Get ready for the holiday of a lifetime in Cape Town, one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. There are so many fascinating and exciting places to visit in this magnificent city, it’s hard to know where to start. 

Cape Town tourist attractions abound, from taking the cableway to the top of Table Mountain to lazing on the beach in Camps Bay or Clifton. The city also offers free walking tours for those who want to explore in-depth. And there are numerous activities at the famous V&A Waterfront, including the Two Oceans Aquarium, shops, restaurants and entertainment options. 

Travelling with kids? Enjoy a picnic at the Green Point Urban Park & Biodiversity Garden, experience the incredible marine life at the Two Oceans Aquarium and visit the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach in Simons Town. 

Looking for a culture trip? Take a tour through Bo Kaap where you will see most beautiful colourful houses, and indulge in the Cape Malay cuisine prepared by locals. Visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and take a trip down memory lane at the District Museum. 

For active travellers, there's no shortage of things to do in Cape Town. Hike to the top of Table Mountain or Lion's Head, catch waves at the iconic Surfer's Corner in Muizenberg, or kayak along the Atlantic Seaboard. Take a short drive from the city centre to explore the picturesque Southern Peninsula along the False Bay coast, or head inland to the Cape Winelands. Where will you start your Cape Town adventure?  

Places to visit in Cape Town 

• Get a snapshot introduction to Cape Town on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
• Enjoy a day trip to Boulders Beach in Simons Town to swim and sunbathe with the penguins.  
• Explore the colourful Bo Kaap in the city centre.  
• Discover incredible natural beauty at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.  
• Visit the Castle of Good Hope to find out all about the city’s history. 
• Take the ferry to Robben Island to see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.  
• Sunbathe on a choice of exquisite beaches.  
• Travel by cableway or hike to the top of Table Mountain. 
• Take a helicopter flip for a bird’s eye view of the city.  
• Visit the fascinating Zeitz MOCAA – Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.
• Spend a morning perusing the artisanal ware and organic fare at the Neighbourgoods Market. 
• Enjoy fish and chips in charming Kalk Bay.  
• Hike to the top of Lions Head.  
• Drive to the top of Signal Hill to watch the firing of the Noon Gun. 
• Enjoy a coffee and browse quirky shops in Long Street.  
• Drive along scenic Chapman’s Peak.  
• Walk along the Sea Point promenade, or be adventurous and ride to the V&A Waterfront with a rental e-bike 

These are just a taste of what to do on holiday in the Mother City. Whatever you choose to do, adventures in Cape Town promise to be unforgettable. Take time to explore the city’s numerous attractions on a cheap travel package with Thompsons Holidays.  

Weekend getaways near Cape Town are always top-of-mind so why not swing into the Mother City for a recharge and some fun. Hike in Table Mountain National Park by day, shop at the vibrant V&A Waterfront and end the day with dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Rest easy in a fabulous Cape Town hotel and in the morning take a scenic drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve, visit the African penguins at Boulders and walk the white beaches at Kommetjie. 

Getaways near Cape Town are jam-packed with invigorating outdoor activities, fine dining and great wines. Try Hermanus for seasonal land and water-based whale watching, Stellenbosch for the ambience of an old Cape village, Franschhoek for award-winning wine-tasting and the West Coast for delectable seafood and a feeling of being somewhere in the Mediterranean! 

For family fun take the kids on a road trip to charming Montague, Swellendam, with its well- preserved heritage, the West Coast with its fishing village of Paternoster, Piketberg in the rolling wheat fields and Clanwilliam at the foot of the Cederberg for fun outdoor pursuits, climbing and rockpooling! Tulbagh is the place to go for superbly restored Cape buildings, and the old-world charm is delightful. 

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that either includes Cape Town or is just an hour or two away, there are plenty of exciting local travel options out there.