Best Tours & Things to Do in Cape Town
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Cape Town is the kind of place that grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. One minute, you’re sipping world-class wine in the Cape Winelands, and the next, you’re paragliding over the city, watching the ocean shimmer below. Whether you’re here for jaw-dropping scenery, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, or just a solid dose of relaxation, Cape Town delivers.
So, let’s dive in! Here’s your ultimate guide to the best tours and things to do in the Mother City.
Ride the Table Mountain Cable Car (or Hike it, if You're Brave)
Table Mountain is more than just a pretty backdrop for your Instagram photos—it’s the heart of Cape Town. And guess what? The view from the top? Next-level stunning.
How to Get Up There:
- Take the Cableway – A 360° rotating cable car that whisks you to the summit in under 5 minutes. Stress-free, scenic, and perfect for those who prefer the easy route.
- Hike It – Feeling adventurous? Take Platteklip Gorge for a steep but rewarding trek, or Skeleton Gorge if you like a bit of jungle before reaching the top. Wear proper shoes!
- Sunset Mission – The mountain is extra magical at sunset, when the city lights start twinkling below. Bring snacks, a jacket, and soak it all in.
📍 Location: Table Mountain National Park
💰 Cost: Cable Car: R210-R410 | Hiking: Free (but sweat is required)
Visit Boulders Beach & Hang with the Penguins
If watching adorable tuxedo-wearing locals waddle along the beach sounds like your vibe, then Boulders Beach is a non-negotiable stop. These African penguins have been calling this spot home since the ‘80s, and honestly, they’re living their best lives.
What You’ll Love:
✅ Walk along wooden boardwalks to see them up close (without disturbing them)
✅ Take a dip in the crystal-clear water—it’s one of the most picturesque beaches in Cape Town
✅ Explore Simon’s Town afterwards for fresh seafood and small-town charm
📍 Location:Simon’s Town
💰 Cost: R190 for adults | R95 for children
Road Trip to Cape Point & the Cape of Good Hope
Ever wanted to stand at the edge of the world? Welcome to Cape Point—where rugged cliffs meet endless ocean, and where you can say you’ve been to (almost) the southernmost tip of Africa.
Cape Point Must-Dos:
🌊 Ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular up to the old lighthouse
📸 Snap that legendary Cape of Good Hope sign photo
🦜 Spot wildlife like baboons, ostriches, and (if you’re lucky) whales
📍 Location: 60km from Cape Town
💰 Cost: R376 (international visitors) | R94 (locals)
Wander Through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
This is not just a regular garden—it’s THE garden. Set against the slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world.
🌿 Walk along the Boomslang Canopy Walkway—a treetop bridge with epic views
🎶 Catch a Sunday Summer Concert featuring local & international artists
📸 Take a billion pictures, because every angle is postcard-perfect
📍 Location: Newlands, Cape Town
💰 Cost: R220 (adults) | R50 (kids)
Sip & Swirl Your Way Through the Cape Winelands
If wine was a sport, Cape Town would be an Olympic champion. 🍷 Whether you’re a red-wine romantic or a bubbly enthusiast, the Cape Winelands has something for you.
Where to Go:
🍇 Stellenbosch – Big reds, historic estates, and endless vineyard views
🍇 Franschhoek – French charm, fine dining, and the famous Wine Tram
🍇 Constantia – Close to the city, great for a quick wine fix
🚃 Bonus: The Franschhoek Wine Tram is hands down the best way to explore multiple wine farms—just hop on and off at different estates!
📍 Location: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Constantia
💰 Cost: Tastings start at R100 | Wine Tram from R320
Stroll, Shop & Snack at the V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is where you go when you don’t know what you feel like doing—but you know you want to be entertained.
✨ Sunset cruises, helicopter tours, and boat rides
🍽️ World-class restaurants (hello, fresh seafood!)
🦈 Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium for a peek at Cape Town’s underwater world
📍 Location: Cape Town Harbour
💰 Cost: Free entry, activities priced separately
Take a Powerful Tour of Robben Island
Step back into South Africa’s history with a tour of Robben Island, the former prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life.
🚢 Ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront
🏛️ Guided tour by former political prisoners (powerful and eye-opening)
📷 Visit Mandela’s prison cell, a stark reminder of the country’s past
📍 Location: 12km off the coast
💰 Cost: R600 for adults | R310 for children
Take a Township Tour & Experience Local Culture
Cape Town’s townships are where the city’s heart beats the loudest. A guided township tour gives you real insight into local life, culture, and history.
🚶 Walk through Langa, Khayelitsha, or Gugulethu
🥘 Try traditional South African food (think pap, chakalaka, and braai)
🎵 Enjoy live music & dance performances
📍 Location: Various townships
💰 Cost: R500-R1000 per person
Fly Over the City with a Paragliding Adventure
For the best seat in the house, take off from Signal Hill and paraglide over Cape Town’s stunning coastline. It’s the ultimate way to see the city.
📍 Location: Signal Hill / Lion’s Head
💰 Cost: R1400-R1800
Go Shark Cage Diving (if You Dare!)
Get up close (but hopefully not too close) to great white sharks in Gansbaai—the shark diving capital of the world. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, this is it.
📍 Location: 2-hour drive from Cape Town
💰 Cost: R2500-R3500
Final Thoughts
Cape Town isn’t just a city—it’s an experience. Whether you’re sipping wine in the Winelands, hiking up Table Mountain, or floating over the coastline in a paraglider, every moment here feels special.
So, what’s first on your list? Let us know in the comments!
