This is Cape Town (Tours, Things to Do, See & Why Visit?)

Discover the local charm of Cape Town with guided city tours, hiking expeditions up Table Mountain, outdoor markets, visits to wine farms, and beautiful sunny beaches. After all, the city is famously popular with tourists. Outside of Cape Town, there are great day trips to the Cape Winelands and the rugged Cape Peninsula, or you can book a safari from Cape Town to one of South Africa’s world-renowned game reserves with one of our safari packages.

The most popular city in Africa is also a great jumping off point for more extensive tours of South Africa. Popular safari vacation packages that include visits to Kruger Park and Cape Town mix beach time with big game viewing; however, for a more adventurous Big 5 safari without malaria, you can combine Cape Town with visits to the Eastern Cape reserves. Perfect for families and those with a sense of independence, we also suggest a self-drive vacation that begins in Cape Town and continues along the famous Garden Route.

And that is only the beginning! With this city’s sophisticated international airport and its excellent transport options, the sky’s the limit. Peruse our Cape Town vacation packages or consult with one of our Africa Safari Experts to tailor a Cape Town Tours Packages to your interests.

Recommended Cape Town Tours Packages

Why Book A Cape Town Holiday

1. Discover One Of The 7 Natural Wonders Of The World: Table Mountain

If you’ve ever wondered why the Khoisan call Table Mountain Hoerikwaggo, “Mountain in the Sea,” you’ll get it after visiting Capital City. The enormous, sweeping mountain dominates Cape Town from its prominent position in the city centre, and its distinctive flat top is easily identifiable. Incredible biodiversity—including 8,200 plant species, 1,470 flower types, and a plethora of fauna, including many endemic species—coexists with its stunning beauty.

Many visitors take use of the cable car to go to its lofty peak, which stands 1,085 meters above sea level. Nonetheless, you can reach the peak on foot using any of a number of routes, some of which are more difficult than others. At the peak, you may take in breathtaking vistas that go all the way to the city bowl, as well as the coast and its beautiful beaches, other mountains (such as Lion’s Head), and more.

2. World-Class Winelands

A trip to Cape Town’s beautiful winelands is a must for any vacationer. There is a plethora of wine country to discover, from the expansive Constantia vineyards to the more compact Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl regions. Start at one of the many illustrious estates along the road to the stunning district of Constantia as you wind your way around the mountain for breathtaking vistas. For an intimate experience and outstanding bubbly, visit High Constantia Wine Cellar. Other options include Buitenverwachting, Groot Constantia, Constantia Uitsig, Constantia Glen, Beau Constantia, and Eagle’s Nest.

The Franschhoek wine tram offers an exciting hop-on-hop-off service that visits several carefully chosen vineyards. If you’re looking for beautiful landscapes, great restaurants, unique experiences, and tasty wines, you should visit Paarl and Stellenbosch, which are close by.

3. Why Visit Cape Town? The Food, Of Course

In addition to the city’s pulsating energy, tourists visiting Cape Town quickly become aware of the abundance of superb dining options. Cape Town is a paradise for foodies, whether you’re seeking the most exquisite restaurants in the world or just the greatest places to satisfy your cravings. Stop by the highly acclaimed V&A Waterfront for a harbour view meal, try some local favourites on Kloof Street, or have lunch on Bree Street. Consult an expert for recommendations based on your tastes; we’re nearly certain that Cape Town will not disappoint.

Franschhoek, the gastronomic centre of South Africa and a little bit like a French corner, is about an hour outside of the city centre. Among this charming town’s must-visit establishments is one of the best restaurants in the nation, if not the globe.

4. Cape Town Holidays: The Best Value For Money

Cape Town is a great place to see all in one vacation spot. Cape Town’s beaches are undeniably a big selling point. From the picture-perfect Camps Bay and Clifton beaches to the more offbeat Llandudno and the opportunity to swim with penguins at Boulder’s Beach, and every beach in between, visitors are spoilt for choice. In addition to its closeness to other appealing places, the city boasts gorgeous mountains, superb restaurants, an abundance of culture, and world-renowned winelands. Cape Town is a great spot to begin a self-drive adventure along the Garden Route.

Thanks to its usually lower local currency, a vacation to Cape Town is incredibly budget-friendly for tourists from over the world. It’s also a great starting point or ending point for trips to other destinations. Think about your Cape Town sightseeing priorities before deciding on a place to stay; for example, how far out from the city centre is ideal? What kinds of experiences would you like to incorporate? When planning your trip to Cape Town, think about whether you’d prefer to go during the busier summer months or the somewhat colder, less crowded spring months.

5. Day Trips & Historical Excursions

Those with an interest in Cape Town’s and South Africa’s multicultural past should visit the District Six Museum and take a guided tour of the colourful Bo-Kaap. Visit Robben Island, where notable political figures like Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu were formerly imprisoned, via ferry if you want to learn more about our past.

Day visits to the Cape Peninsula’s southern extremity, Cape Point Nature Reserve, are a must. An ideal family outing during a Cape Town vacation, particularly when paired with a picnic on the lawns, is a stroll across the ‘Boomslang’ bridge at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, widely recognised as one of the best botanical gardens in the world. Hermanus, a charming beach town a little farther up the coast, is the whale-watching capital of South Africa. From August to October, it is the perfect place to see migratory southern right whales.

