21 Unusual Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa

You can’t help but find unusual things to do in Cape Town: the city stands out in the world as it is.

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and enjoy South Africa.  Let’s explore this most famous of cities within the Rainbow Nation.

Unusual Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa

Simply put: there are plenty of unusual things to do in Cape Town and a visit here will help you understand why South Africa is called the rainbow nation.

Mandela’s life history, quite possibly one of the most inspiring of all time, is intertwined with the city. Its landscape is extraordinary, its culture complex.

Here’s my shortlist of the most fulfilling and unusual things to do in Cape Town – and as you can see, it’s rather long. I’ve snuck in a few more usual activities, too, because even they seem unusual when compared against other cities in the world.

Here we go…

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1) Ride horses along the beach at the edge of Africa

Quite simply, Noordhoek Beach Rides took me along the most beautiful route I have ever seen in my life. And I am very, very lucky to have seen many a beautiful route. Based out in Noordhoek, the horses wade through water, pass flamingos and trot (or canter if you like) along the sand and sea breeze spray while green and charcoal mountains appear in and out of the mist.

Table Mountain in Cape Town – one of the best places to visit in Africa

2) Climb Table Mountain (Or take the Cable Car)

Not only is the mountain itself built in a razzle dazzle shape but the quality of its landscape is outstanding too. Table Mountain forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a protected area and national park recognised by UNESCO for its diversity. It covers less than 0.5% of the land of Africa but houses more than 20% of its flora.

You can climb Table Mountain within a day and without climbing experience. However, it’s good practice to travel with a guide so that you don’t get lost.

If you’re short on time, as most people are, you can take the cable car to the peak.

3)Revisit the History of Slavery

Cape Town’s Slave Lodge represents the history of slavery from within the walls where people were once held and sold as commodities. The modern make-up of Cape Town reflects the huge population shifts that took place during these dark hours and the museum broadens its scope to examine the practices of slavery across the world, with a focus, of course on South Africa.

4)Zoom around on an unusual flower safari

Yes, flowers are a big deal here in the Cape but they’re far from dainty. Head to Groote Post to bounce around in a jeep amid springbok on a rugged flower safari. (There’s a vineyard here too if you’d like to show your appreciation for the grapes of the Cape through wine tasting.)

5) P-p-p-p-ick up a penguin on Boulders Beach

When I first visited, ten years ago, you had the penguins pretty much to yourself. Now it’s a much more structured affair, for better and for worse (better in that it protects the beach from the crowds. Worse because you’re now behind a fence, with the crowds.) There’s still something adorable about getting up close and almost personal with these fluffy waddling cuties though. And you will be checked for penguin theft on exit… Apparently people really do try to smuggle them out.

6) Dive with sharks

Now, I haven’t done it but it is possible to fling yourself into the water with some bloody meat and a great white shark. Oh yes – and a cage. One thing to stop and think about, though, is that there are some environmental concerns about “training” sharks to get used to swimming close to humans and following the scent of blood. Your choice…

Unusual yet authentic art can be found all across Cape Town

7) Take an unusual jazz safari

Make sure to check out Coffee Beans Routes, a characterful small tour company in Cape Town that specialises in getting away from the gentrified side of the city and getting under its skin. They offer several different tours (see the next point!) but all involve in- depth information, small groups and proper, meaningful interactions with local people. The jazz safari takes in a visit to a musician’s home in one of the townships, dinner there, and then an evening in a late night jazz bar.

8) Take an Art Tour

Another Coffee Beans special, this afternoon sees you visiting art galleries and studios in stylish parts of town, regenerated parts of town and beneath corrugated iron roofs part of town. You’ll meet artists at each place and learn something different about the city along the way.

Visit a self-described Witch Doctor in Masi

9) Cycle through Masi

I have mixed feelings about tours through townships. Some can feel voyeuristic but others bridge gaps, help local businesses and enlighten those who visit.

 Having tried a few, I’d recommend AWOL’s cycling tour through Masiphumelele. The cycling itself is pretty low key and you get to spend time in a children’s day care centre, a witch doctor’s waiting room, a women’s sewing cooperative and then you finish up with a hearty Masi lunch.

Wander around Bo Kaap and stop long enough to learn to make a samosa

10) Cook a mean Samosa in Bo Kaap

The quarter of Bo Kaap is worth a visit all by itself just for the visual treat of bright shining colours against the backdrop of Table Mountain. Iconically home to the Cape Malay population, Bo Kaap has its own story of displacement and discrimination during apartheid – when those labelled “Indian” and “coloured” categories were moved here. The Bo Kaap museum offers an interesting glimpse into the history of the place but to really get a feel for the area – not to mention having a lot of fun – take a cooking lesson in Bo Kaap like this.  

