Top 25 Things to do in Cape Town

You can get a shuttle to transport you to any of these destinations.

www.capetownairportshuttles.co.za
The Aquarium is a window on the ocean, offering glimpses of the diverse life fou
nd off the South African coastline. The Aquarium allows you to view over 3000 li
ving animals, including fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and birds in th
is spectacular underwater nature reserve. Don t miss the daily feeding at 15h30 of
the fishes in the I&J Predator Exhibit. The Two Oceans Aquarium is open every d
ay of the year from 09h30 until 18h00. Your ticket is valid for the entire day.
Have your hand stamped at the entrance turnstile in the foyer if you want to vis
it again on the same day.
Cost: R85.00 - R88.00 per adult, R40.00 - R68.00 per child.
2). Watch the city come to life on a scenic morning cruise
If it's luxury catamaran sailing you're after, step aboard the brand new 40ft Fu
jicat. With its modern roof, enclosed sides, diving platform and tarpaulins, you
are in for a real treat as you glide across the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. M
orning Cruise from the V&A Waterfront. If you are an early bird or just like the
fresh morning air, this cruise is the ideal start to your day. Watch the mother
city come to life from afar before returning to join the rat race. Morning crui
ses from 11:30 to 13:00. Telephone: 021 425-6354. Where? Departs from Quay 5 at
the V&A waterfront. Book at Shop 08, Quay 5.
Cost: R100.00 per adult, R50.00 for children.
3). Horse riding on Noordhoek Beach.
Go for a 2 hour horse ride along the spectacular Noordhoek beach, combined with
a short bush ride. An abundance of bird life is visible as the bush ride circles
the wetlands, water birds, cranes, geese and rare flamingo flocks. And if you a
re lucky you might see dolphins playing in the waves, with occasional sighting o
f whales. Booking in advance is absolutely essential. Open daily from 09:00 to 1
6:00 (open till 18:00 in December to February). Phone Imhoff Farm on 082 774-119
1.
Cost: To be confirmed
4). Go club-hopping to see up-and-coming South African Musicians.
Live concerts at venues such at Mercury Live, Zulu Bar or The Armchair Theater.
See up and coming South African bands. Entrance frees range from free to R40.00
per person. For details of concerts please contact the venues.
Cost: From R0.00 to R40.00 per person
5). Visit Hope For The Children in Tamboerskloof and spend some time ...
Hope For The Children is a South African NGO that operates farm refuges for unde
rprivileged and orphaned children in South Africa. HFTC was founded in December
of 2006 for this express purpose by a number of Capetonians and international ph
ilanthropists, educators from the townships, a Maasai elder, and an incredible A
frikaans farmer who has helping orphans for the past ten years by bringing them
to farm on 81 ERF Military road: the goal being to bring children to a place of
refuge to heal them through everything from interaction with animals to trauma-s
pecific art therapy.
Bring friends and family to come and visit. Please remember to bring your organi
c waste for the pigs! How you can assist: Donate time, materials, food, or money
. Visit the web site at Hope for The Children. Where? 213 Long Street, Cape Town
. For any questions on volunteering or donations contact Stephen on Telephone: 0
83 556-7743.
Entrance is free but please make a donation of money or your time.
6). The Planetarium in Cape Town.
Iziko s popular theater of stars is one of only two planet-aria in South Africa and
amongst only a handful in Africa. Changing shows offer excellent edutainment to vi
ewers of all ages, be they kids, teens or seniors. Fasten your seat belts for a
journey into another world - at the speed of light! The Planetarium (housed in t
he South African Museum building) is a celestial theater in the round, utilizing
the complex Minolta star machine and multiple projectors to transport the audie
nce through the wonders of the universe. The ultimate in armchair travel. Inside
the domed auditorium, the night sky is recreated, so whatever the weather outsi
de, the Planetarium sky is always clear, an extraordinary audio-visual experienc
e for old and young. Daily: Monday to Friday shows at 14h00; Tuesday evening sho
w at 20h00 and Saturday and Sunday shows at 12h00, 13h00 and 14h30.
Cost: Adults: R20.00; children: R6.00
7). World Of Birds.
The largest bird park in Africa and one of the few large bird parks in the World
. Over 3 000 birds (and small animals) of 400 different species are uniquely pre
sented in more than 100 spacious landscaped walk through aviaries, allowing you
the most intimate closeness with nature. Enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the pr
ivate lives of birds. Get a close-up view of them as they feed, sing, display, s
ocialize, build nests, incubate eggs and feed chicks right before your eyes - an
unforgettable experience. The World of Birds is in Valley Road, Hout Bay. Telep
hone: Tel: 021 790-2730. See: World Of Birds
Cost: Adults: R55.00. Children 3-16: R35.00, Students & pensioners R45.00
8). Silvermine Nature Reserve.
