Welcome to Cape Town

A coming-together of cultures, cuisines and landscapes, there's nowhere quite like Cape Town, a singularly beautiful city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park.

Read More

Natural Wonders

Table Mountain National Park defines the city. The flat-topped mountain is the headline act, but there are many other equally gorgeous natural landscapes within the park’s extensive boundaries. Cultivated areas, such as the historic Company’s Garden, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Green Point Urban Park, also make exploring the city a pleasure. Follow the lead of locals by taking full advantage of the abundant outdoor space: learn to surf; go hiking or mountain biking; tandem-paraglide off Lion’s Head; abseil off the top of Table Mountain – just a few of the many activities on offer.

Art & Design

Human creativity is also self-evident here – it's one of the things that made the city a World Design Capital in 2014. From the brightly painted facades of the Bo-Kaap and the bathing chalets of Muizenberg, to the Afro-chic decor of its restaurants and bars and the striking street art and innovation incubators of the East City and Woodstock, this is one great-looking metropolis. The informal settlements of the Cape Flats are a sobering counterpoint, but these townships also have enterprising projects that put food from organic market gardens on tables, or stock gift shops with attractive souvenirs.

People & Culture

Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and traditional African beliefs coexist peacefully in this proudly multicultural city. Given South Africa’s troubled history, such harmony has been hard-won and remains fragile: nearly everyone has a fascinating, sometimes heartbreaking story to tell. It’s a city of determined pioneers – from the Afrikaner descendants of the original Dutch colonists and the majority coloured community to the descendants of European Jewish immigrants and more recent Xhosa (isiXhosa) migrants from the Eastern Cape. They all bring unique flavours to Cape Town’s rich melting pot.

Beyond the City

Wrenching yourself away from the magnetic mountain and all the delights of the Cape Peninsula is a challenge, but within an hour you can exchange urban landscapes for the charming towns, villages and bucolic estates of Winelands destinations, such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Hermanus is a prime whale-watching location, and also a base from which to organise shark-cave diving. Further afield, the delights of the Garden Route unfold, with more inspiring scenery to be viewed on thrilling drives down the coast and over mountain passes.

Read Less

Top experiences in Cape Town

Amazing hotels and hostels

We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

Skip this step and see all hotels & hostels
Or explore the collection of Best Places to stay in Cape Town

Recent articles

Travel guides

Starting at $28.59

Image for

Cape Town activities

$92.43 Day Trips & Excursions

Cape Peninsula Tour from Cape Town

ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Hout Bay, Cape Town Central, Western CapeLocal arts a crafts available / Comfort stop. Optional duiker island boat ride available. NB: should guests decide not to do the boat ride optional, the time at Hout Bay harbour may be reduced.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Newlands, Western CapeEnjoy a short walking tour of the GardensDuration: 45 minutesStop At: Boulders Beach, Simon's Town, Western CapeVisit the Penguin colony Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape Town Central, Western CapeCape Point Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,300 acres of indigenous fauna and flora. Here we can see a variety of wildlife that includes baboons, Reebok, Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and the elusive eland. The reserve is also one of the world's largest breeding grounds for tortoises. Bird-watchers, too, will find many fine species to observe.**NB: timing depends where the Lunch stop is.***Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain National Park, Western CapeThe Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of the Cape PeninsulaDuration: 15 minutes
$89.89 Cultural & Theme Tours