Top Places to Visit in Cape Town

TOP THINGS to do in CAPE TOWN

Our top picks for things to do in Cape Town revolve around the breathtaking scenery of the Cape Peninsula, including its beaches, mountains, and great natural beauty. Enjoy a scenic drive to Cape Point, where you may stop to see the playful penguins at Boulders Beach. Then, head back along the coast of Cape Town, passing via Camps Bay and Clifton beaches. The verdant valleys of the Cape Winelands are perfect for a day of wine tasting and fine dining, but the breathtaking Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are just as lovely for a picnic among the fynbos-lined lawns. A visit to the peak of Table Mountain is an essential component of every vacation to Cape Town.

Our top picks for things to see in Cape Town are below, but if you wander the downtown area for even a little while, you’re bound to discover some hidden gems.

1. Table Mountain: A Wonder of Nature

Finding a mountain with an elevation of 1,000 meters smack dab in the midst of a major metropolis is, well, not the norm, but then again, this is no ordinary mountain. Table Mountain, with its distinctively flat summit, proudly stands as one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature and commands attention from throughout the city. In fact, as you go about the city, you’ll want to snap pictures of the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain; however, the greatest vantage points are at the peak. On sunny days, you can ride the cable car to the peak, or you can tie your shoes and hike up one of the numerous paths; either way, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city, its beaches, the mountains in the distance, and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean below.

2. Cape Town’s Beaches: Our Favourite Stretches of Sand

Everyone loves the four Clifton beaches and Camps Bay, which are just a short distance from the city centre on the Atlantic Seaboard. You could spend a week in Cape Town visiting different beaches every day, but we recommend starting with a handful of our faves. If you’re also in the mood for a meal or cocktail when the sun goes down, Camps Bay is the place for you. Just cross the street and you’ll find a long stretch of eateries and cafes. Located further south (but still worth the journey) is the picturesque Llandudno cove, perfect for a picnic at sunset, and across the slightly warmer Indian Ocean shoreline is Boulders Beach, home to the world-famous penguin colony.

3. Boulders Beach: Home to Thousands of African Penguins

Boulders Beach is a beloved spot for families. It’s a secluded cove with gradually sloping sand and huge granite boulders that are perfect for climbing. Boulders Beach is home to thousands of black-and-white African penguins, making it one of the most important breeding colonies for these birds. The water is glassy-clear and turquoise, making it a safe place to swim. Great for picture ops, the colony’s wooden pathways bring visitors up close and personal with the penguins. We suggest spending some time at Boulders Beach basking in the sun and, once you feel comfortable enough, diving into the ocean (you never know, you might run into penguins).

4. Cape Point Nature Reserve: Dramatic Scenery & Deserted Beaches

The Cape Point Nature Reserve is a mountainous and wild place located near the southernmost extremity of the Cape Peninsula. With an organised tour, you can skip the reserve and get right to Cape Point, where you can hike or ride the funicular to the historic lighthouse at the peninsula’s tip. A rocky outcrop sticks out into the azure Atlantic Ocean, and sheer cliffs drop 200 meters into a turbulent ocean below. However, if you can tear yourself away from the crowds, you’ll find fynbos-lined paths winding through mountains and empty stretches of pure white beach. What do we recommend? Indulge in some exploration; it will undoubtedly be a memorable part of your holiday.

5. V&A Waterfront: Shopping, Dining & Entertainment Complex

Imagine your delight when you learn that the V&A Waterfront is so much more than a harborfront mall. The Waterfront in Cape Town is South Africa’s most popular tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re having a morning cappuccino or a gourmet meal while listening to African drummers and street performers, taking a sunset cruise around the harbour, or window shopping at the glitzy boutiques and market stalls, you’ll be able to satisfy your shopping fix. Remember to bring the kids to the Two Oceans Aquarium, and if you’re in Cape Town, head to the Waterfront to take the ferry to Robben Island.

6. Robben Island: Historic Prison that Held Nelson Mandela

The notorious jail that housed many of South Africa’s most notable political figures, such as Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu, is located on Robben Island, which is 11 kilometres from Cape Town in Table Bay and reachable via the V&A Waterfront. An ex-political prisoner will give you a personal account of the harsh conditions of prison life during the Apartheid regime as you spend a morning or afternoon on a Robben Island tour. This is a powerful history lesson that gives you a genuine understanding of the high cost that many people paid for South Africa’s hard-won democracy.

7. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: Picnics, Hikes & Sunset Concerts

Although Kirstenbosch is unquestionably one of the best botanical gardens in the world, anyone of any age can appreciate its amazing array of flowering plants and mature trees, which are arranged in breathtaking and educational displays against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Since Kirstenbosch is such a serene spot, you should allow yourself plenty of time to just explore; if possible, pack a lunch and locate a large shade tree to set up under. If you don’t have your own refreshments, there are two eateries inside the grounds, and kids will love running around on the large green grass.

8. Cape Winelands: World-Renowned Wine Estates Close to Cape Town

The charming tiny towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, as well as the tranquil green valleys of the Cape Winelands, are less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town. As you take guided cellar tours or sample wines at the region’s world-renowned estates, the crisp country air will help you develop a taste for everything delicious. Franschhoek, the gourmet capital of South Africa, is home to a few of the best restaurants in the country and one of the top 100 restaurants worldwide. From Cape Town, the Cape Winelands is a simple day excursion, but if you have the opportunity, we strongly suggest staying for one or two nights in these stunning and charming settings.