A remarkable drive up Ou Kaapse Weg will take you to Silvermine, with its many n
ature trails, hikes, magnificent views and clear mountain streams. Mountain bike
s and dogs are welcome.
Entrance fee R10.00 per adult, R5.00 per child.
9). Boulders Beach.
Spend a restful day at Boulders Beach. The water is warm (Indian Ocean), white s
andy beach and penguins as beach mates!
Entrance R10.00
10). Enjoy the gardens at Kirstenbosch and Breakfast at the Kirstenbosch tea-roo
m
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of
the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the e
astern slopes of Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch grows only indigenous South Africa
n plants. The estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and
natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of Sou
th African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the cou
ntry. You can explore the Gardens, take photographs, have a picnic on the lawn,
lie on the lawns and stare ate the sky... The tea-room serves a full English bre
akfast at R36.00 per person or a mini-breakfast at R26.00. Where? Rhodes Drive,
Newlands. Telephone: 021 799-8783
Entry to the Gardens is R27.00 per person, Breakfast is R36.00
11). Theatrical Dining at Stardust Restaurant in Rondebosch
Stardust Restaurant, in Rondebosch is a restaurant with a Mediterranean menu, bu
t this is not an everyday restaurant. The waiters are professional performers or
students from the art schools around Cape Town. During the evening they will se
rve and entertain you! This restaurant is brilliant for any birthday or night ou
t with some friends. Excellent food and serious fun all round! Where? 165 Main R
oad, Rondebosch. Telephone: 021 686-6280.
Meals start at R28.00 per person. The performance is free!
12). Dragon Boat Racing
The Cape Town Dragon Boat Racing Club welcome all dragon boaters and new-comers
to join their practice sessions (Mondays to Thursdays). In February 2006, the We
stern Cape Dragon Boat Association delightedly took custodianship of two more dr
agon boats, bringing Cape Town's fleet to four. Newcomers & visitors warmly welc
omed to join paddling in Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront. Contact: Meet at in th
e Marina Basin at the slipway in front of the Marina Office (at the east end of
the Cape Grace). Telephone: 021 447-2820 or 082 564-6257.
Cost: R10.00 per session.
13). Visit Nobel Square and learn more about South Africa's 4 Nobel Laureates
Nobel Square honors South Africa's four Nobel Peace laureates: the late Chief Al
bert Luthuli, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and former presidents Nelson Mandela and
FW de Klerk. The sculptures of the four Laureates stand in the form of a crescen
t with Table Mountain in the background, overlooking Nobel Square, located betwe
en the V&A Hotel and CD Warehouse in the V&A Waterfront.
They are slightly larger than life-size and have the Laureates' preferred quotat
ions engraved in their chosen language in front of the sculptures. The Peace and
Democracy sculpture - a narrative work acknowledging the contribution of women
and children to the attainment of peace in South Africa - is slightly more to th
e centre of the square. All five sculptures are cast in bronze. Visit the Websit
e at Nobel Square.
No charge.
14). A Cruise around Cape Town's historic harbour
A cruise around Cape Town's historic harbour aboard the Lady J will treat you to
fantastic views of Roben Island and also afford you a closer look at the variou
s fishing vessels and cargo ships in action, the seals joining in the fun. Toast
the end of yet another perfect day aboard our daily, pre-arranged, one hour lon
g champagne sunset cruise. Duration: ½ hour to 1 hour cruises. The route is the
Vctoria & Alfred Basins, Duncan and Ben Schoeman docks. The Royal Cape Yacht Clu
b (1 hr trip). Where? Quay 5, V&A Waterfront. Telephone: 021 418-0782. Booking a
t the office. (At the boat).
Price R40.00 per adult, R20.00 per child.
15). Take a walk or jog along the Sea Point Promenade
The famous Sea Point promenade draws locals and visitors for walking and jogging
or just people-watching. The Sea Point promenade runs the length of Sea Point s b
eachfront, from Bantry Bay all the way through to Mouille Point and is a hub of
activity, particularly in the early morning or late afternoons to watch the sun
set right next to the waters of the Atlantic. Have a picnic on the lawns, watch
the crowds go by, all very entertaining.
No charge
17). Join a Bikram Yoga Class
The original hot yoga. Deep, complete body and mind workout. Easy to follow and
suitable for all ages, body types and levels of fitness. All new students get th
e Introductory / trial period offer at only R80.00 for your first 5 class packag
e (to be used within 2 weeks of your first class). All classes accommodate begin
ners as the yoga series is fairly easy to grasp. Bikram classes are 90 minutes l
ong (unless otherwise indicated on schedule). We don t take bookings; reception op
ens 30 minutes before class. Where? Yoga Zone City Centre Studio; 10th floor Pic
bel Parkade, 58 Strand Street, Cape Town. Telephone: +27 (0)21 421 8136
R80.00 per person for your first 5 classes.
