Almost 20 years ago, I wasn’t a travel blogger then, I came up with a list of the cities I wanted to visit. Cape Town was in that list only because I was blown away by how beautiful it was in pictures. And true enough, this city in South Africa is perhaps the most scenic we’ve ever set foot in.
Cape Town is one of those places where you’ll feel like just showing up already feels like an accomplishment. But you’ve already braved the long flight and adjusted to the time zone, you might as well milk every minute you’re here. Thankfully, Cape Town has a lot to offer.
From helicopter rides that make you feel like a rockstar to sipping wine in the scenic Cape Winelands, let’s dive into the best tours and attractions that Cape Town has to offer—because “meh” isn’t an option in a city this amazing!
Note: This list is in no particular order. But I’m numbering this for easier reference.
1. Cape Peninsula Tour
The Cape Peninsula Tour will take you from Cape Town’s city center through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region, all the way to the rugged, dramatic tips of the region. The main highlight is the Table Mountain National Park. Here are the usual stops:
- Camps Bay, a beach that has that main-character energy. It has everything you could ask for in a coast: white sands, turquoise waves, and palm trees framed by the jaw-dropping Twelve Apostles mountains in the background.
- Hout Bay, a quaint little harbor town where you can board a boat to catch a glimpse of the famous seal colony on Duiker Island. Most tours only make a stop at a viewpoint across the town, while some can take you to the town itself but the boat tour is usually not included.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most scenic roads in the world, winding along towering cliffs and overlooking the ocean.
- Cape of Good Hope, Africa’s southwesternmost tip. (Not southernmost, that honor belongs to Cape Agulhas.) When the Portuguese sailed here in the 15th century, they named it Cape of Storms because, well, storms are what usually greeted them here. It became so notorious for temperamental weather that the Portuguese king decided to change its name to Cape of Good Hope. There really isn’t anything much to do at Cape of Good Hope other than queuing for a quick photo with the marker and an easy climb up a nearby hill, where you could watch the Atlantic mingle with the Indian Ocean.
- Cape Point, where you could take the funicular to a lighthouse. It was not operational during our visit, so we had to take the mini-bus to the lighthouse instead. But this postcard-perfect lighthouse offers the most fantastic views!
Most Cape Peninsula Tours also include a visit to the next item on this list.
2. Boulders Beach Penguins
Yes, most of the time, a visit to Boulders Beach is bundled with Cape Peninsula tours for two reasons!
First, Seaforth Restaurant is a favorite lunch stop among operators and understandably so. They serve a mouth-watering selection of seafood like fish, squid, mussels, and prawns with rice and vegetables. And because it’s situated on Boulders Beach, you get a calming view of the sea! The staff were all so warm and friendly, too!
But perhaps the best reason why it’s a common food stop is its proximity to the Boulders Beach penguins.
You might think penguins can only be found in Antarctica, but the truth is, certain species can be found in other Southern continents. The colony here at Boulders Beach is made up of African penguins. A boardwalk will lead you through the colony, so you can get up close and personal with these cute little dudes without disturbing them.
These penguins were once all over the southern coast of Africa, but their population was threatened over time. In 1982, a small group of these penguins stumbled upon Boulders Beach. The sheltered, calm waters surrounded by large granite boulders (hence the name) were perfect for nesting and breeding. And it has since become a sanctuary for them.
By the early 2010s, their population had grown to over 2,000. So the local government stepped in, setting up eco-friendly measures to protect the penguins, while letting humans gawk at them from a distance.
Most tours also include a stop at Muizenberg Beach, known for its colorful bathing huts, surfing activities, and whale sightings!
BOULDERS PENGUIN COLONY Entrance Fee
Adult: ZAR 190
Child: ZAR 95
3. Cape Winelands Tour
Located just an hour from Cape Town, the Winelands region isn’t just one destination; it’s a trilogy of fabulousness, featuring Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. All three are blessed with vast vineyards, oak-lined streets, Cape Dutch architecture, and a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains. We were able to visit just two, though: Stellenbosch and Franschoek.
The most popular activity here is wine tasting, wherein you get to sample a flight of wines made from homegrown grape varieties. In our case, we booked with Anthonij Rupert Wines. Located on the L’Ormarins farm, its roots can be traced back to 1694. But it was in 1969 that the Rupert family purchased it, transforming it into one of South Africa’s most recognizable wine producers. Today, it’s known for its premium wines, including their flagship Cape of Good Hope and Protea ranges. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a casual sipper, or just someone who enjoys a good view with a glass in hand, you might this delightful.
