7 Must Do Things In Cape Town

There’s something for everyone in Cape Town. Scale Table Mountain or Lion’s Head, swim in Llandudno Beach’s clear blue waters, and sample the Cape’s finest wines at a local vineyard. Then there’s the wildlife, and Africa’s promise of the “Big Five” – elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinos. Try the restaurants on trendy Bree Street and you’ll be dining out on your experiences of Cape Town for decades to come. Here’s our list of the 7 best things to do in the South African capital.

# Get an Aerial Perspective of the City

There’s no better way to put the whole city of Cape Town into perspective than by getting up high, and for most people this means queuing for the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. Open whenever the weather permits, it’ll take you to the top in a matter of minutes (although peak season queues can add an hour or two to this). If you’re physically able and up for the hike you can choose to summit Table Mountain via one of the many hiking trails. For a shorter hike, the incredible 360-degree views from the most climbed peak Lion’s Head are well worth the effort.

# Spend a Day at the Beach

There are dozens of beaches in and around Cape Town that are worthy of at least a morning or afternoon of your itinerary. The most iconic and glamorous beaches are along the Atlantic Seaboard: the likes of Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno are beautiful – particularly if you’re a fan of sunsets. But those along the False Bay stretch are equally alluring, and the slightly warmer waters make for some enticing swimming.

# Sample the Cape’s Wines at a Vineyard Estate

The Cape’s world-famous wines punch well above their weight and are still remarkably affordable. The vineyards make a great destination even if you’re not a fan of the product; old architecture, tranquil surroundings and popular restaurants make them a fun day out. Estates are dotted throughout the region (the closest is the Groot Constantia-Trust) but for a more expansive experience consider heading to the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The drive’s a bit longer, but you’ll find some truly breathtaking estates with award-winning wines for you to sample.

# Explore the Cape’s Marine and Wildlife

If you’re looking for Africa’s ultimate “Big Five” wildlife experience you’ll want to head to Johannesburg and then onto Kruger National Park. Though there are some private reserves within reach of Cape Town with big cats and elephants, they tend to be smaller and more exclusive than those up north. That’s not to say the Cape is short on other wildlife: nature reserves such as Cape Point and West Coast National Park are home to large antelope and unique bird species. Then there’s the marine life; try land-based whale-watching from the town of Hermanus, the ever-popular penguins at Boulders Beach and the vibrant Two Oceans Aquarium.

# Soak up the Atmosphere of the Inner City

These days Cape Town’s inner city is an attraction in itself. Day or night there’s always something to do – whether you’re looking to enjoy a coffee in a quirky café, dinner in a bustling restaurant, take in the local history, or party the night away in a trendy bar or club. Keep your wits about you, and the city is a safe and fascinating place to explore – but if you’re unsure, there are several guided walking tour options that will escort you around the major attractions.

# Shop for Souvenirs

If you’re a fan of shopping then Cape Town should have you covered. The V&A Waterfront is a popular mixed-use development offering all the international items and brands you could wish for in its harbour environment. There’s a curio market here that will supply you with loads of artisan trinkets to take home. If you’re looking for the best range and prices, however, strike a bargain with one of the stall owners on Greenmarket Square – one of Cape Town’s oldest markets.

# Dine Out in the City’s Best Restaurants

Cape Town is home to the country’s best restaurants. Whether you’re a foodie looking for innovative cuisine or simply want a lunch to remember, this city has a great variety of places to sample. Take a walk along vibrant Bree Street and stop in for tapas at Villa 47, or fondue at Culture Cheese Club which is entirely dedicated to dairy – this street is vying for coolest place in the city. Alternatively, lunch or dinner at pretty much any of the wine estates should leave you more than satisfied.