50+ Things to Do in Cape Town: A Local’s Guide

Last Updated on September 27, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

Since moving down to the coast in 2014, I’ve fallen hard for Cape Town. So much so that I think the Mother City is one of the most unique cities in all of South Africa.

Cape Town is where you’ll find pristine beaches with shipwrecks, penguins and lazy seals. It’s a city where hiking trails up a world wonder are a 10-minute drive away.

It’s home to restaurants from cultures all over the world and is where you’ll find an innovative cocktail scene with some of the best craft beer in the country.

The best part? Cape Town is a “choose your own adventure” type of place. Whether you’re a foodie, adrenaline junkie or sports nerd – there are possibilities for every kind of traveller!

Whether you want to take in the romance of the city or see the top sights – here are some of the best things to do in Cape Town!

Psst…Want more Cape Town travel inspiration? Check out my other posts:

• The Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide
• The Perfect Cape Town Itinerary for One Incredible Week
• 12+ Best Hiking Trails in Cape Town With Jaw-Dropping Views
• The Coolest & Best Coffee Shops in Cape Town
• 12 Secluded Cabins Near Cape Town That Are Perfect for Escaping Reality
• The Best Vegan Restaurants in Cape Town You Need To Try

Romantic Things to Do in Cape Town

Visiting the Mother City with your special person? You’re in luck! There’s no shortage of romantic things to do in Cape Town. Here are a few ideas for a romantic rendezvous:

Go to the Pink Flamingo Rooftop Cinema

In the heart of Cape Town’s CBD, you’ll find the Pink Flamingo Rooftop Cinema. Located on top of the Grand Daddy Hotel, you can watch a flick underneath the stars, set among seven vintage Airstream trailers.

It’s one of the best things to do in Cape Town for couples!

If you want to up the romance factor, you can order a delicious picnic basket or spend a night in one of the themed trailers.

Choose from three seating options: General Seating, the Love Seat and the Couch. Each ticket includes a welcome drink, a bag of sweets and popcorn.

Read More: The Best Hotels in Cape Town: Where to Stay for Every Budget

Spend a night at the Sunset Dome in Tulbagh

Shut up and take my money” is the first thing I thought when I stumbled across the Sunset Dome in Tulbagh.

Located on the scenic La Bruyere Farm, it’s one of the most popular and romantic Airbnbs in near Cape Town, South Africa.

How popular?

It’s often booked up at least two months in advance! 🤯

With an outdoor bathtub and a private lake all to yourself, it’s the ultimate getaway for couples or solo travellers who want to escape into nature

Read More: The Most Secluded and Romantic Airbnbs in South Africa

Take the Cable Car Up Table Mountain for Sunset

Splurge on two return cable tickets up Table Mountain and set the tone for a romantic evening in the city. Bring a warm jacket, a bottle of bubbly and enjoy an incredible sunset with breathtaking views of Cape Town and the entire Cape Peninsula below.

Buy your tickets here and check the weather conditions.

Book a Romantic Picnic at Boschendal

Escape the hustle of Cape Town’s CBD and head for the hills – literally. Nestled in the breathtaking Franschhoek Valley is a 300-year old wine farm that serves up a romantic experience for two.

Instead of eating your lunch inside a restaurant (yet again), choose from one of the two Boschendal picnic areas. All the food is grown on the estate, and you’ll have sweeping views of the Cape Winelands, making it one of the best day trips from Cape Town.

When you’re done, explore one of the hiking trails, go on a guided horseback ride or spend a few hours unwinding at the on-site spa.

Spend a Night at Tintswalo

Get away from it all with a romantic getaway to Cape Town’s hidden gem, Tintswalo Atlantic. It’s a five-star award-winning boutique lodge located inside Table Mountain National Park.

From your island-themed suite, you’ll have a private pebbled beach and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic Sentinel peak.

Besides its perfect location and dreamy decor (they have hanging chairs, people), the hotel also boasts a variety of on-site amenities that make it ideal for a romantic weekend in Cape Town.

Without leaving the property, you can indulge your taste buds at the picturesque restaurant, enjoy a couples massage at the spa or sip on cocktails and watch the sunset over the Atlantic from your room.

