Showstopping views come easy to Cape Town, whether scaling the rocky crown of Table Mountain, hiking and penguin-spotting along the Cape Peninsula, or hopping between white sand shores, lush botanical gardens, and offshore winelands. But South Africa’s legislative capital is much more than a pretty face—there are plenty of historical and cultural things to do in Cape Town. Cruise out to UNESCO-listed Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned; check out Woodstock’s booming street art scene, or take a walking tour around the rainbow houses of Bo-Kaap.
Summer in Cape Town (December through February) is warm and dry, but the city can get very busy. A better time to visit is during fall (from March to May), when the weather is still warm, but there are fewer crowds, and still lots of fun things going on—especially for foodies and music fans. Look out for Cape Town Carnival, Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, and the SA Cheese Festival.
Cape Town’s MyCiTi bus service is considered safe, convenient, and has good connections to key landmarks. A hop-on hop-off bus is also a fun way to explore the city and listen to audio commentary at the same time. If you fancy cycling, there are several places that offer bike rental—especially at Sea Point and the V&A Waterfront. The most efficient way to explore the city is by car—there are plenty of car rental companies, or alternatively Uber is an option.
Cape Town’s most famous sandwich is The Gatsby—a foot-long sub with chips, sauce, salad, cheese, fried eggs, and meat/fish. The original Gatsby sandwich was invented by Super Fisheries in Athlone, where you can still try their signature version. For a foodie hotspot that also showcases arts and crafts—check out The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock on Saturday mornings. Feast your way around the stalls—which include tapas, truffles, burgers, cheese, and all sorts of super-fresh farm-to-table cuisine.
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Cape Town is famous for its beaches, mountain ranges, and scenery—including Table Mountain, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. It’s also known for its cosmopolitan food scene, nearby winelands, and Robben Island—the former prison island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.
...MoreTravelers flock to see the natural wonder of Table Mountain—you can get a cable car ride to the top, too. Other highlights include Robben Island, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront—an area packed with restaurants, food stalls, shops, galleries, and live entertainment.
...MoreNo. Three days is not enough time to thoroughly explore Cape Town’s highlights—ideally, devote at least five days—but you can still see some key sights in three days. Go on a Cape Peninsula tour, see the penguins at Boulders Beach, visit Robben Island, ride up Table Mountain, and discover the colorful Bo-Kaap district.
...MoreCape Town's history and spectacular natural beauty make it special. The oldest city in South Africa, it’s nicknamed the Mother City. It’s also frequently named as one of the world’s most beautiful places, thanks to its Cape Floral Region and enviable position between the mountains and the sea.
...MoreActive teenagers can find an abundance of outdoor activities—including hiking Table Mountain, biking tours, horseback riding, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and seasonal whale watching. Other fun activities include visiting the beaches (including Clifton and Camps Bay), trying an escape room, or going on a safari at game reserves.
...MoreYes. Cape Town can be dangerous especially if you visit areas that aren’t safe for tourists—such as Nyanga township or Cape Flats. However, the main tourist areas are safer. As a general rule, it’s best to be vigilant, not walk alone at night, and get an Uber or drive.
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