Make the most of your Cape Town trip between Cricket World Cup matches, with iconic sights, outdoor adventures, and the city’s many top food, wine and cultural experiences.
Whether you have a few days between matches or are extending your World Cup trip, Cape Town offers plenty to explore. From Table Mountain and Robben Island to the Cape Winelands and the Peninsula, these experiences are well worth adding to your itinerary.
Take the Cable Car to the Top of Table Mountain
No first trip to Cape Town is complete without seeing the city from above. Take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to the summit of Table Mountain for sweeping views of the city and the Atlantic coastline. Once at the top, you can explore the walking trails, take in the views, and savour a glass of wine.
Location: Tafelberg Road, Gardens
Website: www.tablemountain.net/
Go for a History Lesson at Robben Island
For a deeper look at South Africa’s history, take the ferry from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known as the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, but the island’s story goes much further back. The tour, led by a former prisoner, offers insight into life on the island, including a look inside the prison cells and stories about those who were incarcerated there.
Location: Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Clock Tower in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Website: www.robben-island.org.za/
Meet the Penguins at Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is one of the few places where you can get close to African penguins. Recently named the World’s Best One-of-a-Kind Beach and ranked among the Top 10 Best Beaches in the World at the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2026, it’s easy to see why this picturesque stretch of coastline is so popular. Watch the penguins waddle and swim, but always from a respectful distance to protect these endangered residents.
Location: Simon’s Town, Cape Town
Website: sanparks.org/bouldersbeach
Experience Cape Point
At Cape Point, one of Cape Town’s Big 6 attractions, you can hike along scenic trails, ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the lookout point, climb to the historic lighthouse, and follow the shipwreck trail to see some of the 26 recorded shipwrecks along the coastline. For lunch, stop at Two Oceans Restaurant for a seafood feast with stunning views.
Location: Cape Peninsula
Website: capepoint.co.za/
Spend a Day in the Cape Winelands
When you want a break from the city and the cricket, head to the Cape Winelands. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are home to historic wine estates, beautiful scenery and some of the region’s best food and wine experiences. Spend the day moving between estates, book a wine tasting, or settle in for a long lunch with vineyard views. Many estates also offer tastings, restaurants, gardens and activities for non-drinkers.
Discover the Flora at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
At the eastern foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of Cape Town’s most beautiful places to spend a few hours. Set against the mountain, the gardens are home to thousands of indigenous South African plants, with paths leading through landscaped gardens, fynbos and pockets of natural forest. For a different perspective, take the Boomslang Canopy Trail, which winds through the treetops and offers sweeping views across the gardens and beyond.
Location: Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town
Website: www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/
See the Culture and Colours of Bo-Kaap
Located at the foot of Signal Hill, on the edge of the city centre, this historic neighbourhood, once known as the Malay Quarter, dates back to the 1760s. Bo-Kaap, one of Cape Town’s most culturally vibrant districts, is celebrated for its colourful houses, heritage, and cuisine. Visit Bo-Kaap Deli to sample a traditional koesister, explore the Bo-Kaap Museum to learn about the pioneers who shaped the area, or join a cooking class with residents to learn to prepare authentic Cape Malay dishes.
Take a Sunset Drive Along the Atlantic Seaboard
For one of Cape Town’s simplest pleasures, take a late-afternoon drive along the Atlantic Seaboard. Start in Sea Point and head through Bantry Bay, Clifton and Camps Bay as the sun begins to dip towards the ocean. Stop for dinner in Camps Bay, or continue to Llandudno and Hout Bay for a quieter end to the day.
Take a Trip Up Signal Hill
For a more relaxed way to experience Cape Town, take the City Sightseeing Red Bus up Signal Hill. Pack a picnic, find a spot on the slopes, and enjoy views stretching across the city, Table Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a popular place to watch the sunset, but it’s just as enjoyable earlier in the day, when you can take your time, soak up the scenery and watch the city go about its business.
Location: Signal Hill Drive, Cape Town
Website: www.sanparks.org
Hit Cape Town’s Beaches
Cape Town’s beaches are worth visiting even if you’re not planning to spend the day swimming. Clifton, Camps Bay and Muizenberg each have a distinct character, from Clifton’s dramatic setting to Muizenberg’s laid-back surf culture. For a quieter experience, head to one of the less-visited beaches along the Cape Peninsula.