Read More: Where to Stay in Cape Town: A Guide to the Best Neighbourhoods

Go on a Sunset Champagne Cruise

There’s nothing more synonymous with Cape Town than sunsets. But instead of climbing a mountain or sitting on the beach, watch the day go out in style onboard a luxury boat.

Waterfront Charters offers a romantic sunset cruise that departs from the V&A Waterfront. You’ll get a bottle of bubbly on arrival to toast the day and endless views of the ocean and the majestic Table Mountain.

Read More: 10 Magnificent Sunset Spots in Cape Town You Need on Your Bucket List

Go for a Couples Massage

If there’s one thing Cape Town knows how to do well, it’s luxury. The city is full of high-end hotels, bougie restaurants and world-class spas.

At the top of that list, sits The Twelve Apostles Hotel. A visit here will dent your wallet quite a bit – but it’s worth it if you’re after a romantic experience for the books.

The onsite spa treatments are tailored to suit the needs of you and your partner, plus you can add in cocktails or a romantic dinner for two with the gorgeous Apostles Mountain range as your backdrop.

Go Horseback Riding on the Beach

Picture this: the sun is setting, the waves of the ocean are crashing at your feet, and your lover is riding towards you on a horse.

It may sound like the start of a 1990’s music video or the end of a Disney movie, but it can be your reality.

End of your day with a romantic horseback ride on Noordhoek Beach. It’s one of the best activities for couples in Cape Town. You’ll trot past a shipwreck as you explore one of the longest (and most beautiful) beaches on the coastline.

A cheesy, dramatic theme song is optional.

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Cheap Things to do in Cape Town

I’ll be the first to admit that Cape Town is not a cheap city. I cry on the inside every time I have to pay rent, but that doesn’t mean you need fists full of money to see the city.

There are plenty of cheap things to do in Cape Town (which is one of the reasons why the city is my spirit animal). Here are a few ideas that cost less than R 200.00 and won’t leave your wallet empty:

Swim with Penguins at Boulders Beach

For R 39.00 you can spend the entire day numbing yourself to the icy temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean while hanging out with the world-famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town

Is it worth it? Absolutely!

These little guys will steal your heart within a matter of seconds. But don’t follow the boardwalk to see the colony, instead head to the secret beach.

Find a shady spot by the huge stone boulders, bring along a good book and work on your tan as the penguin colony swims in the distance and waddle onto the beach to chill out in the sun.

For animal lovers, like me, a day trip to Simon’s Town is one of the best things to do in Cape Town on a budget!

Read More: How to Swim With Penguins at Boulders Beach in Cape Town

Grab a Coffee at Truth

Decked out in steampunk furnishings, with vintage coffee machines and waiters wearing stylish vintage threads, Truth is not your ordinary Cape Town coffee shop.

It’s won best coffee shop in the world – TWICE and a cup of their award-winning brew will only cost less than R 40.00!

Truth also serves up the quintessentially British tradition of high tea. Expect a steampunk twist while enjoying the best of teas, coffees and none of those sad cucumber sandwiches.

Read More: The Coolest & Best Coffee Shops in Cape Town

Have Brunch at the Old Biscuit Mill

The Old Biscuit Mill is one of the top things to do in Cape Town on a budget. For less than R100.00, you can indulge in some of the best food the city has to offer.

Whether you’re a die-hard avo on toast fan or you want to try something out of your palate comfort zone – there’s something for everyone.

Before arriving, make sure you download Snapscan on your phone. You won’t need to worry about withdrawing cash, and it will save you a ton of time at the vendors.

But if you’re after something less touristy, go to the Oranjezicht Market near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Prices are about the same, and the different vendors give the market it’s own unique vibe.

OR you can be extra and hit up both in one day, I’ve done that and didn’t regret the food coma at all.

Visit the Babylonstoren Gardens

“Build a cute garden and the Instagrammers will come.”

Pretty sure that is the basis of Babylonstoren’s marketing strategy. The wine farm’s picturesque (and massive) gardens attract dozens of stylish ‘grammers throughout the year.

