Looking for the most epic Cape Town bucket list? This incredible city in South Africa sits atop many travel bucket lists and you will soon see how many fantastic things there is to do in the city.
Cape Town is so diverse that you could go from hanging out around penguins to climbing a mountain in the same few hours. So pack your bags, your next adventure is about to begin.
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Ultimate Cape Town Bucket List
1. Soak in the views from Signal Hill
Signal Hill is a mountain located right near Table Mountain in Cape Town. It’s commonly referred to as Lion’s Rump and offers some of the best views in all of Cape Town. If you’re up for it, take a hike to the top of the hill for sunrise and you’ll be well rewarded!
2. See art at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is located along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and is the biggest museum of its kind in the world. The museum is dedicated to showcasing African art and opened just a few years ago in 2017.
3. Ride the Blue Train to Port Elizabeth
When visiting Cape Town, you absolutely should try to hop on at least one train for a scenic ride. A great train to get on is the Blue Train which will bring you all the way to Port Elizabeth. While it is a luxury train, you’ll be rewarded with great views and even better meals.
4. Go glamping
Cape Town is home to some of the most epic natural scenery in the world, and there’s no better way to experience it firsthand than by glamping. This is a bit more luxurious than regular camping, but you’ll still be able to become one with nature while doing it. This is the perfect way to have a romantic retreat while visiting!
5. Peruse Simon’s Town
Simon’s Town is along the Western Cape and is one of the top places to visit in Cape Town. A lot of the fun attractions here have to do with nature. Be sure to stop by Frank’s Beach and Admirals Waterfall if you have the time.
6. Visit Seal Island
Located near Cape Town, Seal Island is a great day trip that deserves a spot on this Cape Town bucket list. It got its name because more than 50,000 seals live on the island. The best way to visit there is on a boat tour, and it’s one of the best places to go to see some of the area’s wildlife.
7. Spend time at Camps Bay Beach
For a relaxing time, head to Camps Bay Beach. This beach is a great place to go swimming or even just lay out and get the sun. Plus the views of the nearby mountain range make this beach feel truly like paradise. What more could you ask for? The water here is also extremely clear.
8. Go on a wine tour
Did you know that Cape Town actually has vineyards? It’s true! Some of the best ones to visit here include Cape Point Vineyards, Steenberg Tasting Room, and Groot Constantia-Trust. Either visit these on your own or go on a wine tour with other tourists also visiting the area for an unforgettable experience.
9. Grab a bite to eat at the Pot Luck Club
The Pot Luck Club is a luxury restaurant offering some of the best views of Table Mountain in all of Cape Town. Not only do they serve up great brews and cocktails, but you can also order tasty tapas and meals here too.
10. Hike to the top of Table Mountain
Table Mountain is one of the best mountains to hike to the top of in Cape Town. With an elevation of just over 3,500 feet, it can be quite a trek to the top. Luckily, there’s also a cable car ride to the top if you’d rather skip the hike but still enjoy the views!
11. Explore Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap most definitely deserves a spot on this Cape Town bucket list. It’s an area that is filled with bright and colorful houses, which is why it’s commonly visited by people who are traveling to Cape Town. Don’t forget your camera!
12. Take some photos at Muizenberg Beach
Similar to Bo-Kaap, Muizenberg Beach is known for its colorful huts along the seafront. They are vivid and provide a truly picturesque landscape, perfect for any photo that you take. It probably won’t even need editing! This is also a great surfing spot.
13. Trek up to the top of Lion’s Head
Lion’s Head is another mountain in South Africa. If you’re starting to get the full picture, there are a few different mountains that, together, look like a lion! It’s quite a hike to the top, but the views are truly breathtaking.
14. Relax at the Clifton Beaches
Clifton is one of the more luxurious areas in Cape Town, and their beaches are truly beautiful. While it can be expensive to stay here or even own real estate, Clifton 4th is one of the best beaches you can visit. The sand is gorgeous and the water is bright turquoise blue.
15. Visit Boulders Beach to see penguins
If you don’t have visiting Boulders Beach on your Cape Town bucket list, then you’re missing out! Its home to tons of African penguins, and you’ll surely want to see them during your visit to Africa. Because they are almost extinct, you might not have that much longer to take in their cuteness.
