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.

Places to Visit in Cape Town

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Cape Town, Western Cape while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Cape Town attractions from NZ$9, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Cape Town tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1130 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Cape Town. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Uncork the Cape : Stellenboch Half Day Wine Tour

Uncork the Cape : Stellenboch Half Day Wine Tour

NZ$76
per adult
Uncork the Cape : Stellenboch Half Day Wine Tour
Cape Town: Great African Sea Forest Guided Snorkel

Cape Town: Great African Sea Forest Guided Snorkel

NZ$126
per adult
Cape Town: Great African Sea Forest Guided Snorkel
Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience

Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience

NZ$126
per adult
Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience
From Hermanus or Cape Town: Shark Cage Diving Experience

From Hermanus or Cape Town: Shark Cage Diving Experience

NZ$231
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Hermanus or Cape Town: Shark Cage Diving Experience
Robben Island Tour; Pickup, Drop-off; Guided Tour Historic Prison

Guided Robben Island Historic Prison Tour with Pickup & Drop-off

NZ$104
per adult
Guided Robben Island Historic Prison Tour with Pickup & Drop-off
Buffet table for high tea

Half-Day Mount Nelson Afternoon Tea Experience

NZ$176
per traveller
94% of travellers recommend
Half-Day Mount Nelson Afternoon Tea Experience
Half Day Robben lsland Ticket

Half Day Robben lsland Ticket

NZ$105
per adult
Half Day Robben lsland Ticket
Cape Town: Catamaran Champagne Sunset Cruise

Cape Town: Catamaran Champagne Sunset Cruise

NZ$68
per adult
Cape Town: Catamaran Champagne Sunset Cruise
A basket of bowls of food

Cape Town African Dinner & Interactive Drumming Experience

NZ$288
per traveller
80% of travellers recommend
Cape Town African Dinner & Interactive Drumming Experience
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Top places to visit

1. Table Mountain

No visit to South Africa would be complete without a trip to the summit of the famous Table Mountain. Rising one kilometre above sea level and forming a dramatic backdrop to the city, this iconic landmark offers fantastic views of Table Bay, Cape Town, Robben Island and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean.
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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

Located in the Cape Peninsula, Boulders Beach forms part of the expansive Table Mountain National Park. On first approach, it’s easy to see where the beach gets its name as 50-million year old granite boulders rise statuesquely out of the water to form small, sandy coves.
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A rocky beach with large boulders, clear turquoise water, and a few penguins on the shore.

4. 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.

5. Cape of Good Hope

The explorer Sir Francis Drake wasn’t wrong when he named the Cape of Good Hope "The Fairest Cape in the Land". Indeed, he may have even sold it short! Located 50 kilometres south of Cape Town in Table Mountain National Park, the Cape is one of the most extraordinary places to visit in the world.
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A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and a lighthouse.

6. 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'.

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.

8. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Set into the eastern slopes of the magnificent Table Mountain, overlooking False Bay and the Cape Flats, Kirstenbosch is one of the most dramatic botanical gardens in the world. The gardens are nestled in an area known as Cape Floral Kingdom, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Happily, this spectacular garden carries its weighty reputation with ease and, as such, is one of South Africa’s most attractive and serene destinations.
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A lush green valley with dense vegetation and towering mountains in the background.

Recommended things to do in Cape Town

Number of things to do
1130
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Cape Town: 30 Minute Harbour Boat Cruise with Seal Watching: NZ$9
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Cape Town

Stay near popular Cape Town attractions

A mountainous landscape with a town nestled at its base.

Table Mountain

9.6/10 (2,253 reviews)
Table Mountain's iconic flat top crowns Cape Town with panoramic views of city and sea. Ride the rotating cable car to explore unique flora and observe native rock hyrax in their natural habitat.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Cape Town

Find the best Cape Town areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cape Town
Learn more about Cape Town
A statue of a man on horseback, a park with benches, and a mountain in the background.

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 Parliament of South Africa while you're exploring the area.

A coastal park with a swimming pool, palm trees, and a view of the ocean.

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.

A stadium with a circular roof and a brick facade.

Green Point

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

A coastal town with rocky shores, a beach, and mountains in the background.
Photo by South African Tourism
Open Photo by South African Tourism

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.

A town with colorful houses and a mountain in the background.

Woodstock

The museums and historical 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.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Cape Town

A white church with a stone pathway leading to it, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background.

Franschhoek

A white building with a thatched roof, surrounded by trees and grass, with mountains in the background.

Stellenbosch

A mountain range with a prominent peak, a valley with fields, and a small white building in the foreground.

Paarl

A garden pathway with a wooden pergola, surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges and trees.

Simondium

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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