Located on the Franschhoek wine route, Babylonstoren’s farm-to-table restaurants are legendary, and the wine tasting gets a solid 12/10.

The prickly pear maze is a firm favourite, but there are loads of hidden spots to discover around the gardens. All you need to pay is the R 20 entrance fee at the gate.

Read More: 15+ Irresistible Day Trips from Cape Town

Attend a Kirstenbosch Summer Concert

The Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts are a Cape Town institution. Throughout the warm summer months, every Sunday evening you can catch some of South Africa’s top artists performing at the Botanical Gardens.

Pack a picnic, a bottle of wine and groove to the tunes while the sun sets behind the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain National Park.

Tickets are usually under R 200.00, making it one of the best things to do in Cape Town on a budget. Be sure to book your tickets in advance – some acts like man bun god, Jeremy Loops, sell out super fast.

Fun Fact: Kirstenbosch is part of Table Mountain National Park and the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit Cape Town’s Museums

As a history buff, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Cape Town. From Nelson Mandela’s cell on Robben Island to District 6 and the Bo Kaap, there’s more than enough to satisfy your curiosity about South Africa’s turbulent past and everything in between.

Here are some of the best museums in Cape Town to add to your itinerary:

The Bo-Kaap Museum

Spend a few hours wandering past the colourful Cape Dutch houses of the Cape Malay people in the Bo-Kaap. The residents here are descendants of Malaysian and Indonesian slaves brought to the Cape in the 17th century.

I highly recommend going on a walking tour if you want to learn more about the rich history of the houses and try some of the local cuisines. But if you’re short on time, you can walk around the neighbourhood by yourself as long as you are respectful to the residents (i.e. not taking their photograph without permission). 

The District Six Museum

During Apartheid, the government forcibly removed the inhabitants of District Six to the outskirts of the city centre. Today, you can visit the museum and go on a guided tour of the area conducted by an ex-resident.

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa

Located inside old grain silos, the Zeitz Museums of Contemporary Art is an incredible gallery. It features over 80 separate spaces with a rooftop sculpture garden, a bookshop, and a cafe. Expect to find some of the top installations by leading local and international artists.

Other notable museums to visit:

• Cape Town Diamond Museum
• Irma Stern Museum
• The Slave Lodge
• Dream Museum | Khwa ttu San Museum
• Robben Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Eat a Cupcake at Charly’s Bakery

Charly’s Bakery is home to Cape Town’s best cupcakes. Located in the historic neighbourhood of District 6, you can expect to indulge your sweet tooth in an array of Mucking Amazing cakes.

Chow down on a chocolate Sorting Hat cupcake, a blue monster or a classic carrot cake and cream cheese icing. What’s more, their delectable cupcakes start at R 27.00 each.

Read More: 10 of the Best Things to do in Cape Town in Winter

See The Wild Flowers Inside West Coast National Park

Travelling to Cape Town between August and September? You’re in time to witness wildflower season in South Africa.

Each year, the flowers (which are part of the Cape Floral Kingdom) begin to bloom. Starting from Namaqualand and going all the way down the coast through the Cederberg region and, finally, West Coast National Park.

Inside the Postberg Nature Reserve. It’s a small section of the park that’s only open to the public in spring and boasts spectacular views of wildflowers for as far as the eye can see.

If you want to spend more time with the flowers, you can book the 2-day overnight Postberg hike. Permits sell out fast, but it’s worth it. It’s one of my favourite multi-day hikes in the Western Cape.

Go Wine Tasting at Groot Constantia

Groot Constantia is the oldest wine estate in South Africa. Since 1685, the winery has been creating delicious wines that have kept the inhabitants of the Cape delightfully inherited.

If you don’t have time to venture out to the outlying wine routes of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Roberton, book a table at Groot Constantia.

Situated in the Constantia Valley, the area is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, becoming the first varietal-specific wine route in South Africa

The wine tasting costs R105.00 per person and includes 5 wines as well as a souvenir branded wine glass. If you’re in the mood for something different, sign up for the chocolate and wine pairing (R160 pp).

Not happy with a single visit?

