What To Do in Cape Town

What To Do in Cape Town

What To Do in Cape Town : The vibrant, cosmopolitan and an eclectic mix of old and new, Cape Town is one of the three cities in South Africa and a great destination to visit in the country. The city is home to South Africa’s first mosque, oldest wine farm, a 350-year old garden, award-winning eateries and timelessly beautiful beaches.

Cape Town is strategically situated at the South-western tip of Africa and for centuries, it has been famed as the Tavern of the Seas. This modern city is surrounded by nature, centered around Table Mountain – one of the New 7 Wonders of the world. Also known as The Mother City, Cape Town is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning biodiversity, award winning food and wine, and sheer variety of experiences to do.

Here are the top activities to do in Cape Town.

1. Cape Point Road Trip

Take a drive along the beautiful coastal roads to the scenic Cape Point. The highway will take you through stunning coastal views of Muizenberg’s colorful beach huts, Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach (Penguins), Sentinel Peak and to the winding Chapman’s Peak Road.

Cape Point is located in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve boasting dramatic views of the ocean and a charming historical lighthouse.

2. Go on a Hike

Going on a hike is a perfect way to escape the city, the options are endless around the mountains and national parks.

• Lion’s Head – This is one of the more popular hike in Cape Town, it is a challenging but rewarding climb and is an excellent sunset spot.
• Skelton Gorge – This 4-5 hour trek is ideal for those who prefer longer hikes. As you make your way up Skelton Gorge, the hike will take you through an indigenous forest before ending at the top of Table Mountain.
• Newlands Forest – In this forest there are multiple hikes that you can take, the routes are moderate and will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of Cape Town.
• Kloof Corner – This is one of the best short hikes in Cape Town, it is only a 20-minute hike up the slopes of Table Mountain. Pack some drinks and enjoy a sundowner while overlooking Camps Bay.

3. Go on a cable car up to Table Mountain

Hop on the cable car to scale nearby Table Mountain – Cape Town’s Icon and see its panoramic views. This is a great place to watch the sunset in Cape Town, but be aware that it will be very crowded at that time and you may have to wait in line to get back down.

4. Hit the Beach

Cape Town is home to quite a few beautiful beaches with the Clifton 2^nd Beach being the most famous beach, it is located on the western coast. Other beaches not to be missed in Cape Town are Long Beach in Noordhoek, Bakhoven Beach, and Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town (the penguins’ beach).

5. Helicopter Flight

There are several companies offering scenic helicopter flights of Cape Town with stunning views of the city and the Cape. It is one of many favorite experiences for the first-time visitors.

6. Shop at The Watershed

The Watershed is an indoor market on the waterfront, it offers a variety of treats including artist exhibitions, workshops and products for your mind and body.

7. Woodstock Street Art

Since 2010, Woodstock has been the epicenter for street art, and it is possible to hire a guide to take you around to see more than 40 pieces of artwork from local and international artists. Truly Woodstock Street Art is a place to get inspired.

8. Visit Kirstenbosh Botanic Garden

The Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden is one of the nine National Botanical Gardens covering five of South Africa’s six different biomes, and is administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).

This Garden is one of the top things to do in Cape Town in summer, it is home to a large collection of African plants and offer trails carved out for trekkers and stone sculptures set in the gardens for artists.

9. Go on Safari

Travel out of the Cape Town for a few hours and get your chance to see the Big 5 on an authentic African game drive. Gondwana Game Reserve is a luxury private game reserve with free roaming Big Five game located in the Western Cape.

10. Visit Bo KAAP Neighborhood

Located in between Cape Town city center and the foothills of Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap is named for the Afrikaans phase meaning “above the Cape”. Today, the neighborhood is known as one of the most instagrammable places in South Africa, thanks to its pastel-colored houses and picturesque cobbled streets.

Bo-Kaap is also one of the oldest and most historic residential areas in Cape Town, it is synonymous with Islamic Cape Malay Culture, with evidence which can be found throughout the area. From its halal restaurants to the haunting sound of the muezzin’s call to prayer. The colorful houses date back to the 1760s when rental houses were leased to slaves.

11. Go to Atlantis Sand Dunes

The Atlantis Dunes is a 27 square kilometers of pure white sand dunes, reaching the height of a six-storey building. Also known as the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve, the dunes are located 45km from the City of Cape Town and it is an excellent place to go sand-boarding, quad biking or on a 4×4 tour.

Getting Around in Cape Town

There are several ways to get around this beautiful city.

• Uber: – Uber is one of the best ways to get around Cape Town, the distances between most of the top attractions in the city are short, making it a cost-effective option for your trip. Also, you can request a ride from Cape Town International Airport using the free WiFi.
• My CitiBus – This is another affordable way to get around Cape Town, you can buy a transport code from one of the stations and top it up as you go. There is a free app that you can download that lists the timetables for each stop, fares and a route planner.
• Rent a Car – Cape Town is spread out with many things to do around the Cape and beyond. Renting a car is recommended, remember that you drive on the left side of the road here. The street signage can be abit confusing, but you will find that the city is auto-friendly with ample parking and not a lot of traffic. Gas stations in Cape Town accept both cash and credit, but not all. There will be a sign outside telling you if they accept credit or not, but it is a good idea to always have some cash on you just in cash. Keep some change for tolls on major roads.
• Rent a Scooter – Scooters and Vespas are very popular in Cape Town, they are very fast and the most convenient way to get around Cape Town. Just remember to wear your helmet.