18). Swim at Long Street Baths
Facing the Long Street Bath's heritage doors, look to the right for a view of Ta
ble Mountain, look to the left for a vibey Long Street and look inside for an ol
d world experience. This original 1908 bathhouse is a historic Cape gem with an
upgraded interior; all the original charm with a clean steam. The 25m indoor hea
ted swimming pool keeps swimmers lapping before city business commences and duri
ng lunchtime fitness breaks. Kids are welcome to swim with adult supervision. Th
e facility has separate male and female changing rooms. See: Long Street Baths.
Entrance is well under R100.00 per person.
19). Ten Pin Bowling in Cape Town ...
Ten Pin Bowling at Let's Go Bowling: This social game can be enjoyed by everyone
, regardless of age or skill level. Special bowling shoes can be rented and ther
e are different balls of varying weights. You can concentrate on your game while
the computer and TV monitors keep track of your score. Bowling alleys in Clarem
ont, Goodwood and Bellville, open from 09:00 till late.
From R17.50 during the day, R25.00 in the evening.
20). Indoor climbing ...
City Rock is Cape Town's centre for all things related to the sport of Rock Clim
bing. Their facility features A large top rope and lead climbing area with Intro
ductory lessons taught numerous times every week. They also offer a large boulde
ring cave. Children aged 5 and above love the fun and excitement of climbing. Th
e sport of indoor climbing also makes for a great social event for kids. and adu
lts alike. City Rock are centrally located in Observatory on the corner of Colli
ngwood & Anson, just 5 minutes from UCT. Contact them on 021-447 1326.
From R50.00 to R99.00 per person (entry is R50.00)
21). Visit the Cape Town Holocaust centre...
The Cape Town Holocaust Centre is located on the first floor of the Albow Centre
, 88 Hatfield Street, Cape Town. Conveniently situated in the midst of Cape Town
's "museum mile", the Centre is in close proximity to the SA National Gallery, S
A Museum, SA Library and the SA Jewish Museum. Contact the Centre on Telephone 0
21 462-5553. Opening times are Sundays - Thursdays 10am - 5pm; Fridays 10am - 1p
m; Closed on Saturdays and Jewish Holidays.
Entrance is free.
22). Gold Of Africa Museum, Strand Street, Cape Town ...
Unique in the world and located in the historic Martin Melck House in Cape Town,
the Gold of Africa museum complex is the world's first museum dedicated to the
history of African gold. Set in a strikingly restored landmark building the muse
um complex is dazzling. It is quite literally filled with gold. The heart of the
museum is one of the largest and most beautiful collections of African gold art
ifacts, the Barbier Mueller collection. The workshop is well worth a visit where
innovative gold designs are worked on using the museum collection as inspiratio
n.
Where? Martin Melck House at 96 Strand Street, De Waterkant. Phone 021 405-1540.
Entrance: Adults R20.00, Children R10.00
23). Visit the MTN Science Centre
The MTN Science Centre at Canal Walk Century City in Cape Town, is South Africa'
s first world-class interactive science centre. It is a place where you can have
fun, while learning about scientific discoveries and technological innovations.
The centre offers over 280 displays as well as an auditorium, camera obscura, c
omputer rooms, laboratories, and exhibition hall. Bring the whole family - there
is entertainment for kids of all ages. Telephone: 021 529-8100.
Event prices from R5.00 - R1.00 upwards.
24). Cellar Tastings at Durbanville Hills
From the modern tasting room while tasting exclusive wines, enjoy breath-taking
views of Table Bay, Robben Island and Cape Town with Table Mountain as backdrop.
During the week, cellar staff offer twice-daily guided tours of the state-of-th
e-art cellar. Groups of more than 10 are required to book.
Wine Tasting Trading Hours:
Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 16:30
Saturday: 09:30 to 14:30
Sunday: 11:00 to 15:00
Public Holidays: 09:30 to 14:30
Tasting Fees: Standard tasting consist of 4 whites and 4 reds.
Tasting not including a wine glass: R10.00
Small International Glass Tasting: R17.00 (including tasting glass)
Big Allure Glass Tasting: R25.00 (including tasting glass)
Telephone: 021 558-1300
Prices from R10.00 to R25.00
25). Lion's Head hike / climb to the top
The panoramic views from the top of Lion's Head make the walk so worthwhile. The
view encompasses the harbour, the Twelve Apostles mountain range, Camps Bay, Ta
ble Mountain, Devil's Peak, Signal Hill and the Cape Flats. It's an adventurous
walk but it is well worth while. It takes about three hours including time to st
op and take in the views and perhaps to stop for a picnic.
You can get a shuttle to transport you to any of these destinations.
www.capetownairportshuttles.co.za