Cape Town

Things to do in Cape Town

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Cape Town

View all Attractions
Table Mountain
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in South Africa

Table Mountain

9.3
4.8/5
400 reviews
Table Mountain provides a majestic backdrop to the city of Cape Town and is one of the world's most striking natural wonders and a famous symbol of South Africa. The Table Mountain range is flanked by Devil's Peak to the east, Lion's Head and Signal Hill to the west, and the Carbondale Mountains to the southwest. It consists of two flat-topped plateaus, the East and West, which overlook the city of Cape Town, the Eastern Ridge and its forested valleys that surround the southern suburbs of Cape Town, and the Western Twelve Apostles, which guard the Atlantic coast. The flat top of Table Mountain stretches for three kilometers from east to west. Its highest point, at 1,086 meters above sea level, is the Maclear Lighthouse. The lighthouse was erected in 1843 by astronomer Sir Thomas Maclear as part of an experiment to measure the circumference of the Earth. The western end of the narrow plateau supports the upper cable car station, which was built in 1929. In May 1998, Table Mountain National Park was declared and most of the unspoiled areas of Table Mountain and the peninsula are managed by South African National Parks. Table Mountain National Park is the only national park in South Africa located in a bustling metropolitan city.Cape Town · 4.4km from downtown
Cape of Good Hope
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Cape of Good Hope

8.6
4.7/5
489 reviews
Cape of Good Hope is located at the southwestern tip of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa and is part of Table Mountain National Park. It is a steep, rocky headland on the Atlantic coastline and one of the most iconic maritime landmarks on the African continent. In 1488, Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias first arrived here and, having encountered violent storms, named it "Cape of Good Hope". It was later renamed "Cape of Good Hope" by King John II of Portugal, reflecting the hope of opening a new sea route to the East. For centuries thereafter, it remained a key node on the maritime trade route from Europe to Asia. Cape of Good Hope and the nearby Cape Point together form the southern highlight of Table Mountain National Park. Standing on the edge of the cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope, you can see brown rocky reefs hundreds of meters high plunging into the deep blue Atlantic, with white waves constantly crashing against the rock walls. The view is almost entirely the meeting of sea and sky, making it one of the most striking natural landscapes in South Africa. The old lighthouse on the side of Cape Point stands high up, offering a view of the complete arc of False Bay. Visitors can take the "Flying Dutchman" cable car up the mountain to reach the lighthouse observation deck; the cable car itself is also the first commercial funicular in Africa. A stone monument marking the precise latitude and longitude stands at the Cape of Good Hope, making it a classic check-in spot for visitors. This area is also part of the UNESCO-recognized Cape Floral Region, and the hillsides are covered with a unique type of shrub vegetation called "fynbos," which is extremely diverse. The reserve is home to wildlife such as baboons, zebras, elands, and ostriches, and southern right whales can be spotted offshore seasonally. There are several hiking trails along the coastline, ranging from shipwreck ruins to lighthouse paths, which can be explored freely. Combined with the ecological exhibits at the Buffelsfontein Visitor Center, you can gain a complete understanding of the maritime history and natural ecology of this area.Cape Town · 48.3km from downtown
Duiker Island
No. 5 of Cool Water Escapes in South Africa

Duiker Island

7.4
4.7/5
204 reviews
Duiker Island is a small rocky island off the coast of Hout Bay Harbour, home to a large colony of Cape fur seals, and is a popular natural eco-tourism spot along the Cape Peninsula coastline. Cape fur seals are a species endemic to the coasts of South Africa and Namibia. They are robust in build, with adult males covered in thick, brownish fur, and they often gather in the hundreds or thousands on the reefs. To protect the seals' natural habitat, visitors are not allowed to land on the island. Tours are conducted by taking a sightseeing cruise from Hout Bay Harbour to circle the island. When the boat approaches the island, groups of seals can be seen lazily sunbathing on the rocks or flipping and playing in the water. Pups stay close to their mothers, while adult males push and confront each other at the edges of their territories, creating a vivid scene. Along the route, you can often encounter dolphins, southern right whales, and various seabirds. The waters are also active with great white sharks in winter, and boats occasionally witness the natural phenomenon of sharks hunting seals. Along the cruise route, you can also enjoy the coastal scenery of Chapman's Peak Drive and The Sentinel. Hout Bay Harbour itself is a bustling fishing port. After disembarking, there are markets and seafood restaurants nearby, where you can take the opportunity to experience the coastal town charm of the Cape Peninsula.Hout Bay · 5.7km from downtown
Camps Bay Beach
No. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in South Africa

