15 Bucket-list issues to do in Cape City

Cape City is an unbelievable metropolis with many nice issues to do. Regardless for those who come right here for the primary time otherwise you’re a frequent customer there will probably be at all times one thing new to expertise and to attempt within the metropolis. We’ve put collectively this checklist of issues to do in Cape City primarily based on one’s pursuits to make your selection simpler. Whether or not you’re an journey lover, a tradition vulture, or a foodie you’ll discover right here the perfect actions to incorporate in your Cape City itinerary.

There are some issues that simply can’t be skipped when visiting Cape City. Here’s a checklist of 9 such actions that we as locals suggest to each vacationer coming to the town.

You could find extra info on the highlights of Cape City in our submit on 15 prime locations to go to in Cape City.

Take a cable automobile as much as Desk Mountain

• The very best time of the day to go to – mornings and evenings, within the afternoon the mountain is usually coated in clouds. I’d counsel checking the forecast or searching of the window earlier than you resolve to go up.
• Opening hours – in summer season (November to March) from 6.30 am (first automobile up) to 4 pm (final automobile up)/5 pm (final automobile down), in winter (April to October) from 8 am
• Admission price – one-way (up or down) ZAR 220/US$12 for adults and ZAR 120/US$6 for youngsters. A return ticket adults – ZAR 395/US$22 (morning time) and ZAR 340/US$19 (after 1 pm); youngsters – ZAR 195/US$11 (morning time), ZAR 170/US$10 (after 1 pm).

Desk Mountain excursions & actions

Visiting Desk Mountain is a not-to-miss factor to do in Cape City. Taking the cable automobile is the quickest and easiest method of attending to the highest. In case you’re up for a little bit journey and have sufficient time you will get to the highest by following one of many Desk Mountain climbing trails. From up there you will get a number of the greatest views of the town and the encircling space. As soon as on the highest, you possibly can spend a few hours there it’s an enormous space with a number of nice look-out factors, strolling routes, a restaurant, and a memento store. The journey within the cable automobile takes 5 minutes.

Through the December vacation and over the weekends in summer season I’d suggest shopping for your tickets prematurely. Within the peak season, you would possibly spend a while ready within the queue to board the automobile. Apart from some breathtaking views on the highest of Desk Mountain you possibly can see many cute little dassies (rock rabbits) working round and occasional baboons in search of meals. In case you’re going up within the morning or night take a jacket or a jumper it will get fairly cool up there.

It’s crucial to have journey insurance coverage while you go to a faraway nation. Cape City presents an ideal vary of outside and journey actions from climbing and paragliding to shark cage diving and abseiling. Earlier than occurring an journey be sure you have insurance coverage to cowl you in case one thing goes fallacious. In case you don’t have an insurance coverage firm we are able to suggest utilizing World Nomads. They’ve been working within the journey business for a few years, have versatile insurance policies, and specialise in masking outside actions. It takes solely a few minutes to purchase your insurance coverage on-line from anyplace on this planet. You should buy it to cowl all the journey or particular days. Get an immediate quote proper now!

There are various nice espresso outlets in Cape City the place you possibly can cease for espresso and breakfast on the best way to Desk Mountain or Lion’s Head.

Watch the sundown/dawn from Lion’s Head 

• Greatest time of the day to go to – sundown or dawn for security causes it’s not beneficial to wander round at night time time. If you wish to come for the dawn be a part of a gaggle or a tour.
• Opening hours – 24 hours
• Admission price – free

Lion’s Head excursions & actions

One other iconic mountain in Cape City. It’s not as excessive as Desk Mountain however it is likely one of the greatest spots within the metropolis for watching the sundown. From the highest of Lion’s Head, you possibly can see the Metropolis Bowl, Camps Bay, Sea Level, Robben Island, and plenty of different metropolis points of interest. In case you can’t make it for the sundown you possibly can come right here at any time of the day the gorgeous views are assured. Lion’s Head hike is likely one of the greatest hikes in Cape City. It’s a little bit bit difficult. The final half entails ladders and ropes, make certain to put on comfy footwear and an acceptable outfit. Locals come right here for the sundown as properly. 

