Things to do when visiting Cape Town
Cape Town is often considered to be the cosmopolitan hub of South Africa.
It is home to a unique variety of activities, restaurants, markets, heritage sites and much more.
As a tourist, whether you are local or international, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do and where to go but if you read on below, you will find some of the most interesting and unique things to do when visiting Cape Town.
Visit the Zeitz MOCAA Art Gallery
The Zeitz MOCAA art gallery is a relatively new addition to the Cape Town gallery scene, but it is unique in its offerings. It solely showcases African art styles and pieces by African artists, making it different to other galleries in the area.
The Zeitz MOCAA is open to the public daily, with tickets costing R180 for adults and children under 18 years of age allowed in for free. Every Wednesday, African people are allowed in for free upon presentation of their Identity Document. There is also an eatery with a breathtaking view on the sixth level and a store offering art-led contemporary design, books, prints, stationery, gifts, jewellery and fashion.
Stroll through the Old Nectar Gardens
The gardens in Old Nectar in Stellenbosch are famous for the stunning array of trees and flowers, as well as the abundance of colours and the sheer tranquillity that infuses every aspect of the area.
The gardens can be found just outside of some of Cape Town’s most popular wine estates and are home to elm, copper beech, redwood, maple, flowering peach, magnolia and Cape chestnut trees. If you enjoy spending time in nature, strolling through these beautifully manicured gardens is a must. You can experience the beauty of the Round Rose Garden, the Pergola Garden, the Magnolia Walk and the beautiful Indigenous Garden areas.
Stand on top of Table Mountain
Table Mountain is arguably one of the biggest draw points for anyone who is visiting Cape Town. It is about 600 million years old and provides a stunning backdrop to the cityscape of Cape Town, but you cannot truly say that you have seen the mountain in all its glory until you stand on top of it.
You can ride a cable car to the very top of the mountain and soak up the awe-inspiring views below. You will also be able to experience one of the smallest and most unique floral kingdoms on Earth. The 57-square-kilometre area that comprises Table Mountain and the Back Table is home to 1470 floral species, many of them endemic to the area. Dassies, mongooses, snakes and tortoises also make their home here, making for an exciting experience all around.
See Robben Island
Robben Island has become one of the most iconic sites to visit in South Africa. This is because the jail on the island housed Nelson Mandela for 18 years of his prison sentence, along with other struggle heroes.
The tour of the island and of the prison includes a visit to the cell where Mandela was kept, which is a harrowing experience in itself. Over the years, the site building on the island has acted as a prison, a military base and even a leper colony. You can reach Robben Island by taking a ferry from Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront and once there will be led by a highly knowledgeable tour guide
Walk around Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is situated on the slopes of Table Mountain and is considered to be one of the most breathtaking botanical gardens in the world. The impressive 528-hectare gardens contain over 7000 species of plants from Southern Africa.
You can spend time walking the grounds and taking in the magnificent views or pack a picnic basket and make a family day out of your travels. The Botanical Society Conservatory is the ideal place for those who want to discover new and interesting plants, and the Protea Garden is a visual delight for tourists and locals alike. The 130m Centenary Tree Canopy that snakes its way through the trees of the Arboretum is one of the highlights of the gardens.
Go for a wine tasting… in a cave
It would not be a guide to Cape Town activities if we didn’t include a wine tasting. Wine tasting is an activity that everyone who visits Cape Town should enjoy. However, there is one winery on the Durbanville Wine Route that takes wine tasting to the next level by allowing guests to sip on delicious variants in a ‘cave’.
Klein Roosboom has set up ‘caves’ for people to enjoy their wines in. The ‘caves’ are cosy alcoves which are decorated with quirky antiques, comfortable pillows and ambient lighting. Klein Roosboom is a boutique winery, which means that they create their wine only from the grape available in their own vineyard. A wine tasting at this beautiful winery will only set you back R40, a small price to pay for such a unique experience.