Camps Bay Beach

7.3
5.0/5
33 reviews
Camps Bay Beach is a coastal landmark on the Atlantic coast of Cape Town, known for its white sands and spectacular mountain scenery, and is one of the favorite daily leisure beaches for Cape Town residents. The beach is backed by the Twelve Apostles, a range of continuous cliff faces extending from Table Mountain, named for their resemblance to the twelve apostles of Christ (though there are actually more than twelve). At sunset, the golden glow paints the cliffs in warm tones, which, combined with the reflection of the Atlantic Ocean in front, creates the most iconic view of Camps Bay Beach. The beach itself is a wide, curved stretch of white sand facing the Atlantic Ocean. Because it faces the open sea, the water is cold year-round, making it not a typical swimming beach, but it excels in open scenery and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for walking, sunbathing, and photography. At the southern end of the beach, there is a natural tidal pool embedded in the reef, which uses the rocky terrain to enclose a calm, shallow area, making it a safe choice for families with children to play in the water, with views of the sunset and distant mountains from the pool. Behind the beach is a palm-lined promenade densely packed with cafes, restaurants, and bars. Grabbing a drink and strolling along the beach is the most common pastime for locals. Along the promenade, you can enjoy unobstructed panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lion's Head, and the Twelve Apostles.Cape Town · 5.2km from downtown
Cape Point
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in South Africa

Cape Point

7.1
4.8/5
51 reviews
Located south of Cape Town, South Africa, Cape Point is part of the Cape Point Nature Reserve, known for its stunning coastline and rich biodiversity. It is the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, offering great viewing opportunities. Visitors can hike along the trails to enjoy the dramatic cliffs and expansive ocean views. The Cape Point Lighthouse is an iconic building that visitors can reach by cable car or on foot for panoramic views. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons, antelopes and abundant birdlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring windproof clothing as the sea breeze is strong. There are restaurants and cafes in the park, providing convenient places to rest and eat. Cape Point is approximately 60 kilometers from the center of Cape Town, making it suitable for self-driving tours with beautiful scenery along the way. Public transportation options are limited, so it is recommended to plan your transportation in advance.Cape Town · 48.5km from downtown
Twelve Apostles
No. 13 of Best Things to Do in South Africa

Twelve Apostles

7
4.8/5
50 reviews
The Twelve Apostles is a continuous range of sandstone cliffs along the Atlantic coast of Cape Town, belonging to the western flank of Table Mountain. It stretches southwest from the main peak of Table Mountain toward Hout Bay Harbour, rising abruptly from the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the name "Twelve Apostles," it actually consists of more than a dozen jagged peaks of varying heights. During the Dutch colonial period, early settlers called them the "Castle Mountains" due to their crenelated, saw-toothed profile. Around 1820, British Governor Rufane Donkin renamed them the "Twelve Apostles" to evoke the imagery of the twelve apostles of Christ from the Bible, a name that has remained in use ever since. The geological foundation of this mountain range belongs to the Cape Fold Belt, composed of sandstone formed by the collision of the African and South American plates approximately 300 million years ago. The rock is hard and erosion-resistant, and millions of years of uplift and weathering have shaped the layered, steep cliff landscape seen today. At the foot of the mountains lies a pipe track trail built in the 1890s, which extends horizontally along the base of the Twelve Apostles. The trail has a gentle gradient, making it suitable for walking, and offers close-up views of the entire range of cliffs contrasting with the Atlantic Ocean below. If you wish to reach the summit, you can climb the ridge via the Kasteelspoort route, passing rock steps and iron ladders, eventually arriving at the back plateau of Table Mountain. From here, you can look back over the entire Atlantic coastline, with views covering Table Bay, Robben Island, and extending to the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. Compared to the crowded, conventional routes on the main peak of Table Mountain, the area along the Twelve Apostles is less frequented, and you can discover rock labyrinths, century-old reservoirs, and hidden valleys along the way. Judas Peak, at the southern end, is one of the more recognizable independent peaks; from its summit, you can overlook the complete arc of Hout Bay Harbour and Llandudno Beach.Cape Town · 7.4km from downtown
V&A Waterfront
No. 1 of Night Attractions in South Africa

V&A Waterfront

6.5
5.0/5
83 reviews
Victoria Harbour is hidden deep in the bay of the Atlantic Ocean. Today, it is a very lively place in Cape Town. There are a large number of shops, craft markets, hotels, dock bars and restaurants in the port area. It is a must-see for tourists in Cape Town. And every weekend here, it becomes black, brown, yellow, white, full of eyes, from all over the world, wearing various colors, the crowds who come to go shopping or shopping, make the streets and squares look like Rather crowded.Cape Town · 1.9km from downtown
Chapman's Peak Drive
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Cape Town

