THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Cape Town - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Cape Town

Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa - Cape Town Attractions

Things to Do in Cape Town


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Cape Town.

Top Attractions in Cape Town

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Marinas
The V&A Waterfront is a 123-hectare mixed-use destination, and one of Africa’s most visited cultural and historical hubs. Set on the edge of a natural, historic working harbour with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, it offers local and international visitors a cosmopolitan mix of experiences ranging from leisure, shopping and exclusive entertainment. It also offers prime residential and commercial property. The prime positioning of the V&A Waterfront boasts sweeping views of the ocean, city bowl and mountain peaks. Up to 100 000 people visit every day during peak season. Contributing R259.1 billion in nominal terms to the South African economy over the last twelve years, the V&A Waterfront’s cumulative contribution to the provincial GGP since 2002 was over R227 billion. The property also reported a 19% increase in retail trade sales for 2014, marking four consecutive years of consistent growth since 2011. By end 2014, total visitor numbers to the property had grown to 24 million a year. Although the V&A Waterfront remains South Africa’s favourite attraction for international visitors, they account for only 23% of all visitors. Visits by locals increased to 63%, while 14% of visitors were from upcountry. With 22 official landmarks on-site, it is also part of South Africa’s historical legacy. Jointly owned by Growthpoint Properties Limited and the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), represented by the Public Investment Corporation Limited (PIC), the V&A Waterfront was developed in 1988 by the state-owned transport corporation, Transnet Limited, while official commercial trading commenced in November 1990.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.






*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • 53Ruta_R
    Chicago, IL462 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went early in the morning as the sky was clear and we wanted to take advantage of the cloudless sky. Glad we did as the mountain was covered in clouds in the afternoon.
    The cable cars had rotating floors as to give panoramic views while going up and down. Hiking up is possible, but takes several hours.

    When on top, there are 2 trails, commanding views ( clear day), option to bungee jump, gift shop and place to eat.
    Written May 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bonnie B
    Miami, United States16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Go early, purchase tickets in advance, enjoy your stay, take many photos, be prepared to do some walking - 1.5-2 hours, then have lunch at their restaurant - fish and chips highly recommend, followed by a dessert.
    Written May 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BobN06
    Avondale, PA631 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful and well-maintained gardens, world class and definitely worth a visit. We spent about an hour and a half and could have been there longer. We were there late in the day and most of the crowds had left so we had many areas of the gardens to ourselves.
    Written May 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BobN06
    Avondale, PA631 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Safe area for walking around at all hours. Typical attraction site for tourists with plenty of shopping and restaurants. Amid the plethora of the typical chain stores and restaurants, you can also find unique souvenir shops with reasonable prices and some excellent African restaurants. Most weekend evenings you can also find free local entertainment.
    Written May 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bonnie B
    Miami, United States16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not to be missed, beautiful scenery, amazing to see these little penguins in this excellent environment, opportunity to take lots of photos and videos.
    Written May 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 53Ruta_R
    Chicago, IL462 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Luckily, on the day I went, the skies were clear. A funicular took a group up the side to reach one of the higher point. A ticket is required for both directions. Commanding views.
    Written May 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Beautiful Journeys679
    Johannesburg, South Africa33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an incredible hike with the most phenomenal 360 degree views over Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean. Def not for the faint hearted or those who have a fear of heights. 3 of us set off on this challenging hike and only two of us reached the peak.
    Took about 2.5 - 3hours.
    I enjoyed the more daring trail with ladders (option of easy or difficult)
    Def a must do activity!
    Written April 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim W
    Sindelfingen, Germany7,355 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Cape Town Nature Reserve covers a lot of ground, but it makes for several hours of enjoyable scenery from on high and at sea level. My wife and I really enjoyed our tour guide taking us around and showing us all the points of interest. We spent a good three hours here and simply loved the beauty of our planet. Let's keep it that way!
    Written May 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael P
    Pretoria, South Africa165 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Growing up on the western side of the Cape Peninsula I read your comments on Camps Bay beach with interest. Whoever wrote the review may have been to the beach but certainly never swam in the sea. Waem water indeed. As kids there were always several friends that were absent from school when the water reached a lovely temperature of 60 F
    The locals don't rate Camps Bay as a great beach, Clifton 1 & 4 are the choices.
    Written April 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Simon N
    London, UK191 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice aquarium around the V&A waterfront. The weather wasn't great in Cape Town, hence decided for an activity that was sheltered. The aquarium have a range of aquatic an