Cape Town, South Africa, is a gem among travel destinations, offering a plethora of luxurious activities and breathtaking landscapes. This vibrant city has easily earned a spot in my top five favorite destinations, thanks to its stunning beaches, delicious eateries, and endless things to do. From wine tasting in renowned vineyards to exhilarating hikes and thrilling adventures like paragliding and shark cage diving, Cape Town offers something for everyone.

Our favorite hotels

• Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
  • A historic standout in pink at the base of Table Mountain, stay here for the storied history, art-focused activities & luxe spa.
    • Perks:
      • Daily breakfast
      • Afternoon/evening tea for two
      • Upgrade & extended check in/out whenever possible
• One&Only Cape Town
  • A tranquil enclave surrounded by mesmerizing waterways and a traditional harbor featuring top notch service well-known to the One&Only brand.
    • Perks:
      • $100 food/beverage credit
      • Daily breakfast
      • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible
• The Silo Hotel
  • An unmistakable architectural gem on the V&A Waterfront, with a prized modern art collection, afternoon tea, and Table Mountain views from many of their rooms.
    • Perks:
      • $100 food/beverage credit
      • Daily breakfast
      • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible

Things to do in Cape Town

Paragliding
For a bird’s eye view of beautiful Cape Town, paragliding is an exhilarating option. Tours take off from both Signal Hill and Lion’s Head on calm days. Insider tip: if you don’t see paragliders in the sky on the day you want to fly, be sure to call the paragliding company beforehand to make sure they are operating based on current weather conditions.

Hike Lion’s Head
One of the most rewarding hikes in Cape Town, the top of Lion’s Head offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. This hike is pretty rigorous with steep and narrow trails, but the breathtaking views are worth it. Even though it’s a challenging hike, you’ll still find kids and dogs on the trail.

Attend a Concert at Kirstenbosch
If your trip dates align with a concert at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, don’t miss the chance to attend. It’s a breathtaking amphitheater surrounded by nature. Be sure to check out their website for upcoming shows.

Take The Cable Car Up Table Mountain
Table Mountain can be hiked, but the cable cars offer an easy and scenic way to reach the top where the views are stunning. This is a must-do when in Cape Town, as the mountain looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. Insider tip: grab an Aperol Spritz on tap at the bar on top of the mountain and enjoy it while taking in your surroundings.

Check Out Bo Kaap
A history-rich area nestled in Cape Town, Bo-Kaap is sprinkled with colorful buildings. Here, you can learn about Cape culture at the local museum and snap some vibrant pictures. It’s a must-visit for those interested in history and culture.

Wine Tasting
Outside of Cape Town, the picturesque regions of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch offer some of the most gorgeous wineries. More about this below but this is a must do if you like wine.

Shark Cage Diving
For thrill-seekers, Cape Town offers numerous shark cage diving experiences. Get up close and personal with great whites, bronze whalers, and seven gill sharks for an experience of a lifetime.

Relax at Clifton
While you can’t go wrong with any of the beaches in Cape Town, Clifton 4th Beach is one of the more high-end and quiet beaches. Insider tip: alcohol on the beach is illegal so keep this in mind before packing your cooler!

Explore V&A Waterfront (& Get High Tea)
Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is a great destination for shopping, eating and people-watching. Visit several museums in the area, or take a boat tour to nearby Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was once held. For a luxurious experience, head to the top floor of the Silo Hotel for high tea. Insider tip: reservations are required for high tea, so be sure to book online in advance.

Bungee Jump
Cape town hosts one of the world’s highest bungee jumps at Bloukrans Bridge. At 709 feet above the Bloukrans River, this jump is sure to give you a huge adrenaline rush.

Sunset Picnic on Signal Hill
The locals flock to signal hill during sunset for beautiful views of Cape Town. Insider tip: bring takeout and a bottle of wine to relax and enjoy the sunset.

Day Trips from Cape Town

Franschhoek
Embark on a journey through the Franschhoek Wine Valley aboard the wine tram, which stops at several exquisite wineries. Research your preferred stops in advance, or have us seamlessly plan your trip for you. Our choice is to take the purple line, stop at Boschendal Wine Estate and don’t miss their champagne and oyster pairing.

Muizenberg
A charming surf town renowned for its gentle longboard wave and iconic, colorful beach huts. Perfect for a day of surfing and exploration, Muizenberg is a top destination for surf enthusiasts.

Boulders Beach
A world-famous beach home to a vibrant colony of penguins. As a protected sanctuary, access requires a ticket, and visitors explore via scenic boardwalks, offering a unique and enjoyable experience just outside Cape Town.

Kalk Bay
A bohemian town brimming with eclectic shops and inviting restaurants, perfect for a leisurely afternoon escape.

Cape Point
Rent a car for a scenic drive to Cape Point, the southernmost tip of Africa. It’s a leisurely hike with incredible ocean views. You’ll even find a restaurant here if you work up an apetite.

Insider tip: start your day early so you can experience Muizenberg, Cape Point, Boulders Beach and Kalk Bay all in one day.

Big-Five Safari
A thrilling Big-Five Safari without the long journey to Kruger. Enjoy a luxurious excursion from Cape Town to a private game reserve, witnessing lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and Cape buffalos up close. A Big-Five Safari is a quintessential part of South Africa travel. We can tailor your safari adventure to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience.

Where to eat & drink in Cape Town

Café Caprice
Located in Camps Bay, Cafe Caprice is an ocean-facing eclectic cafe with a large selection of food and cocktails.

Kloof Street House
Just off of Cape Town’s vibrant Kloof Street, you can find a large Victorian house thoughtfully converted into a unique restaurant. Insider tip: head here on Sundays to experience some live jazz music.

Bungalow
A gorgeous oceanfront restaurant with both tables and lounge seating, Bungalow is a hot spot on the weekends and is perfect for a romantic dinner with ocean views in Cape Town.

Harbour House
Located in Kalk bay, Harbour house is a fine dining restaurant with gorgeous ocean views and fresh seafood.

La Colombe Restaurant
A modern French restaurant boasting 3 Michelin stars. La Colombe offers a deliciously creative prix fixe menu in Cape Town