Many estates also offer gourmet lunches, chocolate pairings, or even outdoor picnics. But for lunch, we headed to Boschendal Estate, which harbors the Werf Restaurant, a farm-to-table gem that celebrates premium proteins — including grass-fed black angus beef, pasture-raised lamb, and forest-reared duroc pork — and fresh, seasonal produce grown right on its own food garden. The food is as much of an experience as the wine, with dishes that highlight local ingredients in creative ways.
But don’t leave the region without dropping by Franschhoek Motor Museum, showcasing almost the entire automative history. With over 220 vehicles on display, it’s like taking a trip through time, from early 20th-century classics to sleek modern sports cars that make you insecure about your bank account.
While I do know how to drive, I’ll be honest with you—cars aren’t my thing. My expertise begins and ends at “four wheels” and that “you drive them.” But somehow, despite my utter indifference and profound ignorance, I still had the time of my life drooling over these cars like I knew what I was doing. I took my time gawking at everything from Model Ts and vintage Rolls-Royces to Ferraris, McLarens, and other legendary speed machines. It’s like an auto crash course or my “cultural” education, an indoctrination – Franschhoek-style!
Plus, the setting adds a level of class and charm. So if you’re in Cape Town and need a break from the typical winery visits, the Franschhoek Motor Museum is the perfect pit stop for anyone with a need for speed—or at least an appreciation for really shiny things.
4. Cape Town City Bowl Tour
Any Cape Town itinerary includes a tour of its downtown area called the City Bowl. Its map is dotted with several attractions from historic landmarks to hipster cafes, bustling markets to quiet corners. A tour here is basically a crash course in Cape Town’s personality: quirky, vibrant, and complicated. Whether you’re here for the architecture, the food, or just trying to figure out how many Table Mountain selfies are too many, here are some stops to consider:
- Bo-Kaap, famed for its vibrant, pastel-colored houses and sloping cobblestone streets. This historic neighborhood is an Instagram dream, but it is also the center of Cape Malay culture in city.
- The Company’s Garden, said to be Cape Town’s oldest garden. Originally established in the 1600s as a veggie garden to supply ships, today it’s a lush, leafy escape right in the middle of the city. It’s home to the Iziko South African Museum and National Gallery if you’re up for some art and history.
- Castle of Good Hope, the oldest building in the city, built in the 17th century. It’s also a full-on fortress. Here you can explore old military rooms, dungeons, and exhibitions that give you a peek into colonial South Africa.
- Greenmarket Square, the go-to spot for picking up locally made crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. The vendors are friendly, and you’ll find everything from colorful African prints to hand-carved fridge magnets. Bring your best bargaining skills.
- District Six Museum, a must-visit for a somber but important glimpse into Cape Town’s history. It tells the story of the forced removals during the apartheid era, when entire communities were displaced from the District Six neighborhood. The museum captures both the heartbreak and the resilience of the people who lived there.
- Long Street, the city’s hippest street, lined with Victorian buildings, hip cafes, vintage shops, and arguably some of the city’s best bars. Ideal for those in the mood for live music, local coffee, or spirited cocktails.
- Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), Africa’s largest contemporary art museum. Located in a transformed grain silo, this architectural gem houses everything from massive installations to thought-provoking exhibits by African artists.
While walking around the city, we also found intriguing establishments including Heaven Café, a coffee shop set inside a functioning church. We also spotted THE CRYPT, a jazz club located in the basement of St. George’s Cathedral.
These are just a few of the quirks that make Cape Town interesting, and you’ll find more as you explore.
5. Helicopter Tour
Cape Town is a city that is picture-perfect from any angle, but especially from above, which is why helicopter tours are so popular here. It’s like taking a scenic drive through a dream, except instead of a car, you’re in a sleek chopper, feeling like you’re in the opening credits of an action movie. The views from the sky are, to put it mildly, absolutely next level.
From here, you could spot easily recognizable spots like Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion’s Head, Devil’s Peak, the 12 Apostles, and the Cape Peninsula in the distance, sticking out to the shimmering blue ocean.
