7 top things to do in Cape Town in South Africa
Explore the top places to visit in Cape Town in 2025. Discover must-see attractions, ticket prices, hotels, and travel tips for an unforgettable trip.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, rich history, and exciting adventures. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, Cape Town has something for everyone. From the breathtaking Table Mountain to the historic Robben Island, this vibrant city is filled with must-visit attractions.
If you love wildlife, you can visit Boulders Beach to see African penguins or explore the Cape of Good Hope, where you might spot baboons and antelopes. For those who enjoy city life, the V&A Waterfront offers great shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit in Cape Town, including ticket prices, nearby locations, things to do, hotels, and travel tips for 2025. Get ready for an unforgettable journey! 🚀✨
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is one of the most iconic places to visit in Cape Town, offering breathtaking views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains. Standing at 1,085 meters (3,558 feet) above sea level, this flat-topped wonder is part of Table Mountain National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can hike to the top via trails like Platteklip Gorge or take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, which rotates 360 degrees for spectacular views. Once at the summit, you can walk along various viewpoints, capture stunning photographs, and enjoy a meal at the Table Mountain Café.
Ticket Price
- R395 for adults (round trip cable car)
- R195 for children (round trip cable car)
- Hiking is free, but guided tours may have separate costs
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway takes around 5 minutes to reach the top, with a rotating cabin for full panoramic views.
Things to Do
- Take the cable car – Enjoy a smooth ride to the top with stunning city views.
- Hike up the mountain – For adventure lovers, trails like Platteklip Gorge offer a rewarding climb.
- Enjoy scenic views – From the summit, see Cape Town, Robben Island, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Hotels Nearby
- The Table Bay Hotel – A luxury waterfront hotel with beautiful mountain views.
- One&Only Cape Town – A five-star hotel offering top-tier dining and comfort.
Nearest Airport
- Cape Town International Airport is 13 miles away, with taxis and shuttles available.
Robben Island – A Historic Symbol of Freedom
Robben Island is one of the most significant places to visit in Cape Town, known for its deep historical importance. This island, located 7 km off the coast, was a maximum-security prison during apartheid and housed Nelson Mandela for 18 years. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing South Africa’s struggle for freedom.
Nearby Locations
- V&A Waterfront – A vibrant area with restaurants, shopping, and boat tours.
- Zeitz MOCAA Museum – Africa’s largest museum of contemporary art, showcasing modern African creativity.
Ticket Price
- R600 for adults (includes ferry ride + tour)
- R310 for children (includes ferry ride + tour)
The ferry departs from the V&A Waterfront, taking 30-40 minutes to reach the island. Tickets should be booked in advance, as they sell out quickly.
Things to Do
- Take a guided tour – Former prisoners often lead tours, sharing personal experiences.
- Visit Mandela’s prison cell – See the small, stark cell where Nelson Mandela was held.
- Explore the island – Walk around the historic buildings, view penguins, and visit the Limestone Quarry, where prisoners worked.
Hotels Nearby
- The Silo Hotel – A luxury hotel with breathtaking views of Cape Town’s harbor.
- Radisson Blu Waterfront – A stylish seaside hotel with ocean-facing rooms.
Nearest Airport
- Cape Town International Airport is 13 miles away, with taxis and shuttles available.
V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is one of the most exciting places to visit in Cape Town, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment with stunning views of Table Mountain. From luxury stores to open-air markets, gourmet restaurants, and thrilling boat tours, it is a must-visit destination for all types of travelers.
Nearby Locations
- Two Oceans Aquarium – A family-friendly attraction featuring marine life from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
- Zeitz MOCAA Museum – Africa’s largest museum of contemporary art, housed in a repurposed grain silo.
Ticket Price
- Entry to the V&A Waterfront is free
- Attractions like boat cruises, museums, and the aquarium have separate fees
Visitors can enjoy free strolling along the marina, live performances, and exploring local markets, but experiences like helicopter rides and sunset cruises require paid tickets.
Things to Do
- Shop at high-end stores – Luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, along with local boutiques, are available.
- Dine by the water – Enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants like Baia Seafood and Willoughby & Co.
- Take a boat cruise – Choose from sunset cruises, pirate ship tours, or ferry rides to Robben Island.
Hotels Nearby
- Cape Grace Hotel – A five-star waterfront hotel with world-class service and views.
- The Commodore Hotel – A comfortable stay with easy access to shopping and attractions.
Nearest Airport
- Cape Town International Airport is 13 miles away, with taxis and shuttles available.
Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is one of the most unique places to visit in Cape Town, famous for its colony of African penguins. Located near Simon’s Town, this picturesque beach features large granite boulders, clear turquoise waters, and soft white sand, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and wildlife viewing.
The African penguins settled here in 1982, and today, Boulders Beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area.
Nearby Locations
- Simon’s Town – A historic naval town with charming shops, restaurants, and museums.
- Cape Point – A stunning nature reserve with rugged cliffs and panoramic ocean views.
Ticket Price
- R190 for adults
- R95 for children
Entry fees help with penguin conservation efforts. It’s recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Things to Do
- Watch penguins – See them waddle around, swim, and nest in their natural habitat.
- Swim in clear waters – The sheltered bay offers safe and calm swimming areas.
- Relax on the beach – Enjoy sunbathing on the warm sand surrounded by scenic boulders.
Hotels Nearby
- Tintswalo at Boulders – A luxury boutique hotel with stunning ocean views.
- Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel – A comfortable waterfront stay near Boulders Beach.
Nearest Airport
- Cape Town International Airport is 21 miles away, with shuttle services and taxis available.
Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Cape Town, offering dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs, and diverse wildlife. This iconic landmark is part of the Table Mountain National Park and is often mistakenly believed to be the southernmost tip of Africa (that title belongs to Cape Agulhas). However, it remains a symbol of maritime history and a must-visit destination.
Standing at the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the Cape of Good Hope is famous for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, making it a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers.
Nearby Locations
- Cape Point – A spectacular viewpoint with a historic lighthouse and hiking trails.
- Boulders Beach – A popular beach home to African penguins and crystal-clear waters.
Ticket Price
- R400 for adults
- R200 for children
Entry fees grant access to scenic trails, beaches, and wildlife viewing areas.
Things to Do
- Hike scenic trails – Explore the Cape of Good Hope Trail with breathtaking coastal views.
- See the lighthouse at Cape Point – Take the Flying Dutchman Funicular or hike up for a panoramic view.
- Spot wildlife – Look for baboons, ostriches, antelope, and even whales during migration season.
Hotels Nearby
- Mariner Guesthouse – A cozy guesthouse with ocean views in Simon’s Town.
- Cape Point Villas – Luxurious villas surrounded by nature, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Nearest Airport
- Cape Town International Airport is 34 miles away, with car rentals and shuttles available.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Cape Town, famous for its diverse plant life, scenic landscapes, and peaceful atmosphere. Located at the eastern foot of Table Mountain, it is regarded as one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world. Established in 1913, it was the first botanical garden dedicated to preserving indigenous flora.
Covering 528 hectares, Kirstenbosch is home to the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore themed gardens, including the Fragrance Garden, Protea Garden, and the famous Boomslang Treetop Canopy Walkway, which offers stunning views over the gardens.
Nearby Locations
- Constantia Wine Farms – A historic wine region offering wine tastings and vineyard tours.
- Table Mountain – A world-famous landmark ideal for hiking or taking a cable car ride.
Ticket Price
- R220 for adults
- R40 for children
Entry includes access to all garden areas, walking trails, and picnic spots.
Things to Do
- Walk the treetop canopy bridge – The Boomslang Walkway is a curved bridge offering panoramic views.
- Explore exotic plant species – Discover over 7,000 plant species, including the rare King Protea.
- Enjoy picnics – Relax in the gardens with a meal from the Kirstenbosch Tea Room or bring your own.
Hotels Nearby
- The Cellars-Hohenort – A luxury hotel with stunning gardens and mountain views.
- Vineyard Hotel – A peaceful retreat with direct access to scenic walking trails.
Nearest Airport
- Cape Town International Airport is 14 miles away, with taxis and shuttles available.
Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich places to visit in Cape Town. Known for its brightly colored houses, cobbled streets, and deep-rooted history, this neighborhood is a symbol of Cape Malay heritage. Located on the slopes of Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap dates back to the 1760s, when freed slaves from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Africa settled here, bringing with them unique traditions, food, and architecture.
Nearby Locations
- City Centre – Cape Town’s bustling hub, home to restaurants, markets, and historical buildings.
- Signal Hill – A scenic viewpoint offering sunset views over the city and Atlantic Ocean.
Ticket Price
- Free entry to the neighborhood
- Bo-Kaap Museum: Small fee of around R30 per person
Things to Do
- Take photos of the vibrant houses – The bright pastel-colored buildings make Bo-Kaap one of the most Instagrammable places in Cape Town.
- Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum – Learn about the Cape Malay community’s history and culture in a restored 18th-century house.
- Try Cape Malay cuisine – Enjoy traditional dishes like Bobotie, Samoosas, and Koeksisters at local eateries.
Hotels Nearby
- Taj Cape Town – A luxury hotel located in the historic heart of Cape Town.
- Hilton Cape Town City Centre – A modern hotel offering easy access to Bo-Kaap and the city’s attractions.
Nearest Airport
- Cape Town International Airport is 12 miles away, with taxis and shuttles readily available.
Bo-Kaap is a must-visit place in Cape Town, offering a mix of history, culture, and incredible food, making it an essential stop for any traveler.
Conclusion
Cape Town is a city that offers breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and exciting adventures. Whether you want to hike up Table Mountain, explore the historic Robben Island, or relax at Boulders Beach with African penguins, there are endless places to visit in Cape Town that cater to all interests. The city’s vibrant culture, delicious food, and friendly locals make every visit special.
Plan your Cape Town trip in 2025 and experience the beauty of this incredible city. From stunning coastlines to cultural landmarks, every moment here is unforgettable. So pack your bags and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Cape Town?
The best time to visit Cape Town is from November to March when the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities. If you prefer fewer crowds, visiting in April or September is also a great option.
How much does it cost to visit Cape Town’s top attractions?
Ticket prices vary by attraction. For example, Table Mountain cableway costs R395 for adults, Robben Island tickets start at R600, and Boulders Beach entry is R190 for adults. Many attractions also offer online discounts.
What are the must-do activities in Cape Town?
Some of the best things to do include hiking Table Mountain, visiting the V&A Waterfront, exploring Cape Point, seeing penguins at Boulders Beach, and taking a wine tour in Constantia.
What is the nearest airport to Cape Town’s attractions?
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the main airport, located 13 miles from the city center. Most attractions are within a 30-45 minute drive from the airport.
Is Cape Town safe for tourists?
Yes, Cape Town is safe for tourists, but like any big city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas at night, and keep valuables secure.
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Disclaimer: This blog provides general travel information about Cape Town. Prices, timings, and accessibility may change, so always check official websites before visiting.