13 Bucket-List Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of those destinations that genuinely has it all. You get adventure, culture, history, incredible food, beaches, wine estates, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the world, all in one city.
I spent a week exploring Cape Town, and if you’re planning a trip, dreaming of one, or returning to explore more, these are the 13 bucket-list things to do in the city that you absolutely shouldn’t miss. I’ve also included approximate prices in South African Rand (ZAR) and USD to help with planning.
Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. If you book a stay or an activity, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
1. See African Penguins at Boulders Beach
One of the cutest and most rewarding experiences in Cape Town is visiting the African penguins at Boulders Beach. These little guys waddle around freely and are genuinely delightful to watch. This experience was truly one of the highlights of my trip.
Boulders Beach is home to a protected colony, and it’s one of the only places in the world where you can watch penguins waddle around, sunbathe on rocks, and swim just a few steps away from you. Truly an experience like no other.
Boulders Beach is located in Simon’s Town, about an hour and a half away from Cape Town. If you don’t hire a car, you can book an Uber or Bolt for about R350 ($22) one way.
Cost:
- Entrance fee: R245 ($15 USD) for international visitors. You can buy your ticket at the gate; they are cashless, and only card payments are accepted.
Travel tip:
To see the penguins even closer in a more natural, unfenced setting, head toward Foxy Beach and carefully climb over some boulders — just be respectful and keep your distance (because the penguins will bite).
2. Take the Cable Car up Table Mountain
Table Mountain is iconic for a reason, but it’s completely weather-dependent. When the clouds roll in, the mountain literally vanishes. So don’t lock this into a specific day; keep it flexible.
My advice is to set aside at least two days for this and aim to arrive about an hour before opening (at 7 am), when crowds are smaller and visibility is clearer. If the weather isn’t cooperating, reschedule.
Opening hours: 8 am – 7 pm. Please double-check on the website, as hours vary by season.
Price: R450
3. Explore Bo-Kaap early in the morning
Bo-Kaap is one of the most photographed neighbourhoods in Cape Town, with rows of brightly painted houses lining cobblestone streets against the backdrop of Signal Hill. But it’s more than just a pretty picture.
This area has a rich history dating back to the 1760s when it became home to enslaved people brought to the Cape from Southeast Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world. After emancipation, many members of the community who were Muslim stayed and built a vibrant cultural identity here. The colourful houses are said to represent freedom and celebration after years of oppression, though some locals say the tradition started simply because residents wanted to express individuality.
Visit early, before the tour buses arrive. Walk slowly, read the signs, and take it in properly rather than rushing through for a photo.
Tip: Start near the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum on Wale Street and wander from there.
Price: Free
4. Visit The Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary African Art)
Zeitz MOCAA is one of the most impressive museums I’ve ever been to, and I’m saying that as someone who doesn’t always love museums. The building alone is worth the visit. It’s a converted grain silo with carved-out tunnels and atriums that make you feel as if you’re walking through a sculpture.
The art itself is powerful, thought-provoking, and entirely focused on contemporary African artists. It is the largest museum of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. If your trip has been heavy on outdoor activities and beaches, this is a perfect balance and a great backup plan for a cloudy day.
Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm, closed Mondays.
Price: R265. You can buy your tickets at the museum.
5. Do a sunset cruise
Cape Town sunsets are ridiculous. Watching one from the water, with Table Mountain glowing behind you, is unreal. So a sunset cruise is an activity you can’t skip!
Just a heads-up: the ocean can get choppy, especially when the wind picks up. If you’re prone to seasickness, take something beforehand.
Price: R650
6. Spend an afternoon at Oranjezicht City Farm Market
This is one of my favourite low-key activities in Cape Town. You go for a quick bite and a drink, and before you know it, two hours have passed, and you’ve tried six different things.
It’s relaxed, the food is great, and the people-watching is elite. Perfect for a chilled afternoon or an easy dinner alternative.
Must know: it is completely cashless
Opening hours: Saturdays: 8 am–2:30 pm, Sundays: 8:30 am–2:30 pm, Wednesdays: 4 pm-10 pm
7. Franschhoek Wine Tram for wine tasting
Franschhoek is about an hour and a half from Cape Town, and it’s one of the most beautiful day trips you can do. Rolling vineyards, dramatic mountains, and wine tastings that feel like an occasion.
The trick is not to overdo it. Stick to three or four estates so you can enjoy the experience rather than rushing between them. I’d recommend Klein Goederust; it’s the only fully black-owned wine estate in Franschhoek and La Bri for incredible views and a wine-and-biltong pairing that’s surprisingly perfect.
Price: $49-$50 (the price changes depending on the season)
8. Visit Robben Island
This one isn’t about fun; it’s about meaning. Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, and countless other political prisoners were held during apartheid. The tour includes a ferry ride, a bus tour of the island, and a guided walk through the prison, led by a former political prisoner.
You see Mandela’s cell up close. It’s small, stark, and deeply moving. This experience stays with you.
Tip: Book in advance—tickets sell out, especially during peak season.
Price: R600. For an additional R1400, you can include a walking tour, which starts at 12 pm and lasts 2 hours.
9. Go quad biking at Atlantis Dunes
If you want something completely different from the usual Cape Town activities, this is it. Atlantis Dunes feels like you’ve been dropped into another world, with massive dunes stretching out in every direction, no city in sight.
There’s a small learning curve if you’ve never been on a quad bike before, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pure adrenaline—also, one of the most photogenic adventure activities near the city.
Price: R1,050
10. Drive Chapman’s Peak at golden hour
Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most beautiful coastal roads I’ve ever been on. Cliffs on one side, ocean on the other, and views that make you pull over every few minutes to stare.
Time it for late afternoon heading into golden hour, and you’ll get the full cinematic experience. End the drive with dinner somewhere like The Bungalow in Clifton, and you’ve basically had the perfect Cape Town day.
Tip: if you take an Uber to Boulders Beach, you can book one back to Cape Town and pay the toll to pass through Chapman’s Peak.
11. Beach Day
Cape Town’s beaches deserve their own day. The water is freezing, but the scenery makes up for it.
Clifton 2nd Beach is the classic choice — white sand, big boulders, and that postcard-perfect look. It gets busy, but the vibe is good.
Maiden’s Cove is quieter and has incredible views of the Twelve Apostles. Great for sunset or a more chilled afternoon.
Saunders Rock in Sea Point is a local favourite — more relaxed, less crowded, and perfect if you want somewhere low-key to swim and lounge without the scene.
12. Day Trip to Aquila Private Game Reserve
A Safari is a MUST-do activity when in South Africa, but if you don’t have time to make it to Kruger National Park, you can plan a day trip outside of Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve for a chance to spot the Big 5 animals in their natural habitat!
Aquila Private Game Reserve is about a 2-hour drive from Cape Town and fully includes a 2-to-3-hour guided Big 5 open-vehicle game drive, a welcome drink, a full buffet lunch, and access to lodge facilities like swimming pools.
13. Paragliding over Signal Hill
Paragliding from Signal Hill so far is one of the most exhilarating things I have ever done. Once you’ve jumped off one hill, you will want to jump off/ out of so many other things!! With the sunrise, incredible views and Cape Town below, it’s worth every penny!
Price: $107 (you can include a photography package for an extra fee)
Duration: it depends on the wind. When I flew, it wasn’t windy, so I spent about 10 minutes in the air. On a windy day, you could spend 20-25 minutes flying.
Here’s the post in video form:
