This Is Why Cape Town Keeps Showing Up on Travelers’ Bucket Lists

Vineyard hopping on an antique train, spot penguins on a white sand beach, cage dive with sharks, then go from boutique hotel to hiking epic mountains, all in one trip? Yes, it exists!

Cape Town has a way of showing up on every “must visit in South Africa” list, but what really surprised us is that the city is a lot more nuanced and complicated than the picture perfect version shown online. On our first visit to South Africa, we had skipped Cape Town completely and stuck to Johannesburg and the Panorama Route to Kruger to experience the incredible safaris. When we finally made it to the coast on our second visit, we realized that beyond the postcard views and wine tastings, Cape Town has a depth that requires a bit of effort and intention to fully appreciate.

Most guides point you straight toward the same packed landmarks, but we learned pretty quickly that you get a very different side of Cape Town when you step off the usual circuit and seek out hidden alternatives. At the same time, safety in the city can be complicated, so we had to choose activities more thoughtfully than usual and skip a few popular spots that the locals warned us against.

After spending over 10 days wandering, eating, hiking, road tripping, and learning from the locals, we put together our favourite unique things to do in Cape Town.  This list focuses on lesser known places and experiences, and amazing alternatives that ended up being a lot more rewarding than the famous highlights. And we will share the tips we picked up along the way to help you explore the best and most authentic sides of the city while staying safe.

23 Unique Things to do in Cape town

This list focuses on off-the-beaten-path adventures, local favourite spots, underrated viewpoints, and alternatives to the city’s most popular attractions, showcasing a side of Cape Town few visitors get to see. Because safety can be a concern in Cape Town, we had to be very thoughtful and intentional with where we went and how we explored the city. So with each recommendation, we will include practical tips we learned to help you plan your activities in the safest way possible. 

In general, the best way to explore Cape Town is by renting a car. This will give you the maximum freedom and flexibility, and allow you to reach some of our favourite hidden gem day trip spots! But if you prefer not to drive, don’t worry! Everything can also be enjoyed using Uber or through guided tours!

If you want this whole list of Cape Town’s best experiences in a handy PDF you can bring on your trip, you can download it for free right below! ⬇️

1) Walking Tour to Visit Bo-Kaap

You can’t visit South Africa without learning about its powerful and complex history during the Apartheid era. And one of the best ways to understand this chapter is through a walking tour. Over 2-3 hours, we were brought to key historical landmarks and the colourful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, which gave us truly meaningful insights into the country’s dark past.

Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most colourful and historically significant neighbourhoods. Yes, it is a popular instagram spot for its rainbow-painted houses and cobblestone streets, but behind it is an important chapter of South Africa’s slave and apartheid history.

This was once the home to freed slaves brought from Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and other parts of Africa. It was one of the few places they could rent or buy property, and over time it evolved into a tight-knit Muslim community that preserved its culture. Today, the bright coloured houses stand as a symbol of resilience, cultural identity, and freedom after centuries of oppression. 

This Bo-Kaap walking tour was one of the first things we did after arriving in Cape Town and really helped us better understand the culture and history here. Our guide also shared plenty of insider tips on the best places to visit, where to eat, and how to navigate the city safely. We would highly recommend this tour as one of the first things to do in Cape Town! 

2) Cycling Tour of Cape Town

We always recommend doing a walking tour when arriving in a new city, but another fun alternative is a cycling tour. This is perfect for anyone who wants to see more of Cape Town in less time while learning about the country’s rich history. Some of the highlights on this tour include visiting Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, the Company’s Garden, Castle of Good Hope, Adderley Street, and Greenpoint Park.

The cycle tour can be done on a standard bicycle or on an E-bike for an easier, more relaxed ride. You can also book a private tour with a guide who speaks Dutch, French, Italian, or German.

3) Day Trip to Franschhoek Wine Region

You can’t visit South Africa without trying their world-class wines! You have the option of exploring the famous wine region of Franschhoek through the popular Wine Tram, going on a fully guided tour where a private air-conditioned vehicle brings you to multiple curated wine tastings and meals, or doing a self-drive exploration. 

