Top things to do in Cape Town
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Bianca’s Top 10 Things To Do In Cape Town

Adventure. Sunsets. Wine.

Top things to do in Cape Town

There are so many things about Cape Town that makes my heart beat faster, stops me dead in my tracks, leaves me mesmerized and inspired, puts a big’ol goofy grin on my face, and sometimes, quite literally, takes my breathe away, but in the very best way. Let’s just call it the Cape Town effect!

Every now and then I think back to the day that I first fell in-love with this city, and I don’t just mean the ‘oh, I really like it here’ type of love, I mean the head-over-heels, I’m-all-in, Cape Town I’m yours forever type of hard-core love (yeah, call me cheesy – but hey, what can I say, Cape Town makes me all kinds of cheesy). Needless to say, I was instantly captivated by the Mother City’s magic.

So, as you may suspect, listing only 10 of my favourite and top things to do in Cape Town is somewhat of a challenge. But, with that being said, each and every one of these things are a big reason why I love Cape Town so much, even if a few of them are ones you’ve certainly heard about a few times before.

My hope is, after reading this, you’ll fall head-over-heels in love with the beautiful and vibrant city of Cape Town too, if only a little.

#1 Go to the beach

Because Bianca LOVES the beach!

Top things to do in Cape Town
Camps Bay Beach with Lions Head in the background

Yes, I hear you. How predictable can I be right? But let me ask you this, how can you live in Cape Town – one of the most beautiful cities in the world, home to some of the most beautiful beaches to ever exist – and NOT have going to the beach as one of your top 10 things to do in Cape Town? I got you, didn’t I! Plus, I just love the beach, simple as that! Oh, and did I mention I’m originally from Johannesburg – So going to the beach is still a wonderful and cherished novelty for me, and definitely one I hope will never wear off.

For all the above reasons and so many more, if there’s one thing I’m certain about, it’s this – There is absolutely NOTHING that compares to being sun-kissed, salty-haired, and sandy-toed while spending the day on one of the Mother City’s stunning beaches.

The best thing is, it doesn’t even matter which one of Cape Town’s amazing beaches you choose, every second spent is pure beach bliss! But, if you’re looking to add a bit more excitement to your beachy experience, why not go on the ultimate Cape Town beach-hopping adventure?

Here are a few of my favorite beaches: Bloubergstrand; Boulders Beach; Llandudno; Beta Beach at Bakoven; Camps Bay; Glen Beach; Clifton 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th; Muizenberg; Big Bay; Little Bay; Long Beach; Water’s Edge & Bali Beach (two of Cape Town’s most beautiful hidden beach gems).

#2 Watch the sunset from the Blouberg Rock Pools

Top things to do in Cape Town
The Blouberg Rock Pools at sunset

This is undoubtedly one of my top things to do in Cape Town, while at the same time being something that is super near and dear to my heart.

Let me ask you this – Do you remember a moment in your life when you first fell in love with something? Like really fell in love? It can be absolutely anything – a place, a person, a feeling, a city, something you saw – anything really.

Well, the first time I watched the sunset over Table Mountain from the Bloubergstrand Rock Pools was most definitely one of my ‘head-over-heels falling in love moments’. If I’m totally honest, it’s not only the moment Bloubergstrand stole my heart, but the very moment I fell in love with Cape Town. Believe me, I know I sound somewhat bonkers, but it really is the only way I can describe it.

After that, there was no turning back!

To prove my point even further, here is a direct extract from one of the very first blogs I wrote when I first decided to move to Cape Town:

“As I sit here on the white sandy beach, feet wedged in between the sand, listening to the to-and-fro of the ocean tide, completely captivated by the amazing, vibrant, and colourful kite colors weaving through the air as the hundreds of kiteboarders claim the ocean as their very own playground, blissfully watching the sunset over Table Mountain, I feel truly content. Truly happy. In fact, I feel more content and happier than I’ve felt in years. Is this the moment Bloubergstrand and Cape Town steals my heart? Maybe! Quite possibly! Actually, I think it is. Wow!”

