This website is designed to help tourists and locals decide what activities to undertake in Cape Town (South Africa's mother city). Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world. It is often ranked as the world’s best tourist city destination. For more information, see our About Cape Town page. Below is a table of fun activities (things to do) with links to photo galleries. All these activities are within close proximity to Cape Town International Airport.

.Start Here. *NW 18/11 = North West 18 km / 11 miles from the airport
Activity Description Area
Table Mountain One of 7 Wonders of Nature (the only one near a city). Enjoy spectacular views, modern cableway, 350 hiking trails, restaurant, viewing platforms and easy walks on top. In the heart of the Cape Floral Region. NW* 18/11
V&A Waterfront An abundance of unforgettable experiences, including 80 restaurants, 13 cruise boat operators, 450 shops, 22 landmarks, 5 museums, 6 parking garages, 12 hotels, Aquarium, Wheel, Nelson Mandela Gateway and Zeitz MOCAA. NW 18/11
Kirstenbosch Winner of the 2015 International Garden of the Year. It includes showing-off the plant life of the extraordinary Cape Floral Region. Situated on the slopes of a Wonder of Nature (Table Mountain). SW 16/10
Cape Point Some of the most breath-taking ocean and mountain scenery in the world. Enjoy dramatic sea cliffs, 2 coastlines, white sand beaches, fascinating maritime history, plenty of beautiful walks and hikes. SW 40/25 
Wine Farms (200+) From quaint wineries to large tourist oriented wine estates enjoy world renowned wines. Includes wine tasting, cellar tours, farmhouse restaurants, picnics, grand heritage, hiking and magnificent scenery.  
Robben Island One of the world’s famous islands. For one thing, it unjustly held President Nelson Mandela (“the greatest leader of our age” forbes.com) for 18 of his 27 years in prison. The island is a World Heritage Site. NW 18/11
Beaches (72) Cape Town has some of the best beaches in the world, which include soft white sand, great scenery, secluded bays, open stretches and mountainous backdrops. Ranked 2nd in the world's top 10 beach cities.  
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Excellent way to see the City. Covers many tourist attractions. Over 5 routes, including the purple wine tour. Also learn about the history of the city through multi-language earphones.  
Hiking Trails (500+) Cape Town is blessed with a myriad of beautiful hiking trails. Including mountain ranges, nature reserves, caves, forests, waterfalls and magnificent scenery. All conveniently close to civilization.  
Penguin Colony A unique and endangered land-based colony of African Penguins (one of only a few in the world). Boulders Beach, with its ancient granite boulders, makes for a remarkable viewing point. SW 29/18
Nature Reserves (30+) In the middle of the extraordinary Cape Floral Region, Cape Town’s nature reserves promote the conservation, appreciation, education and enjoyment of the City’s extraordinary flora.  
Castle The Castle of Good Hope is a star fort built in the 17th century. It is the oldest building in South Africa and is considered the best preserved example of a Dutch East India Company fort.  NW 17/10
Coastal Drives (6) A great way to experience Cape Town’s beauty is on a scenic ocean drive. Many of the drives can be included in a trip to Cape Point. Hire a car or relax in a tour bus.  