Cape Town Townships Tour including Robben Island

Start your day with a hotel pickup, and then travel with your guide to the District Six Museum. Here, learn how segregationist laws beginning in 1950 forcibly removed more than 60,000 black South Africans from the district after it was declared ‘a white area.’Then, travel to Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township. During the apartheid era, living areas known as townships were set up in undesirable locations to house the country’s ‘non-whites.’ With your guide, drop by a shebeen (nightlife establishment), meet the locals at a market, talk to the owners of a guesthouse and a daycare center, and visit a traditional healer. Then, head to Guga S’thebe Arts & Culture Centre, the site of many community and cultural activities dedicated to improving the socio-economic status of Langa residents, the majority of whom are from the Xhosa tribe.Travel west back toward Cape Town to reach Gugulethu, originally established to house migrant workers from the agrarian Transkei region in the Eastern Cape province. Witness examples of poverty and development alike, including shanty towns, guesthouses, restaurants and jazz clubs. In the afternoon, enjoy free time for lunch at one of the many restaurants along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (own expense). Then, ferry north from Cape Town across Table Bay to the rocky outcrop of Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Nelson Mandela spent the first 18 years of his 27-year prison sentence in a maximum-security facility for political prisoners.On arrival, view his cell, which is approximately seven square feet (0.6 sq m) wide and located around a concrete courtyard. Listen to your guide share details of how Mandela’s leadership surfacing during a rebellion over forced digging in a quarry under harsh conditions.Pay a silent moment of respect as you imagine Nelson Mandela emerging from the prison gates, one step closer to beginning his long walk to freedom. Your tour then concludes with a drop-off back at your Cape Town hotel.Please note: District Six Museum (closed Sundays)

$210.73 Water Sports

Shark Cage Diving and Viewing from Cape Town

Pickup from your centrally located Cape Town hotel, and then relax in comfort during the approx. 2-hour journey.On arrival in Gansbaai, your driver will drop you off to enjoy breakfast (or lunch if your tour start time is delayed due to bad weather) at the shark-diving center, known as the Great White House. During this time, you'll meet the expert guides who are leading you on your adventure and be fitted for your diving gear.Board the specialized diving boat and enjoy an exhilarating 20-minute boat ride to Dyer Island. Your captain will stop in the optimal spot, and then the onboard team will tempt the great whites to the boat with bait so you’ll get a fantastic view of the sharks before heading into the shark-diving cage. The boat will stay anchored for approximately two hours, depending on the shark activity. Your cage is attached to the boat and will stay just a few feet/meters below the water’s surface during your dive, which means it’s quick and easy to get out of the water as soon as you want. While you’re on board the boat, hydrate and refuel with the included drinks and snacks. Once back on shore, enjoy a light refreshment at the Great White House, where you can purchase a professional video of your once-in-a-lifetime experience, if you wish.Your experience concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Cape Town.
$107.21 Day Trips & Excursions

Cape Point Sightseeing Tour plus Stellenbosch Wine Tasting

ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Chapman's Peak Drive, Western CapeThe most spectacular marine drive in the world. Stop At: Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape Town Central, Western Capetravel to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,300 acres of indigenous fauna and flora. Here we can see a variety of wildlife that includes baboons, Reebok, Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and the elusive eland. The reserve is also one of the world's largest breeding grounds for tortoises. Bird-watchers, too, will find many fine species to observe.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Neethlingshof Estate, Stellenbosch, Western CapeEnjoy a Wine Tasting at a Stellenbosch Wine Estate.Wine Estate is subject to change.Duration: 30 minutes
$80.59 Day Trips & Excursions

Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl Valley Wine Day Trip

ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Neethlingshof Estate, Stellenbosch, Western CapeEnjoy a Wine Tasting Stellenbosch. Wine Estate is subject to change.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Fairview Wine and Cheese, Suider Paarl, Paarl, Western CapeEnjoy a Wine tasting in paarl. Wine estate is subject to change.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Dieu Donne Vineyards & Views, Franschhoek, Western CapeEnjoy wine tasting in Franschoek.Wine estate is subject to change.Duration: 45 minutes
$47.03 Transfers & Ground Transport

Cape Town Airport Private Arrival Transfer

Arrange your private transfer for a time to suit your schedule, and then meet your courteous driver at the Cape Town airport to travel directly to your hotel in central Cape Town or the Cape Winelands.Whether you’re traveling individually, with a partner or in a group, your ground transport needs are covered by this private airport transfer service. Avoid the confusion of taxis or public transport and enjoy a hassle-free start to your vacation in the vibrant city of Cape Town or the picturesque Cape Winelands region.When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. Approximately 24-48 hours prior to your arrival in Cape Town, you will be required to reconfirm exact pickup time and place (the contact number will be provided on your travel voucher).The pricing is per vehicle per transfer with maximum 7 guests
See More Activities
Cape Town photo credits