Welcome to your holiday in Cape Town! Indescribably beautiful, vibrant and inspiring, Cape Town has become popular with visitors from all over the world because of its scenic attractions, cultural activities and exciting entertainment. The city is one of South Africa’s most popular destinations for family holidays, romantic getaways and touring with friends, especially in the summer months, with its beautiful beaches, variety of restaurants, upbeat vibe and unmissable tourist attractions. Cape Town has fantastic hotels and accommodation to suit all budgets. Browse our Cape Town holiday packages...
Read our guide on the best beaches in Cape Town.
For families, it doesn't get much better than Cape Town. The Mother City is packed with activities that will keep the kids entertained for days. Culture and history enthusiasts will love Cape Town too. Home to the most welcoming people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, Cape Town's rich history and heritage can be explored through its cuisine, historical architecture and collection of museums.
Cape Town is also a haven for adventure-seekers, with activities from hiking and biking to surfing and kayaking readily available. With the mountain and the beach at your fingertips, activities in the Mother City are endless, but what makes these activities even more worthwhile are the breathtaking views. With Table Mountain as a backdrop, you are always in an idyllic setting. Even when you travel further afield, beyond Table Mountain through gorgeous seaside suburbs, you’re in for a visual feast.
Did we mention the Cape Winelands? Just a short drive from the city, you can stroll through vineyards, dine on gourmet dishes in unmatched settings and enjoy a variety of activities from leisurely to adventurous.
Why we love holidays in Cape Town
- It’s world-renowned for its beauty.
- The beaches are legendary – and there are so many to explore.
- Travelling around the peninsula is a delight. Scenic drives in Cape Town and surrounds are unparalleled!
- You can go wine tasting on your doorstep.
- The city is home to some of South Africa’s best restaurants, from pub grub to fine-dining.
- To find out about its remarkable history.
- To visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.
- To explore all that this famous city has to offer.
As if Cape Town isn’t the full package already, it is also known as one of the most romantic cities in the world. And this comes as no surprise – couples and honeymooners can enjoy long strolls on beautiful beaches, wine and dine at award-winning restaurants, see the city from above on a romantic ride on the Cape Wheel, or take a drive around one of the world’s most magnificent passes, Chapmans Peak.
With a wide choice of beaches, urban parks and entertainment centres to choose from, every day in Cape Town is a new experience. It's a colourful melting pot of culture, history, art, fashion and food. So, book your Cape Town holiday package for 2025 and discover why the Mother City never goes out of style.
Explore other exciting affordable city holidays that Thompsons Holidays has to offer in 2024 such as Johannesburg holiday packages, Durban holiday packages and Port Elizabeth holiday packages.
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.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?   Â
- Cape Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and rainy winters.
- Visit Cape Town from November to February to experience the city’s famous buzz, or to avoid the crowds, visit Cape Town between March and October.
- Cape Town’s winter is rainy, but this can be a magical time to holiday in the city and take advantage of all the seasonal specials.
- Whenever you visit, always remember the saying: "If you don’t like the weather in Cape Town, wait five minutes."
Getting there & getting around
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to Cape Town: 2 hours, 5 minutes.
- Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist routes, so transport is excellent. The city is serviced by buses, trains, rapid bus transport, taxis, ride-hail taxis and more.
- In the city, you can rent a scooter or a bicycle, or explore on foot.
Did you know Cape Town is a world Champion of cities?
- The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025: Readers voted Cape Town the Best City in the World for the 7th time!
- Time Out 2025: Crowned Best City in the World earlier in 2025.
- World Travel Awards 2023: Recognised as Africa’s Leading Festival & Event Destination.
- Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2024: Named Best Beach Destination in the International category.
- Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2024: Voted the World’s Best Food City.
- Time Out (again!): Listed among the Best Cities in the World.
From beaches to food, festivals to city life – Cape Town keeps proving it’s the ultimate all-rounder.
Cape Town travel FAQs
What to do in Cape Town for 4 days?
With 4 days in Cape Town, explore the V&A Waterfront and Robben Island, ride the cable car up Table Mountain, and stroll Kirstenbosch Gardens. Take a day trip along the Cape Peninsula to Boulders Beach and Chapman’s Peak, then end with wine tasting in Constantia or sunset at Camps Bay.
What are the Big 6 attractions in Cape Town?
The Big 6 are: Table Mountain, Cape Point, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Groot Constantia Wine Estate, and the V&A Waterfront.
What is the best time of year to visit Cape Town?
The best time to visit Cape Town is November to March for sunny weather and beaches. For fewer crowds and better deals, try April–May or September–October.
What is the best part of Cape Town to stay in?
For nightlife, choose the City Bowl, for beaches, Camps Bay, or Clifton. The V&A Waterfront is lively and family-friendly, while Constantia offers wine and tranquillity.
How many days do you need in Cape Town?
Plan for at least 4–5 days in Cape Town to see highlights like Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Cape Point. A week lets you add extras like shark cage diving, township tours, or the Garden Route.