What to do in Cape Town?
Making the most of your time here

There is so much to do and see in Cape Town, so having a guide on what can be done in one day, or what activities are more reliant on the weather can help you make the most of your time here.

First some notes on time of year….

An important point to remember is that Cape Town experiences winter rainfall. So, over the months from May – September the weather can be overcast, wet and windy. However, you may still get some lovely, sunny, crisp days.

Table Mountain also has their annual maintenance which usually falls over the quieter months. The closure dates are 28^th July – 3^rd August for 2025. The cableway also can close if bad weather comes in – such as heavy cloud, wind or rain.

Table Mountain and Robben Island tickets…

Planning ahead, especially in peak season (December) or school holidays is always a good idea to not miss out on the key attractions.

Tickets can be pre booked online for both the above activities. Key tip is to read through the terms and conditions, as the Table Mountain tickets are valid for 7 days, so if your chosen day turns into a disaster, (or the cable car ends up being closed due to adverse weather), you can always rebook.  Try and choose a clear morning, when the Table Cloth looks like it isn’t due to descend, and ensure you pre-book within weather forecasting range. We recommend doing Table Mountain at the start of your time in Cape Town to give you back up days. For December we would recommend booking the Fast Track ticket.

Robben Island usually runs 3-4 boat trips per day pending time of year – all being weather dependant. We would recommend aiming for the first boat of the day which usually departs around 09:00. The sea is usually calmer first thing, but if the weather turns, this allows you to book later in the day. Also going early avoids the heat of the day in the summer months. Again, check the terms and conditions as refunds can be offered if your tour is cancelled and you unable to rebook.

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront….

This popular and trendy area offers a host of restaurants, bars, shopping and activities for the whole family. The area is central to many hotels and apartments, and it is generally quite busy and safe to walk around during the day. The Two Oceans Aquarium is also situated here as well as Scratch Patch for younger families and avid geologists! The Cape Wheel – cousin to our own London Eye is also based here, if you wanted to get more of a bird’s eye view without having to board a helicopter!

The Cape Town Diamond Museum is also situated within the V&A along with a selection of jewellery stores within the Mall.

Other gems not to miss…..

For exploring further out from central Cape Town we would recommend either hiring a car or arranging a driver guide for the day.

Boulders Beach where you can stop in to visit the penguin colony who have made this rocky beach their home for many years. You don’t need to pre- book this activity.

Kirstenbosch Gardens is a lovely botanical garden to visit, especially in the summer months for walks and picnic. Even better if you can plan your dates to fit in with one of their music concerts that run throughout the year. The highlight for families would surely be The Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway – known informally at “The Boomslang” meaning tree snake!

Bo-Kaap is a vibrant neighbourhood which is known for the brightly coloured houses and cobblestones streets on the slopes of signal hill. It is also home to the Cape Malay community as well as the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum.

Chapmans Peak drive is a scenic coastal road along the Atlantic Ocean that offers breath-taking views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. The drive time takes approx. 1 hour pending how many stops you make. Note there is a toll fee, and the road does close from time to time for maintenance.

Visit Cape Point Vineyards for a beautiful lunch or picnic lunch on the lawns with stunning views over Noordhoek Beach. Worth a special mention is the Food & Wine market at Cape Point Vineyards, which is a beloved event for families and is on every Thursday from 16.30-20.30 (Weather permitting), with great street food options, and artisanal delights and is one of the best spots to watch the sunset over the ocean, whilst sitting on the lawn and taking in the views!

Visit the Scratch Patch Mineral World in Simonstown – it’s the counterpart to the one at the V&A Waterfront, but less touristy and can be nicely combined with a drive to see the Penguins at Boulders Beach. Children love collecting the colourful gemstones here and the well-stocked gift shop is a nice place to hunt for souvenirs.

Here is a suggested 4-day family-friendly itinerary for Cape Town, packed with exciting, safe, and educational activities suitable for all ages:

Day 1: Explore the City & Table Mountain

Morning:

• Table Mountain Cableway
  • Take the rotating cable car up Table Mountain.
  • Enjoy the views and walk along the family-friendly trails at the top.
  • Tip: Go early to avoid clouds and crowds and pre book your tickets!

Afternoon:

• Company’s Garden & Iziko South African Museum
  • Feed squirrels and relax in the beautiful gardens.
  • Explore the museum’s dinosaur fossils and planetarium – great for kids.

Evening:

• Dinner at the V&A Waterfront
  • Family-friendly restaurants like Quay Four or Gibson’s (great burgers & shakes).
  • Enjoy live music, boats, and the sunset.

Day 2: Cape Peninsula Adventure

Morning:

• Drive to Cape Point via Chapman’s Peak Drive
  • One of the most scenic drives in the world.
  • Stop at Noordhoek Farm Village for breakfast or a snack or visit Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie, for lunch at one of their family friendly restaurants with play areas and farm animal encounters etc.

Midday:

• Cape of Good Hope & Cape Point
  • Take the Flying Dutchman funicular or walk up to the lighthouse.
  • Spot baboons (but don’t feed them!).

Afternoon:

• Visit Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
  • Watch African penguins in their natural habitat.
  • Kids can swim at the safe beach nearby, although it is rather chilly!

Day 3: Nature & Wildlife Fun

Morning:

• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
  • Walk the Tree Canopy Walkway (Boomslang).
  • Pack a picnic or eat at Moyo Restaurant (African-themed, kid-friendly).

Afternoon:

• World of Birds in Hout Bay
  • Over 3,000 birds and small animals—fun and interactive.
  • Optional: Take a boat trip to Seal Island (short and scenic).

Day 4: Culture, Beach & Markets

Morning:

• Two Oceans Aquarium
  • Touch pools, underwater tunnels, and daily feedings.
  • Great for all ages and indoors (ideal if it rains).

Afternoon:

• Visit Camps Bay Beach
  • Relax, play, and enjoy the views.
  • Or opt for Muizenberg Beach with colourful huts and surfing lessons for kids.

There are plenty of day trips that can be done further afield too, the Cape Winelands are within an hours drive of central Cape Town and offer more than just food and wine, there is a wide selection of activities for families here including hikes, nature walks, quad biking, horse-riding and farm visits. We highly recommend a visit to Babylonstoren to enjoy their fascinating garden tour! Spier Wine Farm is also great for families offering picnics, walks, mountain biking and natural playground for younger adventurers.

Hermanus – home to the Southern Right Whales during calving season (May – October) is also a good day out if time allows. The town is quaint with a great shopping in the Old Harbour Market, the promenade offers easy whale watching and there is a lovely selection of seafood restaurants to enjoy – and only 2 hours from Cape Town!

About the author

Amy Wheeler - Africa Specialist