Overview
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Explore the colorful Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap is a vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood. It’s known for its colorful row houses, steep cobblestone streets, and historical significance. The houses are painted in vibrant colors like bright blues, pinks, yellows, and greens, creating a picturesque and eye-catching scene.
When the houses in Bo-Kaap were initially leased, they had to be painted white. However, when slavery was over and the former slaves gained ownership of these properties, the rule was lifted. They celebrated their freedom by painting their houses in vibrant, joyful colors, transforming Bo-Kaap into this lively and colorful area.
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Stroll over Oranjezicht Market
If you love to stroll over cozy markets and try all different kinds of food and snacks, Oranjezicht is your place to be! Oranjezicht Market is a popular farmers’ market, with a super vibrant atmosphere. You will find a wide selection of fresh produce, organic fruits and vegetables, and locally sourced products, but also a wide variety of culinary snacks, like gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, artisanal chocolates, freshly brewed coffee, smoothies, and so much more…
In addition to the food, there are also different stalls selling local crafts, handmade goods, and artisanal products. It is one of the many fun things to do in Cape Town and the perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Practical
The entrance to Oranjezicht market is free
Saturday from 08:15 AM until 02:00 PM
Sunday from 08:15 AM until 02:00 PM
Drive the Scenic Chapman's Peak
The Chapman’s Peak Drive is a 9-kilometer long road between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, that winds its way along the rugged coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its dramatic cliffs, big mountains, and panoramic views along the way. It is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. We’ve even heard it is used for many car commercials.
There are several designated viewpoints and picnic spots along the drive, where you can pull over to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Practical
57 ZAR (€ 3) per car, one way
In the direction from Hout Bay to Noordhoek you pay at the beginning of the road.
In the direction from Noordhoek to Hout Bay, you pay at the end of the road.
You can also get a Day Pass (or Picnic Voucher) that allows you to use a part of the Chapman's Peak Drive for free. It is valid for use of the designated picnic areas, viewing spots and mountain trails, before the Day Pass Control Point.
Tip: Join a Cape Peninsula tour! During this full day tour, you drive along Chapman’s peak, stop at some scenic viewpoints and a visit Cape Good Hope, South Africa’s most Southwestern point in Cape Point Nature Reserve.
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Meet the pinguins at boulders beach
A little outside Cape Town on the Cape Peninsula, you find one of the most fun things to do in Cape Town. Boulders Beach is not just a beautiful beach with gigantic boulders, it is also home to a colony of African penguins. It is one of the few places in the world where you can get close to these adorable creatures in their natural habitat.
To protect the penguins and their nesting sites, wooden boardwalks have been constructed, allowing visitors to view the penguins without disturbing them. There is also a sandy part of the beach where you can swim and relax. If you go a little further over the rocks here, you may find some penguins, which you can just walk between.
Since this is such a unique and well-known spot, it can get quite busy, so we recommend going as early in the day as possible to beat the tour buses.
Tip: If you are also planning to drive the Garden Route, you can also see penguins at Betty’s Bay. This place is much less known and therefore less crowded than Boulders Beach.
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Hike the Lion's Head Trail
If you are looking for the best view of Cape Town, you should definitely hike to the top of the Lion’s Head. From here, you have an amazing view of the city, Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding landscapes.
The hike is considered moderately challenging. It involves some steep sections, rocky terrain, climbing ladders, and using chains to help yourself up. In our opinion, the hike is accessible to most people with a decent condition.
Get to the top of the Table Mountain
Getting to the top of Table Mountain is definitely an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views. There are two ways to get to the top.
The easiest and most popular way to reach the top of Table Mountain is by taking the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. During the ride, you will get some beautiful panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding landscapes.
The adventurous and physically fit can also hike up Table Mountain. There are several well-marked hiking trails of varying difficulties, ranging from the relatively easy Platteklip Gorge route to more challenging options like Skeleton Gorge or India Venster. Hiking to the summit, allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the mountain. It is said that the views are even more beautiful than when you take the cable car up.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay near Cape Town and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Camps Bay
Cape town
Cape Town
via Booking.com
Discover Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
At the Eastern foot of the Table Mountain, you find Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. This botanical garden is known for its exceptional beauty and stunning setting with the backdrop of Table Mountain.
One of the highlights of Kirstenbosch is the Tree Canopy Walkway, also known as the Boomslang. You can stroll through the treetops over this elevated walkway while enjoying breathtaking views of the garden and the surrounding mountains.