Add these wineries to your itinerary:

• Klein Constantia
• Constantia Glen
• Steenberg
• Constantia Royale
• Eagle’s Nest
• Beau Constantia
• Silvermist
• Buitenverwachting

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Adventurous Things to do in Cape Town

Want to get your blood pumping? You’ve come to the right place. Cape Town is full of adrenaline-inducing activities that will have you screaming your lungs out or wetting your pants in no time.

Here are some of the best adventurous things to do in Cape Town:

Go on a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Cape Town

Not sure what to do in Cape Town? Take in the Mother City from a different angle.

Head to the skies and go on a scenic helicopter flight over Cape Town.

You’ll get to fly over Sea Point, Green Point, the Twelve Apostles, the City Bowl, Camp’s Bay and Clifton. Your Instagram will thank you.

Book an Ocean Kayaking Tour

“But I’m an uncoordinated human – I could never kayak in the ocean”.

That was me when I booked my kayaking tour with Atlantic Outlook, but I decided to push my fears because of the dolphins.

My love for those creatures gave me some courage, and I managed to not fall into the ocean or paddle around in circles for two hours.

If you want to see as much sea life as possible (I’m talking seals, whales, sunfish and dolphins) I recommend setting your alarm clocks and waking up for the 7:00 am tour. But if you’re after some incredible photos and scenery, the sunset tour at 5:45 pm is a winner.

Try Tandem Paragliding

I have yet to work up the courage to try tandem paragliding, but it’s on my 2019 bucket list, and I’m going to dig deep to find the courage to throw myself off a mountain.

UPDATE: I finally went paragliding with Hi5 paragliding in 2021 for my birthday!

While safely attached to another human being, of course.

Plus, there are flights at sunset – which is a major motivator for me. What’s better than gliding above Cape Town’s top sights as the day comes to an end in a glorious fashion?

Tackle an Overnight Trail at Cape Point

While there are tons of epic day hikes in Cape Town, the Cape Point Peninsula has two overnight trails that offer hikers a unique experience.

You’ll get to trek past the rugged coastline (without the crowds, you’ll find on top of Lion’s Head or Table Mountain), zebra, and other antelope and stay in beautiful rustic huts.

The two Cape Point trails are not for rookies. You need to be comfortable walking 15 km a day and have the right equipment.

If you’re into photography, don’t forget to pack your tripod! It’s one of the best spots in Cape Town for astrophotography!

Read More: The Ultimate Cape of Good Hope Hiking Guide

Go on a Canopy Tour

Located an hour outside of Cape Town is the Cape Canopy Tour. It’s situated inside the protected Hottentots Holland mountain range and was named one of the hottest new tourism experiences by Lonely Planet.

If you can, sign up for their full moon canopy tour. As the sun sets over the mountains, you’ll glide past fireflies and watch the full moon rise.

Plus, you get free hot chocolate. #Winning

Dive with Sharks at the Two Oceans Aquarium

If you aren’t ready to jump into the Atlantic Ocean with one of the world’s top predators, you can dip your toes in at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Divers with an Open Water qualification can dive with the aquarium’s ambassador ragged-tooth sharks in the predator exhibit. While you’re trying not to pee yourself, you can swim among the schools of yellowtail and giant kob fish.

It’s one of the best places to go in Cape Town if you’re after a thrill!

Take a Kite Surfing Lesson

As one of the windiest cities in South Africa, it’s no wonder that the Mother City is a mecca for kite surfers.

Blouberg’s Big Bay is one of the top attractions in Cape Town. Extreme sports lovers from all over the world who are looking for the perfect combo of waves, wind and epic scenery.

You can rent all the equipment you need from one of the kitesurfing schools, or you can sign up for lessons. In three days, you can complete a beginner’s course and master basic board riding techniques.

Go on a Sandboarding Tour

The Atlantis Sandunes are probably Cape Town’s best-kept secret. Only a short drive from Cape Town, the landscape looks like something you’d expect to find in the Middle East.

Join a sandboarding tour and explore one of the city’s unique attractions. You’ll get all the safety equipment you need, an introductory lesson and plenty of time to practice your technique on the dunes.

