20 best things to do in Cape Town in 2023
It’s time for the ultimate Cape Town bucket-list of the 20 best things to do in Cape Town in 2020! If you’re up for the ultimate adventure jam-packed with beauty, excitement, fun, thrill and exhilarating experiences, this is the perfect Cape Town 2023 bucket-list for you!
Named the ‘Best City in the World’ by the UK based publication The Daily Telegraph for the seventh year in a row. As well as the 15th ‘Most Instagrammable Place in the World’ by Big 7 Travel. Cape Town has established itself as one of the top global travel destinations. There is absolutely no denying the fact that the Mother City is beautiful, bold and breath-taking in every single way. But besides her unapologetic beauty, her wild adventurous spirit, vibrant energy and wide variety of incredible landmarks, attractions, natural wonders and experiences have undoubtedly made people fall head-over-heels in love with this lively and exciting city. Dare we say it, the Mother City might just have it all.
But in a city that has so much to do, see, explore and discover, how do you ensure you get to do it all? We’ve put together our ultimate Secret Cape Town bucket-list of the 20 best things to do in Cape Town in 2023. Are you ready for an epic adventure? Now it’s up to you to tick as many of these bucket-list worthy adventures and experiences off your list as possible!
#1 Boulders Beach Penguins
Visit the African Penguins at Boulders Beach – See, swim, kayak or enjoy a laid-back beach day with Cape Town’s coolest ocean locals. Of course we had to kick-start our ultimate Cape Town bucket-list with a hefty dose of cuteness and charm. Because let’s be honest, how could we not? A visit to Boulders Beach to see the coolest kids on the Cape Town block, the African Penguins, has not only become one of the most sought-after things to do in Cape Town. But an incredible bucket-list worthy experience too! Located just past Simonstown, Boulders Beach is one of the only places in the world where you can actually get up close and personal with the charismatic African Penguins. Truly making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience in every way. Besides being able to see the African Penguin Colony in their natural habitat from the famous African Penguin Viewing Site, you can also choose to spend the day with them on the beach.
Boulders Beach boasts a private paying beach where the entrance fee forms part of a conservation project. Thereby giving locals and travellers the opportunity to enjoy a blissful beach day and refreshing dip in the ocean with these tuxedo cuties by their side. How incredible is that? Undoubtedly making a visit to Boulders Beach and its beloved African Penguin Colony one of the top bucket-list worthy things to do in Cape Town.
Entrance fees for the Boulders Beach Penguin Viewing Site:
- South African Citizens and Residents (with ID): R40 per adult per day | R20 per child per day
- SADC Nationals (with passport): R80 per adult per day | R40 per adult per day
- Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors): R160 per adult per day | R80 per child per day
#2 Table Mountain Aerial Cable Way
Witness the tall-standing giant of the Cape Town skyline, Table Mountain, up-close – Take a Table Mountain Aerial Cable Way ride to the top or embark on an epic hiking adventure to the summit, the choice is yours! . We couldn’t put together the ultimate Cape Town 2020 bucket-list without including the most iconic Cape Town landmark of them all, now could we? Standing tall at a staggering 1,086 meters above sea level. Table Mountain is known as the all-mighty giant of the Cape Town skyline. Named one of the New7Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain is not only one of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks and sought-after attractions. It is also the ultimate mecca for nature lovers, avid hikers and adventure seekers. Boasting a large variety of wildlife, birdlife and unique fauna and flora. Exploring everything this iconic flat-topped mountain has to offer is a bucket-list worthy experience in every way.
In addition to admiring it from below from the lower Table Mountain Cableway Station. Or one of the city’s many incredible vantage points. Nothing beats the view from the top of Table Mountain. And we highly recommend you experience it for yourself. In order to reach the summit, you can choose to enjoy an exciting Aerial Cable-Way ride to the top. However, if you’re feeling extra daring and energised and you’re up for a bit of an adventure, hiking up Table Mountain is right up your alley.
