother City" is rich with a mixture of cultures, vibrant nightlife, and interesting historical sites. Don't miss out on all the fun activities and interesting places perfect for the entire family.

Things to do


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Top places to visit

1. Table Mountain

When you reach the top of Table Mountain, take a deep lungful of the crisp, mountain air more than 3,500 feet (1 kilometer) above sea level. Cast your eye out across Table Bay, with Cape Town and its curving coast stretching into the distance. The view is one of the most spectacular in the whole of Africa. Do note though that it can be considerably cooler at the summit.
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A mountainous landscape with a town nestled at its base.

2. Camps Bay Beach

Enjoy the glorious soft sand, deep blue water and sophisticated ambiance of Camps Bay Beach. This attractive beach fronts Camps Bay, one of Cape Town’s most exclusive coastal suburbs. Mingle with the sun-kissed and well-heeled beachgoers, observe surfers and relax with a picnic while marveling at the spectacular natural setting.
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A coastal town with a rocky mountain range in the background, calm water reflecting the scenery, and a sandy beach with people and buildings.

3. Boulders Beach

At Boulders Beach, get ready to capture that perfect penguin photograph as members of the large, African penguin colony that inhabit these sands waddle their way to and from the ocean. Few places in the world offer such intimate encounters with these creatures. With safe swimming and stunning scenery on offer as well, Boulders Beach is well worth the 25-mile (40-kilometer) trip from Cape Town.
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A rocky beach with large boulders, clear turquoise water, and a few penguins on the shore.

4. Long Street

Long Street is a historic avenue with diverse international restaurants and eclectic nightlife options. With its bookstores, second-hand shops and ethnic dining establishments, it has a bohemian atmosphere and an important place in local history. Hear how the theaters on this street are renowned for having put on anti-apartheid plays in the 1970s.
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A building with a sign for 'Long Street Hotel' and 'Buena Vista Social Cafe'.

5. Clifton Bay Beach

Experience the pulsating heart of Cape Town’s beach scene at Clifton Bay Beach. Soak up the sun alongside a heady mix of tourists and the city’s beautiful people. Marvel at the views of rugged mountain peaks, including 2,195-feet (669-meter) tall Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles. Watch the luxury yachts bobbing in the piercing blue water of the Atlantic Ocean and gaze in awe at spectacular sunsets.
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A sandy beach with large rocks, calm waves, and houses in the background.

6. Cape of Good Hope

Stand at the top of the 650 foot (200 meter) high cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope and you can well imagine the trepidation felt by the early sailors who navigated this coast on their way to India. Look down to the crashing waves and swirling ocean currents. This is an awe-inspiring place, with wild ostriches, baboons and Cape zebras adding to the area’s rugged scenery.
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A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and a lighthouse.

7. Cape Town Stadium

Cape Town Stadium is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment arena that dominates the landscape of Cape Town’s Green Point district. Built as a venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, today this 55,000-capacity stadium springs to life when it hosts regular soccer and rugby matches. Cape Town Stadium is also a location for performances by world-famous bands and musicians.
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A stadium with a circular roof and a brick facade.

Recommended things to do in Cape Town

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What to do in Cape Town


Stay near popular Cape Town attractions

Where to stay in Cape Town

Find the best Cape Town areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cape Town
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City Bowl

The majestic mountain landscape and popular shops are just a few highlights of City Bowl. Make a stop by South African National Gallery or Kloof Street while you're exploring the area.

Sea Point

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Sea Point. A stop by Milton Beach or Sea Point Pavillion might round out your trip.

Green Point

Travelers like the cocktail bars in Green Point, and Greenpoint Market is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Camps Bay

The beaches and picture-perfect mountain views are top of the list for many visitors to Camps Bay. A stop by Camps Bay Beach or Table Mountain National Park might round out your trip.

Woodstock

The museums and historic sites are just a few things visitors like about Woodstock. District 6 and I Art Woodstock are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Esplanade Station or Woodstock Station to get around the larger area.

 

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Day trip destinations from Cape Town

Frequently asked questions

Is Cape Town worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Cape Town is visit Long Street. Check this leading sight off your itinerary, then experience more of this area's coastal beaches and views.
How do I spend a day in Cape Town?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Long Street and Clifton 2nd Beach. Then, check out different areas of Cape Town for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cape Town?
The top tourist attraction in Cape Town is Long Street, so don't forget to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Cape Town?
Three days will be enough time to check out some popular city attractions, like Long Street, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and Clifton 2nd Beach. The average stay in Cape Town is four days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Matroosfontein isn't far away.
Is Cape Town a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to do and see in Cape Town. Several key sights, such as Long Street and Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Cape Town's best neighbourhoods, Cape Town City Centre is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Cape Town with kids?
Planning what to do in Cape Town with kids has never been easier. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, there are plenty of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.
What to do in Cape Town for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Cape Town, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Constantia Wine Route or Eagles Nest.
Are there free things to do in Cape Town?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Cape Town is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Long Street is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.

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