Skip to Content

15 BEST Things to do in Cape Town, South Africa

15 BEST Things to do in Cape Town, South Africa

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Looking for the best activities in Cape Town? You’re in the right spot!

With mountains, beaches, and world-class wineries, I think it’s safe to say that there’s plenty to do in Cape Town. It’s the kind of place where you could spend months, but it would still leave you wanting more. So if you’re only here for a few days, how do you make sure to see the best of the city?

Well, our top 15 list is here to make things a little easier for you. We’ve compiled the best activities and tours to showcase the city’s spectacular coastline, jaw-dropping mountains, and incredible wildlife. Doing activities with a guide is also one of the best ways to stay safe in Cape Town, so let’s get into it! 

Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity

Lion seen on a safari from Cape Town South Africa

Don’t have time to read the full article?

Our personal FAVORITE Cape Town activity was this Big Five safari. We saw some of South Africa’s most iconic animals on a guided safari, including elephants, rhinos, lions, and more!

Check out the 550+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

Tip: Reserve this tour here and access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.

Things to do in Cape Town, South Africa

1. Visit Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and penguins on a day trip

A sign at the Cape of Good Hope near Cape Town South Africa
The southernmost point on the African continent!
Taking the cable car down Table Mountain in Cape Town South Africa
The Table Mountain cable car offers incredible views
  • Duration: 8 – 10 hours
  • Time: 7:05 am 
  • Highlights: Bo Kaap, Table Mountain, Chapman’s Peak Scenic Drive, Boulders Beach penguin colony, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point lighthouse, colorful beach huts in Muizenberg
  • Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, bottled water, toll fee at Chapman’s Peak
  • Rating: 4.8 stars (check 2,000+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: yes
  • Price: Check price here!

This full-day tour does an incredible job of ticking off some of Cape Town’s most important highlights! It really showcases the beauty and variety of the Mother City, and one of the best parts is not having to drive yourself—drivers in Cape Town can be a little aggressive, and navigating the city can be stressful. So why not leave it to a pro?

The day begins in the colorful neighborhood of Bo Kaap. If you’ve ever Googled Cape Town, then you’ve probably seen photos of the brightly painted homes here—it’s even more vibrant in person! Next up is Table Mountain, the city’s most famous attraction. Cable car tickets aren’t included, but they’re absolutely worth it for the panoramic views at the top, which are some of the best in Cape Town.

The journey then continues along Chapman’s Peak Scenic Drive, where red cliffs drop dramatically into the turquoise ocean. It’s a fantastic way to take in this route without the hassle of hiring a car. After that, the tour heads to Simon’s Town, home to the famous Boulders Beach penguin colony. Watching the adorable African penguins waddle along the sand is a moment that’s hard to beat.

The day wraps up with stops at Cape Point, where you can climb to the top of the lighthouse for sweeping views, and the laid-back surfer town of Muizenberg. It’s a long day of sightseeing, but travelers consistently say it’s one of the most rewarding ways to see Cape Town’s highlights in just one trip.

2. Go wine tasting in the famous Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch regions

Daniel-and-Bailey-take-a-selfie-while-drinking-wine-near-Cape Town South Africa
Cheers!
A vineyard in Franschhoek near Cape Town South Africa
Franschhoek is gorgeous
  • Duration: 8 hours 
  • Time: 8:30 am 
  • Highlights: visiting 3-4 wineries, small group tour, delicious lunch, lots of wine and food 
  • Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, 3-4 wine tastings, lunch, professional driver and guide
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 900+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: yes
  • Price: Check price here!

I’m not kidding when I say that wine tasting is an absolute must while you’re in Cape Town! The three main wine regions that surround the city are Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch, and this organized tour hits all three of them. Honestly, we couldn’t have loved it any more. It was the best day ever! 

Now, I can’t tell you exactly which wineries you’ll visit on this tour, because our guide, Bruce, told us that it varies from day to day. However, given that this tour has HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews, I can definitely say that they’ll be excellent! 

We visited four very different wineries and got to try so many different South African wines at each. We loved the rustic vibes at Fairview Winery in Paarl, and we got to do a cellar tour here which was so much fun. There was also a cheese tasting, which was even better! 

My personal favorite winery, though, was Le Pommier in Stellenbosch, which had the most delicious red wines, and such beautiful views that it almost didn’t feel real. We also saw ostriches at the Eikehoff winery in Franschhoek, which was pretty cool.

