21 Memorable Things To Do Alone In Cape Town
Are you a solo female traveler about to explore Cape Town, South Africa? Here is a list of the top Things To Do Alone In Cape Town and still feel safe.
Traveling to Cape Town was a Cape Town bucket list trip I had been wanting to take for years! But I never had anyone who wanted to join me. So one day I just, screw it! I’m going on my own. And that trip was one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever been on.
In full disclosure, I did meet up with a group of girls (whom I had never met before) to do a safari tour along the Garden Route. But I had planned several days in Cape Town by myself before the tour started.
Here are the most exciting things I did when visiting Cape Town alone. Most of these I personally did and a few I heard about (and just didn’t have the time for).
How Much Time Do I Need to Explore Cape Town?
Cape Town offers a wide range of activities. So depending on what you enjoy doing, you could spend a few days in Cape Town or up to 2 weeks in Cape Town and still never be bored.
Outside of driving along the Garden Route or taking a safari in South Africa, I would say the perfect amount of time in Cape Town would be about a week. Exploring the Cape Peninsula, with its stunning natural landscapes like Muizenberg Beach, Chapman’s Peak, and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, is part of the experience.
I spent one week exploring Cape Town as a solo female traveler and another week driving the Garden Route (which I also highly recommend!). Although I could have done a lot more and spent way more time logging on the beautiful Cape Town beaches, one week seemed to be perfect for me.
What to do in Cape Town Alone
A few of these items you’ll have no doubt heard of because they are super touristy. But I want to mention them anyway so you can make sure to put them on your list! And some are a lot lesser known.
And while there are SO many things to do solo in Cape Town, I’ve narrowed the list down to just a few things I think you need to experience. Anything that wasn’t really that fun or memorable is left off the list.
1 – Explore Table Mountain and Ride the Cable Car
Yes, this is an extremely touristy thing to do. But it 100 percent cannot be missed if you travel to Cape Town. The Cable car alone is an unforgettable experience. It takes you far up Table Mountain National Park (one of the seven wonders of the world!).
You’ll see the most fantastic sites of Cape Town below and even get a great view of Lion’s head. At the top of Table Mountain, there are several walking paths you can stroll around to get different views. There’s even a small gift shop at the top as well.
This only takes a few hours and can easily be combined with a few other activities in the same day. I highly suggest booking a tour for this that combines seeing the Cape of Good Hope, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.
Check Here For Best Tour Prices: Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point Small Group Tour from Cape Town
2 – Stroll Along the V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most popular attractions, and for good reason. This bustling hub of activity offers a wide range of things to see and do, from shopping and dining to entertainment and culture. As you stroll along the waterfront, you can take in the stunning views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
The V&A Waterfront is also home to a number of museums and galleries, including the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and the Nelson Mandela Gateway. You can also take a ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.
If you’re looking for some retail therapy, the V&A Waterfront has a wide range of shops and boutiques to choose from, selling everything from local crafts and souvenirs to high-end fashion and jewelry. And when you need a break from shopping, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area.
3 – Interact with Penguins at Boulder Beach
BeachAbsolutely not to be missed! Where else can you walk around and interact with penguins? Boulders Beach is a quick visit. It is famous for its African Penguin colony, offering opportunities for close encounters with the birds in their natural habitat. There isn’t much else to do there besides see the penguins.
You walk through some small gates and pay a minimal fee as part of conservation efforts and then just head straight to the beach area where you can literally walk around and even swim with the penguins if you want to.
I recommend visiting Boulders Beach first thing when they open to avoid the crowds. Then head over to Muizenberg Bay to see the famous colorful huts. And finish your afternoon having lunch and doing some shopping in nearby Kalk Bay, a cute coastal town.
See The Penguins: Cape Point and Boulder’s Penguins Full-Day Tour
4 – Feed the Sea Lions in Hout Bay
You can access Hout Bay by taking the Hop on/hop off bus from Cape Town. I hopped off at this stop not knowing what it was and ended up loving it! Hout Bay is a cute little fishing town and an integral part of Cape Town’s surfing culture.
There is a huge beach that seems to be dog-friendly because there were a ton of them running around. You’ll find nothing but fresh seafood restaurants right on the bay, that make for a great lunch.
Do some shopping or even take a small boat ride out to Seal Island to see literally hundreds of seals sunbathing or swimming around. Such a fun experience! I even got to feed some of the Sea Lions right there on the dock. Wild Sea Lions!
5 – Learn the History Behind Robben Island
If you like experiencing culture and pieces of history, then you must plan a half day to go to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the island where Nelson Mandela was held as a prisoner until he later became the President of South Africa.
Your Robben Island tour is led by an actual ex-prisoner from the island and is inspiring to listen to the story of their time there.
You can read more about visiting Robben Island here: A Tourist Guide To Visiting Robben Island in Cape Town, South Africa
6 – Discover Cape Town’s Rich History and Culture
Cape Town is a city with a rich and complex history, and there are many ways to experience it. One of the best ways to learn about the city’s history and culture is to visit some of its many museums and galleries.