If climbing to the highest of Lion’s Head is an excessive amount of of a mission you possibly can benefit from the sundown from the highest of close by Sign Hill. Getting up there’s a lot simpler; you possibly can principally drive all the best way. I’d counsel arriving at Lion’s Head or Sign Hill at the very least an hour earlier than sundown. You’ll want a while to discover a parking spot and to get to the highest.

Discover the colourful Bo Kaap neighborhood

• Greatest time of the day to go to – any time of the day by the sunshine round noon isn’t the perfect for taking pictures
• Working hours – 24 hours
• Admission price – free

Bo Kaap excursions & actions

The brightest and probably the most colourful neighborhood in Cape City. Colours rule right here; inexperienced, pink, blue, orange, yellow, and purple homes lined up alongside the slim cobbled streets of Bo Kaap. It’s tough to decide on the place to pose for pictures. Regardless of its funky look Bo Kaap wasn’t at all times that colourful. Its first residents had been slaves delivered to South Africa largely from Malaysia and Indonesia. The second identify of the neighborhood is the Malay Quarter.

After the abolition of slavery in the UK, native residents determined to color their homes in several colours as an indication of freedom and individuality. These days Bo Kaap has grow to be one of many metropolis symbols like Desk Mountain or Robben Island.

Stroll alongside V&A Waterfront

• Greatest time of the day to go to – any time of the day by the sunshine round noon isn’t the perfect for taking pictures
• Working hours – 24 hours
• Admission price – free

V&A Waterfront excursions & actions

V&A Waterfront might be the perfect and most secure space within the metropolis for strolling just about any time of the day. There are a number of points of interest to go to right here; V&A Clock Tower, Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Wheel, and Zeitz Trendy Africa Artwork Museum. You possibly can spend an hour or two strolling round, watching avenue exhibits, ingesting espresso, consuming, procuring, and so forth.

There are various eating places, cafes, and memento outlets right here. The world is at all times busy and full of individuals, it has a pleasant festive vibe. Vovo Telo espresso outlets and bakery is our favourite place to return for breakfast or cease for a cup of espresso with a freshly-baked pastry. Many cruises and boat excursions depart from the Waterfront.

Go to Robben island 

• Greatest time of the day to go to – mornings, the tour takes nearly 4 hours.
• Departing instances – boats depart 3 instances a day; at 9 am, 11 am and 1 pm, and three pm
• Admission price – ZAR600/US$33 adults, ZAR310/US$17 youngsters (2-17 yo). The worth features a return boat journey and a 2-hour guided tour.

Robben Island excursions and actions

Robben Island is an important place in South African historical past, a spot the place Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in jail. The whole space of the island is 5km, and it may be visited solely as part of a tour. Excursions depart from V&A Waterfront. There are 3-4 every day departures. The tour takes between 3 and 4 hours. I’d strongly suggest doing the earliest tour that leaves at 8.30 with a purpose to have sufficient time to go to different metropolis points of interest within the afternoon. Through the tour, you’ll study in regards to the historical past of the island, and its most well-known prisoners, go to Mandela’s cell, and get a while to stroll round. You should buy tickets on-line.

The identify in Afrikaans means “Seal Island”, you possibly can see various seals on the Island and on the best way to it. Robben Island has a protracted historical past; for nearly three centuries it was used as a jail largely for political convicts. 

Books about South African historical past

Go to Camps Bay 

• Greatest time of the day to go to – any time of the day although within the second half the sunshine is healthier for taking pictures, at sundown the realm appears to be like gorgeous.

The flowery neighborhood of Cape City with lovely seashores, ice-cold water, luxurious mansions, and posh eating places. Even when all these don’t sound like your form of place, it’s nonetheless price coming right here for the spectacular view. White sand seashores, large boulders, blue coloration water, and a powerful mountain vary within the background. It’s undoubtedly one of the vital lovely areas of the town. Camps Bay is a superb space to return for a cocktail, to walk in your bikini alongside the seashore, or simply to take some superior pictures. 

Discover Kirstenbosch Botanical Backyard 

• Greatest time of the day to go to – any time, in summer season it’s good to cover from the scorching afternoon warmth within the shade of the bushes.
• Opening hours – summer season 8am-7pm, winter 8am-6pm
• Admission price – ZAR210/US$11 adults; ZAR30/US$1,5 youngsters; (6-18 yo), free for youngsters beneath 6.