Now that I’ve officially put that out there, there’s no denying it, the Blouberg Rock Pools is the very spot I first fell in love with Cape Town and all her glorious splendour.

That being said, I HIGHLY suggest, actually I totally INSIST you put watching the sunset from the Blouberg Rock Pools or Bloubergstrand beach front right at the top of your bucket list – Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

I sincerely hope it has the same magical effect on you than it did on me.

#3 Stroll along the cool & quirky streets of Kalk Bay

Found along the beautiful and equally vibrant False Bay coastline, the cool, captivating, and quirky (in the very best way) Kalk Bay is by far one of my favorite fishing villages in Cape Town.

Despite the fact that Kalk Bay was named one of the “coolest neighbourhoods in the world” on a recent Forbes list, it is so much more than that. Besides its real deal cool status, it’s hard to explain exactly what it is about this charming beach side town that keeps drawing me in time after time. With that, I’ve come to the following conclusion, I think it’s absolutely everything about it!

Top things to do in Cape Town
Kalk Bay Harbour

Whether you’re simply strolling the cool Kalk Bay streets, exploring all of its one-of-a-kind arts and crafts gems, shops, and sidewalk stores, admiring the soulful sounds of its talented musicians and buskers, grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many incredible restaurants and cafés, enjoying a down-right delicious ice-cream treat at the famous Kalk Bay Ice Café (by far one of the best ice cream spots in the entire city of Cape Town in my opinion) or relishing every bite of the legendary Kalky’s fish and chips located next to the Kalk Bay Harbour, you will without a doubt fall completely and utterly in love with this captivating coastal town.

Don’t worry, you’re by no means the first, and most definitely not the last to succumb to its irresistible charm. Personally, Kalk Bay swept me off my feet within the first 10 minutes of being there!

Top things to do in Cape Town
Cape Fur Seals which can usually be found draped over the pier walls at the Kalk Bay Harbour

Here are a few more exciting & amazing things you should absolutely do when in Kalk Bay:

  • Eat fish and chips (or anything really, it’s all incredible) at Kalky’s
  • Go surfing at the Kalk Bay Reef
  • Go cave exploring – The infamous Boomslang Cave is definitely a fan-favourite Kalk Bay hiking trail and cave to explore
  • Visit the Kalk Bay Harbour
  • Take a refreshing dip in the Dalebrook tidal pool
  • Explore the cool streets of Kalk Bay and its many (and I mean MANY) cool shops and quirky spots
  • If you’re an avid hiker, going on an adventure-filled hike from Kalk Bay to the Amphitheatre is by far one of the top things to do when visiting Kalk Bay
  • You absolutely MUST indulge in one of the Ice Café’s ice creams – There is no way you can leave Kalk Bay without doing this
  • Visit the adorable and extremely playful Cape Fur Seals which can usually be found draped over the pier walls at the Kalk Bay Harbour
  • If you’re keen on a more exclusive dining experience, Harbour House Kalk Bay is widely renowned for their food and spectacular views
  • Looking for another great Kalk Bay dining spot? The iconic Brass Bell is absolutely renowned in these parts. Situated on the edge of the iconic tidal pools, this old seaside pub is a true Kalk Bay institution. It is also one of local rocker Arno Carstens’ favourite spots
  • Enjoy a sensational coffee and a freshly baked pastry at the famous Olympia Café & Deli
  • Pop into the Kalk Bay Garden Shop – they really are known for their amazing and unexpected finds

#4 Hike Table Mountain: AKA the hike of ALL hikes

Top things to do in Cape Town
A glimpse of the beautiful view as you hike your way up Table Mountain’s Platteklip Gorge trail

Standing tall at a staggering 1,086 meters above sea level, hiking up the almighty Table Mountain, one of the New7Natural Wonders of the World, should without a doubt be on everyone’s bucket list!

