10 Cape Town Bucket List Ideas You Have to Try
February 2026
New year for new adventures and a fresh perspective on life. Set up your bucket list with these smashing ideas for the new year in Cape Town.
Credit: Unsplash
Now is the time to set goals, align your priorities and set up your bucket list for this year. With Cape Town being voted the best city in the world for the seventh time in a row by Telegraph readers, it goes to show there is something really special about this city. Cape Town, the Mother City, boasts a vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and scenery that stretches from the coastline to the mountains, with top attractions spread across the Western Cape and the Cape Peninsula. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering your home, Cape Town offers a variety of experiences that promise unforgettable moments, from heritage sites and museums to coastal adventures and panoramic views of the city.
To make sure you have an even more awesome year, we’ve found 10 Cape Town bucket list ideas you have to try out. These are the kind of tourist favourites that still feel special even if you’ve done them before, and they cover everything from thrill-seekers to foodies, nature lovers, and anyone chasing that “I can’t believe I live here” feeling.
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Explore the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront
Credit: The Two Oceans Aquarium is situated next to our City Sightseeing Cape Town stop number 1 at the V&A Waterfront.
The Two Oceans Aquarium is one of Cape Town's premier marine attractions, located at Dock Road in the V&A Waterfront and open weekdays from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM and weekends from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The aquarium houses over 8,000 marine specimens representing more than 200 species, showcasing the incredible diversity of life found in both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans that meet at Africa's southern tip. Visitors can explore multiple galleries, including the I&J Ocean Exhibit with its impressive viewing windows and tunnel, the dramatic Predator Exhibit featuring ragged-tooth sharks and rays, the Penguin Exhibit with multiple bird species, the Kelp Forest (one of only three living kelp forests on display in any aquarium worldwide), and the mesmerising Jelly Hall. Interactive experiences include the Touch Pool for hands-on discovery and the I&J Children's Play Centre with educational games focused on environmental conservation. For certified divers, the aquarium offers the thrilling opportunity to dive with sharks in the Predator Exhibit or hand-feed fish in the serene Kelp Forest. The venue is easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi with ample parking, and features the Ocean Café for refreshments plus an on-site shop with marine-themed souvenirs.
For more information on transport options with City Sightseeing Bus, check out the City Sightseeing timetable and ticket costs here. Buy your tickets online and receive a discount.
2. Do a Free Walking Tour in Bo-Kaap
Credit: City Sightseeing
To experience something more cultural, join City Sightseeing for a free walking tour through the Bo-kaap area in Cape Town. This neighbourhood is part of the city’s vibrant culture and is known for its traditional Cape Malay heritage, with colourful houses, steep streets and a strong community atmosphere that makes it feel like a world of its own. As you walk, you’ll get a deeper sense of Cape Town’s history and identity, and it pairs beautifully with other heritage stops like District Six and the District Six Museum if you want to turn your day into a meaningful cultural route through the city.
Find out more about the free walking tours here.
3. Walk Across 4 Beaches in Clifton
Credit: TripAdvisor
Cape Town shows off when it comes to its beaches. One bucket list item you must do is walk from Clifton 4th all the way through to Clifton 1st. You’ll be amazed at how different each beach is and what beauty you’ll find along your walk, from sheltered coves to bigger open stretches where you can soak up the coastal atmosphere. It’s one of those simple Cape Town offers that delivers every time, especially on a clear day when the Atlantic coastline looks unreal, and the scenery feels straight out of a postcard. If you have time, extend the outing by continuing toward Sea Point or ending with sundowners while the sky turns gold over the ocean.
4. Hike up Table Mountain for Sunset
Credit: TableMountain.net
Hiking one of the mountain ranges has to be on your bucket list, and here’s why. You’ll forever be grateful for the scenic views and beauty of Cape Town from above, with panoramic views of the city, the coastline, and the surrounding peaks that make you appreciate why Table Mountain is such an iconic landmark. Table Mountain is part of Table Mountain National Park, and a sunset hike is a classic way to experience the mountain at its most magical. If you’d rather take it easy on the way up, you can also consider the cableway and then save your legs for exploring the upper trails and viewpoints.
Try doing these hikes and putting them on your bucket list:
● Kasteelspoort hike
● Platteklip Gorge
● Pipe Track
● Kloof Corner
For more information on these hikes and what the routes look like, check it out here.
5.Ride a Bike Along Sea Point Promenade
Credit: City Sightseeing
Experience the sea breeze blowing through your hair, the sun on your skin and the sheer joy of riding a bicycle. The Sea Point Promenade is one of Cape Town’s most loved coastal stretches, and it’s perfect for a laid-back adventure with views of the Atlantic, families out for a stroll, and plenty of spots to stop for photos. At the Sea Point promenade, you can hire bicycles for a few hours or for the whole day (depending on how you are feeling). Jump off at Queens Road stop number 9.
Find more information on hiring bikes here
6. Go Kayaking with the African Penguins
Credit: TripAdvisor
It’s great going to Boulders Beach to look at the penguins, but what’s even better is kayaking while saying ‘hi’ to the penguins. Take a guided tour and enjoy exploring Boulders Beach, the penguins and the beauty along the way, with the chance to see more of the coastal scenery around Simon’s Town from the water. This is a brilliant South African bucket list moment because it’s not every day you get to be out on the ocean alongside wildlife in such a beautiful setting. If you’re planning a bigger day in the area, you can pair this with a Cape Peninsula route that includes Muizenberg Beach for a surf stop and the Cape of Good Hope for dramatic landscapes.
