Cape Town is a playground for visitors. With famous Table Mountain as the backdrop and a beautiful coastline, there are so many activities to choose from. You’ll be hosted by warm Capetonians who’ll proudly share their culture and stories and ensure you have incredible memory-making experiences.
Here’s a list of activities and fun things to do when in Cape Town
See Cape Town and the Peninsula from a completely different perspective, soaring above Table Mountain, the Atlantic Seaboard and the winding coastline below. Many flights include a scenic landing at a nearby wine farm for a tasting and lunch, blending the thrill of flight with a relaxed afternoon in the Winelands. It’s an unforgettable way to get your bearings on your very first day in the city.
There’s no better way to celebrate another beautiful day in Africa than watching the sun dip behind Table Mountain from the water. Cruises typically depart from the V&A Waterfront, with drinks and snacks on board as the sky turns gold, pink and orange. It’s a relaxed, romantic way to end a day of sightseeing.
Head out by boat for a close-up encounter with sharks and other marine life in their natural habitat, safely from within a cage. This is one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in the Cape, giving you a completely different perspective on the ocean’s apex predators. Trips typically depart early morning from Gansbaai or Simon’s Town, so plan for a full-day excursion.
Visit a unique selection of community upliftment projects across Cape Town, connecting directly with the people and initiatives shaping the city’s future. Uthando works with grassroots organisations focused on education, environment and social welfare, giving travellers a meaningful, authentic side of Cape Town beyond the usual tourist trail. It’s a powerful way to give back while you travel
Learn to surf in as little as an hour at Muizenberg Beach, one of the most beginner-friendly surf spots in South Africa. Warm water, gentle waves and experienced local instructors make this the perfect introduction to the sport for travellers of any age. It’s a genuinely fun, active way to spend a morning by the sea.
Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine-producing region, home to immaculate historic estates set against a backdrop of mountains and vineyards. Spend an afternoon sampling delicious wines paired with excellent food, all within easy reach of central Cape Town. It’s an easy, elegant half-day trip that doesn’t require venturing far from the city.
Table Mountain and Lion’s Head offer some of the most spectacular hiking in the world, with sweeping views over the city, the Atlantic and the Cape Peninsula. Guided hikes are available for all fitness levels, from gentle contour paths to more challenging summit routes. Whichever trail you choose, the views make every step worth it.
Explore the scenic routes of the Cape Peninsula from the sidecar of a classic motorbike, with a knowledgeable local driver doing the navigating. It’s a fun, breezy way to take in coastal roads, mountain passes and hidden viewpoints without needing to focus on the driving yourself. Great for couples or small groups looking for something a little different
Paddle out into Table Bay, the Waterfront or Simon’s Town on a customised kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding trip suited to your experience level. These calm, scenic waters make for an easy, active way to see the city from an entirely different angle. Keep an eye out for seals and seabirds along the way.
Join a privately guided hike along the Atlantic Seaboard and up Lion’s Head, one of Cape Town’s most iconic and accessible peaks. Your guide will share stories about the city’s history, flora and fauna as you make your way up, with panoramic views as your reward at the summit. It’s especially popular timed for sunset or a full-moon hike.
Sample local food and browse locally made products at a variety of colourful markets around the city, from artisanal food stalls to craft and design collectives. Markets are a great way to get a feel for Cape Town’s creative, multicultural character away from the main tourist sites. The Oranjezicht City Farm Market, the Old Biscuit Mill and the Watershed at the V&A Waterfront are popular favourites.
Head up the West Coast to try sand boarding on the region’s powdery dunes, an exhilarating and slightly unexpected Cape Town adventure. No experience is necessary, and instructors will get you up and sliding in no time. It’s a fun half-day activity that’s especially popular with families and thrill-seekers.
Explore the kelp forests near Simon’s Town, made famous by the documentary “My Octopus Teacher,” on a guided snorkelling excursion. The cold, clear waters are home to a remarkable variety of marine life, from colourful fish to the occasional curious seal. Wetsuits are provided, making it accessible even for those unused to cold water.
Cycle through the vineyards of the Winelands or the fynbos-covered trails of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, with e-bike options available for an easier ride. It’s a wonderful way to cover more ground and see scenery you’d otherwise miss on foot or by car. Routes range from gentle wine estate rides to more adventurous mountain trails.
Immerse yourself in the culinary history of Cape Town with a hands-on cooking class in the historic, colourful Bo Kaap neighbourhood. Learn to prepare traditional Cape Malay dishes while your host shares stories about the area’s rich cultural heritage. It’s a delicious, memorable way to connect with local culture and history.
Enjoy vibrant, interactive drumming as pre-dinner entertainment at Gold Restaurant, a lively introduction to African rhythm and music. Guests are invited to join in, making it a fun, energetic way to kick off an evening out. It pairs perfectly with Gold’s traditional pan-African dining experience.
Barrel downhill on a scootour, a hybrid between a bike and a scooter, on the slopes of Table Mountain and Signal Hill. It’s a fun, slightly adrenaline-fuelled way to take in sweeping views of the city and coastline. No prior experience is needed, making it accessible for most fitness levels
Engage with local guides on a walking tour through Woodstock and Salt River, two of Cape Town’s most vibrant street art neighbourhoods. You’ll learn the stories and social commentary behind the murals while getting a feel for these up-and-coming creative districts. It’s a great way to see a side of Cape Town beyond the usual tourist stops.
Launch from Signal Hill and glide gently down to land on the lawns of the Sea Point Promenade, taking in sweeping views of the Atlantic coastline along the way. No experience is necessary, as you’ll be securely harnessed to an experienced, qualified pilot throughout the flight. It’s one of the most exhilarating — and photogenic — ways to see Cape Town from above.
Zip through fynbos and forest canopy overlooking the Constantia Valley, taking in views of vineyards and mountains as you glide between platforms. It’s a fun, active outing suited to most ages and fitness levels, combining a bit of adrenaline with genuinely beautiful scenery. A great addition to a day spent exploring the Constantia wine region.
If riding on the beach is on your bucket list, Noordhoek Beach delivers, with wide open sand and mountain views in every direction. Rides are beginner-friendly, with experienced guides leading the way for riders of all skill levels. It’s a peaceful, scenic way to spend a morning or afternoon outside the city.
Glide through the vineyards on a guided Segway tour, soaking up the scenery while learning about South African winemaking along the way. It’s an easy, low-effort way to cover more ground than walking, without needing any prior riding experience. A relaxed and slightly novel addition to a day in the Winelands.