The South African Museum is a great place to start, with its vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the country’s history and culture. The museum is located in the Company’s Garden, a beautiful park in the heart of the city that is also home to a number of other museums and galleries.
Another must-visit museum is the District Six Museum, which tells the story of the forced removals of residents from the District Six neighborhood during the apartheid era. The museum is a powerful and moving tribute to the people who were affected by this tragic event.
7 – Hike Lions Head
Lions Head is a popular hiking spot in Cape Town, and for good reason. The hike offers stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean, and it is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
The hike is moderately difficult, and it takes about 2-3 hours to complete. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, and there are plenty of places to stop and take in the views.
One of the best things about hiking Lions Head is the stunning views of the city and the ocean. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction, and the views are simply breathtaking.
Lions Head is also a great place to watch the sunset, and many people hike to the top of the mountain to see the sun go down. It’s a truly unforgettable experience, and it’s a great way to end a day in Cape Town.
8 – Ride the Hop On/Hop Off Bus Around Cape Town
The Hop On/Hop Off bus is a great way to see the sights of Cape Town, and it’s a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. The bus runs on a circular route, and you can hop on and off at any of the stops along the way.
The bus takes you to many of the city’s top attractions, including Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and the Cape of Good Hope. You can also use the bus to get to some of the city’s lesser-known attractions, such as the beautiful beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton.
One of the best things about the Hop On/Hop Off bus is the commentary that is provided by the driver. The driver will tell you all about the history and culture of the city, and will point out many of the sights and attractions along the way.
The bus is also a great way to meet other travelers and locals, and you can use it to get a feel for the city and its layout. Whether you’re looking for a convenient way to get around the city or just want to see the sights, the Hop On/Hop Off bus is a great option.
Reserve Now and Pay Later: Cape Town Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise
9 – Go On A Wine Tasting Tour
Cape Town is surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful and renowned wine regions, and a wine tasting tour is a great way to experience them. There are many different wine regions to choose from, including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl.
A wine tasting tour typically includes a visit to several different wine estates, where you can taste a variety of wines and learn about the wine-making process. Many of the wine estates also offer beautiful scenery and stunning views, and you can enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner at one of the estates.
One of the best things about a wine tasting tour is the opportunity to learn about the wine-making process and to taste a variety of different wines. You can also learn about the history and culture of the wine region, and meet some of the people who are involved in the wine industry.
A wine tasting tour is also a great way to relax and unwind, and to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the wine region. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun and relaxing day out, a wine-tasting tour is a great option.
Or if you are a big fan of wine tastings… you can book a wine tour doing a Full-Day Franschhoek Hop On Hop Off Wine Tram Tour. A definite favorite for both wine and scenic views!
You can also book a wine tour where you get to create and bottle your wine. What a great experience it is to get a bottle of wine home with you (or have it shipped). Check out the Blend and bottle your own wine Stellenbosch experience, for more info on that tour.
10 – Explore the Cape of Good Hope
This is probably not the most exciting thing you’ll do around Cape Town, but you definitely cannot miss it. It’s just an iconic piece of South Africa. To get there, you drive through the nature preserve and chances are you’ll get to see some animals. I saw tons of ostriches and baboons.
There are even some small hikes you can do, and a restaurant with a gift shop there. From the gift shop, you can take a short (but uphill) walk to an old lighthouse and the views are absolutely amazing, including the cool Cape Town waves crashing against the shore.
Getting to the Cape of Good Hope is a long drive (almost an hour from Cape Town). I recommend taking a tour to get there or checking out my review on How To Get Around Cape Town Without a Car for more transportation ideas.
To Book with Transportation: Cape of Good Hope and Penguins Full-Day Tour From Cape Town
11 – Take in the Sunset at Camps Bay Beach
Camps Bay Beach was one of my favorite spots in Cape Town. The beach itself is white, soft sand and the water is a beautiful clear blue. The town itself reminds me of some Southern California coastal towns. The shops and restaurants look right over the ocean.
Camps Bay Beach is a great spot for solo travellers. You can come here for a few hours just to eat and shop, or spend the whole day lounging at the beach. There are some man-made swimming pools as well.
Camps Bay is especially known for its sunset views. So try to come at least one time during sunset. The hop-on/hop-off bus has a stop here as well.
12 – Visit the Colorful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
If you love flowers, plants, gardens, and outdoor scenery, then go check out the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, renowned for its Cape Town garden status. This is also a stop along the hop-on/hop-off bus route.
The Botanical Gardens are a great place to walk around and enjoy sunny weather. It’s easy to spend an hour here or even half a day. You get some amazing swiping views of Table Mountain here as well.
13 – Walk Along the Bo-Kaap Neighborhood
The Bo-Kaap area in downtown Cape Town is a super popular place to visit. The colorful huts not only make for some really cool photos, but this section of Cape Town is rich in history. Nearby, you can also explore the historic District Six Museum, which commemorates the forced removals of residents during the apartheid era and offers a deep insight into the city’s complex history and cultural heritage.