Table Mountain has a variety of beautiful and exciting hiking trails to choose from. Catering to different fitness and experience levels. Thereby giving everyone the opportunity to join in on the Table Mountain hiking fun. Some of Table Mountain’s top hiking trails include Platteklip Gorge, Skeleton Gorge, India Venster, Devil’s Peak, Kasteelpoort and Maclear’s Beacon. With Platteklip Gorge being the easier and more accessible option.
Prices for the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway:
- Morning Adult (8am – 1pm | November 2019 – April 2020): Return Ticket: R360 | One-way Ticket: R200
- Morning Children: 4 – 17 years old (8am – 1pm | November 2019 – April 2020): Return Ticket: R180 | One-way Ticket: R100
- SA Senior Citizens (7 days a week): Return Ticket: R100 | One-way Ticket: R50
- Early Access Tickets (7:30am – 8am): Return Ticket: R450
- Afternoon Adult (1pm – closing| November 2019 – April 2020): Return Ticket: R300 | One-way Ticket: R200
- Afternoon Children: 4 – 17 years old (1pm – closing| November 2019 – April 2020): Return Ticket: R150 | One-way Ticket: R100
#3 Muizenberg beach
Learn to surf the cool Cape Town waves at the famous Muizenberg Surfer’s Corner & see the colourful Muizenberg beach huts while you’re there too!. Learning to surf the cool Cape Town waves undoubtedly deserves to be on everyone’s Cape Town bucket-list. Not only is it one of the top things to do in the Mother City, it’s definitely one of the most fun and thrilling too. There is no better place to do it than the famous Cape Town surfing hotspot, Muizenberg’s Surfer’s Corner. And the best thing is, the whole family is invited to join in on the Cape Town surfing fun and games. Regardless if you’ve surfed a single wave in your life or not. Whether you’re young or young at heart, the Mother City gives you the perfect opportunity to explore your adventurous side and try something new and exhilarating. And learning to surf is without a doubt an exciting bucket-list worthy experience you can’t miss out on!
In addition to being one of the best places to learn how to surf in Cape Town for surfing first-timers. Muizenberg Beach is also one of the Mother City’s top Blue Flag swimming beaches. Thereby making it the perfect place to enjoy tons of beach fun in the sun with the whole family. Not to mention the fact that Muizenberg is home to the famous Muzienberg Beach Huts. In addition to these vibrant and colourful beach huts being one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ spots in Cape Town, They have also made their debut on many Instagram feeds, travel magazine and postcards. Undoubtedly making them one of the most sought-after attractions in Cape Town.
#4 Chapman’s Peak Drive
Crowned one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, a drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive should undoubtedly be on everyone’s Cape Town bucket-list. Affectionately known as ‘Chappies’ by Cape Town locals. This captivating coastal road ribbons along the Atlantic coastline between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Showcasing some of the most spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and beyond. In addition to some of the most sensational views in the city. Chapman’s Peak Drive is also a great place to spot some beloved members of the Cape Town Marine Big 5. So, keep your eyes open for Southern Right Whales, Dolphins, African Penguins and Cape Fur Seal sightings.
Another exciting highlight of Chapman’s Peak Drive is the variety of hidden gems and secret spots found along the route. Two of which include the beautiful waterfall walk (which you’ll find just before you reach the toll gate on your way towards Noordhoek). As well as the super cool Look-out Cave. Which is also known as one of Cape Town’s most beautiful secret sunset spots. Therefore, if you’re looking to experience something truly special, a sunset drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Cape Town. Besides being an incredible experience, it’s bound to steal your sunset-loving heart in a matter of seconds.
