Top 16 X Things To Do In Beautiful Cape Town!

Views of Cape Town from the top of the Table Mountain

Stunning panoramic views of Cape Town from the top of the iconic Table Mountain.

UPDATED IN DECEMBER 2021

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Cape Town is the most stunning, gorgeous, and intoxicating city in the world!

3 Reasons Why Cape Town Is Worth Visiting?

  • The city showcases one-of-a-kind scenic views.

  • You will find an abundance of nature and animal encounters here promising an experience of a lifetime.

  • Cape Town offers people the ultimate lifestyle: The big city appeals, access to the most beautiful stretch of beaches, the unique nature that surrounds the city which I guarantee you’ll never tire of…and all is right there on your doorstep.

I once called this spectacular city home, and for that, I'm forever grateful!

Best Time To visit Cape Town

Summers begin in November and last until the end of February. Cape Town is a summer paradise; bright blue skies, long sunny days, and very warm temps. Having said that, it is also famous for its unpredictable weather meaning you can get more than one season in a day. During the summer months expect the occasional shower, a couple of chilly evenings, and strong winds.
PRO TIP! Make sure you have a light jacket or windbreaker with you.

Accommodations

Cape Town has a big selection of hotels for you to choose from. From glorious high-end hotels to beautiful boutique hotels as well as international hotel chains and guest houses.

Where To Stay In Cape town

I would recommend staying around Sea Point and Bantry Bay. The views are unbeatable, and it is a pretty central location with regard to exploring the city.
The SILO and Mount Nelson hotels are absolutely at the top of the list experience-wise and to be fair, price-wise as well.

This list features good hotels that are affordable, offering good value for money!

Bantry Bay Suite Hotel

Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Sea Point

The Winchester Hotel

Blackheath Lodge

Traveling During COVID-19

Unfortunately, Corona rules and strict travel restrictions are still here. The latest variant was first discovered in South Africa causing quite a panic worldwide, meaning that from some countries, South Africa is forbidden to travel to. It is key to check the updated situation and Corona requirements from your country before you book and plan your trip!

How To Prepare For Your Next Trip?

The Ultimate Packing List is HERE

Go up Table Mountain- Hike or take the cablecar

Go up Table Mountain- Hike or take the cablecar

The BEST Things To See And Do In Cape Town

  1. Go up the top of Table Mountain. You can either hike up the trail which will take you about four hours or take the cable car. The views in every direction are breathtaking! Opt to watch the sunset, bring drinks and a bite for maximum effect. It will be very busy during the summer period and especially Christmas, travel smart and arrange your tickets online ahead of time. Going on a walk around the Lion's Head and Signal Hill is wonderful too!

  2. Life is a beach! Have a fabulous time on one and preferably more of the sensational beaches. Remember, the ocean's water is ice cold! You won’t be able to actually swim but rather splash around while taking in the sun and the views. Simply chilling.
    On the other side of Cape Town in the area of False Bay, the water is warmer so if swimming is on your mind, head out that way.

    The BEST BEACHES of Cape Town ~ Llandudno, Camps Bay, Clifton, Muizenberg ~ The ultimate family beach. Windmill Beach is in the area of Simon's Town where the water is calm and clear. It’s great for snorkeling and going out on a sup. Bikini Beach ~ Situated in Gordon's Bay, at the foot of the Holland mountain range.

  3. Check out the tidal pools ~ A natural swimming pool! Beautiful, clean waters and so much fun. These pools fill up by both the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean and are located along the coast of the Western Cape. These are of course free to use. This one I discovered during my last trip to Cape Town and was awesome ~ Miller’s Point, past Simon’s Town.

  4. I know the list of breathtaking beaches in Cape Town is long having said that Boulders Beach is definitely one not to be missed:!This is a beach that offers much more!

    Here you have a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with African Penguins who reside here. They are used to people around them, so they love to waddle around and swim right there with you.

    Note: To reach the beach where you can swim with the penguins, pass the nature park, enter through the second entrance on the other side.

