Cape Town
South Africa
Attractions & Events in Cape Town
Discover the top attractions, events, and festivals in Cape Town, South Africa
Top Attractions
Bo-Kaap
Historic neighborhood famous for its brightly colored houses and Cape Malay culture.
Tips: Take a walking tour to learn about local history; sample Cape Malay cuisine at nearby eateries.
Boulders Beach
Picturesque beach famous for its resident colony of African penguins. Family-friendly with swimming areas.
Tips: Visit early to avoid crowds; stay on the boardwalk to protect the penguins.
Cape Point
Dramatic promontory at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, part of the Table Mountain National Park, with spectacular ocean views.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking; watch for strong winds and baboons.
Castle of Good Hope
The oldest colonial building in South Africa, offering exhibits on military history and early Cape Town.
Tips: Join a guided tour for detailed historical context; changing of the guard ceremony is a highlight.
Company's Garden
Historic public park and botanical garden in the heart of Cape Town, surrounded by museums and historical buildings.
Tips: Ideal for a relaxing walk; visit the South African Museum and National Gallery nearby.
District Six Museum
Museum documenting the history and legacy of District Six, a community forcibly removed during apartheid.
Tips: Guided tours with former residents are highly recommended for personal insights.
Greenmarket Square
Historic square and open-air market featuring local crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Tips: Bargain with vendors for better prices; keep an eye on your belongings.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Expansive botanical garden on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, featuring indigenous plants and walking trails.
Tips: Bring a picnic or enjoy the on-site restaurant; check the schedule for summer sunset concerts.
Long Street
Lively street in the city center known for its eclectic mix of bars, clubs, restaurants, and Victorian architecture.
Tips: Great for nightlife; stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Old Biscuit Mill
Trendy market and lifestyle center in Woodstock, popular for artisan foods, crafts, and weekend events.
Tips: Visit on Saturday mornings for the Neighbourgoods Market; try local specialties from food stalls.
Robben Island
Historic island prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Guided tours offer insights into South Africa's history.
Tips: Book tickets in advance; ferry departs from the V&A Waterfront and tours last about 3-4 hours.
Table Mountain
Iconic flat-topped mountain offering panoramic views of Cape Town and its surroundings. Accessible by cable car or hiking.
Tips: Go early in the morning for clearer views and fewer crowds; check the weather as the cable car doesn't operate in strong winds.
Two Oceans Aquarium
Family-friendly aquarium showcasing marine life from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Tips: Interactive exhibits are ideal for children; combine with a visit to the V&A Waterfront.
V&A Waterfront
Vibrant harbor area with shops, restaurants, markets, and entertainment options. Great for families and shopping enthusiasts.
Tips: Ideal for an afternoon stroll; try local seafood at the many waterfront restaurants.
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA)
Africa’s largest contemporary art museum housed in a converted grain silo at the V&A Waterfront.
Tips: Allocate 2-3 hours; check for temporary exhibitions and free entry days.
Events & Festivals
Cape Town New Year’s Eve Celebration
A vibrant celebration featuring live music, fireworks, and festivities at the V&A Waterfront to ring in the new year.
When: December
Tips: Arrive early to secure a good spot, as the area becomes crowded; consider booking a restaurant with a view for a more comfortable experience.
Cape Town Pride
A vibrant celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, featuring a colorful parade, parties, and cultural events promoting inclusivity and diversity.
When: February
Tips: Check the official schedule for event details, and consider participating in both the parade and associated festivities to fully experience the celebration.
Kaapse Klopse (Cape Town Minstrel Carnival)
An annual festival featuring thousands of minstrels parading through the streets in vibrant costumes, celebrating Cape Town's rich cultural heritage.
When: January
Tips: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route, and be prepared for large crowds and lively music.
Stellenbosch Wine Festival
A week-long celebration featuring wine tours, workshops, tastings, and winemaker lunches in the heart of South Africa's wine country.
When: July
Tips: Plan your visit by selecting specific events and tastings; consider booking accommodation in Stellenbosch to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Jive Cape Town Funny Festival
The city's biggest and longest-running comedy festival, offering a month of stand-up, satire, and variety acts from local and international performers.
When: June
Tips: Book tickets in advance, as popular shows can sell out; check the lineup to select performances that suit your comedic taste.
Cape Town Carnival
A spectacular parade featuring eye-popping floats, incredible costumes, and performances celebrating South African heritage, arts, and culture.
When: March
Tips: Arrive early to find a good viewing spot along the Fan Walk in Green Point; consider purchasing seated or VIP tickets for an enhanced experience.
Cape Town Cycle Tour
An iconic 109 km cycling event around the Cape Peninsula, attracting cyclists from around the world to experience breathtaking scenery.
When: March
Tips: Register early to secure a spot, and ensure your fitness level is adequate for the challenging route; spectators should plan viewing spots along the route.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Known as 'Africa’s Grandest Gathering,' this festival brings together global jazz legends and local talent for a weekend of soulful sounds.
When: March
Tips: Purchase tickets in advance, as the festival is popular and can sell out quickly; explore the lineup to plan which performances to attend.
The Good Life Show
Africa’s largest food, drink, wellness, and sustainable living expo, featuring innovative products, chef demos, and expert talks.
When: May
Tips: Plan your visit by reviewing the schedule of workshops and demonstrations; consider purchasing tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Ultra South Africa
Africa's largest electronic music festival, featuring international and local DJs performing across multiple stages.
When: May
Tips: Purchase tickets early, as the event is popular; familiarize yourself with the venue layout and schedule to maximize your experience.
Red Bull King of the Air
A premier kitesurfing competition held at Kite Beach, Blouberg, showcasing the world's best kitesurfers performing high-flying tricks.
When: November
Tips: Check the event schedule for optimal viewing times; bring sun protection and be prepared for windy conditions typical of the area.
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
A prestigious marathon taking runners through Cape Town’s iconic landmarks, aiming to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
When: October
Tips: Register early to secure a spot; spectators should plan viewing locations along the route to support runners.