All the wineries were fantastic, but the day really wouldn’t have been the same without Bruce. He was an incredible guide who made us laugh and really brought our tour group together. Obviously, having a designated driver is super handy on a wine tour, but Bruce was so much more than that!

All in all, we highly recommend this tour. It was easily one of the best things we did in Cape Town, and we will 100% do it again when we return.

3. V&A Waterfront

V and A Waterfront and Cape Town South Africa
V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is where Cape Town comes alive—part working harbor, part entertainment hub, and one of the city’s most popular spots for a good reason. Between the shopping, dining, and sightseeing, it’s easy to spend an entire day here with Table Mountain as your backdrop.

We love browsing the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, home to everything from local designer boutiques to well-known international brands. Food lovers are spoiled for choice, with countless restaurants and cafes overlooking the harbor. For a special treat, The Silo Rooftop offers panoramic views and an elevated dining experience that’s worth booking ahead for.

The Waterfront is also a hub for attractions like the Two Oceans Aquarium, where you can get up close with penguins, sharks, and colorful marine life unique to South Africa’s coast. Those looking for something active can try SUPing on the canals, a fun way to see the harbor from a different perspective.

4. Spot wildlife on a safari

An elephant on a safari from Cape Town South Africa
It was amazing how many animals we saw!
A rhino on a safari from Cape Town South Africa
Rhinos are just as cool in real life
  • Duration: 10 hours 
  • Time: 8:30 am 
  • Highlights: spotting the most famous African animals on a game drive, spending time at a luxurious resort, driving along the Du Toitskloof Pass, wine tasting on the way back to the city, stop at Du Kloof Lodge
  • Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, private driver and guide
  • Rating: 4.8 stars (check 550+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

One of the biggest draws of traveling to South Africa is spotting the Big Five on a safari. And by the Big Five, I’m referring to the group of African mammals that are considered the most difficult and dangerous to hunt: elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, and lions.

The only problem is that you don’t tend to find these that close to Cape Town! Luckily, we booked this safari tour, which involves a 2-hour drive around a game reserve. It’s not quite the same as seeing these animals in the wild, but it does come pretty close! 

We booked this tour based on the hundreds of 5-star reviews (check them out here), and it provided transport to a luxurious game reserve, where we had an amazing day.

When we arrived at the reserve, we did have to pay the entry fee on the day, so just bear that in mind when budgeting! We paid R1,690 ($93 USD) as we went during the high season, which covered a game drive, a buffet lunch, and use of the gorgeous on-site infinity pool. Bring your bathing suit! 

The leader of our game drive, Charlie, was knowledgeable and taught us so much about animal behavior. We spotted four out of the Big Five (no leopards, sadly!), as well as hippos, giraffes, springboks, and zebras. It was an incredible experience and one that we will remember for a long time to come. 

On the way back to the city, we stopped for a wine tasting in Du Toitskloof in Paarl. Du Toitskloof is a very well-known local wine, and the tasting only cost R50 ($2 USD), so we were very happy to partake! 

This tour was the best experience that we had in Cape Town. Spotting wildlife, tasting wine, and hanging out at a luxurious resort is pretty hard to beat! So honestly, if you only book one tour in Cape Town, I suggest that you make it this one. 

5. Eat your way through the city

Cape Town Culinary Tours food on a food tour in Cape Town South Africa
The food here is out of this world! Photo credit: Cape Town Culinary Tours
Cape Town Culinary Tours a treat on a food tour in Cape Town South Africa
Make sure to leave room for dessert. Photo credit: Cape Town Culinary Tours
  • Duration: 4 hours 
  • Time: 12 pm or 1 pm 
  • Highlights: sampling lots of Cape Malay food, trying local favorites, exploring Bo Kaap, checking out trendy Bree Street, visiting De Waterkant
  • Inclusions: food tastings, beer, wine, tea and coffee, professional guide 
  • Rating: 5 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

This food tour is hands down our favorite way to spend an afternoon in Cape Town! Before traveling to Cape Town, we didn’t realize what an incredible foodie city it is and a lot of the best food we had was on this small-group food tour with our awesome guide, Marianne. 

We kicked off the tour by exploring the famous Bo Kaap area, which is known for its colorful houses but is also home to some incredible Cape Malay food. We loved trying Koeksisters and Chakalaka here, which are two of the most iconic (and delicious!) South African dishes. I especially enjoyed washing the chakalaka down with some local craft beer! 

