The 12 things to do in Cape Town

Visit Cape Town: what are the best things to do and see in the mother city of South Africa?

L’ South Africa , we know of name, we manage to find where it is but do you know what it is possible to do? And especially in the capital (parliamentary), namely Cape Town (Cape Town in French)?

This city is truly different from all South African cities, recognizable between a thousand with its magnificent mountains, bordered by the ocean. An impression takes you immediately to the throat: this place is magical, life seems soft and animated at once.

Here are the best places to do in Cape Town!

1. Grimper on Table Mountain

It’s probably far from being original but how not to evoke South Africa without its most representative summit? Take the small blue cable car to climb up to these 1000 meters of altitude that come over the entire city and start the some hikes offered . This mountain is located in a natural park that was recently elected as one of the 7 New Wonders of Nature. Take the time to observe this fantastic panorama with a surprising and immersing view of the city but also on the surrounding beaches. In clear time, you can even see the Cape of Good Hope.

2. Neighbourgoods Market

It is surely the most iconic food market in Cape Town. Every week (Saturday morning), go to the old biscuits factory: you will be able to shop in a warm, friendly and atypical place with all kinds of people coming with family or friends to do their shopping. Outside the Neighbourgoods Market , you can also enjoy shops that offer clothes and artisanal decor.

3. The Pot Luck Club

Located in the same location as Neighbourgoods Market , just lift your eyes to find this tapas restaurant, installed on the top floor of the biscuits factory. In a neat and trendy decoration, you will have a wonderful view of the city of Cape Town thanks to a fully glazed room. On the menu, your taste buds will be delighted: grilled shrimp with Tom Ka Gai butter, peanuts, potato smoked with paprika salt, taro roots crispy, Thai mussels, a selection of South African cheeses, spring rolls, crispy duck, a smoked beef net with black pepper and a brief milk coffee. Attention, it is imperative to book your location.

4. The beach of Camps Bay

This fantastic white sand beach is just a step away from the city. Edged by cliffs of nearly 1000 meters of altitude nicknamed the “12 Apostles” but also surrounded by palm trees, and its clear water translucent, you can’t miss going to rest on this stretch of sand. Probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world where the atmosphere is dynamic, at any time of the day.

5. The Malay district of Bo-Kaap

On the mountain slopes of Signal Hill, there is a very well-known neighbourhood and invariably recognized by these extremely colourful houses, namely the Malay district of Cape Town, also known as Bo-Kaap. It is important to know that the ancestors of the inhabitants of this neighbourhood were Muslim slaves who were from Malaysia, India and Indonesia. The walk is very pleasant, the streets are paved and punctuated by small mosques. It should be noted that there is also this paradox that is found throughout South Africa, i.e. the slums and the decayed houses that cleave a trendy neighbourhood. Terrible, unforgettable, impressive.

6. Long street

It is the street to celebrate in Cape Town: between restaurants, nightclubs, various and varied bars, there is a lot to do and to discover throughout this street. When you rise your eyes, you will see terraces with wrought iron balconies that reminiscent of New Orleans. Attention, however, to the pickpockets that roam in the wait of the tourist distract!

7. La Mama Africa

For all lovers of traditional dishes, for those who want to discover the specialties of the bush based on antelope, crocodile, or others, the Mama Africa restaurant is the place to be, on Long Street . Possibility of listening to African music groups for a very good evening.

8. Cape of Good Hope

It is not Cape Town in itself but impossible not to mention this little part of the world: come to discover the in Boulders Beach , some baboons and this unique beach where vegetation is shaved and yet rich. It takes at least one whole day to discover the Cap de Bonne Espérance: why not discover unique corners like False Bay in Muizemberg to dare see great white sharks? An incredible, dizzying impression of the end of the world where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet with fracas. It should be noted that the Cape of Good Hope is not the southernmost point in Africa or the point of division between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The southernmost point is 149 km east-southeast, in the direction of the Aiguilles, located west of Struis Bay. Book an excursion to the Cape of Good Hope .

9. The gardens of Kirstenbosch

It is a huge park where both tourists, badauds and inhabitants of Cape Town meet. Visits to this botanical garden are wonderful in spring when plants are fully in bloom. It is surely one of the most famous botanical gardens in the world where it is possible to walk for hours by meeting only greenery and mountains. It should be noted that during the summer period, concerts are offered (Johnny Clegg regularly gives performances).

10. Downtown and Waterfront

Cape Town city centre is very pleasant and can be visited on foot without any problems. Don’t miss going to Victoria and Albert Waterfront: a very lively place, day and night near the port with many restaurants.

11. Signal Hill

It is certainly one of the favorite places of the inhabitants to make a picnic: come at the time of sunset and admire the sun melting in the sea, the sky is blossoming as it goes, and the contrast with the mountains is most striking.

12. Other ideas for visits to Cape Town and its surroundings

Why not try the experience of dive into a cage with the Great White shark ?

Port of Kalkbay : between Cape Town and the Cap de Bonne Espérance, to see this small fishing port so typical! Just to see the sea lions!

Robben Island : 10 km from Cape Town, here is a famous small island because it is here that Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. The island is now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To take a step in the history of apartheid, go to the District Six Museum (25) Buitenkant Street ).

Visit the Museum Quarter ("Museum Mile").

Discover other beaches of the city like Beta Beach, Oudekraal, Smitswinkelbaai and Tietiesbaai.

Explore the Cap wine region, "The Wine Route". Only 1 hour away from Cape Town, it is a totally different world that you can explore in a day. The vineyard region stretches over a hundred kilometers at the foot of the mountains, on hillsides and hollow valleys.

Cape Town: How to get there? Where to sleep?

It is often more economical to travel to Johannesburg than fly directly to Cape Town (Cape Town). However, it does not cost you anything to compare prices of flights on Ulysses to find the cheapest flight for your trip to South Africa.

Once you have a valid passport, it is very simple to enter South Africa. If you arrive by plane, you may be asked to present a title of exit from the territory, the ideal being your ticket back.

To make the most of the city, it is advisable to house in central areas , notably in Down Town, Camps Bay, Clifton, Vredehoek, Greenpoint, Seapoint, Mouillie Point or Waterfront. To find well-placed and cheap hotels, search this Compare hotels .