A holiday in Cape Town is a truly unforgettable experience. Not only is this port city one of the most exciting and bustling parts of the African continent, it’s set in a gorgeous natural landscape.
Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope offer an unbeatable beauty that’s bound to win your heart – and fill your camera roll. Ride the cableway – or go on a hike – to take in majestic views from the top of Table Mountain.
Urban Cape Town also has much to offer, with a patchwork of places beating to their own drums. Step into the urban core, surrounded by skyscrapers and commerce, before heading into picture-perfect cultural suburbs such as Bo-Kaap.
Marvel at the flora and fauna at Kirstenbosch or taste paradise at the luxury beach resorts. If you’re on a Cape Town adventure holiday, you could try a spot of surfing and visit the resident penguins of Boulders Beach.
There’s so much to fit into a holiday to Cape Town. Here are a few ideas for things to see and do while you’re here.
The Cape of Good Hope gives Cape Town its name. The area spans almost 50 square miles of Table Mountain National Park and is full of fantastic places to hike, relax on beautiful beaches or dine with ocean views.
Cape Point is the dramatic ridge that juts out into the South Atlantic Ocean. It’s well worth the trip from the city, as it remains one of the most unspoilt tourist attractions in the region. Wander along to the remote lighthouse and take in striking views over the southern tip of Africa.
South Africa is a nation packed with many layers of history, from the dawn of humanity to the modern age. Capture the essence of South Africa’s spirit in Bo-Kaap, the vibrant Malay Quarter where local Islamic heritage shines through in its picture-perfect architecture.
Visit the colourful Nurul Islan Mosque – the oldest in South Africa – built by exiles in the 1700s. Continue this historical journey at District Six Museum, which explores the era of apartheid in powerful detail.
Cape Town is one of the world’s best-known surfing hotspots. Gentle swells, rugged coves and towering waves suit everyone from keen beginners to passionate pros. Glen Beach is the place to go for advanced surfing, thanks to its powerful, hollow waves.
Dungeons Beach in Hout Bay is a thrill-seeker’s paradise – with the waves that can reach 60 feet high. Head to the Hoek for its famous azure waters or take your first surfing lesson beside the iconic white beaches of Muizenberg.
Towering over Cape Town’s skyline is Table Mountain – the city’s crowning glory, it features on almost every postcard. This iconic landmark has a flat peak that dances in and out of view above the clouds. But it’s more than just a pretty backdrop for your Instagram snaps.
Climbing Table Mountain gives you the full Cape Town experience, boasting unbeatable views of the city and scenery below. Take a walking tour at the top or follow one of the signposted routes. Even better, time your visit so you can take in the spectacular sunset.
You might not expect to see penguins in South Africa. However, from March to May you’ll find a 3,000-strong colony of these cute Antarctic birds perching on the large granite rocks around Boulders Beach.
The entry fee funds conservation work and the beach itself is a great activity during a family holiday in Cape Town. Pack a picnic, paddle in the turquoise waters and use the boardwalk to watch baby penguins take their first steps.
Close to Cape Town’s city centre is the vibrant Bo-Kaap district. It’s one of Cape Town’s most iconic areas, where heritage flea markets and sushi restaurants sit side-by-side.
Top attractions nearby include the Castle of Good Hope, Fugard Theatre and the Iziko Slave Lodge museum. Cape Town Lodge Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk away.
You’ll be entertained all day long at Camps Bay. Indulge in luxury shopping on the promenade in the morning, lounge on golden sands in the afternoon and dine on rooftops as the sun sets in this beautiful enclave.
Camps Bay is the perfect destination for romantic holidays in Cape Town. That’s thanks to the magnificent views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, plus a sparkling selection of high-fashion outlets, and the gorgeous Clifton Beach.
If you’re booking a family holiday in Cape Town, you’ll love spending time in this warm and welcoming neighbourhood to the south of the city. The colourful Kalk Bay Harbour packs in plenty of fishing-village charms, with regular whale watching excursions for nature lovers.
As one of the last working harbours on the Cape Bay peninsula, it retains a traditional aura. The Dalebrook Tidal Pool is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing and sandcastles – as an added bonus, it’s secluded from south-easterly winds.
The South African rand (ZAR) is the currency used in Cape Town. ATMs are widely available and most places accept debit and credit cards.
The MyCiti bus and City Sightseeing bus are convenient ways to get around Cape Town and the surrounding areas. There are also metred taxis, car, bicycle hire and trains.
English, Afrikaans and Xhosa are the most commonly spoken languages in Cape Town. Afrikaans is closely related to Dutch, while Xhosa is native to the Eastern Cape Province.
Important public holidays include Freedom Day on 27 April which marks the anniversary of South Africa's first non-racial election of 1994. Heritage Day on 24 September celebrates the nation’s culture and diversity.
A holiday in Cape Town will open you up to a vibrant mix of cultures, which is reflected in an exciting calendar of events. The second day of January brings the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival. Known locally as Tweede Nuwe Jaar, meaning ‘Second New Year’, it’s an important festival for many communities in the city.
The event is an important chance for communities to come together and the celebrations are loud and energetic. Bounce along to the rhythm of the performers (called Kaapse Klopse) as they play traditional ghoema music and dance through the streets.
Robben Island is one of the most historically significant locations in South Africa. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years on this former prison island, which you can reach via ferry from Cape Town. Explore more than 500 years of history at Robben Island and you’ll learn how it evolved from a place for ships to drop off supplies, to its many years as a prison.
The De Waterkant district is a good place to discover the city’s heritage, as it’s adorned with authentic architecture from its colonial past. Take the Cape Care route to learn about the many innovative contemporary arts and community projects galvanising the city.
Grills called ‘braai’ are one of the most popular forms of cooking in Cape Town. The process involves roasting meats such as wild game in the open air. It’s more than just making a meal – these are community gatherings. On public holidays, locals often take to the streets to socialise and share food.
Cape Town retains a strong British influence – so you’re likely to find fish and chip shops among the dining options. Gatsby is a popular sandwich-style dish which blends game meat or fish with various sauces. You’ve got to try bobotie – a lasagne-style signature dish of the Cape Malay community, made with minced beef, fragrant spices and dried fruit.
Abu Dhabi
The glitzy UAE capital also has wonders of nature on its doorstep, surrounded by golden beaches and vast desert landscapes, where you can camp under the stars.
Abu Dhabi Holidays
Cairo
Take a trip back in time and admire the majestic pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza. Bustling markets, art galleries and the warm welcome completes the Cairo experience.
Cairo Holidays
Casablanca
Soak up the art and culture on offer in Casablanca, Morocco’s biggest and most colourful city. Dine on the freshest seafood, enjoy coastal views and explore the atmospheric old town.
Casablanca Holidays
Nairobi
A city like no other, the Kenyan capital promises both a cosmopolitan experience and proximity to wildlife in Nairobi National Park, where giraffes and lions roam.
Nairobi Holidays