Then, we crossed over to De Waterkant, which is a really pretty enclave with pastel-painted houses. It’s not as famous as Bo Kaap but it’s actually even more photogenic, so bring your camera! We visited a local cafe and b&b, and enjoyed some bobotie up on the roof. Then, we did a wine tasting, enjoyed some Malva pudding for dessert, and finished the tour at a waterfront bar in the Foreshore area. 

Marianne did tell us that the tour itinerary changes day to day, so you won’t necessarily visit the same places and eat the same things that we did. But trust me, if you’re with Marianne, then you’ll be in very good hands – she’s the best! 

We would recommend this tour to absolutely anyone who wants to get to know Cape Town better. It’s a fantastic way to get your bearings, geographically speaking, and we always say that the best way to get to know a new city is through its stomach.

6. Explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town South Africa
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Tucked against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is often ranked among the most beautiful in the world—and it’s easy to see why. 

Spread across 528 hectares, it showcases South Africa’s incredible diversity of indigenous plants in a landscape that blends manicured lawns, shaded forests, and bursts of colorful blooms. Admission is 250 ZAR (about $14 USD) per person, and it’s worth every cent for the chance to experience one of the city’s most peaceful outdoor escapes.

Even if you’re not usually a “gardens” person, Kirstenbosch has a way of winning you over. You can wander quiet pathways lined with proteas, cross the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway, known as the Boomslang, for treetop views of the mountains, or tackle Skeleton Gorge, a challenging trail that climbs right up Table Mountain.

Kirstenbosch also comes alive with a variety of events throughout the year. In summer, locals gather on Sunday afternoons for outdoor concerts (see who’s performing and get tickets here) and the Galileo Open Air Cinema screens movies beneath the stars. Whether you come for the scenery, the trails, or the atmosphere, Kirstenbosch captures the natural beauty and laid-back charm that make Cape Town unforgettable.

Related Read: Wondering where to stay during your trip? Our Cape Town hotel guide goes through the safest and best areas to stay in with hotels for all budgets!

7. Get your adrenaline pumping on a zipline 

SA Forest Adventures zipline near Table Mountain Cape Town South Africa
This is such an adrenaline rush! Photo credit: SA Forest Adventures
Flowers near Table Mountain on a ziplining tour from Cape Town South Africa
We loved learning about the local flora around Table Mountain
  • Duration: 2 hours 
  • Time: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm 
  • Highlights: exciting zipline course, amazing views of Table Mountain, seeing the flora of the Cape Fynbos kingdom
  • Inclusions: access to the zipline course, safety equipment, friendly guides, bottled water
  • Rating: 5 stars (check 3,800+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

You’ll have a blast tackling this zipline course, which just so happens to be one of the longest in Africa! It’s situated in the eastern foothills of Table Mountain, offering amazing views of the “other” side of the mountain as you zoom from platform to platform.

This tour consistently gets rave reviews for good reason. The course features seven different lines of varying lengths and gradients, and the time seems to fly by—literally!

The guides are fantastic—always encouraging, especially for anyone feeling a little nervous before that first launch. They’re friendly, happy to snap photos, and quick with a joke to keep the mood light. 

Plus, the tour moves at an ideal pace, giving everyone time to catch their breath and soak in the views from each platform. And because it’s a small-group experience, there’s very little waiting around, so the energy stays high and the fun never lets up.

All in all, this is not only a fun, adrenaline-fueled experience, but it’s also a great way to take in the beauty of Cape Town.

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

8. See the best views of Cape Town on a helicopter tour

A helicopter flies over Cape Town South Africa
We had some incredible views of Cape Town
Cape Point on a helicopter tour from Cape Town South Africa
Not to mention Cape Point!
  • Duration: 25 minutes 
  • Time: 9 am – 5:30 pm 
  • Highlights: aerial views of Table Mountain, the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, Signal Hill, the Twelve Apostles, the Atlantic Seaboard, and the Southern Suburbs 
  • Inclusions: hotel pickup, 25-minute helicopter flight, live commentary
  • Rating: 4.8 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

With its majestic mountains and pristine coastline, Cape Town is easily one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. So what better way to see it than from a helicopter?

This 25-minute flight is one of our favorite trip memories. We flew along the Atlantic coast, past popular areas like Sea Point, the Clifton Beaches, Camps Bay, and the gorgeous Llandudno Beach. Then, the scenery only got more dramatic as we flew along the dramatic False Bay coast, past Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak.

We couldn’t help but “ooh” and “aah” at the craggy mountains and pristine beaches as we soared over it all. 