Besides its high-ranking fan-favourite status of being one of the top 10 things to do in Cape Town (and trust me, it most certainly is), I’m going to level with you here – hiking up Table Mountain is also one of the most challenging, exhilarating, tough, rewarding, ‘push-you-to-your-ultimate-limit’ (and perhaps even a little further), gruelling, and uplifting experiences I’ve ever endured.

Top things to do in Cape Town
Somewhere along the hike – Smiling & urging ourselves to just keep going!

BUT, before I send you running for the hills, know this – every second of the climb was beyond worth it – yes, even the times my entire body felt like a wobbling jellyfish and I couldn’t wait for it to be over (trust me, I experienced my fair share of those moments). So, if you do happen to find yourself circling the ‘I can’t do this anymore’ zone, know that you are not alone. Been there, done that, had to buy the Table Mountain T-shirt at the summit curio shop to prove it. BUT, regardless of how you feel in the moment, keep reminding yourself that you’ve got this, you absolutely have what it takes, and you can and WILL make it to the top of Table Mountain – all you have to do is persevere and keep putting one foot in front of the other – you are FAR more capable than you think, believe me! And I say this with utmost confidence, cause, well, I too had to repeat those very same words to myself over and over again all the way throughout my hike.

Here’s the bonus of all bonusses – Once you finally reach the Table Mountain summit and take a moment to soak up all the glorious panoramic views of the ocean, mountains, and Mother City beneath you, everything you’ve endured to get there will simply melt away. You will be left feeling accomplished, content, proud, happy, and beyond all, grateful that you never gave up. Now that’s what I call an achievement!

Top things to do in Cape Town
The smiles of two people that finally made it to the Table Mountain summit

To be frank, there is no explanation or description that will quite do this experience justice. The only way you will truly know how it feels to hike Table Mountain and to reach the top is to experience it for yourself. And while it may be grueling at times, the end result far outweighs EVERYTHING else!

Hiking up Table Mountain is one bucket-list experience and adventure of a lifetime you will absolutely never forget!

Here are a few valuable tips I learnt from my very first Table Mountain hiking experience:

  • Take enough water! Seriously! I can’t stress this point enough. I will never forget the first time I hiked Table Mountain and ran out of water less than half way to the top. Please learn from my mistake!
  • Pace yourself – You are hiking Table Mountain after all, don’t forget that.
  • Your Quads (and pretty much every part of your body) will start to feel the aching, fiery burn at some point during the hike, its completely unavoidable. Unless you’re a super fit and experienced hiker of course. The best advice I can give you is just to push through and keep on keeping on!
  • Make sure you hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more (especially if you’re taking on the mighty Table Mountain on a hot summer’s day). Trust me, taking a sip of water can easily slip your mind as you’re dead-set and focussed on just making it to the top.
  • Take some energising snacks along to keep you revitalised, invigorated, and energised for what’s to come.
  • Remember to take breaks when needed. Not only is it necessary to ensure you make it to the top in one piece, but it gives you the opportunity to admire the sensational surrounding scenery of one of the most magnificent and bio-diverse mountains in the world.
  • When hiking Table Mountain, be prepared for anything! This is Cape Town after all, which means the weather can change on the flip of a dime with no warning at all. Make sure you always pack something warm, even if you start your hiking adventure on the most beautiful blissfully sunny day without a cloud in the sky.
  • Last, but most definitely not least, remember to have fun and enjoy every moment – this is one incredible bucket-list worthy adventure you’ll never want to forget!

We choose to venture up the infamous Platteklip Gorge hiking trail, but rest assured, Table Mountain has a whole exciting range of hiking trails and routes to choose from.

Top things to do in Cape Town

**Tip: While all of Table Mountain’s hiking trails are thrilling and beautiful, they are certainly not all created equal. Ranging in length, difficulty, and amount of skill and experience required to make it to the summit, it is vital that you do your research before going on your hike.  