Chapman's Peak Drive

6.3
4.8/5
41 reviews
After starting from the main city of Cape Town, follow the road close to the Atlantic side, passing the Cape, Bantry Bay, Clifton Bay, Camps Bay and other attractions, all the way south to Hout Bay, and then on Came to the world-famous Chapman's Peak, which is about 15 kilometers from the main city of Cape Town. This beautiful cliff is located between the satellite towns of Hout Bay and Nordhoek. The thrilling ring road built on the cliff is about 7 kilometers long. This is like walking through a semi-open tunnel, which makes people feel like "Tarzan is pressing on the top", and I worry that if you are not careful, a boulder will collapse on your head! What's more, there is still an abyss on the edge, and you need to be meticulous when driving through, and you can't tolerate the slightest difference.Hout Bay · 3.2km from downtown
Castle of Good Hope
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Cape Town

Castle of Good Hope

6.3
4.4/5
38 reviews
The Castle of Good Hope is South Africa's oldest and best-preserved building. This five-pointed fortress was built by workers from the Dutch East India Company in the 1660s and 1670s. Originally the official residence of the Governor-General of the Dutch East India Company, it now houses the William Feher Art Collection, the South African National Defense Force's regional headquarters in the Western Cape, and a military museum. Inside, the former prison cells are still preserved.Cape Town · 391m from downtown
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
No. 3 of Spring Outings in South Africa

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

6.2
4.8/5
95 reviews
The Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, with only South African native plants, especially Protea, the national flower of South Africa. Here you can see beautiful flowers and trees all year round, and experience a rare harmony between man and nature. The design of the park is based on the growth environment and functions of various plants, such as plant areas, forest plant areas, herbs, waterfront plant areas and so on. At the same time, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is also a good place to view the shrubs of the Cape region. The Botanic Gardens also has a large shop that sells seeds of South African flowers as well as gardening books, cards and traditional handicrafts that are well worth a visit.Cape Town · 7km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Cape Town

Featured Food & drink in Cape Town

View all Food & drink
Cape Town wine tasting and tram experience in South Africa
󱌍
FromTRY 6,888.73
1-day tour to Aquila wildlife reserve from Cape Town, South Africa + afternoon tea (from 1 person)
󱌍
FromTRY 12,297.60
1-day tour in Cape Town with round-trip winery tasting
󱌍
FromTRY 3,476.81
Cape Town round-trip: Franschhoek wine tram 1-day tour
󱌍
FromTRY 4,643.82
Cape Town: Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience
󱌍
Duration: 2.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTRY 3,409.64TRY 3,589.1
Sightseeing tour to Franschhoek from Cape Town, South Africa
󱌍
FromTRY 4,726.48
Cape Town: Sunset Sparkling Wine Cruise
󱌍
4.9/5
· 74 reviews· 40 booked
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
31 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTRY 2,142.21TRY 2,254.96

Featured Cultural experiences in Cape Town

View all Cultural experiences
Zeitz MOCAA Museum: Fast Track Ticket
󱌍
4.7/5
· 3 reviews· 55 booked
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromTRY 835.58
South African Jewish Museum: Entry Ticket
󱌍
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromTRY 557.06
Cape Town city half-day tour with optional Table Mountain visit
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromTRY 1,518.46
Cape Town Highlights Audio Tour: Colonial Treasures and Civic Icons
󱌍
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromTRY 356.07TRY 445.09
Cape Town: Robben Island Boat Trip & Museum Tour Ticket
󱌍
4.4/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTRY 3,856.28TRY 4,059.25
Bo-kaap and City tour
󱌍
5.0/5
· 50 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
50 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTRY 1,927.88TRY 2,029.35
Robben Island: Ferry Ticket & Prison Museum Tour
󱌍
Duration: 4 hrs
Book now for today
FromTRY 2,367.48
Cape Town: Heart of Cape Town Medical Museum Entrance Ticket
󱌍
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTRY 1,155.77TRY 1,216.61

Featured Outdoor experiences in Cape Town

View all Outdoor experiences
Cape Town premium small group 1-day tour to Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach and Bo-Kaap (hotel pickup)
󱌍
5.0/5
· 18 reviews· 216 booked
Duration: 5.2 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
101 travellers saved
FromTRY 4,223.20
Cape Town: Tandem Paragliding Experience
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 30 booked
Duration: 1 hr
English
Book now for today
FromTRY 4,734.96
1-day tour from Cape Town to Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope and Boulders penguin beach
󱌍
FromTRY 3,484.89
Cape town day tour to table mountain, boulders beach and cape point including cape of good hope/simon's town
󱌍
4.3/5
· 6 reviews· 42 booked
Duration: 9.2 hrs
English
74 travellers saved
FromTRY 5,310.00
Cape Town premium small group 1-day tour, Table Mountain + Cape of Good Hope + Boulders Beach, with city hotel transfers
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 53 booked
Duration: 9.5 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
58 travellers saved
FromTRY 4,578.98
Cape Town Day Tour to Cape Point + Boulders Beach
󱌍
FromTRY 4,295.33