We then flew inland over Cape Town’s southern suburbs back to our starting point, so we were basically following Table Mountain. It was honestly incredible to see how one city can be home to such a variety of landscapes. This flight definitely made us fall even deeper in love with Cape Town, which we didn’t think was possible!

9. Visit Museums

Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town South Africa
Photo credit: Zeitz MOCAA
Iziko Museums of South Africa in Cape Town South Africa
Photo credit: Iziko Museums of South Africa

Exploring Cape Town’s museums is one of the best ways to understand the city beyond its beaches and mountain views. Each space tells a different story of resilience, creativity, and identity, revealing the history that shapes the modern town.

At its heart is the District Six Museum, housed in the former multicultural neighborhood torn apart during apartheid. For around 60 ZAR (about $3.50 USD), you can explore moving exhibits and even join guided tours led by former residents who bring the place’s past to life.

Not far away in the colourful Bo‑Kaap district, where the food tour visits, the Iziko Bo­Kaap Museum is one of the area’s oldest homes. With an admission of about 80 ZAR (around $5 USD), it provides an intimate window into the Cape Malay community’s history through architecture, homewares, and stories rooted in place.

For a modern contrast, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) takes centre stage in the repurposed Silo building. At roughly 260 ZAR ($15 USD) for entry, it stands as the largest contemporary African art museum in the world. Built inside a converted grain silo, its soaring concrete chambers reimagined into one of the most striking architectural spaces in Africa.

Whether you’re drawn to history, culture, or art, Cape Town’s museums offer an unforgettable look at the soul of the city.

10. Cycle around Cape Town

AWOL Tours bike tour in Cape Town South Africa
Biking Cape Town is easily one of the best ways to see it! Photo credit: AWOL Tours
The colorful streets of Bo Kaap in Cape Town South Africa
We loved biking through the colorful streets of Bo Kaap
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Time: 10 am or 2 pm 
  • Highlights: Bo Kaap, Green Point Park, the Company’s Garden, Adderley Street, the Castle of Good Hope
  • Inclusions: bike or e-bike rental, professional guide, helmet 
  • Rating: 4.8 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

Cycling around Cape Town in the South African sunshine is such an amazing way to see the city! We had the best time on this 3-hour tour and loved seeing the city’s highlights on two wheels. In my opinion, this would be the perfect tour to do if you’re short on time in the city!

We loved our guide, Mike. He knew so much about the city’s history, gave us some helpful safety tips, and amazing restaurant recommendations. He was clearly a very experienced guide, and he did a great job of accommodating everybody in our group and ensuring that no one got left behind.

We went for regular bikes, as the route isn’t too hilly, but there’s also the option to rent e-bikes if you’d like to save your energy! 

From colorful Bo Kaap to Green Point Park, this tour showcased central Cape Town well. Lots of tours focus on attractions that are further out of the city, but this cycling tour showed us the areas where locals tend to spend time and live their daily lives.

So if you’re looking for a fun way to get to know Cape Town better, then be sure to grab your spot on this cycling tour! 

11. Take a sunrise or sunset hike at Lion’s Head

Sunrise over Cape Town South Africa on a hike 2
Sunrise over Cape Town
View on a hike from Cape Town South Africa
One of the views on the way back down!
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Time: 3:30 am, 4 am, 6 am, 4 pm, or 4:30 pm
  • Highlights: incredible sunrise/sunset views from the top of Lion’s Head, hiking with a knowledgeable local guide, convenient transport and trail knowledge, private or shared tour options
  • Inclusions: transportation (hotel pick up if selected), headlamps
  • Rating: 5 stars (check 1,200+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

Hiking is easily one of our favorite pastimes, although it’s not always super easy abroad. We have to figure out transportation, find the trailhead (which can be surprisingly difficult) and ensure trail safety – I often skip out on epic hikes just because I don’t want the hassle!

That’s why we were so excited to find this guided sunrise or sunset hike at Lion’s Head. This is one of Cape Town’s most popular hiking spots, located in Table Mountain National Park, and going at sunrise or sunset is definitely the best time to go. We opted to go at sunrise, but either option is incredible!

Our guide, Kurt, picked us up from our hotel and knew exactly where to go. This hike definitely isn’t a walk in the park, which is another reason we were happy to have Kurt with us. He led the way, made sure we were staying hydrated and taking breaks, and encouraged us as we made the climb. The trail is about 4.5 kilometers (about 2.8 miles) in total, so while it’s not super long, there is a relatively steep climb.