**Extra Tip: If hiking isn’t totally your thing (trust me, it wasn’t mine either at first) and hiking up the incredible and awe-inspiring (yet SUPER intimidating) Table Mountain for the first time sends shivers down your spine and instantly turns your legs to jello (happens to the best of us), don’t worry, its completely normal and understandable. There is no reason to force yourself into something you’re not ready for.

Instead, why don’t you take the opportunity to enjoy a beyond beautiful and exhilarating cable-way ride to the Table Mountain summit via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway? It really is something special!

Who knows, perhaps the next time you come face-to-face with Table Mountain you’ll be ready, determined, fully equipped, and firing on all cylinders to not only hike your way to the top, but conquer it!

#5 Go on the ultimate sunset chasing adventure

Top things to do in Cape Town
Stunning Bloubergstrand sunset

Hi, I’m Bianca and I’m a die-hard head-over-heels sunset chaser! Forget Snow Patrol and Chasing Cars (okay, okay, it’s a great song, I know), but in Cape Town, we’re all about chasing sunsets – or at least this girl is!

There is no denying that the Mother City is pure sunset bliss! Known for her picture-perfect sherbet-coloured sunsets that set the sky alight in a glorious celebration of colours, Cape Town sunsets reign supreme in every single way.

Whether you choose to watch the sun go down while sitting on the beach, standing on a hill-top or mountain summit, perched on a granite boulder, from a rooftop or balcony overlooking the Atlantic, or a beachfront bench, it promises to be magnificent, magical, and far beyond your wildest dreams.

Top things to do in Cape Town
Beautiful sunset at Paradise Beach in Langebaan

If you’re lucky, like really, REALLY lucky, watching your very first Cape Town sunset will not only sweep you right off your feet, but steal your heart – it definitely stole mine! And I can say with ABSOLUTE certainty, that even after all these years of watching sunsets from just about every corner and cool Mother City sunset spot, watching the sky light up with the most glorious colours, colours I can’t even begin to describe, it still takes my breath away – EVERY single time.

It’s been said countless time before – there is no sunset like a Cape Town sunset – now ain’t that the truth!

Here are a few of my favorite sunset spots you absolutely have to add to your Cape Town sunset bucket-list:

  • Bloubergstrand & the Blouberg Rock Pools (yes, I know I mentioned it earlier, but hey, what can I say, it’s that good. Plus, it has the best view of Table Mountain in Cape Town – at least in my opinion)
  • The top of Lion’s Head – I’m well aware that this will require you to actually hike to the top of Lion’s Head, but trust me, it’s SO worth it!
  • Llandudno Beach – I don’t want to spoil it for you, but what I’ll say is this – sitting on a boulder and watching the sunset over Llandudno beach will without a doubt be an experience you’ll never forget.
  • Top of Table Mountain – This one needs no explanation!
  • The Clifton Ridge Rocks (one of Cape Town’s best secret sunset spots) & Clifton 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th beach
  • Kloof Corner – Super easy hike + No expert hiking skills or extreme levels of fitness required + Magnificent panoramic views of Lion’s Head, Camps Bay and the glorious city of Cape Town = An unforgettable sunset
  • Chapman’s Peak Drive – In addition to being named one of the most magnificent marine drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak Drive boasts one of the best vantage points in the city. This means you will not only experience one of the most spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and beyond, but witness one of the most sensational sunsets
  • Signal Hill – The stunning signal Hill runs from Lion’s Head out towards the V&A Waterfront and Sea Point, flanked by Table Mountain and Lions Head. Widely known as one of the very best look-out and vantage points in the Mother City, showcasing sensational panoramic views of Lions Head, Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Town, Signal Hill is without a doubt one of the most beautiful spots in Cape Town to watch a glorious sunset
  • Camps Bay Beach & the Camps Bay Tidal Pool – Showcasing spectacular views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, Lions Head, and the Camps Bay beachfront, this is by far one of the best sunset spots in Cape Town

Happy sunset chasing fellow sunset lovers!

