Cape Town Activities

The Aquarium is a window on the ocean, offering glimpses of the diverse life found off the South African coastline. The Aquarium allows you to view over 3000 living animals, including fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and birds in this 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 at the Waterfront is open every day 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 visit again on the same day.

If it's luxury catarmaran sailing you're after, step aboard the brand new 40ft Fujicat. 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. Morning 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 cruises from 11:30 to 13:00.

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 are lucky you might see dolphins playing in the waves, with occasional sighting of whales. Open daily from 09:00 to 16:00 (open till 18:00 in December to February).

Live concerts at venues such at Mercury Live, Zulu Bar or The Armchair Theatre in Cape Town Central. See up and coming South African bands.

Iziko's popular "theatre of stars" is one of only two planetaria in South Africa and amongst only a handful in Africa. Changing shows offer excellent "edutainment" to viewers of all ages, be they kids, teens or seniors. Fasten your seatbelts for a journey into another world - at the speed of light! The Planetarium (housed in the South African Museum building) is a celestial theatre in the round, utilising the complex Minolta star machine and multiple projectors to transport the audience through the wonders of the universe. The ultimate in armchair travel. Inside the domed auditorium, the night sky is recreated, so whatever the weather outside, the Planetarium sky is always clear, an extraordinary audio-visual experience for old and young. Daily: Monday to Friday shows at 14h00; Tuesday evening show at 20h00 and Saturday and Sunday shows at 12h00, 13h00 and 14h30.

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 presented in more than 100 spacious landscaped walk through aviaries, allowing you the most intimate closeness with nature. Enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the private lives of birds. Get a close-up view of them as they feed, sing, display, socialise, build nests, incubate eggs and feed chicks right before your eyes - an unforgettable experience.

A remarkable drive up Ou Kaapse Weg will take you to Silvermine, with its many nature trails, hikes, magnificent views and clear mountain streams. Mountain bikes and dogs are welcome. More info at Silvermine Reserve.

Spend a restful day at Boulders Beach in Simonstown. The water is warm (Indian Ocean), white sandy beach and penguins as beach mates!

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 eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch grows only indigenous South African plants. The estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country. You can explore the Gardens, take photographs, have a picnic on the lawn, or simply lie on the grass and stare at the sky. The tea-room also serves a full English breakfast.

Stardust Restaurant, in Woodstock is a restaurant with a Mediterranean menu, but 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 serve and entertain you! This restaurant is brilliant for any birthday or night out with some friends. Excellent food and serious fun all round!

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 Western Cape Dragon Boat Association delightedly took custodianship of two more dragon boats, bringing Cape Town's fleet to four. Newcomers & visitors warmly welcomed to join paddling in Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront.

Nobel Square honours South Africa's four Nobel Peace laureates: the late Chief Albert 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 crescent with Table Mountain in the background, overlooking Nobel Square, located between the V&A Hotel and CD Wherehouse in the V&A Waterfront.

They are slightly larger than life-size and have the Laureates' preferred quotations 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 the centre of the square. All five sculptures are cast in bronze.

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 various 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 long 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 Club (1 hr trip).

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 the lovely Sea Point beachfront, 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.

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 the introductory / trial period special offer for your first 5 class package. All classes accommodate beginners as the yoga series is fairly easy to grasp. Bikram classes are 90 minutes long (unless otherwise indicated on schedule). No prior bookings; reception opens 30 minutes before class.

Facing the Long Street Bath's heritage doors, look to the right for a view of Table Mountain, look to the left for a vibey Long Street and look inside for an old 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 heated swimming pool keeps swimmers lapping before city business commences and during lunchtime fitness breaks. Kids are welcome to swim with adult supervision. The facility has separate male and female changing rooms.

This social game can be enjoyed by everyone at "Let's Go Bowling", regardless of age or skill level. Special bowling shoes can be rented and there 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 Claremont, Goodwood and Bellville, open from 09:00 till late.

CityRock is Cape Town's centre for all things related to the sport of Rock Climbing. Their facility features A large top rope and lead climbing area with Introductory lessons taught numerous times every week. They also offer a large bouldering cave. Children aged 5 and above love the fun and excitement of climbing. The sport of indoor climbing also makes for a great social event for kids and adults alike.

The Cape Town Holocaust Centre is conveniently situated in the midst of Cape Town's "museum mile", the Centre is in close proximity to the SA National Gallery, SA Museum, SA Library and the SA Jewish Museum. Opening times are Sundays - Fridays 10am - 4pm; Closed on Saturdays and Jewish Holidays.

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 museum 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 artefacts, the Barbier Mueller collection. The workshop is well worth a visit where innovative gold designs are worked on using the museum collection as inspiration.

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, computer rooms, laboratories, and exhibition hall. Bring the whole family - there is entertainment for kids of all ages.

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 at this Durbanville Estate. During the week, cellar staff offer twice-daily guided tours of the state-of-the-art cellar. Groups of more than 10 are required to book.

Wine Tasting Trading Hours
Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 16:00
Saturday: 10:00 to 15:00
Sunday: 11:00 to 15:00
Public Holidays: 10:00 to 15:00

The panoramic views from the top of Lion's Head makes the walk so worthwhile. The view encompasses the harbour, the Twelve Apostles mountain range, Camps Bay, Table 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 stop and take in the views and perhaps to stop for a picnic. For the more adventurous, try the same hike late afternoon, and watch the full moon rise before heading back down.

The Green Point Flea Market, once held in the car park outside the Cape Town Stadium, is now held a little closer to Beach Road, in a car park for one of the many sports clubs in the area. Open every Sunday, the Green Point Market is known for selling loads of traditional African art pieces and curios.