Dive Past Cape Town’s Shipwrecks

With over 800 shipwrecks, the Cape Penisula is one of the best places in the world for shipwreck dives. The “Cape of Storms” has claimed wrecks from 37 different nations including the Portuguese, the Dutch, 19th-century passenger liners and ships from WW1 and WW2.

Whether you’re an Open Water or Advanced diver, there are tons of dives to choose from! But if you’re short on time, I’d recommend the Smitswinkel Bay wrecks.

There are five sunken ships to explore and the dive covers over 400 meters!

Rock Climb or Abseil Off Table Mountain

Out of all the sports I’ve ever done, rock climbing has my heart. Every single time I don’t think I have the finger strength to finish a route, I somehow make it to the top.

Table Mountain National Park has a range of routes for beginners to pros. Your tour price will include a guide and all the equipment you need.

But if you’re after an adventurous that isn’t a hectic full-body workout, sign up for an abseiling tour. You don’t need any experience, and you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views from the top of Table Mountain as you descend a sheer cliff face.

Read More: 6 Incredible Weekend Getaways From Cape Town

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Free Things to do in Cape Town

Visiting Cape Town on a budget? I got ya.

When I first moved to the Mother City in 2014, I only had enough money to pay my monthly expenses, so I didn’t have a lot to work with.

The plus side? I got to experience all the amazing things to do in Cape Town for free. Here are a few of my favourites:

Go on a Sunrise Hike Up Lion’s Head

For some of the best views of Cape Town, make your up to the summit of Lion’s Head. It’s an easy hike for all levels, and you’ll even get to climb up chain ladders!

Hiking Lion’s Head at sunrise is one of the best things to do in Cape Town during winter. You don’t have to wake up poes early (I’m looking at you 4:00 am summer wake-up calls), and you’ll have the summit to yourself.

Sunset is a more popular time to summit the mountain. If you’re visiting the city in the summertime, expect long lines as people wait their turn to go up the ladders.

Don’t think you’re up for a 3-hour hike? Drive past the start of the trail, and you’ll eventually get to the parking lot for Signal Hill. It’s a prime spot to catch the beginning or the start of the day, and you’ll have beautiful views of the city below.

Read More: Lion’s Head Hike in Cape Town: Full Hiking Guide

Hike Up Kloof Corner for Sunset

Want to escape the crowds on Lion’s Head? Head to the quieter Kloof Corner on the slopes of Table Mountain National Park.

It’s a lesser-known spot that’s a firm favourite with locals and boasts incredible views over Camps Bay and the CBD. Make sure you bring a flashlight if you’re staying here for sunset.

Kloof Corner only takes 20-minutes to climb!

Read More: 12+ Best Hiking Trails in Cape Town With Jaw-Dropping Views

Go on a Grafitti Tour in Woodstock

Besides the Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock is famous for its street art. Walk through the neighbourhood, and you’ll find many walls and buildings adorned with impressive murals that depict everything from political issues in South Africa to wildlife conservation.

While you can walk around the neighbourhood alone, I would recommend booking a street art tour to learn more about the artists and history of each piece, but also for safety.

When you’re done, check out some of Woodstock’s indie boutique stores, coffee shops, and art galleries.

Read More: 6+ Waterfalls In Cape Town (And Nearby) That Are Worth The Hype

Have a Beach Day at Muizenberg

Located on the east coast, Muizenberg is famous for its picture-perfect colourful beach houses. Spend the day here working on your tan, taking cute Insta-worthy pictures or braving the icy Atlantic waters.

You can also visit St. James Beach further down the road, it’s less busy and has its own collection of beach houses.

If you’re a photographer, come here for sunrise! You’ll get beautiful photos over the tidal pools, and there’s plenty of nearby cafes to wake you up after dawn has broken.

Go to First Thursdays

I LOVE First Thursdays.

It’s an event that happens on the first Thursday of each month, where all of Cape Town’s art galleries stay open late, and the city centre turns into a massive walking street.

Oh, and there’s FREE wine!

A lot of the bars in the city also have specials, and other cultural events take place at different locations. You can download a map from the official website or pick one up once you arrive.