#6 Explore & taste your way through the Cape Winelands

Top things to do in Cape Town

Wine lovers, this one’s for you! It’s wine time, and what a glorious time it is indeed! Especially if you’re in one of the largest, and most beautiful wine-producing regions in Africa.

When I first moved to Cape Town, one thing became pretty apparent, in order to walk the Cape Town walk, you need to be able to talk the Cape Town talk – and amongst many other things, in Cape Town, people love to talk about WINE! Oh, and drink a whole lot of it of course.

In Cape Town, wine isn’t simply wine, or something you enjoy with your steak or sip on during brunch with the girls, in Cape Town, wine is a way of life. And what better way to embrace the true Capetonian spirit than to hop right onto the thrilling (and incredibly delicious and delightful) wine-filled bandwagon – you know what they say, if you can’t beat them, join them – and that’s exactly what I did!

Top things to do in Cape Town
Just living the wine loving life at the famous Groot Constantia Wine Farm

So, I proceeded to do what every passionate, committed, wine-loving person would do in this scenario – I embarked on the ultimate Western Cape wine tasting and Cape Winelands exploring adventure. And what a remarkable adventure it was indeed!

With so many exceptional and world-renowned wine estates and wine farms, renowned wine routes, incredible wine tasting experiences, exciting wine pairing options, remarkable wine tours, thrilling winelands adventures, and of course, the most spectacular Cape Winelands views – the Western Cape is an absolute wine lover’s paradise!

Just in case you’re curious, here are some of the most popular & renowned wine routes of the Western Cape

  • Stellenbosch wine route
  • Wellington wine route
  • Franschhoek wine route
  • Helderberg wine route
  • Breedekloof wine route
  • Constantia wine route
  • Durbanville wine route
  • Elgin Wine Route
  • Little / Klein Karoo wine route
  • Tulbagh wine route
  • Darling wine route
  • Walker Bay wine route
  • Cape Agulhas wine route
  • Cape Point wine route
  • Olifants River Valley wine route
  • Paarl Vintners wine route
  • Robertson wine route
  • Swartland wine route
  • Worcester wine route

#7 See, swim, kayak & chill on the beach with the African Penguins at Boulders Beach

Top things to do in Cape Town
The cute & charismatic African Penguins enjoying a sunbathing session on one of Boulders Beach’s giant boulders

A visit to Boulders Beach to see the ultimate Cape Town cool kids and beloved ocean locals, the African Penguin Colony, is hands down one of my top things to do in Cape Town! Let’s be honest, how can it not be?

Boulders Beach and its charismatic colony of African Penguins have stolen the hearts of countless Cape Town locals, world travellers, and wanderlust wonderers alike – and with good reason too!

As Boulders Beach is one of the only places in the world where you can see these remarkable ocean beings in their natural habitat and actually get up close and personal with them, undoubtedly makes visiting the beautiful Boulders Beach and its African Penguin Colony a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list worthy experience in every way.

In addition to its amazing African Penguin Viewing Site, where you have the opportunity to witness these adored, playful, and enigmatic tuxedo cuties in their natural environment, there are an exciting variety of exhilarating, fun, and memorable adventures, and experiences to enjoy. From swimming and sunbathing to snorkeling and kayaking alongside them, its nothing short of unbelievable.

#8 Go on a stunning sunset hike up Lions Head

Top things to do in Cape Town

Before you say anything, its important that you know that I know, sunsets are turning out to be a pretty prominent theme throughout my list of top 10 things to do in Cape Town. I’m not even trying to be slightly subtle about it. But, in all fairness, I did declare that I’m a head-over-heels, love-struck, totally smitten sunset lover – so, there’s that?!

Okay, now that that’s out in the open, its time to convince you to go on a sunset hike up Lions Head!

Hiking Lions Head is considered somewhat of a Cape Town rite of passage – you just have to do it! Don’t blame me, this is just the way things are. But look at it this way, you get to tick another epic hiking experience off your Cape Town bucket list.

Top things to do in Cape Town
My massive smile when I finally made it to the top of Lions Head – Super proud girl right here!

