24 Things to Do in Cape Town for First-Time Visitors

Cape Town is one of those places that can feel overwhelming on your first visit. Mountains, beaches, wineries, neighborhoods, and day trips are all competing for your attention. I spent a full month living in Cape Town and pulled together the highlights: the places, experiences, and moments that stood out the most.

This post is a written companion to my video and is designed especially for first-time visitors who want a clear idea of what to do, what to prioritize, and what makes Cape Town so special.

Below are the experiences that shaped my month in the city.

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Where I Stayed in Cape Town

I spent the month in Cape Town with my digital nomad community, Wifi Tribe. We stayed together at The Murex, a modern luxury apartment building with incredible views and a great location.

There were about 20 of us total, spread across four apartment units. The building was clean, comfortable, and surprisingly quiet for how central it was. These apartments are also rented out like hotel rooms, so it is an option worth looking into even if you are visiting independently.

Cafés and Exploring Gardens

On our first day, we went for lunch at Our Local Kloof Street, a bright, plant-filled café that felt like a perfect introduction to the city.

After lunch, we explored Gardens, one of Cape Town’s most popular and upscale neighborhoods. We walked through De Waal Park, got oriented, and got to know each other. It was a great low-key way to ease into the city.

Sunset at The Rock

One of my favorite Cape Town experiences was watching the sunset at The Rock. This lookout sits above the Atlantic Ocean with sweeping views of Clifton Beach, the ocean, and Table Mountain.

When we went, clouds were rolling dramatically over the mountain, which made the whole scene feel unreal. We came back multiple times throughout the month because it was that good.

Parking here is limited since it is tucked into a residential neighborhood, so taking an Uber is the easiest option.

A Day in the Stellenbosch Wine Region

One weekend, we headed out to Stellenbosch, about an hour outside Cape Town and one of South Africa’s most famous wine regions.

We visited three wineries:

• Asara Wine Estate

• Allée Bleue Wine Estate

• Dieu Donné Vineyards

Each winery had a completely different vibe, from lakeside views to wide open lawns with communal seating. Dieu Donné ended up being my favorite, although that may have been influenced by how much wine we had already tasted.

Exploring Green Point and the Waterfront

I spent many mornings walking through Green Point Park, which offers great views of both the mountains and the sea.

From there, I often wandered down to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It is lively and touristy, but still worth visiting. We stopped for lunch at Woolie’s Café, which came with an excellent view of Table Mountain.

Gym Tip: Learn From My Mistake

We got short-term memberships at Virgin Active Green Point. It is a very nice gym, but it gets extremely crowded.

One important tip: do not sign up for a recurring membership. Several of us had issues canceling and ended up disputing charges with our credit card companies. Pay only for the time you are there and avoid the hassle.

Dinner at Mama Africa

One of my favorite meals in Cape Town was at Mama Africa.

The experience felt like half meal and half performance. The servers were warm and energetic, there was live music, and even face paint and hand washing before the meal. It was touristy, but in a fun and memorable way. The food was great and the vibe was easily a ten out of ten.

Boulders Beach and the Penguins

On our second weekend trip, we stopped at Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins.

Entry was about 210 rand, roughly $12.50. You can get surprisingly close to the penguins, although touching them is not allowed. Arrive early if you can, as it gets crowded quickly.

Afterward, we grabbed lunch at Barefoot Café, which was an excellent recommendation.

Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point

From there, we continued on to the Cape of Good Hope. The area near the sign was busy, but the coastal hiking trails were absolutely worth it.

We rode the Cape Point Funicular up to the New Cape Point Lighthouse. You can also hike up if you prefer.

Scarborough Beach Stop

On the drive back toward Cape Town, we made a short stop at Scarborough Beach. It was quiet, beautiful, and easily worth a half-day trip on its own.

A Surprise Wifi Tribe Wedding

That night, we attended a Wifi Tribe wedding at Bokeh Karaoke Bar & Lounge. Two tribe members rented out the entire space and invited everyone who happened to be in Cape Town.

It was chaotic, fun, and unforgettable.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

The next morning, we took it easy at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

It is the perfect place to slow down, walk around, and relax with mountain views in the background.

Paragliding and Hiking to Finish the Trip

In our final week, we went paragliding with Paraglide Africa, launching from Signal Hill and landing on the beach. It was an incredible way to see the city from above.

We also hiked Lion’s Head Peak, one of the most iconic hikes in Cape Town. The trail spirals upward with nonstop panoramic views and includes ladders and chains that make it fun and engaging.

Final Thoughts After a Month in Cape Town

Even after a full month, there were still things I did not get to, including reaching the top of Table Mountain by foot or cable car. It truly feels like I only scratched the surface.

If you are planning your first trip, I hope this guide helps you decide what to prioritize and what to expect. Cape Town is a place I would return to without hesitation.

Watch The Video!