Cape Town is such a cool city, with bars, cafes, attractions, beaches and walks. Here are 15 fun things to do!
1. Climb Table Mountain
Yes, you could get a cable car up to the top of Table Mountain but if you are free to hike up, I would recommend it. The reward once you’re at the top is even more satisfying! There are several walks you can take to get to the top. The most direct and therefore steepest is the Platteklip Gorge hiking route. It’s quite challenging but anyone with a reasonable fitness level would be able to manage it.
I would also advise to go as a group on the trails, for safety reasons, especially as a solo traveller. Make friends in the hostel or book a tour group.
2. Take a Stroll in the Park
The Company’s Garden is right in the city centre and is pretty big. It’s also home to the South African National Gallery and close to the museum too. There’s lots to explore here so take some time to relax with a good book, recharge at the café and to feed the tame squirrels! (they are VERY cute).
3. Explore the Waterfront
The Waterfront is so pretty, with many lovely restaurants (although quite pricey) to sit at and watch the world go by next to the sparking water of the harbour. Check out the statues at Nobel Square, the food at the V&A food market and don’t forget to go after dark with the street entertainers and live music (again try to be with someone else or in a group after dark).
4. Check out the Local Beaches
Cape Town has some stunning local beaches, each with something different to offer from cool hangout spots, surfing or relaxation. Check out the beaches of trendy Clifton area- there 4 to choose from! Camps bay is another popular white sand beach.
5. Book a Day Tour
There are many day tours from Cape Town which are easily bookable once there. I went on one that took us along Chapmans Peak Drive, an incredibly scenic road that winds along the cliff edge. The views out over the ocean as we were driving were stunning, and we stopped off at many amazing viewpoints along the way. We also had a chance to cycle during the day too!
6. Visit the Museum
There are many different museums to visit in Cape Town, from the contemporary art galleries to museums on the Springbok sports team. I visited the District Six Museum. Originally being a culturally diverse community, this area was made a white only area during the apartheid, meaning the residents were forced out of their homes. The museum is a good insight into what happened during this time, with stories, photos and artefacts from this period.
7. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
I’m not a huge wine lover but this was sooo much fun! The vineyards are so pretty, with mountain backdrops and pretty fields. You can easily book a day tour once arrived and it makes for a pretty good trip out, as well as a chance to meet other travellers. On my tour we got to try cheese and chocolate too- so delicious!
8. Wander the Colourful Streets of Bo Kaap
The colourful streets of Bo Kaap have become an Instagrammers spot over the last few years. The area is pretty safe but if you are alone you might prefer a walking tour. There are free ones that leave from the city and take you around the cobbled streets and brightly painted houses.
9. Stand by the Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope is the most South-West point in Africa and is a stunning natural location- with unpredictable weather! I think this just adds to the rugged beauty of the place. There is a lighthouse you can climb to the top of, for incredible views out over the ocean and cliff fronts.
10. Relax in the Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens in Cape Town are absolutely beautiful, overlooking the mountains and with great views to the city in the distance. They had kind of random big statues of dinosaurs which would be great for kids, as well as plenty of places for a nice picnic or to sit and read a book. There are plenty of beautiful gardens to explore, you could easily spend the whole day here.
11. Climb up Lions Rock
Sitting next to Table Mountain, Lions Head is a popular walking track for both locals and tourists alike. It offers stunning views over the city and of Table Mountain and is a great workout too! It will take 2-3 hours and starts of fairly easy. As you get to the top there are metal ladders attached to the cliff face if you want the most direct route. I did this one and not going to lie, it was pretty scary! There is a path going around though if you want to skip this!
As always in Cape Town, make sure you are with someone else for safety reasons or book on a tour 😊I would recommend leaving in good time if wanting sunset pictures. Me and the other girls I was with got there quite late and it was dark as we were making our way back- not a great situation!
12. Visit the Penguins at Boulder’s Beach
I’m sure you’ve seen the pictures (if not, google that now!). These little penguins are so cute you can’t miss a trip to Boulder’s beach. About an hour drive from the city centre, this beach is also a swimming beach and you can explore the boulders and beachside towns too. Plus don’t forget to get lots of photos of these cute penguins! (just try not to get too close, they are wild animals).
13. Watch the Turtles at the Aquarium
The aquarium in the city is open year-round and is a fun place to visit for everyone. With a variety of fish and marine life, animal feeding and a place where you can get up close with turtles and stingrays. I visited here on my last day before going to the airport and found it a nice little activity to do myself to fill the time on a short day.
14. Go Shopping
The Victoria Wharf Shopping Mall is right on the pretty harbour with all the restaurants and a great place to hang out, eat, shop and spend an afternoon of retail therapy! There are plenty of clothes shops, book shops and eateries to keep you busy for a few hours.
15. Visit Prison Island
Prison Island or formally known as Robben Island, was where Nelson Mandela was held for 13 years. You can book a half day tour, that will take you the 5 miles from the mainland onto the island, where a guide will explain to you what went on during this time. You can visit the museum there and the very prison cell where Nelson Mandela was held. A harrowing visit but interesting insight into what life was like for the prisoners at the time.
If you liked this post, you may like: Is Cape Town Dangerous? Solo Female Travel