Wine Tram Franschhoek Tour

With the famous Wine Tram, you get to ride a vintage train that directly connects you to several of the most popular vineyards. Stop off for tastings whenever you like, then catch the next train to continue your journey. You can go as slow or fast as you want, and a bus will take you back to the beginning at the end. This tour includes return transfer from Cape Town and a 1 day Wine Tram ticket. 

Fully Guided Franschhoek Tour

If you prefer a more guided experience, then we would recommend this full day Franschhoek tour. Over 9 hours, you’ll be transported directly from Cape Town on a spacious air-conditioned bus and be brought to a curated list of family-run vineyards and lunch spots. The tour includes a delicious a la carte lunch, chocolate and wine tasting, cheese and wine pairing, and roundtrip transportation.

Self-drive option for Franschhoek

Finally, if you have a rental car like we did, we recommend driving there yourself, doing maybe 1 wine tasting, and then hike up to one of South Africa’s most stunning landscapes at Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. More on that later!

If you want some of the top recommended vineyards, check out Old Wine Co, or for something more upscale, check out Rickety Bridge Estate, Haute Cabrière, or le Lude Estate

4) Hiking in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

Hiking the Uytkyk Trail at Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, just an hour from Cape Town, was one of our favourite experiences in the area. It’s a hidden gem that doesn’t get mentioned much online and makes a great complement to a day exploring the nearby Franschhoek wine region.

The Uitkyk Trail took us through some of South Africa’s most dramatic mountain scenery, landscapes as breathtaking as the ones we explored on our Blyde River Canyon hike along the Panorama Route. The best part was not only the jaw-dropping scenery, but also that it was completely safe to do on our own!

The Entry fee into the park is only 70 rand per person and you have the option of doing the 6km Uytkyk Trail loop, or the longer 13km Perdekop Trail Loop. Both routes will bring you to the jaw-dropping viewpoint overlooking the towering mountains of Cape Fold Belt.

Given that some of Cape Town’s iconic hikes, like Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, have become more and more unsafe over the years, we really appreciated having this gorgeous and secure alternative to explore.

Finally, after the hike, make sure to enjoy the sunset views from right outside the entrance. It overlooks the valley of Franschhoek and was one of the most stunning sunsets we saw in Cape Town. 

Planning a trip to Cape Town? Our full Cape Town Itinerary Guide shows you how to make the most of 3 days, 7 days, or longer! We include our top tips, favorite spots to eat, and safe places to stay.

5) Penguins at Boulder’s Beach OR our favourite alternative

While most tourists flock to Chapman’s Peak Drive and Boulders Beach to see penguins, here’s a little secret: there’s an even more breathtaking (and far less crowded) alternative just a short drive from Cape Town. The Stony Point Penguin Colony offers an even more incredible experience without the crowds, and the journey there along Clarence Drive is one of the most spectacular coastal drives we’ve experienced in South Africa (even compared to many of the most amazing spots on the Garden Route!). Bonus: it’s also much cheaper than Boulders Beach, costing only 45 rand per person compared to 245 rand at Boulder’s Beach! 

A few more reasons why we love Stony Point Penguin Colony over Boulder’s Beach are the noticeably smaller crowds, the ability to get much closer to the penguins, and the stunning backdrop of mountains that makes the whole setting feel way more dramatic.

While you are still restricted to the boardwalks, the pathway weaves right through the penguin colony bringing you just a few feet away from these adorable little tuxedo birds. In the end, we spent close to 2-3 hours there admiring these cute wobbling penguins and soaking in the whole scenery. 

If you’re driving your own rental car, we’d definitely suggest checking out Stony Point Penguin Colony for a more off the beaten track and authentic penguin experience. If not, Boulder’s Beach is still fantastic (even if it’s a bit pricier) and is super easy to visit on a guided day tour. For example, this day tour combines Boulder’s Beach to see the Penguins with Bo Kaap and Cape of Good Hope! 

6) Sunset at Signal Hill + Paragliding

The first 5 activities on our list are completely safe to enjoy. Where things got complicated, however, was when we went searching for places to watch the sunset in Cape Town. As photographers, sunset is our favourite time of day to soak up the scenery and snap photos, but unfortunately, many of the popular sunset hikes like Table Mountain and Lion’s Head have become more and more unsafe over the years. 

