After spending a week in the magical city of Cape Town, I’ve compiled this list of the best things we saw and did during our time there. I hope you find it helpful to plan your trip! The city offers SO much: a mix of incredible hospitality, wildly beautiful beaches, rugged coastline, epic hikes, and so much to explore nearby like the infamous wine regions + unique farm getaways / Airbnb’s.

1. Clifton Beach

Cost: Free
Time: 2-4 hours

Clifton Beach, with its towering coves and powerful waves, is one of Cape Town's most famous beaches. The soft white sand and turquoise waters make it a perfect spot for sunbathing & swimming, and one of my favourite Cape Town afternoons was spent packing snacks to watch the sunset here.. so make sure to leave time to hang around until the evening to witness the sky turn into shades of pink and orange. Keep in mind that the water is absolutely freezing (even in summer) so be prepared for an icy cold dip!

2. Boulders Beach

Cost: R160 for adults
Time: 2-3 hours

Just a short drive from Cape Town, Boulders Beach is home to a colony of African penguins! The beach is part of Table Mountain National Park, and you can get up close to these adorable creatures as they waddle along the sand and swim in the clear waters. Boulders Beach is also a great spot for swimming, with warmer and calmer waters compared to Clifton. Your entrance fee helps support the conservation efforts for the penguins.

3. Lion’s Head

Cost: Free
Time: 2-3 hours

For those who love hiking, Lion’s Head offers the most scenic city hike you’ll ever do. Even if hiking isn’t your thing - this one is not to miss. The trail is moderate, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit, and the views are worth every step. As you ascend, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the city, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean. We opted for an early morning hike to avoid the heat, and it’s a great option to make it up for either sunset or sunrise. The walk can be pretty sheer with steep edges at points, and you do have to climb a couple of ladders to reach the top, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

4. Table Mountain

Cost: R380 return cable car ticket
Time: 2-4 hours (longer if hiking)

No trip to Cape Town is complete without visiting Table Mountain. This iconic landmark can be explored via a scenic cable car ride or, for the more adventurous, a hike to the top. We met at the botanic gardens and took the long walk up to the top, which took us around 4 hours. The walk is generally less steep than Lion’s Head, but takes much longer, so is equally as physically challenging. It’s hard to believe such wild nature co-exists in the middle of such a buzzing city, and it’s absolutely what makes Cape Town so unique. Once at the top, you can take in the unbelievable views of Cape Town, the surrounding coastline, ocean, and beyond. Hiking up takes about 2-3 hours depending on the route you choose and is free, and you can always opt to cable car back down to the bottom for a small charge.

5. Oranjezicht Farmers Market

Cost: Free entry (Food prices vary)
Time: 1-2 hours

If you're in Cape Town on a Sunday, the Oranjezicht Farmers Market is a must-visit. Located near the V&A Waterfront, this bustling market is filled with local produce, artisanal foods, and crafts. It's the perfect place to grab a bite, with a wide selection of fresh pastries, organic dishes, and freshly pressed juices. It’s no hidden secret, but it’s absolutely a must visit. It’s the kind of place you get to really feel the city come to life: from locals doing their organic grocery shopping, to visitors flocking to taste the local fare, it’s a sensory overload of produce, flowers, dishes, and classy local-made souvenir items. The market is also family-friendly, with plenty of space to sit and enjoy the lively atmosphere. While entry is free, be prepared to spend a bit on all the delicious food on offer.

6. Winery Lunch / Franschoek Wine Tram

Cost: R100-R150 per tasting, Lunch R300-R600
Time: 4-6 hours

Cape Town is famous for its wine, and a visit to one of the nearby wine estates is a must. Constantia Glen is close to the city and offers stunning views and elegant wines. For a more immersive experience, head to Franschhoek and hop on the wine tram, which takes you through some of the region’s best wineries like Babylonstoren or The Table at De Meye. Lunch at one of these estates is a traveller’s dream, generally featuring farm-to-table cuisine paired with local wines. Many people opt to do the Wine Tram which is a hop on and hop off “Wine Tram Experience” - taking you to multiple wineries in one day, but we decided it would have been far more worth our time to arrange it by yourself and pre-book to visit ones you resonate with or want to visit specifically. It seemed like much more of a gimmick and faff than it was actually worth.

7. Nature Escape at Kol Kol Mountain Lodge

Cost: R2,000+ per night (depending on the season)
Time: 1-2 days

If you need a break from the city, Kol Kol Mountain Lodge offers a serene nature escape. Located about 90 minutes from Cape Town, this eco-friendly lodge is nestled in the mountains and provides a perfect setting for chilling out. We visited here after some time in CT, and when we opened the door to our “fynbos pod”, I couldn’t believe how beautifully made the space was. I was immediately flooded with inspiration and desire to create something similar. Every single corner of these handmade spaces is carefully curated using local materials to the highest finish. The cabins and pods feature private hot tubs, wood-fired stoves, and towering views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. It’s an ideal spot for a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat, offering a true escape from the city vibe.

8. Bo-Kaap

Cost: Free (Museum entry is R20)
Time: 1-2 hours

The Bo-Kaap neighbourhood is one of the most colourful and culturally rich areas in Cape Town. Known for its bright, rainbow-coloured houses and cobblestone streets, Bo-Kaap is a photographer’s dream. Recommend to pass by this picturesque area on an afternoon of walking around the city, for a peek into a slower more tranquil local area of CT.

9. Fine Dining in Cape Town

Cost: R500-R1,000 per person
Time: 2-3 hours

Cape Town’s dining scene is world-renowned, with options ranging from casual eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants. For a special night out, try The Test Kitchen or La Colombe, both of which are consistently ranked among the best in the world. If you’re looking for something less formal but equally delicious, The Pot Luck Club offers a more relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience with Asian flavours. Cape Town’s fine dining scene is perfect for food lovers looking to experience the best of South African cuisine in a beautiful setting, and compared to GBP/UK currency, you get a lot more bang for your buck.

10. Sea Point to Camps Bay Run

Cost: Free
Time: 1 hours

For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, the run (or walk) along the Sea Point Promenade to Camps Bay is a must. This scenic route hugs the coastline, offering amazing views of the ocean and the chance to spot dolphins or whales. The promenade is well-maintained and popular with both locals and tourists, making it a safe and enjoyable way to experience Cape Town’s natural beauty. There are plenty of cafés along the way if you need to stop for a coffee / juice or snack!

To finish…

Cape Town is a city that truly has it all – from stunning beaches and awe-inspiring natural landmarks to rich cultural experiences and incredible food. There’s also a booming fitness industry with great studios and gyms, and it has the welcoming energy that makes it appealing and easy to live a healthy lifestyle whilst there. With its unique blend of activities, Cape Town is a place that will hold a special place in my heart, and that I definitely look forward to returning to one day.

10 Things To Do in Cape Town