#5 Visit the captivating Cape Point
Known as one of the Mother City’s most beautiful natural wonders. A visit to Cape Point is without a doubt one of the top things in Cape Town. Located approximately 60km south west of the city centre at the very tip of the Cape Peninsula. Cape Point has firmly established itself as one of the Western Cape’s most sought-after attractions for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. And with really good reason too! From jagged mountain peaks rising from the deep blue, plunging cliffs and an abundance of wildlife. To a spectacular display of wildflowers and endemic Fynbos flora scattered about. Cape Point is the ultimate nature lover’s paradise. Besides its unapologetic beauty, one of the top reasons to visit Cape Point is the incredible variety of sites, adventures and experiences it has to offer.
From exciting nature walks and thrilling hiking trails, showcasing some of the most spectacular views of the entire False Bay coastline, glorious Mother City and beyond. To the old Cape Point lighthouse, the famous Flying Dutchman Funicular and beautiful variety of tidal pools and picturesque secret beaches. Cape Point has something for everyone to experience and enjoy.
Some of Cape Point’s most beautiful secret beaches include Diaz Beach, Buffels Bay, Olifantsbos Beach and Maclear’s Beach. All of which are pure beach bliss in every way!
As Cape Point forms part of the Table Mountain National Park. There is a daily conservation fee to gain access to this Western Cape wonder. However, it promises to be worth every single cent spent. And although it might take some extra time to get there. There’s nothing like an exciting road trip up the Cape coastline to add some adventure to your trip!
Cape of Good Hope Conservation Entry Fee:
- South African Citizens and Residents (with ID): R80 p/adult per day | R40 p/child per day
- SADC Nationals (with passport): R160 p/adult per day | R80 p/child per day
- Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors): R320 p/adult per day | R160 p/child per day
#6 Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert
Attend a Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert – Because in Cape Town summertime is concert time & there’s nothing quite like it!. Attending a Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert is not only one of the most exciting and fun things to do in the Mother City for locals and travellers alike. It’s a Cape Town summer past time that absolutely everyone should get to experience at least once in their lives. Thereby not only making attending an awesome Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert one of the 20 best things to do in Cape Town. But an epic experience that deserves to be one everyone’s Cape Town bucket-list too. Because let’s be honest, is there anything better than celebrating the vibrant Mother City summer season than to the cool sounds of some of the best local and international music acts? We think not! And the fact that you get to do it in one of the most spectacular natural gems in Cape Town, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, just makes it all the more special.
November every year marks the start of the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert Series. Which takes place every Sunday between November and April. Besides being one of the most sought-after summer experiences. It’s also one of the best ways to experience music in the Mother City. And the best thing is, the whole family is invited to join in on the summer concert fun! So, pack your picnic basket and blanket and gather your friends and family. It’s time to enjoy a spectacular evening listening to some of the best music South Africa has to offer in the shade of the magnificent Table Mountain.
Have a look at our Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts Line Up in 2019/2020 for more details on concerts dates, performance line-ups, ticket prices and how to go about booking your ticket.
- Location: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
#7 Enjoy some traditional food
Enjoy some traditional Cape Town fish & chips at a local harbourfront spot – Because in Cape Town we take our fish & chips VERY seriously!. Of course our ultimate Cape Town bucket-list of the 20 best things to do in Cape Town in 2020 has to include a favourite local feast. Enjoying some down-right delicious local fish and chips is a must try for anyone visiting the Mother City. But, here’s the trick. It absolutely has to be real local Cape Town fish & chips made the real local Cape Town way. No fancy trimmings. No experimental and inventive flavour combinations. Just a laid back, back-to-basics eating area. And traditional fish and chips wrapped in a newspaper with a hefty dose of delicious salt and vinegar. Because that’s the way we do it in Cape Town. Paired with a stunning harbourfront ocean view and a few Seagulls flying about, it’s pure bliss!
Some of our favourite local Cape Town fish and chips spots you absolutely have to try includes Kalky’s (Kalk Bay Harbour), The Salty Sea Dog (Simonstown), Fish on the Rocks (Hout Bay), Fish Hoek Fisheries (Fish Hoek), Lucky Fish & Chips (Sea Point). Trust us, you won’t regret a single bite!