In just the first five months of 2025, there were 47 reported violent attacks on the trails of Table Top Mountain alone! If this trend continues, 2025 could surpass the previous record of 151 attacks in 2023. 

For this reason, we looked for a safer alternative rather than take unnecessary risks. We were recommended Signal Hill and it turned out to be a fantastic, and worry-free, option. 

Signal Hill is one of the best (and safest) viewpoints to soak in panoramic views of Cape Town, Lion’s Head, and Table Mountain. We were able to easily drive all the way to the top, park, and enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the city. There are also regular patrols there monitoring the vehicles and safety around. Another thing we loved is that the viewpoint provides a full 360° lookout, so you can just pick your favourite angle, sit back, and watch Cape Town glow under the setting sun.

And for a dose of adventure, we recommend trying out paragliding from Signal Hill. We met another traveler who loved the experience so much, she did it twice in two days! 

7) Guided Tour up Table Mountain

As mentioned earlier, we would not recommend hiking Table Mountain on your own. Locals advised us to only attempt the trek if travelling in a group of five or more people, or as part of an organized guided hike. Parts of the trail are quite remote, and that’s where most of the reported incidents have taken place. If you want to experience Table Mountain safely, joining a guided hike is a great option, or another way is by taking the cable car up and down.

Table Mountain Guided Hiking tour

This three hour guided hike takes you along some of Table Mountain’s most unique trails with an expert guide who’ll point out local flora and fauna and lead you to their favourite viewpoints and photo spots. The goal is to reach the summit right in time for sunset, before riding the cable car back down so you’re not hiking in the dark.

Table Mountain + Bo Kaap + Boulder’s Beach Tour

Alternatively, if you’re not interested in hiking up Table Mountain, This Full-day Cape town tour combines visits to several of Cape Town’s highlights including Bo Kaap, going up Table Mountain, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope, and Boulder’s Beach! It’s a full 10 hour day that’s loaded with amazing places to see and things to do!

8) Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap

If you want a break from hiking and sightseeing, a Cape Malay cooking class in Bo Kaap is a fun way to learn about the culture through food.

Bo Kaap has a deep history tied to the Cape Malay community, and cooking with a local is one of the best ways to understand how that history shaped the flavours of Cape Town today. You will learn how to make traditional dishes from scratch, while your host shares stories about life in the neighbourhood and the influences that shaped the cuisine. Essentially, it’s a fun and interactive history lesson with amazing food! 

The class starts with a short walk through the colourful neighbourhood followed by a hands on cooking session where you help prepare traditional dishes before sitting down together for lunch. You’ll learn about the Cape Malay story, whose cuisine fuses African tradition with that of Malaysian and Indonesian slaves, brought over by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries.

During our stay in Cape Town, we did the walking tour through Bo-Kaap and that is where we learned about this Cape Malay Cooking Class! Unfortunately, we did not have time to do it but we walked by where the class takes place and the food smelled amazing! 

9) Day Trip to Cape Point Nature Reserve

Sitting at the very tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point Nature Reserve packs an incredible amount of scenery and biodiversity into one compact area.

What you’ll see at Cape Point Nature Reserve

With a day trip to Cape Point Nature Reserve, you’ll be rewarded with sheer cliffs, turquoise waters with waves crashing against the rugged coastline, and a variety of wildlife like baboons, elands, zebras and more! Here you’ll also find iconic viewpoints like an old lighthouse, quiet beaches, and multiple hiking trails. Due to the fact that it is one of the most southernly points of the entire African continent, you’ll literally feel like you’re at the edge of the world! And if you’re here between June and October, you’ll also have the chance to spot massive whales moving past the Cape Point! 

The area is part of Table Mountain National Park, so there is an entrance fee of 515 Rand, but it is well maintained and generally considered safe for visitors during daylight hours. If you have a car, Cape Point Nature reserve combines perfectly with a drive along Chapman’s Peak and a visit to the penguins of Boulder’s Beach. 

How to Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve

We didn’t visit Cape Point Nature Reserve on this trip since we had already explored plenty of stunning coastal parks along our Garden Route road trip, like Robberg Nature Reserve and Knysna, and felt the entrance fee of 515 rand per person was quite pricey. With that said, if you’re only spending time around Cape Town and won’t be doing the Garden Route, Cape Point offers some of the most accessible and equally breathtaking coastal views in the region.

