Cape Town is a very active city, its people are always on the go and doing cool activities and having fun adventures. There are also great mountain ranges perfect for slow walks, runs, or hikes.
If you're interested in exploring some beautiful nature reserves:
- Visit our guide to stunning nature reserves in the Western Cape.
- Explore lekker picnic and/or braai spots in Cape Town with our guide to the perfect spots.
Blue Rock
Blue Rock is situated on the stunning slopes of the Helderberg Mountains minutes from Somerset West and Gordon’s Bay. The Restaurant and Café serve a wide variety of Mediterranean dishes.
They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the option of tasty homemade desserts.
The beach area is great for relaxing, tanning and socialising. For the kids, there is shallow water area for swimming and even a children’s playground.
Activities available at Blue Rock include:
- Cable Ski
- Paintball
- Fufi Slide
- Diving
- Badi (beach area)
Tip: Shaded areas, umbrellas, bean bags and deck chairs are available for hire.
- Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sun, 8am-6pm
- Contact Number: (021) 858 1330
- Address: Sir Lowry's Pass Road, Somerset West, Cape Town
- More Info: Website
Cape Point
Are you looking for a day filled with fun adventures in Cape Town? Well, Cape Point is the perfect option! A declared Natural World Heritage Site, Cape Point Nature Reserve forms part of the Table mountain National Parks (TMNP).
Cape Point is 60kms from Cape Town city centre and spans a massive 7750 hectares of scenic beauty.
The National Park has a five star restaurant on the property, the Two Oceans Restaurant, and it is scattered with various hiking trails, cafes and a novelty store. Overnight accommodation is also available. The restaurant boasts breathtaking cliff drop views to the crashing waves below.
The lighthouse at Cape Point is the most visited attraction. A short 2 minute cable ride takes you up to view the iconic heritage site. It is now used as a central monitoring point for the coasts.
The wide variety of flora and fauna fragrance the air while you’re out spotting wildlife.
Some of the animals who call Cape Point their home are:
- 250 species of bird
- Buck
- Zebra
- Baboons
Tip: Keep a watchful eye out for baboons, they are notorious thieves and can be quite scary.
- Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sun, 7am-5pm
- Contact Number: (021) 780 9010
- Address: Cape Point, Cape Peninsula, Simon's Town
- More Info: Website
Chapmans Peak
One of the most scenic routes in the world, Chapmans Peak Drive was built for convenience rather than its beauty.
Originally built to provide a direct route from Hout Bay to Noordhoek, it has now become a tourist, local hotspot and a favourite activity around Cape Town.
The road is naturally settled on a 630 million year old granite slab that provides a sturdy base. Sharp cliff drops have you holding on tight. The route is 9kms long with over 100 winding bends that seem to go on forever.
Multiple picnic and look out points are carefully positioned for maximum exposure. Getting a day pass allows you to visit the various hiking trails that are carefully marked. Many locals and cycling enthusiasts take up the challenge to cycle the scenic drive.
Whether an oceanic selfie or a beautiful mountain drive is what you’re after, Chapman’s Peak doesn’t disappoint.
Fact: Chapman’s Peak is named after John Chapman, the Captain’s mate of an English ship the Consent.
- Operating Hours:
- Summer, 6am-8pm
- Winter, 7am-6:30pm
- Entrance Fee: R42 per Vehicle
- More Info: Website
Seal Island
A much loved activity for tourists and locals alike, a visit to seal island is a must while visiting Cape Town. The island is situated 5.7km from False Bay and a short boat ride from Hout Bay harbour.
Named after the high population of Cape Fur Seals, the island itself is a small rock formation that, at any given time, will be completely covered in seals. Hout Bay Harbour has various chartered boat services that take visitors out to see the island.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
If you’re in Cape Town for a short while and want to see as much as possible, try the iconic City Sightseeing buses.