I will warn you, this area is not the safest, even in the middle of the day. Never go here at night. And even if you go here during the day, please be aware of your surroundings, don’t show any expensive items, and keep your belongings securely to your body.
The hop-on bus has a stop nearby. You’ll only have to walk a few blocks to get to Bo-Kaap. If you are traveling solo, try to find some other tourists walking the area and stick with them.
Two things to note: These are people’s homes so please be aware of that when taking photos. Some won’t want you taking photos and some will ask for a small donation. This area is limited to just a few streets so you only need an hour or less in this historical part of Cape Town.
14 – Go Riding on the Atlantis Dunes
If you’re looking for some more adventurous activities, check out the Atlantis Dunes. Hop on a quad and race around some white sand natural sand dunes.
Since this is a little way out of Cape Town, I highly recommend booking a tour for this activity. Then you can get transportation included and that’s not only the easiest, but the safest option for solo female travelers. Many tours also stop at several of Cape Town’s museums, such as the Iziko South African Museum and the District Six Museum, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture.
You can even go sandboarding if you happen to be a snowboarding fan!
Check Out the Dunes: Atlantis Dunes ATV Quad biking Cape Town
15 – Drive the Scenic Chapmans Peak Drive
Chapman’s Peak Drive is nothing more than a scenic drive. BUT! It is known to be one of the most scenic drives in the world! It’s a longer drive that takes you along the Cape Peninsula coast.
You’ll see the coast on one side and dramatic mountains on the other. There are also several stops along the way to pull over and take some amazing photos. So even though it’s ‘just a drive’ I wouldn’t miss this!
The only thing to note about Chapman Peaks Drive is that there is no public transportation that goes here. You will either have to rent a car or hire a car. I hired a car to take me along this route and to go to Boulder Beach and it was well worth it and surprisingly affordable.
16 – Spend a Day at the Spa
You’re probably thinking that you want to go out and see the sites of Cape Town, the Mother City, so why on earth would you want to spend a day at the spa? I’ll tell you why!
You may notice that your money goes pretty far in Cape Town, and spas are similar! You can get a massage for super cheap or even do a full spa day… yes, FULL DAY.. for only like $100 US. It’s a great way to relax on vacation. You can go HERE to check out some local Cape Town Spa deals.
17 – Shop at the Farmer’s Markets
When looking for things to do alone in Cape Town, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays is the Oranjezichet City Farm Market. Hands down the best market you can go to while in Cape Town.
You’ll find everything you could need here so if you’re looking for some great souvenirs, South African fashion, fresh fruit, and some authentic cuisine.
This market is located near the V&A Waterfront and several of Cape Town’s museums. So I would recommend pairing this with your day visiting the Waterfront area (or even Robben Island) so you can hit all these areas at the same time.
18 – Get Your Thrills Paragliding on Signal Hill
For you adventure thrillers! Try paragliding in Cape Town. It’s super affordable compared to the US and some of the views are incredible!
You’ll get to see Table Mountain and the Atlantic coast as you glide over Cape Town with a tandem instructor, best enjoyed in the glorious Cape Town sunshine. This is a great activity if you are looking for things to do alone in Cape Town because it takes you out in groups so it’s a good chance to meet some people and not be completely alone.
Cape Town Activities: Paragliding in Cape Town
19 – Enjoy a Sunset Cruise
Get a view of Cape Town from another perspective. Cape Town is located with miles and miles of beautiful coastline. So get out on the actual ocean and have a chance at not only a beautiful sunset but also to see some marine animals and the cool Cape Town waves.
And because this is affordable as well, you can do a Catamaran hour-long ride for only $20 a person, or a sunset cruise on a sailboat for just $34 a person.
For Best Rates: Sunset Champagne Cruise from Cape Town
20 – Eat at Gold Restaurant For a Unique South African Experience
I dont usually highlight restaurants as “things to do”. But Gold is a lot more than just a restaurant. It’s an entire experience in the Mother City.
This is also a great place to eat dinner as a solo female traveler because you are paired with another group if you are dining alone. This was a fun way to get to know some other travelers.
At Gold, you get to watch and participate in a South African drum circle. There is no menu here. You get served a rotating menu of authentic South African cuisines. So you not only get to dine on some amazing food but you get a show also. It really is magical!
For Reservations: Gold Restaurant
21 – Visit the Langa Township
When traveling to different countries, I enjoy experiencing the people and the culture in an authentic way as best as I can. When visiting Cape Town alone, one of the most memorable experiences I had was visiting the Langa Township, which is perfect for solo travellers.
This is an impoverished area just outside of Cape Town that you can take a tour to get you. Interact with the citizens of the town, and get a tour of the homes and other structures.
If you are looking for things to do alone in Cape Town as a solo female traveler, you will want to book a tour that offers round-trip transportation.
Book Here: Langa Township – Arts and Culture Tour
Cape Town For Solo Travelers
If you are hoping to travel to Cape Town, South Africa as a solo female traveler and are looking for things to do alone in, look no further!
While there are dozens and dozens of things to do in Cape Town, the activities listed below are some of the best and most memorable experiences you can have while visiting South Africa on your own.
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