Situated beside the Atlantic Ocean, the oldest city of South Africa is really a stunning place. The sandy beaches, the long stretch of vineyards, glorious weather and the iconic Table Mountain makes Cape Town a city where you can have it all. The city is blessed with a laid back attitude and a plethora of must do activities to choose from. One can spend days after days listening to jazz music, tasting the gourmet offerings, going on wild safaris, taking a helicopter tour above the city or diving under water to witness the Great white sharks. A trip to Cape Town is the best way to start your vacation in South Africa. While you can find out all about planning the perfect trip in our extensive South Africa Travel Guide, here are some the top activities that you must try out while you are in Cape Town.
Top Things to Do in Cape Town
Hike the Table Mountain:
The magnanimous Table Mountain acts as a grand backdrop of the whole city of Cape Town. It is the most iconic landmark of this city, and hiking up to the top of this mountain should be mandatory while visiting here. The panoramic view of Cape Town that you can get from the top of this mountain will surely take your breath away. If you’re not the hiking type, take to cable car service to reach the top. Trust the, the view from the top is worth it.
Plunge into the water among the sharks:
For all of the adventure lovers among you, cage-diving into the shark filled ocean is the most thrilling experience you can have while you are in Cape Town. Take a day trip to Gansbaai, the shark capital of the world. There you can dive into the ocean in a cage, which will put you within touching distance of one of the world’s most feared predators. You’ll also get learn a lot about these majestic creatures from onboard guides and marine biologists.
Visit Cape Point:
Set your foot at literally the tip of the African continent by visiting Cape Point. Here, the old church stands quietly surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. You can also visit the Cape Point National Park, from where you can witness the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean at the Cape of Good Hope.
Head to Robben Island:
Take a day trip to Robben Island to explore the former political prison. Guided tours are conducted daily to this island from Cape Town. There are a lot of WW2 sites and a beautiful museum to explore while you’re here.
Feel the Cape Jazz:
Jazz music is a huge part of the cultural heritage of Cape Town. Cape Jazz, a style of jazz with distinct African flavor, is almost a way of living in Cape Town. Do not miss out on chance to experience the great Cape tunes while you are in this city.