Everything To See and Do in Cape Town, South Africa

Visit Robben Island

South Africa has a complex history. Although Apartheid ended 30 years ago, it’s important to understand how this policy shaped the country. One of the best ways to learn is with a visit to Robben Island, where a maximum-security prison held many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. You don’t need to book a guide—you’re assigned one once you arrive on the island via a 25–45 minute boat ride.

I do recommend buying tickets in advance, especially during high season, so you can skip the ticket line.

Hike to the top of Lion’s Head

If you like hiking, the trail to the peak of Lion’s Head is a must-do. I highly recommend starting early in the morning—by 7 am in summertime—to beat the heat and high-season crowds. Worth noting: there are parts of the trail with steep drop-offs, so if you have a severe fear of heights, skip this one.

Boulders Beach

This is the famous beach that African penguins call home. The last time I was in South Africa, you could still stand on the beach to watch the penguins frolic and sunbathe (there are also two connected beaches separated by massive boulders, hence the name, where you can lounge and swim). Now there's more infrastructure in place, including a boardwalk and raised viewing platforms where you watch the penguins. You can no longer stand on the beach, and this site gets very crowded during high season. If you like to avoid overly touristy spots, you might want to skip this.

Table Mountain National Park: Home to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope

This park was a true standout for us, and my only regret is that we didn't spend more time here. The rugged beauty of this part of the Cape is stunning. There are multiple hiking and walking paths through the park, and plenty of wildlife to see, including baboons who often take to the roads and block traffic! If you have limited time, the must-see sites are Cape Point (where you can either walk or take a funicular to the lighthouse at the top) and the Cape of Good Hope, where yes, you'll find a queue to take your picture with the famous sign. But if you have more time, I strongly recommend spending the day exploring all that the park has to offer.

• Pro tip: Get to the park as soon as it opens to avoid traffic and find a parking spot before all the lots fill up.

Cable car to the top of Table Mountain

For the best views of Cape Town, take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain. I recommend planning this at the beginning of your trip so you can reschedule if the weather is bad. When there are high winds, the cable car stops running, so it's good to have backup days in your schedule. Please note that in high season, the wait time to get up and down the mountain can be hours long. I highly recommend getting fast-track tickets.

For those seeking more adventure, you can also hike to the top of Table Mountain (there are numerous trails), and there's great mountain biking on the lower half of the mountain.

Kayak or stand-up paddleboard in the morning to see the dolphins

For adventure seekers, book a morning kayak or paddleboard session to see the dolphins and enjoy the sunrise.

Visit the Castle of Good Hope, Company's Garden & Bo-Kaap

It's easy to combine a visit to all three of these sites in one day since they're near each other. The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest colonial building in South Africa and offers fascinating history. Company's Garden is a peaceful green space in the heart of the city, perfect for a stroll.

My honest review about Bo-Kaap: it's overly touristy and not a must-do in Cape Town. While the history of the neighborhood itself is interesting and the colorful buildings are cool to see, this is one of those neighborhoods that's become overrun by tourists, no doubt because of social media. If you do find yourself here, make sure to visit Atlas Trading Co, a famous spice and herb store that sells worldwide and local spices and herbs.

The V&A Waterfront and a sunset cruise

This is another very touristy area, but even so, it's popular with both visitors and locals alike. There are tons of shops, waterfront restaurants, and even a Time Out food hall (the Malay curry there is outstanding). It's also home to the Zeitz MOCAA Museum, which showcases contemporary African art.

While you're at the waterfront, take advantage of a sunset cruise on the open water of the Atlantic, where you can see Cape Town alight in the setting sun. This was a highlight of the trip for me and something I absolutely recommend doing.

Check out the Cape's spectacular beaches

The white sand beaches in Cape Town are a must-visit, especially during summer. Camps Bay and Clifton, both on the Atlantic side, are lively beach towns full of buzzing cafes, bars, and shops. Be forewarned, though—the Atlantic Ocean is cold. If you really want to swim, I recommend heading to the beaches along the Indian Ocean and False Bay on the other side of the Cape. Muizenberg and Fish Hoek are both great options and are around a 30–45 minute drive from the city center.

• Codfather: A seafood-lover’s dream where you pick your fresh fish from the display, and they cook it to perfection for you. (They also have a sushi conveyor belt!)

• Belly of the Beast: Upscale yet relaxed spot serving creative, locally-sourced dishes in a beautiful setting.

• La Colombe: Fine dining at its best with stunning views and an innovative tasting menu that showcases South African ingredients.

• Kloof Street House: Charming Victorian house turned restaurant with multiple rooms and a gorgeous garden, perfect for a leisurely lunch.

• Pot Luck Club: Trendy tapas-style restaurant on the top floor of a converted silo with incredible city views and inventive small plates.

• Chef's Warehouse at Beau Constantia: Casual fine dining with a set menu of tapas-style dishes, plus wine pairings from the surrounding Constantia wine valley.

• Grub & Vine: Cozy neighborhood spot serving elevated comfort food and natural wines in a laid-back atmosphere.

• Fyn: Modern Japanese-South African fusion with an exceptional tasting menu that highlights local ingredients with Japanese techniques.

• Salsify: Intimate, ingredient-driven restaurant with a small seasonal menu and fantastic wine list.

• Chapman’s Peak Hotel: Great restaurant in Hout Bay (10 min south of Camps Bay) with incredible calamari and steak, plus unbeatable ocean views.

• Harbour House in Kalk Bay: Seafood-focused spot right on the water with stunning views and fresh catches from the local fishermen.