Cape Town, South Africa: Short on time? 5 Fun Things to Do
Voted #1 ‘Best City in the World’ in 2025, Cape Town, South Africa has something to offer just about everyone. With coastlines that stretch for miles, world-class chefs, adrenaline-pumping sports around every corner, and a rich history brought to life by local artists, this city is sure to steal your heart and leave you craving more!
Here are 5 Fun Things to Do
1. V&A Waterfront
Spend the day meandering around V&A Waterfront! A whopping 450 stores to choose from, impromptu live African music by local artists, and gorgeous views of the oldest working harbour with Table Mountain in center stage right from your dinner table. How can you go wrong?
Entertainment
We hit the jackpot with surprise live shows from local African bands, like Isibane Se Afrika! Their dazzling costumes and infectious energy kept the good vibes rolling all night long. Plus, every donation helps keep youth off the streets.
Shopping
Shop local! We couldn’t resist ‘Sealand’, a South African brand creating top-notch outdoor gear. They’re taking action to reduce their environmental footprint by using upcycled and recycled materials.
Where to Eat
Stop by Ginja Restaurant or Harry’s Oyster Bar for the best views next to the water. Our sunset dinner was spectacular.
Parking
There’s loads of street parking and designated lots nearby. We played it safe and parked in a covered city lot for extra peace of mind.
Safety
We visited a couple times during the day and later in the early evening around sunset, and it always felt incredibly safe. V&A is primarily pedestrian-only, so you can wander freely for hours without worries of dodging traffic or feeling like a canned sardine.
2. Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Pop over to the Oranjezicht City Farm Market for a buzzing atmosphere, and browse through dozens of locally-made shops, pick up some fresh organic produce, or indulge in one of the fantastic food and drink options.
Hours
Wednesday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday: 8:15am – 2:00pm
Sunday: 9:00 am – 2:00pm
Don’t miss out on a a sample of *Flammkuchen at Piroschka’s—your taste buds will thank you! We ordered ours with a couple fried eggs on top, and it was ready in minutes. Italian pizzerias better watch out—they have some serious competition!
*What’s a ‘Flammkuchen’?
Dating back over 100 years ago, Flammkuchen originated along the French/German border.
With the use of simple ingredients, the dough is made similar to a traditional pizza (minus the yeast), baked in a wood-fire oven, resulting in a rustic, thin flatbread. And the base? It’s typically made with crème fraîche instead of tomato sauce.
3. Rent an electric scooter or bicycle
We had an epic day cruising the Sea Point promenade, making pit stops to soak up the salty ocean air with gorgeous views of the coastline, a unique rhinoceros art piece, and gigantic Mandela glasses. Keep an eye open for whales and dolphins swimming by!
Scooter Rentals
We rented our scooters from Electrek Rentals (Mouille Point Location), and it was an absolute blast! We splurged on the pricier option for a smoother ride, and it was worth every penny! Our scooters reached a maximum speed of 30 km/h.
Cost
R250+/per hour, helmets are provided (on request)
4. Bo-Kaap Neighbourhood
The vibrant, rainbow-hued homes of Bo-Kapp are certainly photo-worthy! And don’t skip a visit to the quirky art shops. One store in particular, ‘Nathan Chikoto Recycle Artist”, really caught my attention. This creative genius specializes in sustainable recycled art using just about anything imaginable from k cups, tin cans, bottle caps, etc. to create elaborate designs.
*Pro Tip
Bo-Kapp has become a tourist magnet, and let’s just say the locals might not be throwing a welcome party. Stick to daytime visits—crime exist in the areas nearby.
If you’re arriving in your own vehicle, watch out for those sneaky ‘tourist parking fee’ tactics (we encountered a couple of residents trying to charge us R50 – R60/hour for parking instead of the city’s official rates, which let you park for 5 – 7 hours for the same amount!).
5. Ice skating @ GrandWest Casino
Looking for a fun family-friendly activity, a cool escape from the summer sun, or maybe you’re hoping to impress your date? Head indoors to the Olympic-sized ice rink at GrandWest Casino!
As someone who grew up in Canada with easy access to ice rinks (i.e. my dad made a rink in my backyard!), it always brings a feeling of nostalgia every time I step foot on the ice.
Admission Fee
R60 if you bring your own skates, R70-85 for skate rentals
Skate Times
Check out their website for the daily schedule. We went at 10am on a Friday, and there was less than a dozen people—a perfect chance to get used to skating again without the crowds.
*Pro Tip
Don’t forget to layer up and rock those long socks to protect your ankles.
The ice rink is located within the Grand Hotel in Cape Town, which has a casino, cinema, arcade, bowling alley and even laser tag! And, the stunning gardens are quite the work of art.
If you prefer to keep things simple or you grew up playing games in the street, make your way to the parking lot to check out the giant human-sized pylons. They’re just dying to have a purpose in life.
Other Areas to Explore
Within a short drive or train ride from Cape Town, you’ll discover fabulous neighbouring towns, a breathtaking National Park and the Cape Winelands—definitely must-sees on your South Africa checklist!
- Muizenberg
- Kalk Bay (coming soon!)
- Simon’s Town (coming soon!)
- Table Mountain National Park (coming soon!)
- Wine Tasting in Franschhoek (coming soon!)
Final Thoughts
Cape Town is a city full of adventure, fantastic cuisine, natural beauty, and loads of attractions to keep you busy for ages. I can’t wait to return one day, and discover more of its hidden gems!