We had a lot of fun climbing up the mountain with our headlamps that Kurt brought, as it was still dark when we took off. Again – he is a lifesaver!

Even though this isn’t an easy hike, it’s one of the top activities for a reason – the views make it all worth it! I will never forget the incredible sunrise over the mountains with the ocean sprawling below. It’s a stunning sight!

Overall, this hike was a ton of fun and worth any effort. You can choose to take a shared or private tour, and if you want hotel pick up or not – so it’s all super flexible. We loved this experience and certainly aren’t the only ones, check out the 1,000+ 5-star reviews here!

12. Experience the buzz of Kloof Street

Kloof Street House in Cape Town South Africa
Photo credit: Kloof Street House

Few places capture Cape Town’s energy quite like Kloof Street. Running through the Gardens neighborhood with Table Mountain as its backdrop, this lively stretch is packed with trendy restaurants, bars, and cafés that spill out onto the sidewalks. Whether you’re stopping by for brunch or hopping between bars after dark, Kloof Street has a rhythm all its own.

Locals and travelers mix easily here, and it’s one of the few areas in Cape Town where it feels safe to walk from spot to spot at night. Dinner at Kloof Street House is a must here—this restaurant’s cozy, eclectic interior and twinkling garden lights make it one of the city’s favorites. 

For something a bit more laid-back, Blondie draws a cool crowd for casual drinks and great music. A few doors down, Rick’s Café Américain feels straight out of Casablanca, complete with a rooftop terrace that’s perfect for sunset drinks. And if you’re after a lively social scene, Yours Truly delivers with its leafy courtyard and easygoing vibe that keeps both locals and travelers coming back.

No matter the time of day, Kloof Street hums with energy and is a place where good food, great company, and mountain views all come together effortlessly.

13. See wildlife on a boat tour

Dolphin jumps out of the water near Cape Town South Africa
It’s so cool being right up next to them!
View of Cape Town South Africa from the water
The view of Cape Town from the water is stunning
  • Duration: 2 hours 
  • Time: 7 am, 9 am, 11:30 am, 5 pm
  • Highlights: spotting local marine life, including dolphins, seals, and penguins; views of Table Mountain and Robben Island; small group tour; professional skipper and guide
  • Inclusions: boat ride, professional guide, life jackets 
  • Rating: 5 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

For anyone looking to see Cape Town from a different perspective, this boat tour offers an unforgettable way to experience the Atlantic coast and its abundant marine life. Cruising along the water and spotting dolphins swimming beside the boat is something few experiences can top!

Not only are dolphins a common sight, but lucky passengers might also see African penguins riding the waves, sunfish drifting on their sides, and plenty of Cape Fur seals. Each time an animal is spotted, the skipper—often Paul—turns off the engine so everyone can enjoy a close-up view. It feels a bit like a marine safari!

Paul is known for his deep knowledge of Cape Town’s marine ecosystem and his uncanny ability to find wildlife. He even adjusts the route daily based on sightings and weather conditions to give passengers the best possible chance of seeing something special.

All in all, this boat tour is a must-do while visiting Cape Town. It’s the perfect way to take in the city’s coastal beauty and spot fascinating marine creatures, all with Table Mountain’s dramatic backdrop in view.

14. Explore the Cape Peninsula on a private tour

Penguins seen on a tour in Cape Town South Africa
Check out these cuties!
Hout Bay near Cape Town South Africa
Hout Bay
  • Duration: 6-9 hours 
  • Time: 8:30 am – 10 am 
  • Highlights: customizable itinerary, Bo Kaap, Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach penguin colony, Muizenberg
  • Inclusions: private driver and guide, private air-conditioned car, customizable itinerary
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

Last, but certainly not least, we think that this private tour of the Cape Peninsula is the ideal way to see as many of Cape Town’s highlights as possible in just one day. It’s truly the perfect tour if you only have a few days to spend in Cape Town. 

What we love about this tour is that since it’s a private tour, the itinerary is fully customizable. It’s truly your day, your way! Your private driver will take you all over the Cape Peninsula, so you can tick off all of the must-see highlights such as Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach, and more. 

We had already done those things on another tour that we did, so we asked our driver to take us to Camps Bay and Hout Bay to start with. We enjoyed the atmosphere along the Camps Bay strip, checked out the Hout Bay Harbour Market, and checked out two pristine beaches in the area. We even saw some penguins!