11) Hike Cape Point

For generations, Cape Point was believed to be the most southern point in Africa. You could stand on the rocky outcrop and see stone slice into the water, dividing the Indian Ocean from the Atlantic.

Now, technically, Cape Agulhas is the more southern point and technically, the division of the oceans takes place elsewhere but still…

Standing on the windswept edges watching the tumult of the waves below, it’s easy to see how people imagined that this was, not only southern, but the physical the end of the earth.

You can cheat and take the funicular up but the highlight of the visit involves striding through the vegetation, making the most of those spectacular views.

Robben Island: a beautiful spot with an ugly history

12) Follow in the footsteps of Madiba

The extraordinary life history of Nelson Mandela is one of the most inspiring stories in the world –  and plenty of the key events took place in Cape Town.

Track them down yourself or take a Footsteps to Freedom tour and have someone else organise it for you. 

Highlights include a visit to Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned, and walking past the balcony where Mandela gave his first speech as a free man after 27 years in prison.

To delve deeper into the subject, visit Lilliesleaf farm on the outskirts of Joburg where Mandela hid for many months and of course the township of Soweto in Joburg, the crucible of many of the fights against apartheid.

13) Remember District Six

At the end of the 19th century, Cape Town’s District Six was a vibrant, mixed community of merchants, artisans, free slaves and labourers. Forced migrations began with black South Africans at the turn of the century and then in the 1960s more than 60 000 people were forcibly removed and their houses destroyed as the government relabelled District Six as a White Only area. While events like this took place across South Africa, District Six has become a symbol for the entire process, perhaps because much of the flattened area remains a wasteland in the heart of the city today.  

Visit the District Six Museum to find out more (and get chatting to older drivers, cooks and artists, many of whom were children evicted during the District Six reassignment and who have their own stories to tell.)

14) Taste the flavours of Africa

First up, let me warn you that local people say this place is for tourists. Second up, let me say that the food tastes great, the entertainment’s upbeat and until you’ve had your face painted with beautiful tribal dots, well you’re just missing out on the fun that life has to offer!

Zoom around the continent on your tastebuds with Nigerian cassava bread, peri peri from Mozambique and spicy butternut squash from Kenya. Best of all is the interactive Djembe drumming session at the start of the evening.

It’s demanding and surprisingly addictive.

Find all this at the Gold Restaurant in Green Point. Relax and enjoy.

15) Browse around Greenmarket Square

Formerly a slave market, vegetable market and car park (although not all at the same time) Greenmarket Square now hosts an eclectic flea market amid this network of streets in Cape Town’s historic centre.

Camps Bay. Beautiful and unusual…

16) Stroll along Camps Bay

If you’re looking for white sand, blue water and a stylish line-up of bars and eateries then Camps Bay is the place to go. It’s also a beautiful low-key area if you’re looking for a place to stay for a while.

17) Get your design on at the Old Biscuit Mill

Once a biscuit mill (how did you guess?) this red brick urban edifice now hosts experimental restaurants, designer boutiques, art galleries and more. Plus, you’ll find the tasty and uplifting Neighbourhood Goods Market  each Saturday morning.

 If local produce, organic food and lashings of balsamic vinegar are your kind of thing then this will be the market for you. Visit the Old Biscuit Mill.

18) Paint pottery and get dancing in Langa

The Guga S’Thebe Arts & Cultural Centre in Langa injects a pulse of community spirit in Cape Town’s oldest township. Shop for coloured pottery or sit back and enjoy a musical performance as this part of town deals with its past hostel history at the nearby museum and takes steps toward a brighter future within the arts centre. Check performance times in advance to make the most of the experience.

Stroll along Sea Point Promenade

19) Stroll the Sea Point Promenade

Flex your muscles at the outdoor gym and let kids run off steam in the playgrounds along the way at Sea Point. The route begins at Mouille Point near the Waterfront and runs along the coast, flaunting its spectacular views. For the brave, you can venture into the Olympic sized swimming pool as well.

20) Encounter the Cape Fur seals

Venture to Hout Bay to see the playful Cape fur seals around the appropriately named Seal Island (or Duiker Island.) Around 7000 or so seals splash around here and if you have the skills and paperwork to prove it, you can dive with them if you wish.

21) Dine at the V&A Waterfront

Yes, it’s not exactly an unusual thing to do in Cape Town. It’s Africa’s most visited tourist attraction, after all. But the V& A Waterfront is definitely worth a visit, and the yellowtail tartare at the Harbour House Restaurant  just oozes with freshness and flavour.

So, yes. Do visit Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront. Just don’t let that be the only place you see. Not when there are so many non-touristy things to do in Cape Town.

Hit the waves

Another option for an unusual thing to do in Cape Town would be to switch walking on land for a watery adventure instead. Enjoy a relaxing time on a sunset champagne cruise, for example.