Kirstenbosch is a inexperienced paradise inside the metropolis. You may be stunned by this lush inexperienced backyard. A go to here’s a not-to-miss factor to do in Cape City. One can spend a full day right here. There are various strolling routes by the backyard together with some difficult longer routes just like the Skeleton Gorge that take hikers from the Backyard to the highest of Desk Mountain.

The Backyard is a superb place for having a picnic on the grass. No have to carry meals and drinks. You should buy a picnic basket at one of many native eating places. They’ve an ideal number of basket units together with vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free choices. There are a number of thematic gardens that characterize the vegetation of the completely different elements of South Africa. A cover tree walkway is to not miss in Kirstenbosch, a steel bridge that makes its manner over the bushes of the Arboretum. The form of the bridge was impressed by a snake physique, it’s fairly curvy. The bridge presents nice views of the Backyard.  

Style wines in Constantia 

• Greatest time of the day to go to – any time of the day 
• Opening hours – most tasting rooms are open between 10am and 4pm 
• Tasting price – between ZAR 70-100/US$3-5 per individual

Constantia excursions & actions

Wine tasting is a bucket checklist exercise in Cape City. In Constantia, you’ll find a number of the oldest wine estates within the nation that make unique wines. What will be higher than driving round lovely wine farms, tasting nice wine, and having fun with the implausible surroundings of Constantia? Among the most famous wine estates in Constantia are; Klein Constantia, perhaps one of the vital lovely wine farms in Cape City; Groot Constantia, the oldest wine farm in South Africa; Steenberg Vineyards, which boasts a luxurious lodge and produces nice wines.

In case you’re planning on doing severe tasting reasonably take a taxi or use a shuttle bus don’t drink and drive. There are a number of lodging choices within the space when you have time you possibly can spend right here a few days tasting wine and enjoyable. There are wine estates in Constantia in two days you’ll be capable of go to all of them with out speeding round.

Locations to remain in Constantia

When you’ve got extra time and want to do extra wine tasting in Cape Winelands make certain to go to Durbanville wine farms. It’s a distinct wine route in Cape City that produces nice wines and presents some gorgeous views of Desk Mountain.

Drive across the Cape Peninsula

• Greatest time of the day to go to – it’s higher to drive within the morning to have sufficient time to discover the realm.
• Opening hours – Chapman’s Peak Drive is open 24 hours, most Nationwide parks work from 8am to 6pm.
• Admission price – Chapman’s Peak drive tall street ZAR 57/US$3 per automobile,

Cape Peninsula excursions & actions

A street journey round Cape Peninsula is likely one of the most scenic drives within the metropolis and an ideal place for a day journey from Cape City. It’s undoubtedly a bucket-list factor to do within the metropolis. The well-known Chapman’s Peak drive is part of it. A giant a part of the drive is alongside the rugged coast of the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a nice variety of look-outs and viewpoints the place you possibly can cease alongside the route. It’ll take just about a full day to do the drive and to cease on the fundamental points of interest. There are various good eating places alongside the path to cease for breakfast or lunch. To do that journey you possibly can hire a automobile or be a part of one of many recommended excursions.

The highlights of the drive

• Seals at Hout Bay. Right here you possibly can see seals on the harbor or do a ship tour to identify extra of them and even snorkel with these majestic creatures
• Chapman’s Peak Drive is a 15-kilometer breathtaking street alongside the rugged coast of the Atlantic Ocean with gorgeous look-outs.
• The attractive seashores of Kommetjie are the most effective locations for browsing in Cape City.
• Cape Level Nature Reserve is likely one of the greatest locations in Cape City to do climbing, there are a number of trails contained in the park
• The penguin colony at Boulders Seashore is a good looking white-sand seashore surrounded by large boulders with many cute African penguins.
• Colourful seashore cabins in Muizenberg are a row of pink, inexperienced, yellow, and blue wood cabins alongside the seashore

There’s actually lots to see and to do within the space when you have time to spend right here a few days is perhaps a great choice. 