If you don’t have your own car, you can join this Full-day Cape town tour which combines visits to several of Cape Town’s highlights including Bo Kaap, going up Table Mountain, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope, and Boulder’s Beach! 

10) Visit Robben Island

Just off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island is one of South Africa’s most historically significant sites and a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the country’s past.

With a day trip to Robben Island, you’ll take a short ferry ride across Table Bay, enjoy panoramic views of Cape Town’s skyline, and explore the island where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held during apartheid.

The guided tour includes visits to the actual prison cells, the museum, and other key historical landmarks. But what truly sets this tour apart is that it’s guided by former inmates and ex-prisoners, who share their personal stories and firsthand history.

11) Visit Castle of Good Hope

Right in the heart of Cape Town, the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa and a must-visit for anyone interested in the country’s early history. During a visit, you’ll explore the star-shaped fort, its bastions, historic halls, and the military museum, learning about the Dutch East India Company and the colonial era. 

Dark History: Castle of Good Hope

Castle of Good Hope served as the headquarters of the Dutch East India Company in the Cape. They coordinated the storage and distribution of food, fresh water, and other provisions for ships traveling between Europe and Asia. Cape Town was a crucial halfway stop on the maritime spice trade routes, and the castle was central to managing that.

Unfortunately, with the arrival of the Dutch East India Company, came the colonial conquest of the indigenous lands and the resulting exploitation of labour and monopolization. This led to the spread of disease, use of slavery, and violent clashes with local communities, contributing to long-term social and economic disruption.

This is a compelling part of South Africa’s past and a great complement to exploring the Apartheid history either on a walking tour or visiting Robben Island.

🦁 Want to discover more of Africa? Some of our most unforgettable experiences include driving the Panorama Route, staying at private game lodges in Kruger, and embarking on a self-drive camping adventure through Namibia. From awe-inspiring sand dunes in Sossusvlei, kayaking with seals in Swakopmund, to chasing the Big 5 at Etosha, Namibia is one of our favourite destinations EVER.

12) Swim at one of Cape Town’s Beaches

Cape Town is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in all of South Africa! We visited during the South African winter (June to August), so while swimming wasn’t really an option, we still loved exploring the shoreline and taking in the views. Even in winter, the beaches are perfect for walking, photography, or just enjoying the scenery. We did see quite a few locals going in for a plunge but it was too cold for us! 

Here are some of the best beaches in Cape Town, recommended by locals:

• Kalk Bay Beach: A charming, small beach right by the quaint Kalk Bay harbor. It’s great for strolling along the shore, watching local fishermen, or popping into nearby cafes. 
• Llandudno Beach: This secluded beach is surrounded by mountains and is less crowded than Clifton or Camps Bay.
• Beta Beach
• Clifton 4th beach: Set of 4 different beaches. Popular with locals and visitors alike, these beaches are perfect for sunbathing, picnics
• Muizenberg Beach: Famous for its colorful beach huts and gentle waves, Muizenberg is ideal for beginner surfers or a relaxed beach day.
• Fish Hoek Beach: A long, sandy beach with gentle waves, ideal for families or beginner surfers. The shallow waters make it one of the safest beaches for swimming in warmer months.

13) Dinner at Nikkei Japanese Restaurant

There’s no shortage of amazing restaurants in Cape Town. In fact, the first time we came to South Africa, we were absolutely blown away by the incredible cuisine here! But dining in Cape Town can get expensive quick, so we wanted to recommend one of our favourite restaurants, Nikkei Japanese Peruvian! It was so good and affordable that we went two days in a row! 

For just 599 Rand (equivalent of 34 USD), you can enjoy a 9 course tasting menu including dishes like crispy squid, yellowtail ceviche, tuna ceviche, braised sesame short rib, lamb anticuchos and more! At that price, it is a total steal! If that isn’t enough to convince you, arrive between 4:00-5:30pm and all Pisco cocktails are half price! We’ve now explored Peru twice and can personally attest that the food here is both authentic and incredibly delicious!

