Last Updated on January 21, 2021 by Darrif William
South Africa is renowned for its awe-inspiring safaris and incredible nature, but there’s so more to this destination – beautiful beaches, lush winelands, famous Kruger National Park, plus the iconic Table Mountain to name a few. Cape Town, the second most populous city in South Africa, allows you to experience Africa in a whole new light. This bustling city has everything that you’d expect from a relaxing holiday and lively harbour, making it one of the best places to be if you’re looking for the best of both worlds.
We’ve rounded up the top 14 things to do if you’re visiting Cape Town…
1 – Paragliding From Signal Hill
Kick-start your Cape Town travels in style, by doing something that’s sure to boost your adrenaline! Paragliding from Signal Hill is a great activity for those that love action and adventure, the aerial views will be stupefying and you’ll soak up sights of blue waters, mountainous backdrops and coastline.
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2 – Experience The Sunrise
Watching the sunrise from the shore of a beautiful beach is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Cape Town. Why not add a pinch of excitement while you’re at it and attend one of the destination’s famous sunrise dance parties? Now that’s what we call starting the day in style.
3 – Spotting Seals
Sharks aren’t the only creatures famous in South Africa, Cape Seals are also popular to spot here. The marine life in Cape Town is so rich that you’ll be captivated by the diversity, and diving with the Seals can be an unforgettable experience. These creatures are very curious and like human interaction, which makes this experience a delightful one. A diving or snorkeling trip is a must on your itinerary!
4 – Sample Local Food
You can’t experience Cape Town without eating like a local and sampling the delicious cuisines served up at the many street markets -which attract locals and visitors alike! The best market is the Neighbour goods Market, which is open on Saturdays, followed by the V&A Waterfront Food Market, which is open every day. You’ll find the best local food, flavours and delicacies here, which you may not be able to sample in the same way at a restaurant.
5 – Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Concert
The culture of Cape Town (and South Africa in general) consists of a rich blend of music and nature. If you’re a lover of natural beauty, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens concerts are not to be missed. Held by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) every Sunday evening during the summer months, visitors can indulge in a diverse mix of exciting talent amid a stunning backdrop, with performing local and international artists to enjoy.
6 – Celebrate Heritage Day
A fantastic event to celebrate in Cape Town is Heritage Day, an annual public holiday on 24 September. Heritage Day is a time for South Africans to celebrate their culture and traditions, whereby family and friends get together to eat, drink and be merry with a Braai – a South African BBQ cooked on the fire, which remains burning throughout the entire celebration (even after the food is cooked). If you’re a meat lover and enjoy a good party, it’s one of the best things to do in Cape Town.
7 – Visit The Beach
Cape Town’s beaches are famous all over the world for their stunning warm turquoise waters, perfect for swimming in. Kraal Baai is one of the best beaches in Cape Town; due to the shallow waters here, the streams are the perfect temperature for paddling. Keep your eyes peeled, as you may even spot a few turtles swimming along with you in the shallow waters!
8 – Reach The Top of Table Mountain
A few miles from Cape Town, Table Mountain is aspectacular natural beauty and famous tourist landmark. You can either take a leisurely cable caror brave the hike to the top, which will take around four hours. Reach the top and admirepanoramic views of the shimmering ocean and city below.
9 – Spot Penguins
You have to go and visit the penguins on the Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, roughly50 minutes southeast of the city. The endangered species of African Penguins are taken care of in this protected habitat, where they can freely roam sheltered bays and sandy beaches. Buy a ticket and spend the day admiring these wonderful animals.
10 – Whale Watching
The seaside town of Hermanus is approximately a three-hour drive from Cape Town, situated in the Western Cape Province. Many visitors flock to this destination for its famous Whale Watching opportunities, with popular beaches including Voëlklip and Grotto Beach. These amazing creatures can be spotted in their hundreds when en-route to Walkers Bay in the months between August and November. Don’t forget your binoculars!
11 – Muizenberg Beach
Be sure to visit the beach suburb of Cape Town, Muizenberg. If you’re short on time and can’t explore the nearby area, you should try to visit the beach if nothing else. Adventure lovers can go surfing, or simply admire the colourful and vibrant beach houses.
12 – Appreciate Art
Zeitz Museum of contemporary African Art is a must-visit, where you can explore the destination’s largest collections. Visitors can expect to see art sculptures, needlework, Afro-futurist goggles, oil portraits and many more incredible masterpieces. The building, which was once an abandoned silo,has been converted into eighty beautiful art galleries -so you won’t be short of things to see!
13 – Visit Robben Island
This island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site most famous for being where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years of his prison sentence. The museum on the island is a must-visit if you want better enlightenment on the historical importance that the place holds. It’s only 7 kilometres away from Cape Town and easily accessible, with guided tours available for you to book.
14 – Admire Street Art
Woodstock Street art has been emerging as a delightful art space where you can spot some incredible work. On every block you can see something different. Since there is an anti-graffiti law in Cape Town, you won’t find art like this anywhere else -making it even more of a unique experience to see some vibrant Capetonian art. Cape Town serves up a perfect mix of African, European and Malay cultures. Book cheap flights to Cape Town with Crystal Travel thanks to our exclusive deals, and start planning your itinerary for your next South African adventure.