Then we went behind what our driver, Michael, called Cape Town’s “lentil curtain” to check out the hippie areas of Kalk Bay and Muizenberg. We loved the Kalk Bay tidal pools and seeing all of the artsy boutiques, and we were super impressed by Muizenberg’s gorgeous surfing beach. 

We had the best day, because we got to do exactly what we wanted, and we had Michael’s full attention the entire time. He was a fantastic, friendly guide who went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing day.

15. Relax at the Clifton Beaches

Clifton Beaches in Cape Town South Africa
The Clifton Beaches

When it comes to sun, sand, and scenery, Clifton easily claims the title for Cape Town’s best beaches. This upscale seaside neighborhood is famous for its four small coves, each separated by giant granite boulders and framed by white sand and turquoise water. 

While you’ll find fewer casual beach bars or cafés here, that’s part of the charm—Clifton is all about pure, unspoiled beauty. You can rent umbrellas right on the sand for around 60 ZAR (about $4 USD), and local hawkers come by selling ice-cold drinks and snacks (most accept cards these days). 

Be ready for a bit of a workout, though—the first three beaches have plenty of steps leading down to the shore. Clifton 1st is dog-friendly and popular with families, while 3rd Beach is known as the city’s unofficial gay beach. The most popular, Clifton 4th, is the easiest to access, with nearby parking, public toilets, and a sheltered bay that makes it slightly better for swimming.

The Atlantic Ocean here is icy year-round, but the views make up for it with white sand, rocky cliffs, and Table Mountain rising in the distance. Best of all, Clifton is just a 15-minute drive from most central neighborhoods, making this a must-visit spot for anyone looking to unwind and take in some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the city.

Related Read: Not sure how to plan your time in the city? Check out our 5-Day Cape Town itinerary here! It breaks down the perfect balance of city sights, coastal drives, and day trips to make the most of your visit.

Where to Stay in Cape Town, South Africa

The Onyx in Cape Town South Africa
Photo credit: The Onyx

Now that you’ve planned the perfect Cape Town itinerary, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! I love staying in Cape Town because you can have those luxury waterfront resorts, trendy city stays, or something closer to nature.

There are also a lot of great options for a range of budgets, so I’ve listed three great options for a luxury, mid-range, or budget hotel.

Luxury – $$$

The Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa will give you a luxury stay, no matter if you book a double room or a penthouse suite (the choice is yours!). The entire hotel is trendy and modern, and you can enjoy views of the pool, mountains, or ocean from your balcony. Located in Sea Point, you’ll be close to the beach and not far from Cape Town’s best sights.

Room prices fluctuate but can start as low as $200 or $400, so I recommend booking early to secure the best price. Book this stay on Booking.com!

Mid-range – $$

The Onyx Apartment Hotel is an excellent mid-range pick, located in Central Cape Town. These apartment-style rooms offer everything you need for a comfortable stay, including stylish furnishings, rooms with balconies, two onsite pools, and a restaurant. 

Prices start around $180 and can be booked on Booking.com.

Budget – $

I love the MOY Guesthouse & Backpackers for a budget option because you can choose between a boutique private room, or a well-kept dorm room! Regardless of which you choose, you can enjoy the shared lounge, ensuite bathrooms, or enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, cycling, or hiking – all of which are nearby!

You can get a shared dorm room for about $23 USD or a private room starting at $75 USD. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

For more options, see all of Cape Town’s hotels here!

AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code “DTRAVEL15”

What’s an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. It connects your phone to a local network in whatever country you’re visiting — no stores, no waiting, and no fiddling with tiny cards.

In simple terms, it’s the easiest way to get data and stay connected while traveling.

We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.

💡 Bonus: We’ve got an exclusive 15% discount for our readers. Use the codes:

Thanks for reading!

Daniel-and-Bailey-pose-on-the-beach-in Cape Town South Africa
Thanks for reading!

Cape Town is full of adventure, whether you’re in the city, in the mountains, or on a safari! We loved exploring this vibrant city and are already looking forward to our next trip. Even if you only check off one or two of the things on this list, you’re guaranteed to have a good time!

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides. We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and top travel tips. I’ll leave a few blogs below to encourage your travel inspiration – cheers!

10 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Perth

15 BEST Safaris in Sri Lanka + 5 BEST National Parks

10 BEST Things to do in Rome, Italy

10 Best Things to do in Fez, Morocco

Tabisa Donyeli

Saturday 5th of April 2025

Would like to visit

Benita Ekong

Monday 3rd of March 2025

Beautiful