Prices vary depending on the route and duration, but the cheapest option will take you above and along the Atlantic Seaboard, from the V&A Waterfront all the way to Camp’s Bay, for 12 minutes! Prices can go as low as ZAR 2420 or around 140 USD, which is actually pretty affordable when compared to prices of helicopter rides in other destinations. Heck, even here in the Philippines, this costs more than double, sometimes triple. So Cape Town is actually a great place to experience a chopper tour!
It’s a different perspective that not a lot of tourists get. I mean, how often do you get to take a helicopter ride? Look, if you’ve traveled all this way to Cape Town, you might as well go all-in and experience the place from every angle possible.
CAPE TOWN HELICOPTER TOUR
12-minute ride: ZAR 2420
6. Harley Davidson Ride around Table Mountain
There are many ways to explore Cape Town. You can do it by driving a car or by joining a group tour or by helicopter. We’ve tried a lot during our stay there, but by far the most epic was by motorcycle. And not just ordinary bikes. You can ride a Harley-Davidson around Table Mountain! Now that sounds like an epic adventure.
This area offers some of the most stunning and dramatic roads for a motorcycle ride, and doing it on a Harley makes it all the more exhilarating. But we were also more comfortable because we weren’t the ones driving.
Our ride started at V&A Waterfront, and after a quick briefing, they drove us the scenic mountainside, stopping at various jaw-dropping viewpoints along the way, including the Chapman’s Peak lookout where we took in the fantastic vistas and snapped a lot of selfies. Then we looped around the base of the mountain, taking in the beauty of the city, the ocean, and those towering cliffs.
A ride costs ZAR 1450 for 3 hours inclusive of the rider fee, motorcycle fee and fuel. It’s super worth it! It’s a perfect blend of nature, incredible views, and a sort of badassery and freedom that only a Harley ride can give.
Cape Town Harley Davidson Tour
3 hours: ZAR 1450
7. Sunset Cruise
Sunset cruises are available in many destinations around the world, but something about doing it in Cape Town hits different. Picture this: you’re on a boat, the sun is setting over the Atlantic, and you’re sailing past the iconic Table Mountain.
But it wasn’t just the sights for us! It was the full sensory experience. Although we were sharing the boat with other tourists, it wasn’t too crowded or loud. The waves weren’t strong, just swaying gently. And the air was filled with the soothing melodies of Seal’s Love is Divine and the romantic stylings of Kenny Latimore’s For You. And yes, lest I forget, with a glass of champagne in one hand. All these while you’re surrounded by Cape Town’s gorgeous peaks and the fiery color gradient of the sky.
SUNSET CRUISE (Waterfront Charters)
Duration: 90 minutes
Adults: ZAR 630 (USD 36.50)
Kids: ZAR 315 (USD 18.25)
8. Robben Island
Robben Island is one of Cape Town’s most iconic and most historic destinations. Situated about 7 kilometers off the coast of the city, this small island is best known as the site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years during South Africa’s apartheid era.
The name “Robben” comes from the Dutch word robbe, which means seals, as the island was once home to a large population of them. However, through its history, it has served as a leper colony, a military base, and most notoriously, a maximum-security prison for political prisoners during apartheid. Mandela’s tiny cell in Block B is now a globally recognized symbol of the fight for freedom and equality.
Getting to Robben Island starts with a ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront, and let’s just say the views of Table Mountain from the water alone are worth the trip. Once on the island, guided tours will lead you to the cells, the limestone quarry where prisoners labored under harsh conditions, and other key landmarks that tell the story of South Africa’s tumultuous past.
The tour takes around 3 and a half hours including boat transfers. You need to book these tours in advance on this site. https://robbenisland.plankton.mobi/
ROBBEN ISLAND TOUR
Entrance Fee: Adult, ZAR 600; Child, ZAR 310
Tour schedule: every 2 hours from 9:00AM-3:00PM
Hours open: 8:00 AM-5:00PM
9. Marine Big 5 Tour
The Marine Big 5 Tour is Cape Town’s answer to the classic African safari, but with a salty twist. It swaps the savannah for the sea, so instead of lions, elephants, and rhinos, you’ll be on the lookout for whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and yes, the apex predator of the ocean: the great white shark. It’s like going on a safari but with a life jacket and wetter all around.
There are tours that start and end at the V&A Waterfront, but if you want better chances of wildlife encounters, the place to be is Gansbaai, about two hours from Cape Town. Gansbaai is known as the Great White Shark capital of the world, but don’t worry—you’re not on the menu. The tours are run by experienced guides who know how to get you close enough to these incredible creatures without becoming their snack.
