Unforgettable Experiences: The Best Things to Do in Cape Town

Wine, Food and Culture

Cape Town’s Sophisticated Side

Cape Town’s culinary scene has earned global recognition, blending international creativity with distinctly South African flair.

Start with a long lunch at La Colombe in Constantia, consistently ranked among the world’s best restaurants, where dishes are as much art as cuisine. Or for something more local, explore the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill, a vibrant showcase of small producers, artisan foods, and creative energy.

Wine lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice. While nearby Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are world-renowned, the Constantia Valley offers elegant tastings just 20 minutes from the city — think rolling vineyards, centuries-old estates, and views that go on forever.

For art and culture, spend time at Zeitz MOCAA, the largest contemporary art museum in Africa, and wander through the Bo-Kaap, where every colour tells a story.

Off the Beaten Path

Hidden Cape Town

The magic of Cape Town lies not only in its icons, but in its quieter corners — the places that locals love.

Spend a morning at Oranjezicht City Farm Market, where ocean views meet organic produce and boutique coffee stands. Head to Muizenberg, a relaxed surf town with colourful beach huts and a bohemian spirit, or explore Kalk Bay, filled with quirky shops, seafood cafés, and oceanfront charm.

For something unexpected, visit Woodstock’s street art scene with a local guide, uncovering vibrant murals that speak to the city’s creative pulse. Or escape to Silvermine Nature Reserve, part of Table Mountain National Park, where you can hike peaceful trails surrounded by native fynbos and cool mountain air.

These are the moments that make Cape Town unforgettable, the quiet encounters, the hidden views, the feeling that you’ve discovered something just for yourself.

Savour the Vineyards of Stellenbosch

Just a short drive from Cape Town lies the scenic region of Stellenbosch, renowned for its beautiful vineyards and world-class wines. Embark on a wine tour and engage in wine tasting experiences that showcase the best wines South Africa has to offer. Here, you can stroll through charming estates, enjoy gourmet food pairings, and learn about the winemaking process from experts. A visit to Stellenbosch is not just a treat for the palate, but also an enriching cultural experience.

Franschhoek

The Culinary Heart of the Winelands

Just under an hour from Cape Town, Franschhoek is a valley defined by vineyards, French heritage, and some of the most celebrated restaurants in South Africa. Spend the day riding the Franschhoek Wine Tram, drifting through rolling vineyards as you hop between estates known for elegant Chardonnay, standout Syrah, and farm-to-table dining with mountain views.

Franschhoek is also one of the few places where picnics are elevated to an art form. Many estates offer beautifully prepared picnic baskets filled with local cheeses, charcuterie, fresh breads and seasonal produce. Guests can settle under ancient oak trees, wander through manicured gardens, or spread out a blanket beside the vines for a long, lazy afternoon in the sunshine. It’s a simple pleasure delivered with unmistakable South African flair.

For those who love to venture off the beaten track, visit family-run boutique wineries for intimate cellar tastings, wander through the Huguenot Memorial Museum, or take a sunrise hike in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, where the stillness and scenery feel almost cinematic.

Cape Town is a destination that stays with you; a rare combination of sweeping landscapes, vibrant culture, and easy, understated luxury. From the beaches and Winelands to nearby coastal towns like Hermanus, every day brings something new to discover.

Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or simply seeking a change of pace, Cape Town offers a balance of adventure and calm that few places can match.

Iconic Experiences

The Heart of Cape Town

No trip to Cape Town would be complete without a few of its timeless highlights.

• Table Mountain: One cannot visit Cape Town without experiencing the breathtaking views from Table Mountain. This iconic landmark offers a stunning panoramic view of the city, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding mountain ranges. Take a cable car ride to the summit, which is an adventure in itself, or, for the more adventurous souls, hike one of the many trails leading to the top. No matter your choice, the view is an unforgettable sight that will stay with you long after your visit.

• Robben Island: A visit here offers both perspective and poignancy — a place that brings Nelson Mandela’s story vividly to life.

• V&A Waterfront: More than just a shopping district, this is a lively hub of culture, dining, and design. From boutique galleries to live music, it’s perfect for an easy afternoon. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, affectionately known as the V&A Waterfront, is a bustling hub of activity and a must-visit when in Cape Town. Featuring an array of shops, restaurants, and attractions, it's the perfect place to spend a leisurely day. You can enjoy shopping for South African crafts, embark on a boat ride to Robben Island, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with friends and family.

• Families will love the Two Oceans Aquarium, while couples might prefer a private yacht cruise at sunset — glass of Chenin Blanc in hand as the sun dips behind Signal Hill.Discover the Marvels of Table Mountain.

The Great Outdoors

Nature in Every Direction

One of Cape Town’s greatest luxuries is space. In minutes, you can leave the city behind and find yourself surrounded by wilderness.

Take a day trip to Cape Point, where dramatic cliffs meet the ocean and baboons roam the fynbos. Stop en route at Boulders Beach to walk alongside the famous African penguin colony, a delight for children and adults alike.

For an unforgettable drive, follow Chapman’s Peak Drive, often cited among the most scenic coastal routes in the world. Pause at hidden lookouts for sweeping views, or enjoy a picnic overlooking Noordhoek Beach.

If you’re craving adventure, try paragliding from Signal Hill, kayaking with dolphins in False Bay, or a sunrise hike up Lion’s Head. Each experience shows a new side of the city, one that feels refreshingly alive.

Hermanus

A Coastal Escape with Wild Beauty

A scenic drive of around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours from Cape Town brings you to Hermanus, a coastal town where nature takes centre stage and the landscape feels wonderfully alive. The journey itself is part of the experience — especially if you follow the R44 coastal road, a route carved into cliff edges with sweeping views of False Bay and endless opportunities to stop and soak in the scenery.

While Hermanus is celebrated as one of the world’s best land-based whale watching destinations, its wildlife offering extends far beyond its famous Southern Rights. From June to November, whales often glide astonishingly close to shore, easily spotted from the Cliff Path, a 10-kilometre trail that winds along the coastline with panoramic viewpoints and shaded spots ideal for slow morning walks.

Outside whale season, the waters remain just as captivating. Dolphins arc effortlessly through the surf, Cape fur seals warm themselves on sunlit rocks, and coastal birdlife thrives above the Atlantic swells. For those wanting a closer encounter, marine eco-tours explore the rich biodiversity of Walker Bay, where you might spot humpbacks, Bryde’s whales, African penguins, and occasionally the dramatic sweep of orca.

Inland, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve showcases over 1,600 species of fynbos plants, one of the most diverse floral ecosystems in the world. Its network of well-marked trails offers a serene escape into protea-filled valleys with beautiful sea views.