#8 Lions Head hiking
Experience the ultimate Lions Head hiking combo – Sunrise or sunset hike, or perhaps both if you’re up for the challenge!. Lions Head has undoubtedly established itself as on one of the most popular and sought-after Cape Town hiking trails. With thousands of locals and travellers from all around the world looking to conquer the coveted Lions Head summit. Lovingly referred to as the roaring lion of the Mother City skyline, Lions Head is not only known as one of Cape Town’s top hiking trails. But one of the best sunrise and sunset spots in the city too!
Lions Head is about a 45-minute hike each way and is considered as one of Cape Town’s more accessible hiking trails. There are however some steep climbing sections as well as a few ladders and ropes if you choose to follow the shorter route. So, make sure you wear some good hiking shoes and that you’re properly prepared. Although it might take a bit of effort to reach the top, it promises to be well worth it in the end. The view from the Lions Head summit is truly spectacular.
As Lions Head is known as one of Cape Town’s less challenging hiking trails, it invites hikers of all experience and fitness levels to join in on the Mother City hiking fun. Plus, the fact that you get to experience the pure magic of one of Cape Town’s renowned sherbet coloured sunsets or sunrises, just makes the experience all the more worth it. Undoubtedly making it an adventure that deserves to be one everyone’s 2020 bucket-list!
#9 Cape Winelands
In Cape Town, wine is culture! So, there is absolutely no way we could put together the ultimate Cape Town bucket-list without including some exceptional wine and exciting wine tasting adventures into our list of top 20 things to do in Cape Town in 2020. Because if there’s one thing that will never loose it’s magic, charm and excitement, its embarking on the ultimate wine tasting journey through the beautiful Cape Winelands. There is no denying the fact that Cape Town’s wine is world-renowned. Thereby making exploring and tasting your ay through it equally exciting.
Home to the largest wine producing region in Africa, the Western Cape is any wine lover’s dream come true. And even if you don’t consider yourself to be a die-hard wine enthusiast at heart, you’ll undoubtedly fall head-over-heels in love with the beautiful Cape Winelands and its exceptional selection of wine. In addition to incredible wine, the Cape Winelands is also known for its beautiful wine routes, exciting food and wine pairing experiences and world-renowned culinary pursuits. Thereby providing you with everything you need to enjoy an incredible day out exploring the Cape Winelands to your wine-loving heart’s desire.
Some of the Cape Winelands most incredible wine routes include: Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Durbanville, Darling, Somerset West, Cape Point and Wellington.
Franschhoek Wine Tram
But if you’re a head-over-heels wine love at looking to experience something a little more adventurous, a ride on the famous Franschhoek Wine Trams is right up your alley! The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a unique and super fun hop-on-hop-off wine tasting experience. It is a combination of a double-decker bus and tram ride that allows you to, hop on and off at the wine farms on your chosen itinerary. All you have to do is pick your chosen wine route. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sweeping vineyard and mountain vistas the Franschhoek Wine Valley has to offer. All while tasting an exceptional variety of incredible and unique Franschhoekwines along the way. How amazing is that? This exciting Cape Winelands experience offers approximately 8 different routes to choose from. With each route including anywhere from 6 – 10 Franschhoek wineries that you’ll get to visit.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect Franschhoek wine route for you, you are free to hop on and hop off at the various wine estates on your chosen route. Once you get off at a wine estate, it will be, depending on the route you’ve chosen, either one hour or 35 minutes before the next bus or tram collects you. You are more than welcome to stay for an additional hour or two at any of the wineries. But this means you’ll need to forfeit another winery along the way. So, it’s completely up to you and how much fun you’re having of course!
But one thing is for certain, the Franschhoek Wine Tram is one Cape Town bucket-list adventure everyone should get to experience at least once in their lives. Especially if you consider yourself to be a die-hard wine enthusiast, And even if you’re not, you’ll undoubtedly have so much fun along the way, you’ll completely forget all about the fact that you don’t really know anything about wine. But hey, that’s the fun of it right! And that’s exactly what this incredible wine tasting experience and adventure through the Franschhoek Winelands is all about!