These double-decker tour buses offer routes throughout Cape Town. The different hop-on hop-off buses all have their own focus and allow you to move on to the next venue at your own pace. The buses run on a time table, so be sure to keep an eye on when the next one is arriving.
- Red bus
- The red bus takes you to 11 stops and is the fastest way to the Table Mountain cable car station.
- Blue bus
- This option takes you around the peninsula, including the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
- Yellow bus
- Hop on this bus and you’ll make your way through downtown Cape Town with focus on its historical landmarks and museums.
- Purple bus
- This is the wine tour bus which takes you through the Constantia Winelands.
The City Sightseeing buses are a fantastic and easy way to see Cape Town like never before. You can do what you want without having to worry about parking, which can be real challenge in Cape Town.
If you decide to do the purple bus tour, you are free to enjoy wine tasting and not worry about driving. It also gives you the freedom to explore the sights you most want to see in the Cape.
- Entrance Fee:
- Adults - R170
- Kids - R90
- Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sun, 8am - 6pm
- Contact Number: 086 173 3287
- Address: 81 Long St, Cape Town
- More Info: Website
Galileo Open Air Cinema
Think of this as an introduction to a full-on cultural experience. Everyone has to start somewhere, right?
The Galileo Open Air Cinema invites its visitors to watch popular movies outdoors, under the stars (not just those found in Hollywood).
There are multiple venues all over Cape Town for this unique experience. You can watch a movie of your choice from a list of popular cult classics, musicals, comedies, and documentaries.
Purchase popcorn, food, and drinks on sale. You can also hire a chair and blanket for the evening to make it more comfortable. Personally, this is one of the best activities in Cape Town!
Be sure to check out what is showing and buy your tickets from their website, or to view their current events, visit Vibescout.
For all your a-z cinema needs:
- Visit our guide to a Cape Town’s cinemas.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch is a breathtaking botanical garden seated at the eastern foot of Table Mountain. Once you have explored it, you'll understand why it has been rated as Africa’s most beautiful garden.
It was established in 1913 and is home to over 7000 species for you to discover. Spend the day walking around, exploring, picnicking and soaking in the stunning setting.
They also have an aerial treetop walkway, named the “Boomslang” — safe and wheelchair friendly and the view is a must-see.
Kirstenbosch also hosts Summer Concerts — a series of various styles of music performed by popular artists and bands. You can expect to see the likes of Jeremy Loops, Beatenberg, Goldfish, Johnny Clegg, Matthew Mole, The Parlotones, the up and coming Richard Stirton and even Prime Circle. Take a look at the Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts line-up for 2018 here:
Classical music concerts are performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra. Yearly Christmas carols is part of the summer music tradition as well.
- Entrance Fee:
- Adults - R60
- Kids - R15
- Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sun, 8am - 7pm
- Contact Number: 021 799 8783
- Address: Rhodes Dr, Newlands
- More Info: Website
Waterfront Harbour
A sought after activity in Cape Town would be viewing the coast from a luxury yacht. The V&A Waterfront Harbour houses various private yacht rentals fully equipped with crew.
Waterfront Charters
Waterfront Charters caters to all your boating needs. They offer private yacht rentals and bigger party boat options with a fully stocked bar and food available. A day out on a charter is definitely one of the most fun adventures in Cape Town.
- Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sun,9am-5pm
- Contact Number: (021) 418 3168
- Address: Quay 5, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
- More Info: Website
Red Anchor Harbour Cruises
The Red Anchor Harbour Cruise tour is the best way to view the architecture of the Waterfront. The boat ride is pleasant and often visited by seals. The route has you travelling within the harbour and then further out past the breakwaters.
- Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sun, 9am-5pm
- Entrance:
- Adults - R50
- Kids - R25
- Contact Number: 082 835 8316
- Address: North Quay, Alfred Basin, V & A Waterfront
- More Info: Website
Cape Town is home to a treasure chest of fun activities, adventures and experiences. So if you're got a penchant for adventure,take a pick of one of the best activities Cape Town has to offer.
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