The lineup of the Marine Big 5 includes:
- Southern right whales, but sometimes humpbacks and Bryde’s whales also make an appearance
- Seals, colonies of Cape fur seals lazing about on rocky outcrops
- African penguins
- Great white sharks
- Dolphins
The boats are designed for wildlife viewing, with plenty of deck space and knowledgeable guides. As you cruise along, you’ll get a running commentary on what you’re seeing, from the feeding habits of dolphins to the conservation challenges.
10. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
The Table Mountain cableway is not your usual cable car ride. First, it rotates. The floor spins 360 degrees as you ascend, so no one gets stuck with the non-existent bad view. As you’re effortlessly lifted to the summit, you’ll get unparalleled panoramas of Cape Town, the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, and that ridiculously photogenic coastline that looks like it was plucked straight out of a travel magazine.
The ride itself is short and sweet—about 4 to 5 minutes—but it’s packed with enough scenery. Once you’re at the top, 1,085 meters above sea level, the real fun begins. The flat summit is crisscrossed with viewpoints and walking trails. There’s a café where you can grab a coffee and a snack, so you can sip your latte while taking in a view that screams, “I deserve this.” And if you’re lucky, you might spot a dassie, a cute little rock hyrax that looks like a guinea pig but is somehow related to elephants.
Book online! The queues can get long, so snag your tickets in advance. Time your trip for late afternoon for that golden-hour lighting.
11. Hiking
You can also climb the Table Mountain on foot. Here in Cape Town, hiking is a favorite pastime. You can tackle Platteklip Gorge if you’re in the mood for a short, steep challenge or try Skeleton Gorge for a lush forest vibe with added waterfall drama.
Then there’s Lion’s Head, the trail for people who like their hikes a bit more challenging. You’ll be climbing ladders and scrambling over rocks. But the sunrise or sunset views will leave you speechless in the end. (Or that might just be what happens when you’re trying to catch your breath—hard to say.)
If you’re more into beachy vibes, try Cape Point Nature Reserve. And for the less intense days? Newlands Forest offers shady paths and gentle trails.
Pack sunscreen, water, and a sense of adventure—but leave your flip-flops at home unless you enjoy suffering. Cape Town’s trails are waiting, and they deliver views so stunning you might just forget how much your legs hurt. (Might.)
12. Cape Town’s Beaches
I already mentioned a few beaches in this article, but let’s circle back to them because they deserve a bit more airtime.
First up, Camps Bay, a gorgeous beach lined with palm trees and trendy restaurants at the foot of the 12 Apostles range. It’s one of the most picturesque beaches I’ve laid eyes on.
For something a little more exclusive, head to Clifton Beaches. There are four of them (creatively named First to Fourth), and each has its own vibe.
Muizenberg Beach is the surfer’s paradise, famous for its colorful beach huts and beginner-friendly waves. If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, this is the place.
And then there’s Llandudno Beach – serene and secluded. So secluded, just south of it lies Sandy Bay, said to be Cape Town’s only nudist beach. Yes I wrote “said to be” because I didn’t get to visit. Hmm, now that I think about it, I’ve never been to any beach in my life where clothing is optional.
13. Gold Restaurant
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to sample various African cuisines and entertainment under one roof, Gold Restaurant is the answer.
As you enter the resto, you’ll be greeted by a festive sensory explosion – the sight of colorful traditional decors, the thumping beating of the drums, and the mouthwatering smell of your upcoming feast. And when I say feast, I mean it, because here you’ll be served a 14-course meal. Yes, 14 dishes, each representing various African cuisines, arriving one after another. Starting with the rich and tasty South African tomato soup, which set the bar really high, to Malawian Kandolo Balls to Namibian Venison Pie to Moroccan Tagine to Congo mango and lime chicken.
It’s 14 highly diverse parade of dishes, so it’s inevitable that you’ll love some of them more than others. I have my favorites, too, and a few letdowns. And Gold doesn’t do small plates. Every plate is a proper serving, so you’ll really be full by the end of it.
But Gold isn’t just a place to eat—it’s where you come to get smacked in the face (gently, of course) by the beauty and energy of Africa. The best part? As you work your way through the dishes, performers dressed in vibrant, glittering costumes pop up around the restaurant, singing, dancing, and bringing stories of Africa to life right by your table.
And yes, you can join in, too! So be ready to show off some traditional moves.