- Location: Franschhoek Square, 32 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek, Western Cape
- Tickets: You can book the tickets online here: https://franschhoekwinetram.activitar.com/services | Or visit winetram.co.za for more.
#10 Beach day in Cape Town
Sit back, relax & enjoy a blissful beach day on one of Cape Town’s beautiful beaches – Because in Cape Town anytime is beach time!. Spending the day on one of the Mother City’s beautiful beaches is undoubtedly one of the top 20 things to do in Cape Town in 2020. Not to mention the fact that a blissful Mother City beach day without a doubt deserves to be on everyone Cape Town bucket-list. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like being sun-kissed, beached-out and salty-haired in Cape Town. But getting to do it while spending the day on one of Cape Town’s stunning beaches is pure bliss!
Besides being one of the most beautiful cities. Cape Town is home to some of the most magnificent beaches in the world. With each one having something unique and exciting to offer. Whether you’re looking to have some beach fun in the sun, sunbathe, go sandcastle building, learn to surf or enjoy a sunset stroll or beach sundowner, Cape Town’s wide variety of sensational beaches is the perfect to do it all.
Here are some of our favourite beaches that all deserve to be on your Cape Town summer bucket-list: Camps Bay, Clifton, Muizenberg Beach, Bloubergstrand, Llandudno, Bakoven, Glen Beach, Boulders Beach, Big Bay, Oudekraal Beach, Long Beach in Kommetjie, Noordhoek Beach and Water’s Edge.
#11 The Galileo Open Air Cinema!
Watch one of your all-time favourite classics under the Mother City moonlight & starry night sky at the best outdoor cinema experiences in Cape Town – The Galileo Open Air Cinema!. If the title on its own isn’t enough to convince you, we’re not sure what will! But, just in case we haven’t convinced you just yet, here are all the amazing reasons why a magical outdoor movie screening at the famous Galileo Open Air Cinema deserves to be on your ultimate Cape Town bucket-list of the 20 best things to doing Cape Town in 2020.
Known as Cape Town’s first and finest outdoor movie experience, the Galileo Open Air Cinema is will undoubtedly add a whole lot of excitement to our summer season in Cape Town. And the best thing is, tons of fun for the whole family! Running from the 16th of October 2019 – 25 April 2020 with screenings from Wednesday – Saturday and selected Sundays, the Galileo Open Air Cinema will be showcasing some of the best blockbuster hits right throughout summer.
Besides having the super cool opportunity of watching some of your all-time favourite movies under the Cape Town night sky. You’re encouraged to bring your picnic basket and blanket along too. But, that’s not all! If you thought pairing a smash hit movie with a picturesque venue was enough, The Galileo is taking it to a whole new level for their eighth season this year. They’ve added an incredible mini-market to every show as well as an array of giant lawn games. Thereby making for a super fun and memorable experience the whole family can enjoy.
Some of the Galileo Open Air Cinema venues include: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, V&A Waterfront, Meerendal Wine Estate, Steenberg Farm and a selection of some of the most magnificent Wine Estates across the Cape Winelands.
- Contact Information: 071 471 8728 | [email protected]
Have a look at our Galileo Open Air Cinema 2019/2020 Movie Line-up to find out more about the Galileo’s screening schedule this summer season as well as their ticket prices.
#12 Sunset chasing adventure
Go on the ultimate sunset chasing adventure – Because in Cape Town going sunset chasing is one of our favourite things to do, especially during summer!. What would the ultimate Cape Town bucket-list be without adding some magical Mother City sunset magic to the mix. There is absolutely now way you can come to Cape Town and not take some time to admire the sensational sunsets this beautiful and vibrant city is known for. Thereby making sunset watching and going on the ultimate sunset-chasing adventure one of the top, and certainly the most beautiful, 20 things to do in Cape Town in 2020.
