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Touching down in Cape Town was my very first experience on the whole African continent. I couldn’t have been more excited and a little bit nervous about what I was going to find in this new country. Cape Town is the perfect place to start a trip in South Africa. It balances a unique cultural destination with modern amenities and provides a startling backdrop that’s hard to tear yourself away from.
Table Mountain will definitely be on your must visit list when you arrive in Cape Town and you get a taste of it as you’re wandering about the city. On my first day I went to the Old Biscuit Mill market and I remember turning around and seeing it for the first time. Table Mountain just surprises you with how beautiful a mountain can actually be, sounds silly but it’s true.
But Cape Town is more than just Table Mountain! I spent four weeks there trying to see as much as possible and I’ve put together my favourite things to do that I think any first time visitor should see. Whether you’re just starting off in Cape Town before exploring more of South Africa or you have just one week to enjoy your vacation this fun list should help you see the best of Cape Town. For an adventurous half-day activity, you could also try quad biking in Cape Town.
If you’re travelling further in South Africa also check out my favourite Holiday Destinations in South Africa and all my suggested South Africa itineraries.
Bo-Kaap
One of the oldest residential neighbourhoods in Cape Town, Bo Kaap, is an interesting mix of Cape Dutch and Cape Georgian styles. It was previously known as the Malay Quarter and as you walk around you can definitely see the Islamic influences of that region.
Bo Kaap is not just a beautiful place to wander around but it’s also the home several historical landmarks. On a visit you can find the the countries oldest mosque, one of the oldest houses, built in 1768 and now a museum, and the resting place of three hold scholars.
On your visit consider a Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour with local resident, Zainie. Her unique take on a cooking class includes a short walking tour with a visit to the neighbourhood spice shop.
Robben Island
This half day trip is worth it just for the boat ride alone. If you’re lucky you can spot whales heading to and from the island. It’s a place full of history and the comprehensive tour includes a bus trip around the island and a chance to view the cell of Nelson Mandela.
Make sure to book this ticket in advance and aim for a morning departure. When I visited my trips got cancelled twice due to poor weather and I was eventually successful with a morning departure on my third try. Tickets can book out days ahead so don’t leave it to the last minute.
Tours are led by former political prisoners who will happily discuss the island’s 500 year old history. The tour route includes the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, the Bluestone quarry, the army and navy bunkers and the Maximum Security Prison where thousands of South Africa’s freedom fighters were incarcerated. The tour highlight is the viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell.
The full tour to Robben Island is about 4 hours long with two half hour ferry trips. Ferries run two or three times a day depending on the season and you will usually be on a ferry that was also used to transport staff and prisoners when the prison was still in operation.
Check out Robben Island’s website for full tour information or read more about the full experience of the island.
Cape Town Wine Tours
South Africa has some of the best wine in the world and the oldest wine route in the country is right in Cape Town’s back yard. 148 wine farms are situated along the route, many of them historical farms with beautiful Cape Dutch manors homes, gardens, hotels and fine-dining restaurants.
Even if you’re not into wine, this region is a beautiful area to drive around and explore. You could even consider dedicating a couple of days and basing yourself in Stellenbosch, at the heart of the wine region. This is a perfect time to go on a half or full day tour so you can indulge in some of South Africa’s top wines paired with cheese without needing to drive yourself. Most tours include lunch at some outdoor dining venues so you can have an another glass of wine with a delicious meal looking out into the vineyards or a community developed farm.
Check out the latest prices for this recommended half day or this full day tour.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
Even if you’re not a garden person, Kirstenbosch will still captivate you. Kirstenbosch lives up to its reputation as the most beautiful garden in Africa and one of the great botanic gardens of the world. It is also the first botanic garden to be considered part of a natural World Heritage Site.
Set against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is more than just a garden. It’s actually part of a nature reserve made up of 528 hectares so if you’re for some hiking this is perfect starting point.
Free guided tours are available several times a day led by enthusiastic guides with great insights into the garden. Make sure to time your visit with one of these tours or one of the free events held regularly, like concerts and even an open air cinema.
The highlight for me was the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway, a curved steel and timber bridge that winds its way over the tops of the trees. You’ll get some stunning views over the mountains and the whole garden.
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