5 Great Things to Do in Cape Town

From the magnificent Table Mountain to an urban wine adventure, here’s how to enjoy South Africa’s port city.

Table mountain

Don’t just admire Table Mountain; scale it. There are plenty of graded walks and climbs, which should always be undertaken with a qualified guide. If you’re feeling less energetic, take the cableway instead and stroll along the summit.

Food tour

Food and wine are the reason for Cape Town’s existence: the city was established as a food station to replenish sailors rounding the Cape of Good Hope. Capetonian Jacqui Braunlich condenses this history – and its modern offshoots – for visitors on her Cape by Design Tours. On these food-focused adventures, explore the city’s African, Malay and European roots and its quirky food markets and even cook an African feast.

SEE ALSO: Three Best Places to Stay in Cape Town

Wine trail

Embark on an urban wine adventure in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD with Tuning the Vine, a monthly inner-city wine route explored on foot. Enjoy wine pairings, cellar visits, food on the go, live music and chats with sommeliers.

Cape point

Get a perspective on the city and its position on Africa’s south-western tip by driving down the peninsula to Cape Point. It’s near where two oceans collide: the ice-cold Atlantic and the warmer yet no less turbulent Indian Ocean. Cape Town was the last refuelling stop for ships before they tackled this watery tempest on their way to the Dutch East Indies.

Botanical garden

Dubbed “the most beautiful garden in Africa” and set within the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cape Floristic Region, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Rhodes Drive, Newlands) ascends through a series of terraced levels into the foothills of Table Mountain. Wander along the garden’s elevated walking and hiking trails and discover a wealth of indigenous flora set against the backdrop of the mountain. 

SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Eating and Drinking in Cape Town