GUIDE: the best things to do in Cape Town, South Africa
After visiting the essentials of Cape Town (see our two articles on the most beautiful areas of Cape Town et the essentials of Cape Town), you can relax. After all, you are on vacation! The city offers Excursions for all tastes and all ages. We have listed below the best Cape Town activities in South Africa.
NB: To be sure of having availability (especially for paragliding and scuba diving activities), we recommend booking in advance.
Book your activities in advanceCape Town's best cultural activities: District 6 Museum and Two Oceans Aquarium
If you want to know more about the apartheid period then go to the museum of District 6. It traces the life of this multicultural Cape Town neighborhood which was completely razed to make it an area reserved for whites. Guided tours are recommended because the employees are all former residents of the neighborhood! In short, it is a short but essential visit for us to understand the history of the city.
If you have children then the best cultural activity in Cape Town is the Two Oceans aquarium. This is the opportunity to meet many marine species that will amaze the little ones.
Finally, Cape Town Hospital is known to have been the first hospital to successfully complete a heart transplant. A museum very well done on this feat is to visit downtown.
The best relaxation activities in Cape Town: Clifton beach or massage & spa?
Nothing better to feel on vacation than spending the day at the magnificent Clifton Beach. Protected from the wind unlike Camps Bay, it offers an ideal haven of peace. Llandudno is another magnificent alternative, often less touristy but more distant.
The best of Cape Town's relaxation activities? We advise you the spa & massage center by The Twelve Apostles. Before leaving, have a drink at sunset on their terrace. The view is fantastic! If you want to stay in town, the Mount Nelson Hotel also offers exceptional massages and your whole family can enjoy their beautiful swimming pool for the day.
Cape Town's Best Sports Activities: Seal Diving and Hiking
Cape Town is a sportsman's paradise with a comprehensive list of the best sporting activities. You can do golf near the stadium at Green Point, from kite surfing and surfing in the bay, from paraglider from Lions Head, from snowboarding in sand dunes, big game fishing close to the Cape of Good Hope, assault rifle shooting on a shooting range and even skydiving with a view of the whole peninsula! But what we preferred by far remains the diving with seals in kelp forests. You can do the excursion with bottles or with just a snorkel! No need to dive level! Finally, for those who do not want to take the cable car, you can climb on the half day Table Mountain.
Top Things to Do in Cape Town: Short Market and Bay Cruises
For those who want to go shopping, there is the African art market of Short Market. Also, if your budget allows, a helicopter tour definitely worth it for the magnificent view. The departure is at the Waterfront, as for the cruises in the bay on catamarans or if you have children on a pirate ship (it's one of the best family activities in Cape Town)! Finally, you can add a touch of glamor to your stay by strolling around the city while driving a superb Cobra (daily rental).
The must-see Cape Town walk: Lions Head and Signal Hill at sunset!
At the end of the afternoon, for those who still have energy, the stroll lions head is very popular with locals. Meet at the start of the hike an hour before sunset (the climb is accessible to everyone and takes 1 hour) and get to the top just in time for a great view. We confirm that it's worth the detour! Provide a windbreaker, water and a torch for the descent. For others, you can admire the sunset from a little lower from Signal Hill (accessible by car).
Safari from Cape Town: Aquila Private Reserve in South Africa
The large animal parks are all in the North of the country as the Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park. The only national park hosting BIG 5 in Cape Province is Addo Elephant Park at the end of the Garden Route. If you don't have time explore the garden route ou North of South Africa and you really want to go on a safari excursion then we advise you to look at the offers Aquila private reserve. Located 2 hours by car from Cape Town, this safari park offers daytime activities but also stays over several days. This is the only place where you can see the BIG 5 near Cape Town. It is not worth the grandeur of the national parks mentioned above but it is a pleasant experience if you stay in Cape Town all your vacation.
Book your safari in AquilaSleep in a central area of Cape Town in a quality B&B
To stay in Cape Town, The Villa Rosa is an excellent guest house located in Sea Point – an area close to the city center and the sea. It is perfect for being both close to the restaurants/bars of Kloof street and not far from the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton. Plus, you'll be right next to the famous seaside promenade and Mojo Market.
Check availabilityFor more options, read our article on Cape Town hotels we recommend.
Or the one who details the best areas to stay in Cape Town, South Africa.
Our tips for a successful trip:
- Book your flight in advance to take advantage of the best prices
Airline ticket prices are cheaper when booked 6 to 3 months in advance. To be sure of getting the best price, we recommend using a flight comparator such as Skyscanner.
- Book your accommodation before departure to have access to the best offers
You will always find a room at the last minute, but the best located accommodations are necessarily those that are always full. That's why it's best to book your accommodations as soon as possible. We recommend going through Agoda which offers the best prices. In addition, this site allows you to be easily reimbursed in the event of cancellation.
- Skip the line to visit the most popular attractions
By booking your excursions in advance on Civitatis, you do not queue on site to get your tickets. Less time waiting = more time enjoying your vacation! Plus, their guided tours ensure you have a knowledgeable guide who speaks your language.
- Use a comparator to find a rental car at the lowest price
Save yourself hours of research with rentalcar.com ou discovercars.com. These comparators are the best for finding rental cars at the lowest prices.
- Don't leave without travel insurance
For us, it is unimaginable to leave without travel insurance. We recommend the one proposed by AXIS. This is the best guaranteed way to leave with peace of mind. However, consider taking out additional specialized insurance for activities not covered (such as skiing or scuba diving).
- Want more information about your destination?
Do not hesitate to complete the information present on this blog with a travel Guide. You can take it in your luggage and refer to it throughout your vacation.
To find out more about South Africa:
The itinéterre team
Itinéterre is a travel blog written by a team of expatriates and locals. They share their experiences so that you can enjoy the best tours in their countries. Their advice will help you plan your vacation easily as if a local is accompanying you!