The Mother City is widely known and celebrated for her spectacular sherbet coloured sunsets. Painting the sky in a beautiful celebration of colour that will undoubtedly sweep you off your feet. It’s therefore no surprise that going sunset chasing has fast become one of our favourite local past-times and things to do. Especially during summer in Cape Town. Whether you choose to watch the Mother City sun go down from a mountain top, beach boulder, rooftop bar, beachfront sundowner spot or the stunning Cape Winelands, it promises to be truly spectacular in every way. And the fact that the sun sets as late as 8:30pm during Cape Town’s speak summer season means you have a whole lot more time to go on a sunset chasing adventure across the Western Cape. Now that’s an epic Cape Town sunset road-tip if you ask us!
However, if you’re looking to make it a bit more special, why not pack a picnic basket or some sundowners and watch the sun go down in true Cape Town style.
Some of our favourite Cape Town sunset spots (plus a few local secret sunset hidden gems include): Table Mountain, Lions Head, Signal Hill, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Llandudno Beach Boulders, Camps Bay sunset strip, Camps Bay tidal pool, Clifton Ridge Rocks, the ‘Secret Sunset Spot’, Beta Beach in Bakoven, Kloof Corner, Bloubergstrand and the Chapman’s Peak Lookout Cave. To find out more about our favourite secret sunset spots in Cape Town, visit or Top 5 Secret Sunset Spots in Cape Town blog here.
#13 Ultimate market hopping adventure
Go on the ultimate market hopping adventure through the city – Because Cape Town is at the very top of its market game!. The Mother City is all about living that sweet market life! There is absolutely no denying the fact that the Cape Town market scene is alive and kicking. And you’ll love every single second of exploring and tasting your way through it. The fact that Cape Town boasts such an incredible variety of exciting and unique markets to choose from. Makes going on the ultimate market-hopping adventure through the Mother City one of the top 20 things to do in Cape Town in 2020. From fresh local produce, tasty treats and home-baked delights to art, crafts, thrifts and one-of-a-kind finds. Cape Town’s vibrant markets have absolutely everything your heart desires.
Besides great food and drinks, Cape Town’s exciting selection of markets are also known for their awesome live music performances and art displays. As well as an amazing range of activities, adventures and experiences that can be enjoyed by every member of the family. Thereby making for a great fun-filled day out with the whole family!
Here are some of our favourite markets that deserve to be on your Cape Town summer bucket-list: The V&A Food Market, The Watershed at the V&A, The Bay Harbour Market, Oranjezicht City Farmer’s Market, Root 44 Market, Cape Point Vineyards Thursday Night Market, the Old Biscuit Mill and Neighbourgoods Market.
#14 Explore Bo-Kaap
Explore the vibrant Bo-Kaap – The most colourful & culturally diverse neighbourhood in the Mother City. Visiting Cape Town’s most colourful, vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhood of Bo-Kaap is undoubtedly one experience that deserves to be on everyone’s 2020 Cape Town bucket-list. Known for its brightly coloured houses that line the steep cobblestoned streets. As well as their traditional Cape Malay cuisine (which is entirely authentic to Cape Town), vibrant cultural heritage, lively atmosphere and warm and welcoming locals. Strolling the streets of Bo-Kaap promises to be filled with both beauty and adventure. Plus, the fact that it’s known as one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ spots in the city, means you can get some really cool photos of the vibrant surroundings.
Formerly known as the Malay Quarter of Cape Town, Bo-Kaap was recently declared a National Heritage Site of South Africa. Which means that in addition to its beauty and charm. This colourful Cape Town neighbourhood is filled with rich history and culture. Bo-Kaap is also one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Cape Town. Besides exploring the lively streets of Bo-Kaap and interacting with the friendly locals. Trying a traditional Cape Malay meal at one of its restaurants or street-side eateries is an absolute must. Trust us, you won’t regret a single bit!