Lovingly referred to as the roaring lion of the Mother City skyline, standing tall at 669 meters above sea level, forming part of Table Mountain National Park, and a prominent feature of the Cape Town skyline – standing loud and proud amongst Table Mountain and Signal Hill – Lions Head is one of the most sought-after hiking trails for both first-time and avid hikers eager to conquer its coveted summit. Once you make it to the top, you’ll know exactly why!

Beyond its top mountain-range and hiking status, Lions Head has humbly claimed the coveted crown as one of the best sunset and sunrise spots in Cape Town. I mean you get to watch a glorious Cape Town sunset while being 669 meters above sea level – how unbelievable is that?

Top things to do in Cape Town
The spectacular view from the top of Lions Head

Paired with the truly spectacular sweep-you-off-your-feet views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town’s beautiful beaches, the Mother City in all her glory and beyond, not to mention the amazing bio-diversity and fauna and flora you’ll encounter on your way to the top, are just a few of the reasons why hiking Lions Head at sunset is one of my top 10 things to do in Cape Town.

Top things to do in Cape Town
The mandatory Lions Head summit shot

**Tip: Okay, time to level with you! While Lions Head is deemed to be one of Cape Town’s easier and more accessible hiking trails, don’t be fooled by its alluring charm or underestimate it for a single second – Especially if you’re a novice hiker hiking it for the first time.

If you’re expecting a smooth, super chilled, laid-back, easy breezy, get-up-get-down without breaking a sweat type of hiking experience, think again. Now I’m not saying Lions Head is some sort of mountainous beast that is completely impossible to conquer, oh no, but what I am saying is that Lions Head does indeed pack a mighty punch, and if you’re not ready for it, it will most definitely leave you feeling somewhat bruised and battered.

While the hike to the summit does include some smooth less-challenging segments (a great time to catch your breathe and re-hydrate), it also consists of several steep climbing sections, some rock scrambling, and a few ladders, chains and ropes you will need to tackle to get to the top.

Hey, what’s a Cape Town hike without some adventure and excitement right?

But all things aside, I have complete and TOTAL faith in you and your ability to conquer the Lions Head summit! If I could do it, there is absolutely no reason why you can’t do it too!

Here are a few extra tips to hopefully give you the extra edge you need:

  • Make sure you wear proper hiking / walking shoes that have good grip
  • Take enough water – trust me, you don’t want to be THAT person that runs out of water before you even reach the top
  • Be sure to wear enough sunscreen and remember to re-apply it when needed. This is especially important if you’re hiking Lions Head on a hot summer’s day as the route has little to no shade
  • Take a few energising snacks along – you’ll need it to replenish your energy sources as you make your way to the top
  • Cape Town’s weather is unpredictable, so make sure you’re prepared for any scenario
  • Don’t forget to have fun, take a few moments to admire the view and your surroundings, and enjoy the experience – at the end of the day that’s truly what it’s all about
  • Last, but certainly not least, make sure you plan the timing off your hike properly – You definitely don’t want to miss that stunning Lions Head summit sunset

#9 Enjoy an authentic West Coast feast at Die Strandloper

Top things to do in Cape Town
Die Strandloper – A true Cape West Coast gem!

A true Cape West Coast gem, Die Strandloper is a local Seafood Boma and beach-side gem located in the beautiful seaside town of Langebaan.

At Die Strandloper, it’s all about ‘local is lekker’, and you’ll definitely feel the warm, welcoming, and genuine west coast hospitality and ‘lekker’, local, everyone-is-welcome vibe from the moment you arrive.

Now for the food – All I can say is WOW! Dare I say it was some of the BEST seafood I’ve ever had, and trust me, I’ve certainly had my fair share of seafood. At Die Strandloper, it’s all about local west coast food, made by local west coast people, the traditional local west coast way – and you can’t help but love every single bite.