From Kirstenbosch, several hikes start to the top of the Table Mountain, such as the Skeleton Gorge. So you can easily combine a visit to the botanical gardens with a hike to the top of the Table Mountain.
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Shop and Dine at V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is a vibrant and popular mixed-use neighborhood in the historic heart of Cape Town’s harbor. It has a big shopping mall full of boutiques, international brands, local designers, and craft markets. It is also a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of both international and South African cuisine.
The V&A Waterfront is also home to the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Cape Wheel (a giant Ferris wheel), movie theaters, live music venues, and cultural attractions like the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.
It is also the location where you can enjoy various water activities, such as boat cruises, yacht charters, harbor tours, and Robben Island Tours.
We thought it was a very nice neighborhood to walk around with a super cozy atmosphere. If you are lucky, you will also see many seals in the harbor on the pier here.
Take a wine tour
South Africa is one of the world’s major wine-producing countries, and Cape Town is at the heart of the country’s vibrant wine industry. The main wine regions near Cape Town include Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. From the city, you can visit one or more of these regions by driving there yourself or taking an Uber. Alternatively, you can join one of the many organized day trips that include transport, visits to several wineries, and wine tastings. You can enjoy a day full of delicious flavors and beautiful rolling landscapes filled with green vineyards in the beautiful wine regions of South Africa.
Practical information
What is the best time to visit Cape Town?
First of all, it’s important to note that South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. The best time to visit Cape Town is from late summer to early autumn, from February to April.
During this time, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with fewer crowds compared to the peak tourist season in summer. It is an ideal time for all kinds of activities you can do in Cape Town, such as hiking, exploring the city, and enjoying the beautiful beaches.
However, Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, so it offers something for every season. The winter months (June to August) bring cooler temperatures and more rainfall, but they can still be a great time to visit for cultural events and whale watching.
Where to stay in Cape Town?
Cape Town is a huge, vibrant city with an amazing vibe. Because of its size, it is divided into multiple areas. The best area to stay in Cape Town depends on your preferences and interests.
In our opinion, the two best and safest areas in Cape Town are:
Camps bay
This area is known for its beautiful beach and stunning ocean views. It is an upscale neighborhood with a vibrant atmosphere, trendy restaurants, and a lively night scene. From this area, everything is close and you can easily get everywhere with an Uber. Get the best prices.
V&A Waterfront
This is another lovely area, but busier than Camps Bay. It is a popular tourist hub with a wide range of accommodations, restaurants and shops. It offers proximity to waterfront activities and the Nelson Mandela Gateway where the Robben Island tours depart.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay near Cape Town and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Camps Bay
Cape town
Cape Town
via Booking.com
Hotel tip: In Camps Bay, we can really recommend staying at POD Camps Bay. It is a beautiful hotel with a lovely atmosphere. On top of that, it is perfectly located, close by to the beach and all the restaurants and it has a stunning view over the ocean. Not to mention how helpful and friendly the staff is.
How many days should you go to Cape Town?
There is so much to do in Cape Town that you could easily spend at least 2 weeks here. However, we recommend allowing at least 3-4 days to see the best of Cape Town.
We spent 4 days in Cape Town and we had the feeling that it was the right amount of time to explore all the highlights we have listed in this guide.
Cape Town and its surroundings offer a wide range of activities, from outdoor adventures and wildlife safaris to cultural experiences and culinary delights. So, the more time you have, the better you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty and diversity of this incredible city and its surroundings.
How to get around in Cape Town?
There are several ways in which you can explore Cape Town and its surrounding areas, such as a rental car, taxis, public transportation, hop-on-hop-off bus, or walking.
We had a rental car available but moved around the city with Uber. We found this to be the easiest, fastest, safest, and probably the cheapest way. We heard that Uber drivers are subjected to random checks.
Is Cape Town safe?
Cape Town’s reputation is not the best when it comes to safety because it has been affected by various incidents that have occurred here. But in our opinion, Cape Town is as safe as any other big city with the right safety considerations. While it is generally a safe city for tourists, it is important to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Tourist areas
Stay in popular tourist areas and well-populated neighborhoods that are known to be safe, such as the City Bowl, Waterfront, and Camps Bay. Avoid walking alone in secluded areas, especially at night.
Be smart
Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places and tourist attractions. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics that may attract unnecessary attention. Don't leave your belongings unattended, particularly on beaches or in vehicles.
Taxi services
Make use of reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps for getting around the city. Avoid traveling alone at night and be cautious if you want to use public transport.
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However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