We enjoyed our meal so much that we immediately booked for the next day for their Sushi & Sake Sundays. A 22 piece sushi platter costs only 199 rand (12 USD) and all sake cocktails are at half price! To top it all off, there’s live music or a DJ to elevate the experience even more!

This was by far our favourite meal of Cape Town, though we also enjoyed Tomson Restaurant, Iron Steak and Bar by Pan, and Three Wise Monkeys! 

This post is part of our series about South Africa. If you want to learn more about South Africa, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:

16 Must-Do Experiences on South Africa’s Garden Route

Kruger & Panorama Route, South Africa: Ultimate Self-Drive Itinerary

The Ultimate 10-Day Garden Route Road Trip Itinerary

2 Best South Africa Itineraries for First Time Visitors (Safari vs Cape Town)

How to Visit Johannesburg for First Timers (What to Know Before You Go)

Is Cape Town Safe for Tourists? 8 Must-Know Safety Tips Before Visiting

23 Unique Things to do in Cape Town + Hidden Gems (2026)

3 to 7 Days in Cape Town Itinerary: Hidden Gems & Local Favorites You’ll Love

14) Oranjezitcht Farm Market and V&A Waterfront

Oranjezicht City Farm Market is a must-visit for anyone who loves local hand made products, farmer’s markets, and delicious farm to table foods! Just a short 10-minute walk from the V&A Waterfront, you’ll find vendors selling everything from handmade leather goods and natural skincare to clothing and farm-fresh meals. And whatever you do, don’t miss Funki Fungi for their insanely delicious mushroom skewers. We initially saw them on TikTok and wondered, “how good can a mushroom skewer really be?” Turns out it is absolutely delicious!

The market is open weekends from 8:00am-2:00pm and Wednesday evenings from 4:00-9:00pm. While it’s a fun spot to hang out and soak up the local atmosphere, it is not the best place to shop as everything is quite pricey!

So instead, we recommend after to visit the V&A Waterfront just a 10 minute walk away. You’ll get some of the best views of Cape Town’s harbour, enjoy a few hours of safe retail therapy, and maybe even snag a great deal on clothing or souvenirs. I ended up finding 3-4 nice pants and shirts that were perfect to continue our travels with! 

15) Sunset at The Rock

We love chasing after sunsets, but one big issue we ran into in Cape Town was that many of the main sunset spots are not safe. We had initially wanted to hike up Table Mountain or Lion’s head to see the sunset, but we learned that the hikes are not safe unless if you’re going on a guided tour or in a group of 4 or more people. 

Rather than spending 450 rand each on the return cable car up Table Mountain, we opted for an off-the-beaten track alternative at The Rock. 

The viewpoint at The Rock offers a stunning panoramic view of the coastline and Cape Town’s iconic mountain ridges. You can reach there directly by car, park along the streets, and there is even a security checkpoint and guards to allow you through.

It is located in quite a wealthy neighbourhood so you’ll get to appreciate the fancy homes along with the sunset views. The best part? It’s completely free to visit and totally safe!

In the end, The Rock and Signal Hill were both safe and incredibly beautiful spots in Cape Town to watch the sunset. 

16) Experience a South African Safari

We’ve been fortunate enough to experience safaris multiple times over the years: first in Kruger National Park in South Africa, then in Etosha National Park in Namibia, and later at a few private game lodges along the Garden Route. And honestly, going on these game drives and spotting lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, and all the incredible African wildlife is nothing short of life-changing. 

It’s hard to describe, but it feels like stepping back in time, witnessing nature in its purest, most untamed form.

If you haven’t done a safari yet, we highly recommend visiting one of the private game lodges near Cape Town. While the experience isn’t quite on the same scale as the legendary Kruger National Park, it’s still absolutely worth it.  And we guarantee it’ll give you a taste of the safari magic that’ll have you planning your next trip back to South Africa (or Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya)!

Personally, we find a one day safari tour will not be sufficient, so from Cape Town you can also join this 2 Day Safari Experience where you’ll also get to stay at a Safari Game Lodge!

17) Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus or Gansbaii

If you’re after another one-of-a-kind experience, make your way to Hermanus or Gansbaai for a Big 5 Marine Safari! Instead of spotting lions and elephants, you’ll be cruising the ocean in search of whales, dolphins, seals, and other incredible marine life. We got to experience it in Knysna during our Garden Route Road Trip and it was incredible!

Coming from Quebec, we have done our fair share of whale watching, but the experience here in South Africa is totally different and far exceeded our expectations!

We went with Ocean Odyssey (Knysna), and unlike the big ships where you’re stuck peering from a distance (or miss the action completely if you’re on the wrong side), here you head out on a small boat that gets you right up close and interacting with them. In addition to whales, we had the chance to spot dolphins, seals, and a variety of birds. And then there’s the backdrop of the dramatic South African coastline which makes the whole experience even more unforgettable.

So even if you’ve done whale watching in another country before, it might still be worth doing again here! 

18) Cage Diving with Sharks

South Africa is one of the few places in the world where you can actually go cage diving with sharks.

You’ve probably seen those documentaries where divers are suspended in a metal cage while a massive shark cruises past. Well, this is your chance to experience something equally adrenaline filled in real life. But it’s not just about the thrill. Most tours are led by marine biologists who turn the trip into an educational experience, helping you understand shark behaviour and why these animals are so misunderstood. In fact, we’ve had the chance to scuba dive with sharks on several occasions, and they’re far from the evil predators portrayed in films like Jaws.

One important thing to know: sightings of great white sharks are never guaranteed. In fact, when we checked, some recent tours have gone close to one year without spotting one. With that said, being in the water with sharks of any kind is still a surreal and bucket list worthy experience, and easily one of the most unique adventures you can have in Cape Town.

19) Noordhoek Farm Village

Just a 25-minute drive from central Cape Town, Noordhoek Farm Village is one of Cape Town’s most beloved locals hangout spot. Here you’ll find a variety of excellent eateries, from wood-fired pizzas and hearty café food at Café Roux, to refined tapas and seasonal dishes at The Foodbarn Café & Tapas by chef Franck Dangereux, fresh sushi, handmade ice cream, juices, and artisan snacks, so no matter what you fancy, there’s something for you. If you’re in the mood for shopping, they have tons of local boutiques selling clothing, organic foods, ethical health stores, and more! 

But what really drew us here were the frequent events and shows held at Cafe Roux. When we went, they even had an local ABBA concert! The entire venue of the Noordhoek Farm Village is relaxed, peaceful, and most importantly, safe!

20) Cape Town Helicopter Tour

Ok, I know, Helicopter tours are definitely a splurge! But if there’s one city where it actually feels worth it, it’s Cape Town.

Located at the southern tip of Africa and framed by the dramatic coastline and iconic peaks like Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, the city is ridiculously impressive from above. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the landscape, consider a scenic helicopter flight or, at the very least, try paragliding from Signal Hill for a cheaper but equally thrilling viewpoint.

21) Kayaking at the V&A Waterfront

After seeing Cape Town from the sky, why not experience its beauty from the water?

While the city’s coastline is world-renowned, not many people get to admire it from the fresh blue waters of the Atlantic. This kayaking tour takes you along the V&A Waterfront with the chance to spot seals, dolphins, and even whales. The kayaks are stable and beginner friendly, and you’ll be accompanied by professional guides the entire way.

Along the route, you’ll enjoy unique views of Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, the Twelve Apostles, and a local shipwreck, before finishing with an incredibly photogenic view of Table Mountain.

22) Embark on the Garden Route Road Trip

This one isn’t a quick activity in Cape Town, but rather an entire road trip worth doing if you have extra time. The Garden Route is one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, stretching between Hermanus and Storms River and showcasing South Africa’s best landscapes.

Along the way, you can visit vineyards, explore mountain scenery, stay in some of the most charming boutique hotels, go whale watching, kayak through Tsitsikamma Gorge, spot whales and dolphins while hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve, and so much more!

You’ll want at least five days to enjoy it properly, though a full week is ideal. We spent eight days and found it to be the perfect amount of time.

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, feel free to check out our full guide on the best things to do along the Garden Route and a complete guide on planning your Garden Route Road Trip!

