See my travel guide for South Africa, which features the top places to visit, what to expect, how to get around, safety, scams, logistics, and more to help you plan your visit.

Nestled between stunning mountains and the Atlantic Ocean near the southwestern end of Africa, Cape Town is a fascinating, cosmopolitan city. It offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and rich history. From glistening beaches framed by beautiful mountains, incredible hiking trails, world-class vineyards, and a complex history, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wine lover, an adventure seeker, or a history buff, this post covers the highlights of the top 25 things to do in Cape Town.

Stepping into the Castle of Good Hope Museum, in Cape Town, is like stepping back in time to Cape Town’s colonial history. Built in the 17th century by the Dutch East India Company, it stands as the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. Once seaside, before lower sea levels and land reclamation changed the landscape, this vital landmark played a crucial role in defending the Cape Colony. Today, it’s a testament to the rich cultural heritage and complex history of Cape Town. Nestled in a stunning location, framed by Table Mountain, it’s also steps away from City Hall, where Nelson Mandela made his first public speech after being released…

Step into the legacy of Nelson Mandela inside the Robben Island Prison Museum, a powerful symbol of resilience and hope, and a testament to the struggle for freedom and justice in South Africa. From its opening to its closing in 1996, over 1,500 prisoners, primarily political prisoners, were incarcerated here, fighting against the oppressive system of apartheid. At the museum, you’ll hear firsthand accounts from former inmates about their experiences, conditions, and treatment. You’ll also see the small cell where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in confinement, visit the garden when he buried his manuscript, “Long Walk to Freedom”, and the quarry where he and other political…

Interested in seeing the rugged coastline and the fascinating wildlife on the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, including African penguins, cape fur seals, baboons, and maybe even ostrich, whales, and dolphins? Make sure to visit or take a tour to the Cape of Good Hope. This really is a must-do when in Cape Town, not only for the beauty of the Cape and its wildlife, but also for the history here, and how this tiny tip shaped modern South Africa. It’s the most southwestern point in Africa (Cape Agulhas, southeast of here, is the southernmost point). This post covers a visit or tour to the Cape of Good Hope,…

Cape Town, with its breathtaking landscapes and stunning coastlines, is a paradise for adventure seekers. If you want to elevate your adventurous experiences, take it to the sky and go skydiving in Cape Town! There’s nothing like skydiving to push you out of your comfort zone and recenter yourself emotionally. I’ve been skydiving twice now and love how invigorated I feel after a jump. This, with the view of the mountains in the distance, and the friendly people here, is definitely a win.