Things to Do in Cape Town 2023

Looking for something fun to do in Cape Town? 

Welcome to our Cape Town city guide, updated for 2023!

Below we've rounded up our absolute favourite things to see, do, and eat in the fun and vibrant city of Cape Town South Africa. 

Whether you want to see as many sights as possible in one day, scale the famous Table Mountain, or experience a truly unforgettable aerial adventure to take in the city from above, we think one of our below picks will suit you.

Read on to find out the best things to do in Cape Town... 

 


 

Cape Town Scootour of Table Mountain for 4 -  R 3,000

If you love the outdoors as much as we do and are looking for the most unique tour you can imagine, then this is the adventure for you! 

Hop on a giant off-road scooter, designed in Switzerland to be used in the Alps during their summer. These gravity powered vehicles are the perfect way to explore Cape Town's single track trails and dirt roads on Signal Hill and Table Mountain! Fun for all ages, this Scootour makes the perfect day out in the Western Cape and a unique gift for thrill seekers!
 

 


 

Hop-on Hop-off City Sightseeing Bus Tour - R259 + 

Why not see all that Cape Town has to offer in one handy journey? 

This hop-on hop-off city sightseeing bus tour allows you to ride through the city, passing through its most notable landmarks at your own pace. 

There’s 30 different stops to explore and 3 different routes. This ticket allows you to make infinite stops within the day, so you can explore whichever destinations appeal to you most!

 


 

Private Cape of Good Hope & Constantia Wine Tour - R 1695 +

South Africa is famed for its fantastic wine, and you can explore the best the region has to offer with this private wine tour. 

You'll stop by Chapman's Peak Drive, with unforgettable views of the Atlantic Ocean. From there, you'll visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where you will have the opportunity to spot some incredible local wildlife, including zebras, antilopes and baboons. You'll also see Fynbos, Cape Town's famous floral kingdom!

Next, you'll head to Boulders Beach, where you can see the African penguin colony. After you've bonded with some new flippered friends, the group will journey on to Simon's Town, Steenberg and Buitenverwachting for wine tastings.

 


 

Flight with Cape Town Helicopters - Multiple Prices

Cape Town is pretty spectacular from the ground… but what about from the sky?

If you’re looking to experience Cape Town from a whole new perspective, try a unique helicopter tour from Cape Town Helicopters. 

This quick, thrilling flight lasts for just 8 minutes - perfect for anyone who wants the experience of flying in a helicopter without committing to a full-length flight. 

Despite its relatively short duration, this flight still gives you the opportunity to pass over Cape Town's most notable sights, including Lion's Head and Table Mountain. 

Take in the true beauty of Cape Town by viewing it from high up in the sky. You'll never forget this aerial adventure.
 

 


 

Half Day Table Mountain & City Tour - R 630

Explore Bo-Kaap, Table Mountain and Cape Town proper with this varied and exciting day tour!

Departing from central Cape Town, this tour will take you to Bo-Kaap or "Malay Quarter" to learn about the complex history of this area. You'll learn about the slaves who were brought to Cape Town in the early 18th century, and their descendants (the 'Cape Malays') who eventually settled there. 

Next, you'll head to Table Mountain. Popular amongst hikers for good reason, the majestic Table Mountain stands tall above Cape Town and looks out over beautiful views of the glittering waters and beaches below.

You'll take a cable car to the top of the mountain, providing you with a fabulous 360 degree view of the city below. Once at the top, you can explore pre-marked paths to experience every angle available. 

When everyone has taken plenty of photos, you'll head back down in a cable car before journeying back to Cape Town.

 


 

Snorkelling with Seals – R 900 +

Have you ever wanted the opportunity to snorkel with seals?
 

Cape Town is home to plenty of these adorable creatures, and this snorkeling experience lets you get up close underwater. You’ll learn how to snorkel before heading into the ocean to interact with the seals. 

Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling is one of the top choices for snorkeling with seals in Hout Bay. With the unique advantage of a separate dive centre, Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling is able to deliver in-depth instruction before you progress to the real ocean for your dive!

Once you have plunged into the Atlantic ocean and are floating amongst the marine life, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to see and interact with hundreds of Cape Fur seals in their natural habitat.

 


 

The Cape Town Coffee Experience - R 770

If you’re not familiar with Cape Town’s food scene, you might not be aware that the city is home to a community of independent coffee shops, serving up some of the best coffee you could ever taste!

If you can’t function without your morning cup, this coffee tour is for you. During this 2 and a half hour caffeinated excursion, you’ll visit 3 independent coffee roasters all implementing a distinct and individual brewing method. At each stop, you’ll get to learn about a different method from the people who have perfected it!

Your professional coffee guides and baristas will be happy to answer any questions you have, so you can learn all about the process behind your favourite drink. 

Of course there will be plenty of sampling along the way – so by the end of your tour you should be feeling sufficiently buzzed and ready for the rest of your day. 

 


 

Cape Town Paragliding - R 1550

For those who want to fly like a bird, this Cape Town paragliding experience will be the way to go. 

You’ll meet your experienced instructor at their jump site, where you’ll be briefed on safety for the experience before getting kitted up in your helmet to begin your flight. 