By the end of the night, we had clapped, danced, eaten, and laughed so much, it was impossible to forget. Gold Restaurant is where Cape Town goes to celebrate Africa, one beat and bite at a time.
GOLD RESTAURANT
14 Dish African feast: R475* pp
Optional djembe drumming: R130
14. Cape Town Food Trip
Cape Town’s food scene is incredibly but unsurprisingly diverse. Bo Kaap can give you a great sampling of Cape Malay cuisine including various curries and samosas. But the most iconic is perhaps the very homy bobotie, a type of meat pie, usually beef or lamb, mixed with onions, dried fruit, and a medley of spices like curry, turmeric, and cinnamon. Then, topped with a rich, golden, eggy custard topping that’s baked to perfection.
Aside from Malay-rooted dishes, you’ll also find food hubs offering a variety of South Asian (Indian) and West Asian (Middle Eastern) dishes like the Eastern Food Bazaar! We dined here a couple of times and loved it. But beware, servings here are humongous!
Biltong is also ubiquitous throughout the city. It’s like beef jerky, but tastier. It can also be game or even ostrich. But regardless of the meat, it is cured, marinated in vinegar and spices, and left to air-dry naturally. Its roots can be traced back to the early Dutch settlers who needed a way to preserve meat for long journeys.
All around the city, you can also stuff your face with two South African pastry specialties.
The first is mosbolletjies, a uniquely South African bread. Traditionally made by the Afrikaner community, these buns are flavored with mos (the Afrikaans word for “must”), which is the fermented grape juice leftover from winemaking. That fermented juice gives the bread its characteristic light, airy texture and a subtle hint of sweetness. These buns were a bit spiced with aniseed and served with a little cup of butter. It dates back to early Cape settlers, who’d bake these during the grape harvest season. So really, you could say they’re like the love child of bread and wine!
While mosbolletjies are often served before a meal, the next local pastry delight is a dessert: malva pudding, a soft, sweet and sticky sponge cake that feels comforting as a warm hug. It’s usually served warm but with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cup of crème anglaise to pour over the cake.
15. The Golden Dish
I could have included this in the Food Trip section above, but I believe The Golden Dish deserves its own spot on this list.
The Golden Dish is a beloved local restaurant tucked in a part of the city that tourists don’t normally go to. In fact, when we mentioned to our hotel staff we were going here, they discouraged us. Thankfully we had a guide who told us there really was nothing to be frightened about. So even when it was pretty stormy that day, we dropped by before our flight!
This iconic eatery has been around since 1969 and is known for its gigantic but affordable gatsbies and salomies.
A gatsby is a South African submarine sandwich with chips or French fries and a choice of fillings like meat and sauces. But here at the Golden Dish, the bestseller is their masala steak full house gatsby, which is a slightly toasted baguette with sliced beef, spicy fries, eggs, cheese, onions, and other trimmings, with masala gravy. It is so big that even if it’s wrapped in two layers of paper, it is impossible to eat without making a mess. But the mess is worth it because it’s the single most delicious thing I put in my mouth on this Africa trip. It was wildly, insanely tasty.
And then we have the salomie, which was oozing with traditional mutton curry wrapped in thick roti. It was so scrumptious and perfectly seasoned, a little bit sweet and a little bit tangy. It was like all the flavors were dancing. And while it is smaller and a tad easier to devour, expect messy bites, too.
The tagline of this restaurant is “Often eaten, always remembered.” And although it sounds like your next Tinder or Grindr bio, it is true. I don’t think we’d forget the Golden Dish ever.
Exploring Cape Town
Our stay in Cape Town was a mix of DIY and collab with Constellation Travels. And sure, Cape Town can absolutely be explored on your own. If that’s your travel style and/or you have a limited budget, that could be a great option.
But if you want to go to South Africa to kick back and just enjoy, then booking a tour package is the way to go. It has some solid perks!
Constellation Travels, one of the Philippines’ most established travel agencies, has been helping Filipinos discover the world since 1970. They offer a range of South Africa packages, from group tours to custom itineraries, so you can skip the hassle of planning and focus on the best part: enjoying your vacation.
Exploring a new country can be a bit daunting, especially if your schedule is tight. If you’d rather relax than sort through logistics, Constellation has you covered. They’ll handle your visas, flights, and accommodations and offer 24/7 support, so you’re always taken care of.
Get in touch with Constellation Travels through these contact numbers and email address, or visit their official website at www.constellationtravels.com.ph.