  5. Swim with the seals off Hout Bay’s harbor, on Duiker Island.

  6. Enjoy a picnic or a summer event held at the Kirstenbosch Gardens; a tropical jungle on the slope of Table Mountain.

  7. Have lunch/dinner in V & A waterfront. Views, live music, local crafts, sittings on the water’s edge, boutiques, and wonderful food.

  8. Enjoy the sunset and dinner on one of the many hotel rooftops of the city. A reservation well in advance is mandatory!

    Top three rooftops

    • Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar ~ Imagine having your cocktail while looking at breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Cape Town.

    • The Silo Hotel ~ Too stunning for words!

    • A more laidback option is Chinchilla ~ This cool rooftop bar is the attraction on the Camps Bay strip.

The Camps Bay Strip

The Camps Bay Strip

Tidal pool in Camps Bay, Cape Town

A Tidal pool in Camps Bay, Cape Town

Swimming with seals, fun curious creatures!

Swimming with seals. They are such fun and curious creatures!

V and A Waterfront in Cape Town

V & A Waterfront

PRO TIP ~ Make sure you book your activities online enough time in advance. Due to Corona restrictions, all tickets must be purchased online. Tour operators have quotas they need to work with so the number of people who can join tours is more limited these days. Make sure you have secured your place on your chosen tour on your chosen date and time!

GET YOUR GUIDE is my Go-To company: They have an amazing selection of activities and excursions worldwide. They are reliable and offer great prices/value for money. Check them here!

GRAB YOUR IN-DEPTH CAPE TOWN TRAVEL GUIDE INCLUDING THE GARDEN ROUTE NOW!

Let’s continue!

  1. Enjoy an afternoon drink continuing on to dinner on the beach. Grand Cafe & Beach, the Bungalow or The Shimmy; here you can also dance the night away!

  2. Have High Tea in the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel ~ Forget what you think you know about high tea as this is nothing like you’ve tasted before!

  3. Visit Constantia’s Wine Farms to enjoy an afternoon of wine tastings. Stellenbosch is about an hour away from Cape Town and is famous for its wine estates and tastings. If you don't have time to drive there then that this is closer by.

  4. For the thriller seekers ~ Take a Heli ride above Cape Town

  5. Visit Robben Island ~ Since the end of the 17th century, this island has been used for the isolation of mainly political prisoners, the most famous of them being of course Mr. Nelson Mandela; he served 18 years of his 27- year sentence here.

    After him two more former prisoners became presidents! Following the end of apartheid, it operates as a living museum. In 1999 the island was declared a world heritage site. Bear in mind: There are set times for the ferry as well as the tours on the island, it will take about four hours combined. You can not wander around on your own.

    Click Here To Book Your Tours

  6. Cape Town is full of color in more ways than one. South Africa is also known as the Rainbow Nation, finally representing all of its people. Nothing will add more color (and authenticity) to your day like wandering around Bo-Kaap.

    This area truly represents history as well as the change that came with abolishing apartheid, making it an important place to visit. These houses were built and leased to slaves. When slavery finally ended, the houses were bought and painted by the occupants in bright colors in celebration of their freedom.

  7. Take a drive along the coast through Chapman’s peak, the 12 Apostles all the way to the Cape of Good Hope.

Mount Nelson Hotel

Mount Nelson Hotel

Lunch at the Bungalow

Lunch at the Bungalow

Animal encounter at Boulder Beach with the African penguins!

Animal encounter at Boulder Beach with the African penguins!

Bo-Kaap

Bo-Kaap

Bo Kaap Cape Town

The streets of Bo Kaap

BONUS ACTIVITY! Rent an electrical step to enjoy the Sea Point beachfront and more! It’s the best way to discover the area.

Racing down the Sea Point promanade on my electric step

Racing down the Sea Point promanade on my electric step

Have fun!

Before you go, don’t forget to follow me on social for more awesome travel guides and tips ~@mytrendytrail

Don’t hesitate to contact me with any ideas or questions you might have ~

Email me: fromadifferentangle@gmail.com

Yours,

Diti.