Things to Do in Cape Town

Table Mountain is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and Cape Town's most iconic landmark. The aerial cableway whisks you to the summit in just 5 minutes in a rotating cable car, offering 360-degree views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. At the top, hiking trails wind through unique fynbos vegetation, home to dassies (rock hyraxes) and endemic plant species. The mountain is over 600 million years old. Check weather before visiting as the cableway closes in high winds.

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is South Africa's most visited destination, attracting millions of visitors annually. This working harbour-turned-entertainment precinct offers world-class shopping, dining, and attractions including the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz MOCAA museum, and the Cape Wheel. Watch seals lounging on the pontoons, enjoy live busker performances, and take in stunning views of Table Mountain. The Watershed market showcases African crafts, while Oranjezicht Market draws foodies on weekends.

Boulders Beach in Simon's Town is home to a colony of over 3,000 African penguins, one of the few places in the world where you can observe these endangered birds up close in their natural habitat. Walk along wooden boardwalks through their nesting areas, then swim alongside them at the adjacent beach. The colony started with just two breeding pairs in 1982. Part of Table Mountain National Park, Boulders was ranked among the world's best beaches. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

Cape Point is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans symbolically meet at the southwestern tip of Africa. Part of Table Mountain National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features dramatic cliffs, the historic Cape Point Lighthouse, and diverse wildlife including baboons, ostriches, and bontebok. Take the Flying Dutchman funicular to the old lighthouse for panoramic views. The reserve also includes the Cape of Good Hope, often mistaken as Africa's southernmost point. Best combined with Chapman's Peak scenic drive.

Kirstenbosch is one of the world's great botanical gardens, nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The 528-hectare garden showcases South Africa's extraordinary plant diversity, including the unique Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest yet richest of the world's six floral kingdoms. Walk the Tree Canopy Walkway (Boomslang) for elevated views, explore indigenous forest trails, and enjoy summer sunset concerts on the lawns. The garden connects to hiking trails leading up Table Mountain.

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in captivity. The ferry departs from the V&A Waterfront for the 30-minute crossing to this powerful symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Tours are led by former political prisoners who share firsthand accounts of life on the island. Visit Mandela's cell, see the lime quarry where prisoners worked, and learn about South Africa's struggle for freedom. Book well in advance.

Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town's oldest and most photographed neighborhoods, famous for its brightly colored houses climbing the slopes of Signal Hill. This historic Cape Malay quarter has been home to a Muslim community since the 1760s when enslaved people from Southeast Asia were brought to the Cape. Wander the cobbled streets, visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, and sample authentic Cape Malay cuisine like bobotie and koesisters. The area faces gentrification pressures but remains culturally vibrant and photogenic.

Lion's Head is Cape Town's most popular hike, offering spectacular 360-degree views of the city, Table Mountain, the Atlantic Seaboard, and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. The 2.5-hour round trip includes some scrambling with chains and ladders near the summit. Full moon hikes are a local tradition, with hundreds gathering to watch the sunset and moonrise. The trailhead is located at the top of Signal Hill Road in Tamboerskloof. Start early to avoid crowds and midday heat.