Free things to do in Cape Town

More ways to travel from Cape Town

Cape Town Cruises

See all cruises

Private Tours in Cape Town

View More Private Tours in Cape Town

Group Tours in Cape Town

View More Group Tours in Cape Town

What travellers say about Cape Town

user-avatar
Tablet6664 July 2025
5.0
The magnificent embrace of Table Mountain gave me a wonderful journey that will never be forgotten. Walking in it, every inch of land is like a carrier of the mystery of life, and people sigh the magic of nature. Picturesque, as if entering a dreamy world, every step is full of surprises and expectations. This journey has made me deeply feel the greatness of nature and the wonder of life, and I am full of gratitude and awe. It is undoubtedly a deep dialogue between the soul and nature, a baptism of the mind.

Table Mountain

user-avatar
Marty O’Brien28 January 2024
5.0
I really enjoyed this attraction! it has stunning views and it does not require a high level of physical stamina to undertake. Inside the park itself, there is a lot that you can do but you would need a car in order to take full advantage

Cape of Good Hope

user-avatar
游侠半仙30 October 2024
5.0
Travel with a tour group to Cape Town, South Africa, and take a yacht to Hout Bay to see seals. Seal Island is also a famous tourist attraction on the Cape Peninsula, with thousands of seals living on the island. In order to protect the seal habitat, tourists are prohibited from going to the island. There are special yachts at the pier to take tourists to watch, slowly circling very close to the island, allowing us to watch the seals hunting, playing in the water, and living up close. The bottom of the yacht's interior is equipped with glass to view the underwater world.

Duiker Island

user-avatar
anton_rothe1 October 2023
5.0
Caños Bay is a very beautiful neighbourhood with many great restaurants and bars

Camps Bay Beach

user-avatar
长脸张少侠5 March 2026
5.0
Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦【Cape Point】 Cape Point (Afrikaans: Kaappunt; English: Cape Point) is a cape in the southeastern corner of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa, located about 2.3 kilometers east of the famous Cape of Good Hope. Neither Cape Point nor the Cape of Good Hope is the southernmost point of the African continent: Cape Agulhas, about 150 kilometers southeast of the Cape Peninsula, is the southernmost point. Cape Point and the surrounding area are within Table Mountain National Park in South Africa. Cape Point has a lighthouse at an altitude of 87 meters, visible from 63 kilometers away. ⚠️The Cape Point is the side with the lighthouse; the Cape of Good Hope is the southernmost point, the side with the sign.

Cape Point

user-avatar
Nothando the traveler16 September 2023
5.0
I saw this beautiful mountains using city sight seeing cape Town bus it was a good experience.

Twelve Apostles

user-avatar
_We***9525 April 2023
5.0
Due to its wide harbor and deep water, Hong Kong, China is also known as the "Pearl of the Orient" and "one of the three major night views in the world". The name of Victoria Harbor comes from Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. People can enter and exit freely all year round. In the early years, the British saw the potential of becoming an excellent port in East Asia. Later, they seized Hong Kong from the Qing government and developed their maritime trade in the Far East. Victoria Harbor has always influenced Hong Kong's history and culture, dominated the development of Hong Kong's economy and tourism, and is one of the keys to Hong Kong's becoming an international metropolis.

V&A Waterfront

user-avatar
泰宁根吴承恩29 March 2020
5.0
Walking along the Chapman Highway, known as the most beautiful highway in South Africa, I followed the tour group's bus to enjoy it. Although I passed by it in a hurry, I was still attracted by the beautiful scenery of mountains and sea on both sides of the highway.

Chapman's Peak Drive

user-avatar
Emmanuel Amoani Ofori17 January 2026
5.0
This was an exciting trip to the Castle of Good Hope. All the way from Ghana to Cape Town. Come and experience historic moments in Cape Town.

Castle of Good Hope

user-avatar
คนไร้คู่ ต้องอยู่คนเดียว29 March 2022
5.0
I can tell you that the atmosphere is really great. The trip also offers installment payment for tickets. What are you waiting for? Let's go!

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Popular cities near Cape Town

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Cape Town?

Don't miss these attractions in Cape Town: Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, and Duiker Island. If you like Food & drink, try Cape Town wine tasting and tram experience in South Africa. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Zeitz MOCAA Museum: Fast Track Ticket.

You can give Cape Town wine tasting and tram experience in South Africa and 1-day tour to Aquila wildlife reserve from Cape Town, South Africa + afternoon tea (from 1 person) a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Cape Town premium small group 1-day tour to Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach and Bo-Kaap (hotel pickup), 1-day tour from Cape Town to Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope and Boulders penguin beach, and CAPE TOWN: OSTRICH RANCH QUAD BIKE RIDE & OSTRICH TOUR. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 25 September 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Cape Town is around TRY 2,853.45 – TRY 13,331.72. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.