FAQS about Cape Town

How many days in Cape Town is enough?

To just see Table Mountain and Robben Island, you could just about pull it off within a day. But to really enjoy the many unique Cape Town experiences, you need to stay for at least a week. That does include the many things to do in and around Cape Town, though.

What is unique in Cape Town?

Honestly, there are so many unique places in Cape Town, it’s a little embarrassing. There’s nothing like Table Mountain in the world. Nowhere else has the story of Mandela’s imprisonment in a place of such beauty. The biodiversity around the Cape is also unique. Then, there are the smaller but no less beautiful unique things to do in Cape Town like visit individual art studios or the kitchens of Bo Kaap.

Why is Cape Town called the Mother City?

A nickname coined in the 1930s, Cape Town’s mixing population felt itself to be the mother of Africa.

Where is Cape Town?

It’s the capital of the province called the Western Cape, a stunning chunk of land which oversees both the Indian and Atlantic oceans.

What is the most famous street in Cape Town?

Long Street is arguably the most famous street in Cape Town. It’ s famous for its boho vibes.

Where not to go in Cape Town?

Cape Town can be a dangerous city if you’re not careful. Always stick to official taxis, try to avoid staying out late at night, flashing cash or wandering around drunk… In particular, avoid the Cape Flats  (Die Kaapse Vlakte) area. But you need to be alert everywhere.

What to do in Cape Town if you only have one day?

With only one day, head straight to Table Mountain and then down and across the water to Robben Island. If that goes quickly, you may just be able to squeeze in a visit to District Six and Bo Kaap. But that’s pushing it! Try to stay for longer if you can.

When to Visit Cape Town

Simply put, because there are so many unusual things to do in Cape Town, any time you’re there you’re going to have a great time. 

High Season

That said, November to March is the best time if you’re imagining sitting in the sun. It’s also the high season, so prices go up and so does footfall at sites like Table Mountain. 

Shoulder Season

April to June is best for balmy hikes, while July to September suits the winelands better (and the surrounding are has a lot of good wine.)

Whale Watching Season

Don’t feel bad for poor old September to November, though. That’s your best chance to catch the whales as they migrate past (and it’s really not too cold.)

I’ve visited in both summer and winter and loved both. Even with snow on the top of Table Mountain (true story) it’s beautiful.

How to Get Around Cape Town

Cape Town is massive. It’s also spread around the foothills of Table Mountain and stretches out into the sea. The result of all this is that you’re going to be in a car and need to be strategic about how you get around. 

The best plan is to either hire a car, if you have the street smarts, or arrange for transfers and tours for when you need them. Bear in mind that Cape Town does have some unsafe areas so check carefully before stopping for cash or petrol on your own.

Cape Town also has Uber, though. If you still haven’t taken the plunge then this is a safe and reliable way of dealing with cash and getting where you want to go. 

Where to Stay in Cape Town

As I mentioned, Cape Town is a big place and it’s very, very spread out. 

I’d suggest making life easier on yourself by staying within the area close to the V&A and Greenmarket Square. There you can walk around on foot among some of the key things to do in Cape Town and head into offices to arrange guided tours and day trips for the rest.

I’ve actually stayed in a number of gorgeous, luxurious rentals but I did feel rather isolated. For me, it’s more important to be able to travel around. 

The Taj Cape Town brings the luxury of the Taj name to the character of Cape Town. It’s just a short walk from the Slave Museum, staff are friendly, decor sumptuous, food divine.

Why not bookmark this article on unusual things to do in South Africa on Pinterest to read later…

Top Unique Experiences in Cape Town

In a rush? Here are the top unique experiences in Cape Town that I’d recommend.

• Standing on the summit of Table Mountain
• Waddling with the penguins on Boulders Beach
• Visiting Robben Island, prison for Nelson Mandela
• Take a cooking class in Bo Kaap
• Leave the city behind and bounce around on a flower safari

Fun Things to do in Cape Town for Couples

• Take a sunset cruise from the V&A
• Coo together in front of the penguins at Boulders Beach
• Go for a walk along the Sea Point promenade
• Ride horses along the beach at the edge of Africa

Free Things to do in Cape Town

• Walk along the Sea Point promenade
• Hang around the V&A Waterfront
• Climb Table Mountain – on foot.
• Browse around Greenmarket Square.

Travel Tips for Cape Town

• Don’t expect to walk from place to place. Cape Town is a big, big place.
• Don’t flash your cash.
• Look out for “First Thursdays” – on the first Thursday of every month, various art galleries and exhibition centres open late for a lovely evening of culture.
• Be prepared for four seasons within one day. Sunscreen and a jacket!

More About Travel in South Africa

• Why colour still matters in Cape Town
• Why South Africa is called the Rainbow Nation
• The Soweto Mandela leaves behind