Locations to remain alongside the Cape Peninsula

Paragliding from Lion’s Head or Sign Hill

In case you’re in search of a panoramic journey in Cape City tandem paragliding from one of many iconic metropolis mountains is an ideal exercise. Through the flight, you possibly can benefit from the recent sea breeze and breathtaking views of the town. The touchdown is on the seashore at Sea Level. You possibly can go paragliding any time of the day however paragliding on the sundown is an impressive expertise. The flight is round 20 minutes throughout that point you get to see Desk Mountain, Lion’s Head, Robben Island, Camps Bay, the Waterfront, the Atlantic Shoreline, and so forth. Just about all fundamental metropolis points of interest. 

Go on a safari drive

There are a few massive non-public sport reserves not too removed from Cape City that may be visited as a day or a two days journey from the town. I’d undoubtedly suggest doing a safari drive in a personal sport reserve in case you are not planning to go to any of the Nationwide Parks in South Africa. A visit to Africa received’t be full with out seeing African animals roaming freely within the wild. A wonderful thing about visiting one of many sport reserves close to Cape City is that it’s malaria-free.

Aquila Personal Recreation Reserve is likely one of the hottest locations to do a safari from Cape City. The reserve is 170km away, it may be visited in someday from the town. Right here you possibly can see many animals together with the Large 5 (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo). There are lots of of animals within the park. You are able to do a morning, afternoon, or night time safari driving your self or be a part of a safari drive with the park rangers. The sport reserve presents lodge rooms and cottages on its territory. Staying right here for an evening is a good way to discover extra of the park and see extra animals. Ebook your room at Aquila Reserve on-line.

Inverdoorn Personal Recreation Reserve is one other widespread place to go on a safari journey from Cape City. The reserve is 140km away from the town, it may be visited as a return day journey from Cape City. Guests can see right here the Large 5 and plenty of different African animals like zebras, giraffes, antelopes, cheetahs, and so forth. The reserve presents luxurious lodging on its territory. Ebook your lodging at Inverdoorn Recreation Reserve on-line.

Go online/kitesurfing

Cape City has a number of wonderful surf spots unfold out alongside its coast appropriate for all ranges.  The very best time to surf is in winter when the larger swells come by. Inside False Bay the water is barely hotter and breaks are comparatively secure for rookies. The very best spots for rookies are The Surfer’s Nook in Muizenberg and a few seashore breaks at Large Bay/Bloubergstrand. Each locations are a few 30-minute drive from the town heart. Lengthy Seashore at Kommetjie is an efficient spot for extra superior surfers. 

Browsing classes are from ZAR 500/US$27, the worth features a surfboard and a wetsuit. If you understand how to surf and don’t want classes you possibly can hire a surfboard. 

If you wish to study browsing in Cape City it’s higher to remain in Muizenberg or Large Bay there are a few surf colleges and kit rental locations there.

Bloubergstrand/Large Bay is the perfect place in Cape City for kitesurfing. You possibly can kitesurf right here all yr spherical, however the perfect time is November to March when the winds are robust and constant. Kite classes, 3h30min. from ZAR950/US$50 per day together with gear. From our expertise, I can let you know it’s harder than it appears to be like.

Do a whale-watching tour

Cape City is an unbelievable place for watching wildlife. Not many different massive cities on this planet can provide the unbelievable biodiversity of Cape City. In a few days driving across the metropolis, you possibly can see each the African Large 5 (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo) and the Marine Large 5 (whale, shark, seal, penguin, and dolphin). 

Yearly between July and November Southern proper whales come to South African shores for breeding. The months of July, August, and September are the height season when your probabilities to identify whales from a ship are very excessive. Hermanus is the perfect spot for whale watching close to Cape City. These light giants are unbelievable creatures. Having the ability to see them from shut by is as soon as in a lifetime expertise for many individuals. Even in comparison with an enormous boat that may match about 40 passengers they’re large.

As a bonus in July and August you get to see child whales like every infants they’re very cute and playful. When you’ve got a while we’d suggest spending a day or two right here, it’s a good looking city. There are various nice issues to do in Hermanus.

