Cape Town is easily one of the best holiday destinations in South Africa. While Table Mountain is one of the biggest attractions that make Cape Town so popular it isn’t all the city has to offer. Numerous activities in and around the mother city are sure to keep you busy, though this can make planning a trip there challenging.
That is why we decided to write this list of our picks for the best activities Cape Town has to offer. There will be something for everyone no matter your tastes or preferences. To ensure that everyone will know the best way to spend 2 days in Cape Town and that it will be an enjoyable and memorable holiday.
Experience the V&A Waterfront
Retail therapy is a favourite pastime for many people today and the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront offers that and more in Cape Town. This bustling working harbour is home to numerous shops and markets that will satisfy the most avid shopaholic. These include some local craft markets and your more mainstream shops as well. Additionally, the V&A waterfront hosts many restaurants and markets. These allow you to sample the local cuisine that has made Cape Town a modern foodie destination.
The Waterfront is also host to some of the more famous activities Cape Town has to offer. These include the Two Oceans aquarium which houses more than 8 000 sea creatures and has an entrancing kelp forest. There is also the Cape Wheel a 40-metre-tall Ferris wheel that provides breathtaking views of the city and ocean. The fun doesn’t stop there though as the Waterfront also has numerous cruises, including one on a pirate ship, skateparks, putt-putt, and more. With so many activities you could easily spend two days in Cape Town just at the V&A Waterfront and it would be a memorable experience.
Surfing at Muizenberg
If you are an ocean lover and want activities Cape Town has to offer to match your passion. Look no further than surfing at Muizenberg beach. Surfing is one of the best ways to experience the ocean and destress as you elegantly move with the waves.
If you don’t know how to surf don’t worry. There are numerous surfing lessons available that will teach you the basics of surfing. These lessons usually include wetsuit and board rental and will be hosted as a group lesson welcoming people of all skill levels and ages. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the beach while in Cape Town, head to Muizenberg beach. So you can learn a new skill while having fun in the waves.
Paraglide over Sea Point
If you are looking for adrenaline-pumping activities Cape Town won’t disappoint. Why not defy gravity and go paragliding over Sea Point. This exhilarating experience offers stunning views of the city, mountains, and ocean. While also allowing you to live out the fantasy and truly feel like you are flying.
These paragliding tours are offered by numerous businesses at the signal hill parking lot. There are paragliding schools for those who want to learn to do it solo, or you can always go with a professional on a tandem trip. This allows people of any skill level to enjoy this unforgettable experience as they soar across the city sky. These trips usually include a drive back to the starting point so you don’t have to worry about getting back to your car. This is a great way to see the city and get your heart racing at the same time.
Penguins at Boulders Beach
One of the best activities Cape Town has to offer for wildlife enthusiasts can be found at Boulders Beach. There you can observe a free-roaming colony of African penguins that will melt your heart. These endangered birds are bursting with personality, and this is one of the few places you can get close to them.
It is important to remember that they are wild animals, so allow them to approach you, don’t interfere with them, and don’t feed them. There is also a conservation fee required to visit the beach that is paid to SANParks. However, it is well worth it to enjoy this beautiful stretch of beach while watching the penguins swimming and waddling along.
Walking tours
One of the best ways to experience Cape Town on a budget is a walking tour. These free guided tours allow you to learn about the history of the mother city. While also allowing you to experience the numerous cultures that can be found there first-hand. There are numerous options including the historic city tour, an Apartheid to Freedom tour or a Bo-Kaap tour that will take you through the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood.
These walking tours take place every day in rain or sunshine at 11:00, 14:00, and 16:20. There is no need to make a prior booking except for groups of 10+, you must just meet at Motherland Coffee, St Georges Mall before a tour starts. This is one of the best activities Cape Town has to offer for those on a budget. While still allowing you to truly experience the beauty of the oldest city in South Africa.
Steam train to Elgin
One of the best weekend activities Cape Town has to offer is a steam train ride to Elgin. This ride offered by the Ceres Rail Company takes you through the city on an old steam locomotive. Then up the breathtaking Sir Lowry’s Pass which is one of the steepest railway lines in South Africa. On the trip, you will see beautiful mountains, and lush fynbos, with drinks available at the licensed onboard bar. Finally, the train arrives at Elgin Railway Market where you can enjoy the local cuisine and pick up a souvenir. The train then makes the return trip to Cape Town.
These train rides are only offered on Saturdays and Sundays. The train opens for boarding at 07:15 at Harbour Bridge Platform, close to the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The train arrives back at the station after its round trip to Elgin between 18:00-19:00 in the evening. This is the perfect family activity as you will spend quality time with the family in a truly memorable setting.
These are our picks for the best activities Cape Town has to offer. So whether you want to sample the local food, enjoy the ocean, see the wildlife, learn some history, or just enjoy a train ride. Cape Town has something for you to ensure you have a holiday that you won’t forget.