Top things to do in Cape Town
Delicious local west coast food prepared by the very best local west coast cooks

You can expect a vast and delicious array of sensational seafood dishes, all prepared in true West Coast style. Here are just some of the exceptional selection of dishes you can look forward to enjoying: Fish curry, mussel pots, freshly baked breads, grilled Weskus Haarders, braaied snoek, Crayfish, smoked Angelfish, sweet potatoes, Moer Koffiie, and so much more, believe me, the list just goes on and on.

Besides the extraordinary west coast feast you’ll enjoy, one of the best things about Die Strandloper is the fact that everyone goes out of their way to make you feel relaxed, right at home, and just like another one of the locals. It really is all about community, good food, good people, and having a REALLY good time!

To make things even better, Die Strandloper is located right on the beach. This means that as soon as you arrive, you can simply chuck your shoes aside and fully embrace Die Strandloper’s laid-back beachy vibe.

Top things to do in Cape Town
Just a snapshot of me happy to be at Die Strandloper

Feet wedged in between the sand, the sound of gently lapping waves in the background, seagulls flying above, and breath-taking beachfront and ocean views – what more could you possibly ask for?

If you’re eager to experience a truly authentic, completely unique, fully local, incredibly welcoming, vibrant, and fun west coast dining experience – Die Strandloper is without a doubt the place for you!

**Extra tip: Just in case you’re looking to add some more excitement, cool adventures, amazing sights, and stunning destinations and discoveries to your Cape west coast trip, here are some great recommendations and places to visit:

  • West Coast National Park
  • The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
  • Koeberg Private Nature Reserve
  • Silwerstroomstrand
  • The Atlantis Sand Dunes – Perfect for 4X4 adventures and sand-boarding
  • Groote Post Wine Cellar
  • Darling | The epic Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery | Wine-tasting at Darling Cellars | Explore the Darling Wine Route
  • Yzerfontein
  • Cape Columbine Lighthouse
  • Jacobsbaai
  • Paternoster
  • Saldanha Bay
  • Shelly Point
  • St Helena Bay
  • Hopefield
  • Thali Thali Game Lodge
  • Bokkomlaan in Velddrif – Granted heritage status, Velddrif is the heart of the fishing industry on the West Coast.  While several visitors tend to pass through, many miss this undiscovered gem – Now that you know about it, there is no reason for you not to visit and explore this west coast hidden gem for yourself.
  • Churchhaven & Kraalbaai – Churchhaven in the West Coast National Park is considered one of the West Coast’s best-kept secrets.
  • Tietiesbaai in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve

#10 Wander off the beaten path & see where the day takes you

Top things to do in Cape Town
Somewhere magical soaking up every second of this magnificent view

I know this isn’t exactly a ‘thing to do’, but just go with me here…

All of the things on my list of top 10 things to do in Cape Town are incredible, exhilarating, and a big reason why I love this city so much. But sometimes you just need to wander slightly off the beaten path, chuck all your plans and to-do lists out the window, step into the unknown with no specific end location in mind, throw complete caution to the wind, and go wherever the wind takes you.

If I’m totally honest, this might just be one of my absolute favourite things to do in Cape Town.

There is just something so unexpectantly beautiful, utterly freeing, and beyond thrilling about not knowing what lies ahead, or what you might discover along your way.

Cape Town is not only one of the most beautiful cities in the world, home to magnificent landmarks and natural wonders, it is also filled with tons of secret spots, hidden gems, off the beaten path discoveries, mystical and magical destinations, and some of the best kept secrets in the world.

What better way to discover everything Cape Town has to offer (and no, I’m not talking about the locations and attractions you’ll find / read about in guide books, and tourist brochures) than to step outside of your comfort zone and embark on the ultimate adventure, with absolutely no solid plan in place? Sounds exhilarating doesn’t it?!

Top things to do in Cape Town

What are you waiting for? Pick a location or destination in Cape Town – preferably somewhere you haven’t been before – make your way there – and simply start exploring. The only way this will truly work is if you completely surrender and fully immerse yourself in the experience, not worry, attempt to take control of the situation, or overthink anything.