You’ll be safely secured to your instructor by your harness, and they’ll help you propel yourself off the side of the cliff to be buoyed by the air!

It’s been said that paragliding is the closest humans can get to achieving the ability to fly like a bird… doesn’t that sound like something you need to tick off your bucket list?

 


 

Guided Kayak Tour with Atlantic Outlook - R 500

If you're someone who prefers to get around on the water as opposed to on land, there's no better way to see the sights of Cape Town than with this Atlantic Outlook kayak tour. 

This exciting 2 hour tour departs from the V&A Waterfront, where you'll meet your guide and the rest of the group for your adventure. Heading out across the Atlantic Seaboard Coastline in your trusty vessel, you're sure to be struck by the momentous natural beauty all around you. 

Along the way, you may even spot some of the marine life that call the area home. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, penguins, and dolphins during your tour. 

 

Cape Town Helicopter Buzz Flight 

Soar through the skies and admire the breath-taking views that Cape Town has to offer. Perfect for special occasions or to just seek the thrill of riding in a helicopter! You'll be taken hundreds of feet into the air and past Cape Town Stadium, Green Point Park and more. Sit and enjoy the views as an experienced instructor guides you through South Africa's beauty.

 

New Cape Town Experiences for 2023!

At Experience Gifts, we're constantly updating our product offering to showcase the huge range of fun and unique experiences available across the country - although of course in this guide, our focus is on the Mother City. 

We've rounded up our top picks for 2023 - so if you're still looking for something to do in Cape Town, we hope one of these days out will fit the bill!

 

Cape Town Cocktail Tasting Tour - R 1,350 

Ok, so you've climbed Table Mountain, kayaked the Atlantic Seaboard Coastline, snorkelled with seals and drank your body weight in coffee. As the sun sets over Cape Town and the night rolls in, it's time to experience the city's unparalleled nightlife. 

But that doesn't mean you need to stop sightseeing - in fact, this cocktail tasting tour combines a night on the town with a chance to see the sights accompanied by an expert guide.

During this fun and indulgent evening, you'll meet friendly like-minded people and visit some of the best cocktail bars in Cape Town. Explore local hideouts and secret speakeasies, and uncover a side of the city that can't be found during the day. 

Entrance fees and skip-the-line access is included, so all you have to think about is what to wear and what to drink! 

 

Paternoster 5 Hour Coastal Sightseeing Excursion - R 1,840 

Back in the cold light of day, you can blow out the cobwebs and see some incredible sights during this 5 hour coastal sightseeing excursion to Paternoster. During your trip you'll journey along the rugged West Atlantic coastline with an expert tour guide, taking in the beautiful beaches and sparkling blue ocean. 

Meet your fellow passengers and driver at one of the allocated pick up points, and set off in your 4x4 off-road vehicle. The routes follow mostly sandy tracks running along many kilometres of remote, unspoiled beaches where it is rare to see a human being anywhere, except perhaps an occasional fisherman. An introvert's dream!

The professional guide will share their expertise and knowledge of the region’s nature and wildlife as you go and take you to all the best spots - the ones that they know inside and out. 

 

Cape Town Group Surfing Lesson - R 620

One of Cape Town's biggest selling points is its postcard-worthy ocean and beaches, and one of the best ways to experience those beaches is by learning to surf. Whether you're a total beginner or wanting to improve your skills, this is certain to be an experience to remember! 

This lesson is taught by a professional surfer with over 20 years' experience, so you know you're in safe hands. During the one-and-a-half hour lesson, you'll be taught how to brave the elements and surf, come rain or shine, at one of Cape Town's best surfing spots. 

Once equipped with the know-how, we're sure you'll be taking to the water for the rest of the week! Your instructor will guide your group through the waves and impart their knowledge as you get to grips with the board and maybe even make some new friends.

 

Vineyard Scootour in Franschhoek - R 2,800 

Taking you slightly out of Cape Town, this vineyard scootour is a great way to experience the region of Franschhoek and all the scenery it has to offer. The Winelands aren't just for fine dining and wine tasting, they're also a place of action adventure and big thrills! 

During your Franschhoek scootour, you'll ride Swiss-designed fat-tire scooters along vineyard trails and wine farm tracks as you look out on the incomparable Franschhoek landscape. 

 

Cape Town Peninsula Road Trip - R 1,750 

Travel south from Cape Town and you find all sorts of treasures; penguin colonies, mountains and cliff faces, breath-taking coastal roads, luxury properties and vibrant markets, plus loads more. 

Join a friendly guide and let an expert show you the best bits, visiting top Cape Town attractions and landmarks, plus local favourites that you won't find in the guidebook! 

Hout Bay Kayak Tour From Cape Town

This scenic 2 hour kayak experience is the perfect opportunity to take in all of the views Cape Town has to offer. This exciting tour will be led by an expert guide who will take you from Cape Town to the Hout Bay and back. A perfect gift for family and friends, this tour is a great way to discover more of South Africa.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for reading our guide to the best things to do in Cape Town, updated for 2023. 

If you're still searching, browse our full range of Cape Town experience gifts here.

Got a question? Feel free to leave a comment; we'd love to hear from you!

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