23) Cederberg Wilderness Area Day Trip

If you’re looking for a wilder day trip/overnight trip from Cape Town, the Cederberg Wilderness Area is a fantastic option.

About 2.5 hours north of the city, it’s known for towering sandstone rock formations, ancient San rock art, and incredible stargazing. Visitors typically come for hiking, swimming in natural rock pools, and exploring the area’s remote landscapes.

Some of the most famous hikes there include Maltese Cross (moderate), Wolfberg Arch/Cracks (challenging), Stadsaal Caves, and the Sevilla Rock Art Trail. You’ll also find Rooibos Tea Farms in the area, which happens to be our favourite South African tea! One of the biggest draws for us was to see the impressive Wolfberg Arch, reminiscent of the stunning sandstone arches we loved exploring in Utah.

If you’ll be exploring Cederberg independently, then you should use Clanwilliam as your base town. However due to the remoteness of this Nature Reserve, we would instead recommend staying at a lodge like Cederberg Ridge or Ochre and Ash who can help you organize guided daily excursions. 

Is Cape Town Safe to Visit

As we mentioned earlier, safety in Cape Town can be complicated. The city has one of the highest crime rates in the world, but most incidents happen in very specific areas. If you know which neighbourhoods to avoid, what not to do, and the right precautions to take, Cape Town can be safe enough for tourists.

For a detailed breakdown of the safety issues and our top tips, check out our Complete Guide to Safety in Cape Town.

Where to Stay in Cape Town

One of the biggest decisions when planning your Cape Town trip is choosing where to stay. We did a ton of research in order to make sure we picked a neighbourhood that is safe, close to major attractions, had private and secure parking, and ideally some visible street patrols too. Given Cape Town’s track record, safety was the most important consideration. 

With those criteria in mind, we narrowed it down to four main areas: Sea Point, Green Point, the V&A Waterfront, and the northern end of the CBD. We ended up staying in Sea Point and would highly recommend it. It is close to the beach, safe, filled with cute bakeries and shops, and just a short drive from downtown. 

To help you pick where to stay in Cape Town, we’ll share below our own curated list of hotels that we personally considered for our trip:

V&A Waterfront: Upscale + very safe

• AC Hotel Waterfront (beautiful luxury hotel, fitness center, secure parking, buffet breakfast)
• Dolphin Inn Guesthouse (beachfront, private parking, Bed and breakfast, located on a quieter area)

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Sea Point: More local + close to the beach

• The Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa (Luxurious rooms, outdoor pool and spa facilities, breakfast buffet, a la carte dinner poolside, massage treatments)
• Loloho Lodge (Adults only, 4 star B&B, lush garden, outdoor swimming pool, 8 mins walk to Rocklands Beach)

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Green Point: Close to Downtown + Next to Lion’s Head

• DysArt Boutique Hotel (No loadshedding, boutique hotel, just minutes from V&A, free parking, swimming pool)
• Blackheath Lodge by The Oyster Collection (Victorian Boutique Hotel, just below Signal Hill, Breakfast on terrace, Pool and Garden, quiet retreat)

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Northern CBD: Very Central but less safe than the other options

• The Rockefeller Hotel by Newmark (Room with balcony, rooftop and indoor swimming pool, directly in CBD, very modern)
• Cape Heritage Hotel (located in elegant Heritage Square, roof-top jacuzzi, central location very close to famous restaurants, paid parking across the street)

Cape Town Itinerary

Now that you have a full list of Cape Town’s best and most unique experiences, the next step is figuring out how to fit it all into the perfect itinerary. We spent over 10 days exploring the city and created a complete guide on planning your Cape Town trip—whether you have just 3 days, a full week, or even longer!

Using WISE card in South Africa

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.

Recap: Unique Things to do in Cape Town, South Africa

After spending over 10 days exploring Cape Town, we can confidently say this city has so much more to offer than the typical tourist spots. From hidden hiking trails and unique Cape Malay cooking classes to breathtaking coastal drives and wildlife encounters, there is something for every type of traveler. While safety does require a lot of extra thought and planning, with the right precautions, you can enjoy the city’s incredible scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture. So whether you’re here for a few days or a week, we are sure you’ll discover experiences in Cape Town that are unforgettable and will leave you wanting to return.