Whale watching excursions

Snorkel with seals

Watching these playful animals from shut by is a enjoyable and thrilling expertise. There are various Cape Seals within the chilly water of the Atlantic Ocean round Cape City; your probabilities to see them snorkeling are very excessive. These guys are very curious not like many wild animals after they see folks approaching they’re very prone to get nearer and verify you out. The water is chilly, and also you’ll want a wetsuit even for snorkeling however the gear is normally included within the value of the tour. Snorkeling is completed from boats. The boats depart from the Waterfront and from the harbor in Hout Bay. 

Boat and snorkeling excursions

Renting a kayak or becoming a member of a tour and rowing across the Cape Peninsula having fun with the implausible surroundings and observing the various marine lifetime of the area is a tremendous factor to do on a pleasant summer season day. There are a number of widespread spots in Cape City for kayaking; V&A Waterfront, Hout Bay, and Simon’s City. On the Waterfront and Hout Bay, you’ll see Cape seals, perhaps some dolphins, and plenty of sea birds. Kayaking from Boulders Seashore you’ll see many African penguins and birds, an opportunity to see dolphins and seals. In case you don’t have a lot expertise kayaking within the open water I’d suggest as an alternative becoming a member of a tour. 

Discover Cape Winelands

Stellenbosch is known for its nice wines, breathtaking surroundings, and the most effective Universities within the nation. There are about 160 wine farms within the Stellenbosch space; most of them have tasting rooms. You possibly can come to Stellenbosch only for a day or spend right here a few days. It’s an ideal place for a weekend escape from Cape City. You possibly can get pleasure from the fantastic thing about the realm and style a number of the greatest wines within the nation.

Stellenbosch excursions

There are various wine farms in Stellenbosch, don’t attempt to go to as many can it’s going to simply spoil the entire expertise. Relatively select 4 or 5 locations and take your time, find out about completely different cultivates, style, evaluate, and do chocolate or cheese & wine pairing.

There are various issues to do in Stellenbosch apart from wine tasting (climbing, biking, horseback using, and so forth.) to maintain you busy it’s completely price staying right here for a few days.

Locations to remain in Stellenbosch

Franschhoek is the famend meals capital of South Africa. Regardless of the small dimension, it’s residence to a number of the greatest eating places and best wine estates within the nation. Like Stellenbosch you possibly can go to Franschhoek as a day journey from Cape City however when you have time I’d suggest staying right here for a few days. It’s an ideal place for a romantic getaway or a household vacation. We love coming right here for Valentine’s Day or our wedding ceremony anniversary there are numerous issues to do in Franschhoek. In case you’re a single traveler becoming a member of one of many wine-tasting excursions or leaping on the wine tram are two nice methods to discover the realm. 

Franschhoek excursions

There are actually many wine farms within the space. Now we have a few favorites that we go to nearly each time we come to Franschhoek. Many wine estates have eating places the place you possibly can mix wine tasting with lunch. In case you resolve to remain in Franschhoek for dinner I’d suggest reserving it at the very least a day prematurely. 

Locations to remain in Franschhoek

Advisable books & guidebooks

Many books and guidebooks are accessible without cost for Amazon Kindle Limitless customers, this system permits you to get entry to hundreds of e-books and audiobooks from any system (Kindle, pill, cell). You possibly can attempt Amazon Kindle Limitless without cost for 30 days.

Methods to get round Cape City?

The simplest manner of getting across the metropolis is to hire a automobile particularly for those who’re planning on doing day journeys and go to some points of interest exterior Cape City. You possibly can hire a automobile on the airport on arrival and drop it in while you depart. For driving across the metropolis I’d counsel renting a smallish automobile which you can simply park on the slim streets of Cape City. All roads across the metropolis are tar no have to hire an enormous off-road automobile.

Utilizing the Cape City Sightseeing bus to commute between metropolis points of interest is an efficient manner for individuals who don’t need to hire a automobile. There are completely different routes that cowl just about all the metropolis. On the bus, you get lots of details about the town and its points of interest. There are 1 and 2-day bus tickets. You should buy Metropolis Sightseeing bus tickets on-line.

Cape City journey planning sources

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The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, answerable for all our land adventures (climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a toddler, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack reasonably than to do a ten 000 km street journey (truly any street journey). Alya is an enormous fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.