Top 10 Things To Do In Cape Town

Cape Town consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful travel destinations—and for good reason. Nestled between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers breathtaking scenery, incredible food, award-winning wines, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and adventures around every corner.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or spending two weeks exploring the Western Cape, this guide covers the Top 10 Things To Do In Cape Town that deserve a place on every itinerary.

If you’re looking to experience the city beyond the typical tourist attractions, you’ll also discover one of Cape Town’s hidden gems—a visit to Hout Bay Harbour, home to one of South Africa’s most awarded craft distilleries.

1. Ride the Cableway to Table Mountain

Photo taken by Asih Wahyuni

No visit to Cape Town is complete without standing on top of the iconic Table Mountain.

The panoramic views stretch across the city, Robben Island, the Atlantic Ocean, Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Whether you choose to hike up or take the cableway, the summit provides one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Africa.

Top Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid queues and check weather conditions before heading up.

2. Explore the Cape Peninsula and Chapman’s Peak Drive

Photo taken by Denis Bunel

One of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, Chapman’s Peak Drive connects Noordhoek with Hout Bay.

Towering cliffs plunge into the Atlantic Ocean while countless viewpoints offer opportunities for unforgettable photographs.

Continue your journey toward Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope for an incredible full-day adventure.

Along the way you’ll discover charming cafés, beaches, markets and spectacular ocean scenery.

3. Discover Hout Bay Harbour

Many visitors know Hout Bay for its picturesque fishing harbour, but fewer realise just how much there is to experience.

Hout Bay Harbour has become one of Cape Town’s most exciting lifestyle destinations where visitors can spend several relaxing hours enjoying local food, craft drinks, shopping and live entertainment.

Some highlights include:

• Fresh seafood restaurants
• Working fishing harbour
• Boat trips to Seal Island
• Local art galleries
• Boutique shopping
• Weekend entertainment
• Family-friendly atmosphere

Best of all, Hout Bay is incredibly easy to reach using the City Sightseeing Red Bus, making it an effortless stop without needing to drive.

The Red Bus stops just a short walk from the harbour, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace before hopping back on to continue their Cape Town adventure.

4. Visit Hout Bay Harbour Distillery – Cape Town’s Award-Winning Craft Gin Experience

Hidden inside the vibrant Hout Bay Harbour is Hout Bay Harbour Distillery, one of Cape Town’s most unique experiences for gin lovers.

Rather than simply buying a bottle from a liquor store, visitors can step inside the working distillery where every bottle is crafted in small batches.

Here you’ll discover:

• Award-winning handcrafted gin
• Guided gin tastings
• Distillery tours
• Signature gin cocktails
• Relaxed harbour atmosphere
• Local hospitality
• Gift bottles to take home

Whether you’re a serious gin enthusiast or simply looking for something different to do in Cape Town, the distillery offers an authentic local experience away from the larger commercial attractions.

Many visitors combine their tasting with lunch in the harbour before spending the afternoon exploring the surrounding shops and attractions.

If you’re travelling on the City Sightseeing Red Bus, adding the distillery to your itinerary couldn’t be easier.

5. Visit Bay Harbour Market

Located just a few minutes’ walk from the distillery, Bay Harbour Market has become one of Cape Town’s favourite weekend attractions.

Inside the restored fish factory you’ll find:

• Local crafts
• Handmade jewellery
• Delicious street food
• Live music
• Artisan products
• South African souvenirs

The market is an excellent place to experience local culture while supporting small businesses.

Many visitors spend hours browsing before enjoying dinner and live entertainment.

6. Enjoy Local Craft Drinks Around the Harbour

Hout Bay has quietly become one of Cape Town’s most exciting destinations for craft beverages.

Within walking distance you’ll find several independent producers where passionate locals create exceptional products.

Alongside your visit to Hout Bay Harbour Distillery, consider stopping at:

• Urban Craft Brewery for locally brewed beer
• Local cafés serving artisan coffee
• Boutique restaurants featuring fresh seafood
• Ice cream shops perfect for sunny afternoons

This combination makes Hout Bay an ideal destination for couples, families and groups of friends looking for a relaxed day away from the city centre.