#15 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Explore the beauty of one of the Great Botanic Gardens of the World, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. If you’re a die-hard head-over-heels nature lover, this one is especially dedicated to you! The magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. In addition to this prestigious title, it has also won the highly esteemed ‘International Garden of the Year’ award. And to be honest, very few gardens can actually compare to the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch. Thereby undoubtedly making a visit to this beautiful natural gem one of the top 20 things to do in Cape Town in 2020. As well as a magnificent Mother City experiences that deserves to be on everyone’s Cape Town bucket-list.
Located right at the base of the glorious Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch is one of the most beautiful displays of indigenous natural beauty you’ll find anywhere in the city. It also forms part of the Cape Floristic Region, also known as the Cape Floral Kingdom. Which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find a glorious variety of fauna and flora entirely indigenous to Cape Town. Making a visit to Kirstenbosch any nature lover’s dream come true.
In addition to its natural beauty, Kirstenbosch offers visitors a variety of exciting things to do, see and experience. Boasting over 125 species of birds, incredible walking trials, thrilling hiking routes, waterfalls, restaurants, lush lawns and a variety of hidden gems. Not to mention the famous Centenary Treetop Canopy Walk, also known as the ‘Boomslang’. Which has fast become one of its favourite attractions for both the young and young at heart. Kirstenbosch is also known as one of the best picnic spots in the city. There is no denying the fact that the magical Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens has something for every member of the family to enjoy.
#16 Ultimate Mother City adrenalin rush!
Step outside of your comfort zone & tick a thrilling adventure experience off your Cape Town bucket-list – the ultimate Mother City adrenalin rush!. Calling all thrill seekers and adrenalin junkies, this one is for you! You know what they say, there’s no adrenalin rush quite like a Cape Town adrenalin rush. Well, they might not say that, but we certainly do! Besides being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the Mother City is every bit as bold, adventurous and daring as she is stunning. And she’s certainly not afraid to step out on the ledge and set her inner thrill seekers free. So, why should you be?
Known as the adventure capital of Africa, the Western Cape is jam-packed with exhilarating adventures and thrilling once-in-a-lifetime experiences. There truly is no better place than Cape Town to tick an exciting experience off your adventure bucket-list. From paragliding, kloofing, kayaking with the African Penguins and abseiling down Table Mountain to skydiving, SUPping, wind surfing, hiking, sandboarding and snorkelling with Cape Fur Seals. The Mother City has a thrilling experience for every adventurous soul. So, be sure to pack your sense of adventure on your trip to Cape Town. It’s time to let your inner thrill seeker run wild and free. Trust us, you definitely won’t regret a single second of it!
#17 Woodstock street art scene
Take a walk on the Cape Town graffiti wild side & explore everything the Woodstock street art scene has to offer. It’s time to explore the Mother City’s cool graffiti wild side, are you ready for it? Cape Town has fast become one of the coolest creative hubs for graffiti artists from all around the world. With the trendy neighbourhood of Woodstock loudly and proudly positioning itself right at the forefront of the Mother City’s street art scene. Boasting a creative display of street art that is every bit as vibrant and diverse as the artists that created them. A visit to the cool neighbourhood of Woodstock to see all its spectacular street art up-close-and-personal should definitely be on everyone’s 2020 Cape Town bucket-list! Trust us, it’s every bit as cool as it sounds!
It’s therefore no surprise that exploring Woodstock’s colourful graffiti and street art scene has fast become one of the most sought-after experiences for locals and travellers alike. With everyone looking to catch a glimpse of Woodstock’s artistic expressions in action. And the best thing is, you don’t need to be a die-hard art lover to appreciate Woodstock’s cool and captivating street art either. Plus, you’re bound to discover some super cool hidden gems and trendy secret spots along the way. Woodstock isn’t known as one of Cape Town’s coolest neighbourhoods for nothing.