Top Tip: Uber into the city for First Thursdays. Parking is a real struggle, and you’ll end up having to leave your car blocks away.

Feed Squirrels in The Company Gardens

In the heart of Cape Town’s CBD lies the beautiful Company Gardens. It’s home to dozens of adorable squirrels that will run up to you in search of food.

If you want to feed them, you can buy a pack of peanuts for R 20 from a vendor. However, you won’t need to lure them out of the trees with food.

They are constantly running across the paths, jumping between the trees and sitting on the benches.

Hike to the Oudeschip Shipwreck

Over the years, Cape Town’s shores have claimed hundreds of ships. While most beneath the waves, there are a few that you can see scattered across the coastline.

The Oudeschip shipwreck is my favourite. You’ll have to hike through Cape Town’s unofficial nudist beach to get there, but it’s worth it!

I wouldn’t recommend this hike to beginner hikers. The route was severely damaged during Cape Town’s wildfires and isn’t as clear as it used to be.

Also, there used to be a ladder that you could climb down at low tide to get to the shipwreck, but that’s no longer there. As far as I know, it hasn’t been replaced, but you can still admire the wreck from afar!

Watch the Sunset on Clifton 2nd

Clifton is famous around the world for its incredible beaches. Expect fine white sand, massive boulders and an epic view of the sunset.

While there are four different Clifton beaches to choose from, I’d recommend 2nd above the rest. You’ll be safe from the wind (mostly), and during the summer there are tons of free activities in Cape Town that take place on the beach.

From yoga classes to fire poi – it’s a great spot to end off your day in Cape Town.

If want to be closer to beach-side restaurants, drive down to Camps Bay Beach. You can order pizza to your beach towel via Col’cachios or sip on sundowners from one of the many bars lining Victoria Road.

Read More: 15+ Best Beaches in South Africa You Need to See Before You Die

Cruise Up to Chapman’s Peak Drive

End off your day in Cape Town with one of the country’s top scenic drives. Chapman’s Peak connects Hout Bay to Noordhoek with a dramatic coastal route that hugs the Atlantic Seaboard for nine kilometres.

Come here for sunset (especially if there is low cloud cover), hike up one of the trails to get away from the crowds or see if you can find the secret lookout cave.

The cave is one of those hidden things to do in Cape Town that’s best done with a local. If you don’t know the way there, it can be unsafe.

Top Tip: If you don’t want to pay the road toll, drive up from the Noordhoek side. All the best viewpoints are that side before the toll gate.

Read More: The Best Vegan Restaurants in Cape Town You Need To Try

Wander Around Kalk Bay

After Chapman’s Peak, continue your scenic drive towards Kalk Bay.

It’s a small seaside town with wonderful vintage shops, delicious food, and some of the best croissants in Cape Town.

The best way to experience it all?

Park your car near Main Road and go for a stroll. Olympia Cafe is the bakery to visit. Famous for its croissants, it’s a go-to with the locals and a wonderful spot to stop for brunch after a morning hike.

If you’re arriving in Kalk Bay later in the day, pull through to the Brass Bell. Grab a beer, a slice of pizza and sit back and watch the waves crash against the tidal pool next to the restaurant.

Read More: 14 of the Best Things To Do in Kalk Bay

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Unusual Things to do in Cape Town

Are you a Cape Town regular? Bored of all the #basicbitch CPT itineraries out there?

Throw in a few of these unusual things to do in Cape Town and explore a different side of the city.

Go on a Hint Hunt With Your Friends

Okay, so you’re probably thinking: “Lauren, why would I come to Cape Town and pay someone to lock up in a room for an hour?”

Well, my friend, because instead of a room – you’ll be locked inside a REAL submarine or pirate ship.

Hint Hunt is an unusual thing to do in Cape Town that will test your teamwork abilities, and you might learn who needs to work on their temper along the way.

Spend The Night on Top of Table Mountain

Looking for unusual accommodation in Cape Town? Spend the night in the Overseers Cottage on top of Table Mountain.

It’s a renovated stone cottage that comes with a big ‘ol fireplace, hot showers and comfy beds. The best part is that it can accommodate up to 16 people, making it super affordable.