Two Oceans Aquarium This world class aquarium showcases South Africa’s incredibly diverse marine life. Diverse, due to the unique merging of the Atlantic Ocean’s cold Benguela current and Indian Ocean’s warm Agulhas current. NW 18/11
GrandWest Enjoy Vegas-style casino and family entertainment, including slots, tables, ice-skating, ten-pin bowling, movies, arcade games, night club, special shows, restaurants, food court and grand arena. NW 8/5
Zeitz MOCAA A unique art gallery with the largest collection of contemporary African art. Housed in an amazing re-engineered heritage site that was once the tallest building in South Africa. It has a luxury hotel and is situated at the V&A Waterfront. NW 18/11
Canal Walk Largest shopping centre in Cape Town (and 2nd largest in Africa). Built around a canal, in beautiful Cape Venetian architecture. Visit the adjacent Intaka Island nature reserve. NW 12/7
City Walk Walk through the urban heart of the City. Includes, street cafes, public art, craft markets, walking tours, street musicians, shops and restaurants. Connects to Company’s Garden and Greenmarket Square. NW 18/11
Company’s Garden Historical garden from the 17th century with numerous landmarks. Now a recreational garden, flanked by SA Museum, Planetarium, National Library, National Gallery, Houses of Parliament and city centre. Connects to City Walk. NW 18/11
Museum Situated next to Company's Garden, it houses more than 1,500,000 specimens of scientific importance. Including 700-million year old fossils, 120,000 year old tools and insects caught last week. NW 18/11
Noon Gun The Noon Gun is fired every day at 12pm as a historic tradition at Lion Battery (below Signal Hill). It was established in 1806 when accurate time was scarce. Today it is a popular tourist attraction (11:30 - 12:15). NW 19/12
Signal Hill Views from Signal Hill are spectacular, with the city centre on the one side and the ocean on the other. Great place for afternoon or evening picnics and sundowners. Situated higher than the Noon Gun. NW 19/12 
World of Birds The largest bird park in Africa and one of the few large bird parks in the World. Over 3000 birds and small animals from more than 400 species. Includes walk-through aviaries and an interactive monkey jungle. SW 23/14
Seal Island There are 2 Seal Islands. One close to Hout Bay and one in False Bay. The Hout Bay one is close to land, geared for bulk tourist numbers and is more family friendly. It is home to 7000 fascinating Cape Fur Seals. SW 25/16 
Camps Bay In a stunning setting alongside the Twelve Apostles, Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. It is trendy and cosmopolitan, including plenty of restaurants, palm-tree promenade, long beach, thearte and picnic areas. NW 21/13
Hout Bay The main tourist area is the Mariner's Wharf Harbourfront Emporium. Enjoy restaurants, shops, markets, crafts, colourful fishing boats, beach, yacht club and boat rides to Seal Island. SW 25/16 
Kalk Bay Enjoy harbour walks, colourful fishing boats, buzy main street shopping, wide variety of restaurants, unconventional shops, theatre, galleries and beautiful scenery. SW 22/14
Big Bay Enjoy beachfront shopping mall, open beach stretches, restaurants, walkways, picnic grass and views of Table Mountain across the bay. Also popular for surfing, wind surfing and kite surfing. NW 24/15
Gordon’s Bay Enjoy Main beach, long grassy promenade, seaside restaurants, Bikini beach, harbour, yacht club, Steenbras dam and start of Clarence Drive. SE 32/20
Strand At the foot of the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Enjoy a long white sandy beach, Waterworld Water Park, mini golf, restaurants, long walks and a heated indoor Olympic size pool. SE 26/16
Sea Point Promenade A wide, long, paved and grassy promenade, including mini golf, Olympic pool, outdoor gyms, public art, rock pools, Blue Train Adventure Park and kids outdoor ice rink. Connects to Green Point Park. NW 21/13
Greenmarket Square Vibrant atmosphere and great bargains (if you negotiate). Includes art, crafts, fabrics, local souvenirs and artefacts from many African countries. Restaurants and cafes surrounding the square and it connects to City Walk. NW 18/11
Yacht Clubs (10) Whether you like speeding through waves or gentle boat motion, Cape Town has a yacht club for all. From the Royal Cape Yacht Club (the “Tavern of the Seas”) to yacht clubs on lakes in nature reserves.  