Book kayaking tours here
7.Grab a Bite at the Mojo Market
Credit: City Sightseeing
Are you a foodie? If you’re in the Sea Point area, make sure to stop by the Mojo Market where you’ll be able to enjoy many different cuisines and drinks. It’s a proper hub for food and drink with live music and seating areas to relish in your tasty food, and it’s a great “choose your own flavour” stop, whether you’re craving gourmet bites, something sweet, or an easy dinner vibe. Because it’s so central, it also fits nicely into a day built around the coastline, the promenade, and even nightlife plans later if you want to keep the energy going.
For more information on transport options to the Mojo Market with City Sightseeing Bus, check out the City Sightseeing timetable and ticket costs here. Buy your tickets online and receive a discount. This is closest to stop number 10.
8. Take a Sunset Cruise from the V&A Waterfront
Credit: City Sightseeing
Sunsets are something spectacular to us here in Cape Town. A champagne sunset cruise is a must for your bucket list. Try something new and set sail to watch the sun set with champagne in your hand, with the coastline and Table Mountain skyline creating an unforgettable backdrop. The cruise starts at the V&A Waterfront and lasts for between 1,5 and 2 hours, and the Waterfront itself is packed with top attractions, including the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, which is known for African art and striking contemporary art pieces. If you want to build a full day, you can start at the museum, wander the V&A Waterfront, and end with the cruise as the perfect grand finale.
Book your cruise now and receive a discount with City Sightseeing.
9. Visit Kirstenbosch Gardens
Credit: City Sightseeing
The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are magical, and it’s a must to visit. Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and appreciate the scenery, with mountain views, shaded paths, and spots that feel like little hidden escapes. Stroll through the gardens and enjoy the nature around you. Stop by the cafe in the gardens and treat yourself to a coffee, tea or hot chocolate. If you’re ticking off multiple bucket list items, Kirstenbosch is also a perfect “reset” day between bigger adventures like Robben Island, shark cage diving, or long Cape Peninsula drives. This is part of the City Sightseeing Cape Town blue route - stop number 20.
10. Have High Tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel
Credit: Lonely Planet
Make sure your bucket list is complete by topping it off with a High Tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel. It’s one of those classic Cape Town experiences that feels timeless, and it’s ideal if you want something elegant to balance out the more active adventures. Make sure to arrive dressed for the tea and ready to enjoy an array of food options, from delicate savouries to decadent desserts, while soaking up the atmosphere of one of the city’s most iconic hotel settings. It’s also a lovely way to celebrate a special occasion or simply treat yourself to a slower, more indulgent day in the heart of Cape Town.
As the year goes by, don’t forget to smell the roses. Life is too short not to experience the world and what it has to offer, and Cape Town offers the kind of variety that makes it easy to keep exploring, whether you’re drawn to heritage sites like the Castle of Good Hope and the District Six Museum, or big-ticket bucket list moments like a Robben Island visit where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, a Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve outing, or a vineyard escape to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek in the winelands.
As a family or with friends, you can easily jump on the City Sightseeing Bus and enjoy a scenic route to all of the above bucket list items. For more information, check out the City Sightseeing timetable and ticket costs here. Buy your tickets online and receive a discount. This can be found on the blue route - stop number 15 at Mount Nelson.
Check out these related Cape Town activities:
● Spend a Night Under a Canopy of Stars on Table Mountain
● Find Your Way in the Beauty of Cape Point
FAQs about the Cape Town Bucket List
How can I use the City Sightseeing bus to get to these bucket list locations?
The City Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off bus is the easiest way to reach many of these locations. Attractions like the start point for the Bo-Kaap Walking Tour, the stop for the Mojo Market, and the entrance to Kirstenbosch Gardens are all located directly on the main routes. Check the Route Map and Timetable to find the closest stop for your chosen activity.
Are City Sightseeing tours included with the attractions listed, or are they sold separately?
The bus ticket provides transport only. All third-party activities are sold separately. City Sightseeing often offers discounted combination tickets (Combos) that bundle your bus ticket with selected attractions for extra value.
Do I need to book my tickets online for the bus and the linked tours?
It is highly recommended that you book all tickets online, both for the City Sightseeing bus and any linked tours. When you book through the City Sightseeing South Africa website, you receive a confirmation that secures your spot, which is important during busy seasons.
How can I find the meeting point for the Free Walking Tour in Bo-Kaap?
The Free Walking Tours are hosted by City Sightseeing and are complimentary for bus ticket holders. You can join the Bo-Kaap tour at bus stop 5, located at 81 Long Street in Cape Town. Look for the City Sightseeing guides in yellow uniforms at the dedicated stop.
Which City Sightseeing bus route covers the most bucket list activities?
The Blue Mini Peninsula Tour usually covers most of the bucket list highlights, including stops near Clifton Beaches, Sea Point Promenade, and Kirstenbosch Gardens. If you want flexibility to visit them all, a Premium or Classic Ticket with hop-on hop-off access is the best choice.