It costs R 2280 per night for six people with an additional charge of R 380 for extra adults or R 190 for children.

Go to Poetry night at A Touch of Madness

If you’re a fan of Alice in Wonderland, you’ll love A Touch of Madness. It’s a restaurant/bar located in an old Victorian House in Observatory.

On Saturday nights, you can find DJs spinning the decks into the early hours of the morning or Chess nights on Wednesdays.

But if you’re looking for something unusual to do in Cape Town, attend the Off the Wall Poetry sessions on Thursday evenings. It’s the city’s longest-running poetry event, and there are open mic spots for anyone who wants to spit some bars to the crowd.

Secret Sunrise

I first found out about Secret Sunrise in Bali, and I’ve been obsessed with the event ever since. It’s an event where you meet up at a top-secret location to dance and celebrate the sunrise.

You’ll get a pair of wireless headphones (so you won’t disturb the neighbours), and you’ll get to groove your heart out on some of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches.

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Things to do in Cape Town at Night

From hitting up the various bars to watching live music or exercising your own vocal cords – there’s no shortage of things to do in Cape Town in the evening.

Here are some of the top places to visit in Cape Town:

Have a Drink at the Secret Gin Bar

I like secrets. It’s why my hair is so big.

One of my favourite secret things to do in Cape Town is the gin bar behind Honest Chocolate. The Gin Bar has a cute little courtyard and is a perfect place to start your evening in the CBD.

Party on Long Street

Getting dronk vir driet on Long Street is almost a rite of passage in Cape Town. There are plenty of bars and nightclubs to choose from, each catering to a unique vibe or crowd.

Some of my favourites include:

• Beerhouse – for beer connoisseurs.
• Carnival Court – for trance beats.
• The Waiting Room – for intimate live music performances.

Watch Live Music at House of Machines

Tucked away on Shortmarket Street is one of my favourite live music venues in Cape Town, The House of Machines.

It’s a great spot to visit during First Thursdays, and the bar hosts a range of musicians from varying genres. Whether you’re looking for rock ‘n roll vibes or some chilled house, you’ll find it here.

The drinks here are excellent! Mostly because their bartenders have competed to represent South Africa at the World Class bartender awards.

Watch a Movie at Labia Theatre

The Labia Theatre is the oldest independent cinema in South Africa. Originally an Italian Embassy ballroom, it’s now the place to go if you want to watch a movie with old-charm charm.

Tickets only cost R 60 per person.

You’ll find art house films as well as some of the bigger blockbuster films on the circuit. There are also a few restaurants nearby that you can grab dinner at before or after your movie.

Experience Cape Town’s Techno Scene at Modular

Want to dance the night away? Head to Modular nightclub in the CBD.

Doors open at 10:00 pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a line-up of the best techno DJs in Cape Town (and a few international guests as well.)

Remember your I.D. and wear clothes that are breathable. It gets hot in Modular, and you’re going to sweat, but the music is worth it.

If you’re looking to experience more of Cape Town’s techno scene, keep an eye out for events at:

• Love Thy Neighbour
• Castle Nightclub
• Paradise Nightclub
• Evolv Nightclub

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Fun Things to Do in Cape Town for Foodies

South Africa is one of the top foodie destinations in the world.

…And it’s mecca? Cape Town!

The Mother City boasts unique food experiences (foraging for your dinner anyone?) and world-renowned restaurants serving up the creme-de-la-creme of fine cuisine.

Feeling hangry? Here are some of the top things to do in Cape Town for foodies!

Book a Fine Dining Experience at Test Kitchen Carbon

The Test Kitchen Carbon is one of the top 50 restaurants in the world, and it’s the best in Africa!

Luke Dale Roberts is the mastermind behind The Test Kitchen’s award-winning fine dining experience. Opening its doors in 2010, the world-renowned chef keeps foodies coming back for more creative and innovative dishes.

Experience why Cape Town is South Africa’s premier fine dining destination, and book a table here. Your tastebuds won’t regret it.

Book a Sunset Picnic at The Lawns

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At the foot of Table Mountain, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean sits The Lawns. With spectacular views, it’s the perfect spot to grab brunch or watch the sunset. 

