Things to Do in Cape Town
Top attractions, best neighborhoods to wander, and the food you shouldn't skip in Cape Town, South Africa — 2026 traveler picks.
Top places to see
Table Mountain Cableway
Iconic flat-topped mountain cableway, R450 return. Wind closes the cableway frequently — check status before going. Sunset trips are spectacular.
V&A Waterfront
Working harbour + restaurants + Two Oceans Aquarium + shops. Free + safe area for tourists. Best entry point for Robben Island ferry.
Bo-Kaap (colourful Malay Quarter)
Pink, blue, green Cape Malay houses + cobbled streets. Free walking. Atlas Trading for spices + cuisine at Bo-Kaap Kombuis.
Robben Island (Mandela's prison)
Half-day trip from V&A Waterfront — ferry (R500) + Robben Island tour led by former prisoners. Pre-book online; sells out 1-2 weeks ahead.
Book tours + skip-the-line tickets
Compare tours + attractions in Cape Town across GetYourGuide, Tiqets and Trip.com — free cancellation on most, and prices match direct booking.
Things to do in Cape Town
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Cape Town and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse Cape TownJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Cape Town.Eat here first
Bobotie (spiced minced meat) at Marco's African Place. Cape Malay curry at Biesmiellah in Bo-Kaap. Bunny chow (Indian curry in hollowed bread) at Eastern Food Bazaar.
Local tip
CPT is 20km from centre — MyCiTi bus (R110, 25-40 min) is the cheapest. Taxis are honest in Cape Town (use Uber/Bolt for transparency). For 6+ hour layovers: V&A Waterfront + Bo-Kaap walk is achievable. Avoid driving + walking outside tourist areas alone.
Where to stay
Hotels across Cape Town — filter by neighborhood + budget on the map below.