7. Meet the Penguins at Boulders Beach

Photo taken by Taryn Elliott

Few wildlife experiences compare with watching African Penguins waddle along the white sand beaches of Simon’s Town.

Boardwalks allow visitors to get surprisingly close while protecting the nesting colonies.

The calm waters also make Boulders Beach ideal for swimming.

Arrive early during summer to avoid large crowds.

8. Relax at Cape Town’s Incredible Beaches

Photo taken by Stefan Maritz

Cape Town boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Popular choices include:

• Camps Bay
• Clifton Beaches
• Llandudno
• Muizenberg
• Noordhoek Beach

Whether you’re looking to surf, swim, sunbathe or simply enjoy spectacular sunsets, there’s a beach suited to every traveller.

9. Visit the V&A Waterfront

Photo taken by Cape Lens Craft

The V&A Waterfront combines shopping, restaurants, museums, entertainment and harbour views into one of South Africa’s busiest attractions.

Highlights include:

• Waterfront shopping
• Two Oceans Aquarium
• Street performers
• Harbour cruises
• Local markets
• Fine dining
• Sunset cocktails

It’s also an excellent starting point for ferry trips to Robben Island.

10. Experience Cape Town’s Food and Drink Scene

Cape Town has become one of Africa’s culinary capitals.

From award-winning fine dining restaurants to casual seafood eateries and boutique cafés, the city offers something for every budget.

Don’t leave without trying:

• Fresh seafood
• Cape Malay cuisine
• South African wines
• Craft beer
• Artisan coffee
• Small-batch craft gin

For visitors looking for an authentic local experience, spending an afternoon in Hout Bay Harbour combines many of these into one memorable stop.

Why Hout Bay Should Be on Every Cape Town Itinerary

Many visitors race between Table Mountain, Cape Point and the Waterfront without discovering the charm of Hout Bay.

Yet Hout Bay offers something increasingly rare—a genuine local atmosphere where visitors can slow down and experience Cape Town beyond the major tourist crowds.

Within just a few hours you can:

• Visit a working harbour
• Enjoy fresh seafood
• Explore artisan markets
• Taste award-winning craft gin
• Sample locally brewed beer
• Browse local art
• Watch fishing boats arrive
• Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery

Thanks to the convenient City Sightseeing Red Bus, reaching Hout Bay is simple even without hiring a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Cape Town?

Some of the best attractions include Table Mountain, Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak Drive, the V&A Waterfront, Boulders Beach, Camps Bay, and Hout Bay Harbour.

Is Hout Bay worth visiting?

Absolutely. Hout Bay offers beautiful scenery, excellent restaurants, artisan markets, harbour cruises, local shopping and unique experiences like visiting Hout Bay Harbour Distillery.

Can I reach Hout Bay without a car?

Yes. The City Sightseeing Red Bus makes travelling to Hout Bay easy and convenient, with a stop close to the harbour attractions.

How long should I spend in Hout Bay?

Most visitors spend between three and five hours enjoying the harbour, local restaurants, Bay Harbour Market, shopping and a visit to Hout Bay Harbour Distillery.

Is Hout Bay Harbour Distillery suitable for tourists?

Yes. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings, handcrafted gin, cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere while learning about small-batch distilling.

Plan Your Perfect Cape Town Adventure

Cape Town offers unforgettable experiences around every corner, from mountain adventures and pristine beaches to wildlife encounters and world-class food.

While iconic attractions deserve their place on every itinerary, don’t overlook Hout Bay Harbour—a destination where stunning scenery, local craftsmanship and authentic hospitality come together.

Whether you’re joining a guided tour, driving the Cape Peninsula or travelling on the City Sightseeing Red Bus, make time to visit Hout Bay Harbour Distillery and discover why so many visitors leave calling it one of the highlights of their Cape Town trip.

We look forward to welcoming you for a gin tasting, a handcrafted cocktail and a truly local Cape Town experience.