#18 Steenbras Nature Reserve
Swim, sight-see & rock scramble at Steenbras Nature Reserve & take a dip in the Crystal Pools! And maybe even do some ‘kloofing’ too!. Are you ready for a bit of Cape Town thrill? Well, you better be, because it’s about to come your way! So, you’ve gone cycling, climbing and hiking, but have you gone kloofing? Kloofing is the South African word for “canyoning” and doing it at the incredible Steenbras River Gorge Crystal Pools is one thrilling adventure experience that absolutely deserves to be on your Cape Town bucket-list of 20 best things to do in Cape Town in 2020. But where exactly does all this action and adventure take place?
Located just an hour outside of the city you will find the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, the Steenbras Nature Reserve. This glorious natural Cape Town gem is every bit as beautiful as it is exciting. And while it might take some extra effort (and maybe a bit of sweat and hard work too) to reap the rewards, the endpoint is well worth it. The Crystal Pool Hiking Trail starts on the R44, just after you’ve crossed the bridge over the mouth of the Steenbras River. The abundance of indigenous fynbos, lush surroundings and incredible views ensures you have more than enough to marvel at and enjoy on your hiking adventure.
The first pool is about 45 minutes from the start of the trail and invites you to enjoy a lovely picnic and a shaded escape to catch your breath. BUT, if you have a bit more energy left in your ‘tank’ we suggest you continue your journey to the second pool. You will certainly be well rewarded for your efforts, that’s a promise! Boasting some amazing swimming and kloofing opportunities as well as a beautiful waterfall, it promises to be one thrilling adventure you won’t soon forget. Thereby adding some real thrill and adventure to your Cape Town trip
#19 Cape Town Site seeing
Enjoy the ultimate hop-on-hop-off experience on the famous Cape Town Red Bus. This is one Cape Town bucket-list adventure absolutely everyone who visits Cape Town should experience at least once in their lives. It isn’t known as the famous Cape Town Red Bus Tour for nothing! There truly is no better way to take in as much as possible of what this beautiful, vibrant and exciting city has to offer than by going on the famous Cape Town City Sightseeing Bus. The famous Cape Town Red Bus Tour is the ultimate hop-on-hop-off experience. Which provides locals and visitors alike with the perfect opportunity to see a variety of Cape Town’s top attractions, landmarks and sought-after locations.
You can either choose to pass on by or get off at a particular destination and stay a while. And once you’re done exploring your chosen location, you can catch the next bus and continue your journey through the city. There are also a variety of routes to choose from. Thereby giving you the opportunity to pick the one that’s perfect for you. Not only is the famous Cape Town City Sightseeing Red Bus Tour one of the best ways to explore and experience the city, it’s tons of fun for the whole family too!
#20 Cape West Coast
Charming fishing villages, sensational sea views, white sandy beaches and some of the best seafood in the world are just some of the incredible treats the West Coast has in store for you. And that’s merely scratching the Cape West Coast surface! Considered somewhat of a Cape Town hidden gem, the Cape West Coast is jam-packed with unapologetic natural beauty, a treasure chest of secret spots and hidden treasures and some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. It will almost feel like you’ve escaped to a whole new world entirely all without really leaving the city at all. Not to mention the fact that the west coast of Cape Town is widely known for its sensational fresh seafood. In fact, one of the top seafood restaurants in the world, Wolfgat, is found right here in the heart of the Cape west coast. Voted the Best Off-Map Destination & Restaurant of the Year in the internationally acclaimed 2019 World Restaurant Awards. Wolfgat is a tiny beach restaurant that opened their doors just 2 years ago in a 130-year-old cottage and cave on the beach at Paternoster.
But besides sensational seafood, a road trip up the Cape West Coast promises to be filled with tons of beauty, adventure, exciting experiences and hidden gems all the way through. Some of the Cape West Coast’s best kept secrets include Yzerfontein, Langebaan, Paternoster, Jacobsbaai, Grotto Bay, Bloubergstrand, Melkbosstrand, Saldanha Bay, Lambert’s Bay, Darling and of course the magnificent West Coast National Park.