The Lawns offers decadent picnics or simple, yet delicious meals from their outdoor dining areas. Choose from woodfired pizza’s, nachos, burgers, and salads.

Of course, it wouldn’t be one of the best things to do in Cape Town without sampling their wine and cocktail menu.

Book the lounge seating if you want uninterrupted views of the mountains and an epic sunset spot!

Book a Ride on the Franschhoek Wine Tram

Calling all winos! You can’t leave Cape Town without drinking your weight through the Cape Winelands.

One of the best ways to achieve this goal is by booking a spot on the Franschhoek Wine Tram. Nobody needs to drive, and you can choose from multiple routes, each offering something unique.

If you don’t want to spend the night in Franschhoek, you can also get a transfer to and from Cape Town. Yay to no one being the designated driver for once!

You get wine, and you get wine, everybody gets wine!

Delight Your Taste Buds with Mount Nelson’s Afternoon High Tea

Mount Nelson Hotel hosts one of the best high teas in Cape Town.

Located inside one of the top five-star hotels in Cape Town, you can expect nothing short of an indulgent treat.

Nibble on tiny sandwiches, feast on traditional South African desserts like melktart, and sip on over 40 different blends of tea!

Read More: 14 Delicious Vegan Restaurants In Cape Town You Need To Try

Have Dinner at The Crypt

Call off the search, history buffs and music lovers. Instead of prowling the streets for unique things to do in Cape Town, go underneath the city – into a 100-year-old crypt.

Okay, hear me out. While it might not seem like one of the most romantic places to visit in Cape Town for a date,  The Crypt Restaurant flips that notion and reverses it.

It’s located beneath the dramatic St George’s Cathedral, the oldest of its kind in Southern Africa. The close quarters, gothic windows and vaulted ceiling create an intimate setting for an evening of fine dining and live jazz performances.

Bookings are essential.

Read More: 16 Most Instagrammable Places to See in Cape Town

Sign up for a Flagship Gin Tasting Experience

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Get ready to sip your way through a gin tasting from Hopkins Distillery.

With a thriving gin culture, a tasting here is one of the best things to do in Cape Town for foodies.

In one hour, you’ll learn the art of making the perfect gin and tonic, and try the distillery’s four types of gin.

Read More: The Perfect Cape Town Itinerary for One Incredible Week

Go Wine Tasting at Neetherlingshof

For my first couple of years in Cape Town, I didn’t have a favourite wine farm. I drank my chardonnay indiscriminately and jumped at any opportunity to pretend I was a pretentious wine connoisseur.

That all changed when I discovered Neetherlingshof in Stellenbosch. The wine farm makes the only red wine I’ll happily drink – The Caracal.

Even better, you can sample their Short Story Collection for only R 80 per person for five wines. It’s one of the best things to do in Cape Town for under R 200.

But you might want to leave your credit card at home though. I always end up buying at least three bottles of something.

Read More: 10 Delicious Things to Do in Stellenbosch for Hungry Foodies

Go Wild Foraging for Your Food

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When was the last time you literally collected your dinner ingredients straight from the Earth?

Indigenous food expert Roushana Gray will take you on a foraging excursion where you’ll head deep into the wilderness to forage for your food.

Using sustainable practices to harvest edible seaweeds and shellfish, you’ll then head to the Veld and Sea classroom in Cape Point where you get to prepare and experience a delicious coastal-inspired 3-course feast.

This is perfect for foodies looking for something unique to do in Cape Town and want to savour diverse flavours while learning about the slow food movement.

Take a Gin Tour Around Cape Town

If there is one thing Cape Townians love, it’s their gin.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself into the Mother City’s gin culture is with a tour from Kiff Kombis.

You’ll drive around the city in a colourful minibus stopping at the best gin distilleries in town, including the iconic Secret Gin Bar!

And the best part?

You don’t need a designated driver!

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Whew. If you made it to the end of this guide – you deserve a Bells! I’m surprised my fingers are still attached to my hands.

What are some of your favourite things to do in Cape Town? Which shipwreck hikes do you love? Let me know in the comments below!

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