16. Check out the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
The gardens and parks in Cape Town are unlike any other, so when visiting, you have to be sure to stop by the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. It opened in the early twentieth century and has a beautiful skywalk with trails that will lead you through the park. It feels like something out of the Jurassic Park movies!
17. Grab some fish and chips at Salty Sea Dog
Seafood is one of the best dishes in Cape Town, and there’s no better place to try it than at the Salty Sea Dog. It’s located in Simon’s Town This top-rated restaurant serves up tasty seafood for an affordable price. Be sure to try the fish and chips!
18. Explore the Cape Town Company’s Garden
The oldest garden in all of South Africa is the Company’s Garden, which dates back to the 17th century. It’s filled with walking trails, wildlife, and even monuments including the Artillery Memorial and the Japanese Lantern Monument.
19. Take a trip to the Cape Point Lighthouse
Cape Point is one of the best places to visit on this Cape Town bucket list. The Cape Point Lighthouse offers breathtaking views and opened in 1919. While it is a hike to get to the top, you won’t regret it once you can see all the surrounding area from above.
20. Dine on South African cuisine at the GOLD Restaurant
The GOLD restaurant is the best place to go in all of Cape Town to try local cuisine! It has mid-range pricing and a really fun atmosphere. Plus, the restaurant has won a few awards, so you know you’ll be eating great food.
21. Visit the Iziko Slave Lodge
The Iziko Slave Lodge is a museum dedicated to showcasing the country’s social history. It’s one of the top museums in Cape Town is located near the Company’s Garden. The topic can be a bit heavy, so keep that in mind when visiting the museum.
22. Catch the sunrise at Sea Point Promenade
Sea Point Promenade is a breathtaking trail along the water. It’s particularly gorgeous at either sunrise or sunset! Whether you want to go on a walk, jog, or even rent a bike for a quick ride, this is a great place to soak up the views and get some fresh air.
23. Shop at the Neighbourgoods Market
The Neighbourgoods Market is a great public farmer’s market worth visiting if you have to travel to Cape Town over the weekend! They sell tons of fresh produce, and also have more luxurious flavors as well. You might even be able to grab a souvenir or two here.
24. Go on a helicopter tour of the city
What better way is there to see Cape Town than by going on a helicopter tour? This is the ultimate Cape Town bucket list item. Be sure to book well in advance to make sure that you’re actually able to take part in this fun experience.
25. See the view from Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is most well-known in Cape Town for its epic views, especially at sunset! Hence it’s name. This is also a fun place to go swimming, surfing, and even boating to look for whales and other wildlife.
26. Rent a car and visit Cape Point National Park
You can’t visit Cape Town without visiting the Cape Point National Park. Whether you go on a tour or rent a car, be sure to visit it! It’s a truly beautiful nature reserve and is filled with tons of great hiking and walking trails just waiting to be explored.
27. Learn at the District Six Museum
The District Six Museum opened in the late twentieth century and provides insight into the history of Cape Town. It mainly focuses on District Six, which was a community known for its poverty.
28. Go to a rugby game
One of the best ways to experience a city is to partake in its favorite local events, so add a rugby game to your Cape Town bucket list! There are a few different teams in the area, so it shouldn’t be too hard to catch a game when you visit.
29. Test your limits and dive with sharks
Yes, you can go shark cave diving while in Cape Town! While this is definitely an experience for those who are more adventurous at heart, it’s truly a Cape Town bucket list item that you’ll never forget.
30. Ride the Big Red Bus
An easy way to go sightseeing in Cape Town is to hop on the Big Red Bus! It’s a double decker that will bring you to all of the best parts in the city. Purchase a hop on hop off ticket so you can use it whenever you need to.
31. Walk around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a beautiful area located right on Table Bay Harbour. It’s filled with shops, restaurants, and more. Whether you want to buy something or not, this is a fun way to spend the afternoon without breaking the bank.
32. Rent a local Airbnb
There are a lot of amazing hotels in Cape Town but equally as many fantastic Airbnb properties! Plus, getting an Airbnb gives you more control on food, laundry and location.
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Disclaimer: As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through the link in this article.