Butterfly World Walk with free flying exotic butterflies in the large indoor tropical garden. Other exhibits include the interactive area, reptile bay, indoor walk-through aviary, spider room and outdoor section. NE 31/20
Lion Park Sanctuary for a large population of lions, including rare white lions. There are various walkways connecting large natural enclosures where lions roam freely. Overnight in a ready-made campsite. NE 35/22 
Giraffe House Enjoy Gerry the Giraffe, birds, creepy crawly encounters, farmyard animals (hand feed them) and African wildlife (more than 20 types, including meerkats, foxes, zebras, springboks and crocodiles). NE 24/15
Crocodile Farm Over 1000 crocodiles (Africa's fiercest predator). Enjoy guided dam and pond tours, holding a baby croc, underwater viewing window and croc cage dive. Visit the restaurant or picnic by the lake in the beautiful gardens. NE 36/22
Eagle Encounters See birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, buzzards, kites, lizards and snakes. Enjoy an interactive flying show and an unique petting playground. Located at the popular Spier wine farm. SE 17/11
Monkey Town A wildlife centre for monkeys and apes. Visitors get a first-hand view from an enclosed walkway which winds through the park. There are 28 different species of monkeys. SE 31/19
Kenilworth Racecourse Kenilworth is the premium horse racing course in Cape Town. It has racing all year round and is home of the famous Met and Queens Plate events. SW 11/7
Killarney Raceway Cape Town’s car and motorcycle raceway. It hosts all forms of main circuit racing, as well as motocross, karting, stock cars and street racing. Most events cater for the whole family. NW 18/11
Cool Runnings Ride in a sled down a curving stainless-steel track at a speed you control. The only toboggan track in Africa and installed by the German inventor company Wiegand. NE 11/7 
Open Air Cinema A mobile outdoor cinema setup in stunning locations, like Kirstenbosch, Waterfront and wine farms. Bring own food or purchase from vendors. Runs Nov to Apr.  
Kirstenbosch Concerts Outdoor live music at Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, situated at the stunning National Botanical Gardens. These concerts run on Sunday evenings Nov to April. SW 16/10
Green Point Park A beautiful natural place, including family picnics, romantic walks, birthday parties, outdoor gym, labyrinth, Biodiversity Garden, two play parks and Amphitheatre. Connects to Sea Point Promenade. NW 20/12
Newlands Forest A combination of indigenous forest and pine plantation. Has a myriad of paths, a few streams and impressive views. Popular site for walkers, trail runners, serious hikers, nature lovers and picnickers. NW 14/9
Tygerberg Nature Reserve A 300 hectare (740 acre) protected area, including 429 plant species, 131 bird species, 13 short hiking paths (one for wheelchairs), 3 picnic areas, education centre and views of the entire Cape Peninsula. NW 11/7
Helderberg Nature Reserve A 402 hectare (990 acre) protected area, including 600 plant species, 170 bird species, 7 hiking trails, picnic areas, boardwalks, Oak Café, small forest of silver trees, huge duck pond and gardens area. SE 27/17
Rondevlei Nature Reserve A 290 hectare (717 acre) protected area, including 278 plant species, 237 bird species, a network of footpaths, picnic area, two viewing towers, six bird hides, a museum and an auditorium. SW 14/8
Intaka Island A 16 hectare (40 acre) private nature reserve, including 212 plant species, 120 bird species, 2 short paths, picnic areas, 2 bird hides and a ferry ride around the outside of Intaka Island. NW 12/7
The Old Biscuit Mill An unconventional shopping experience, including markets, artworks, designer stores, workshops, farm stalls, decadent restaurants, quirky shops, office space, crafts, and weekend festivals. NW 14/9
Artscape World-class theatre centre, includes the Opera House seating 1487, the Theatre seating 540, the Arena seating 140 and 4 rehearsal rooms. Enjoy grand foyers, restaurants, bars and 2 function rooms. NW 17/10
Kite Surfing An extreme sport which combines paragliding, surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, snowboarding, skateboarding and gymnastics. Cape Town set a Guinness World Records in 2016.  
Stand up Paddle Stand up Paddle boarding (SUP) involves standing on a board and using a paddle to move. SUP can be done on lakes, canals, dams, rivers and in the ocean.  
Powered Paragliding Powered Paragliding involves foot-launching with a 2 stroke lightweight engine strapped to your back. It changes a paraglider wing to a powered paragliding aircraft. Tandem rides are also an option and worth a try.  
Zip Zap Circus Provides free circus and performing arts training for young people of all backgrounds. Shows are held in their tented dome or elsewhere (like the Waterfront). This circus school is endorsed by Cirque du Soleil. NW17/10
Imhoff Farm Historic country-farm with shops, activities and restaurants. Activities include, camel rides, farmyard, 3D Labyrinth, faraway tree and snake park. Shops include, art galleries, farm stall, wine, crafts, clothes and chocolate. SW* 30/19
*SW 30/19 = South West 30 km / 19 miles from the airport.

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