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Cape Town Half Day Activities

Are you pressed for time in the beautiful Mother City ? No worries, we have gone on a search of fun half-day tours so you can get the best of Cape Town in only a few hours ! From ocean trips to wine tasting outings and even traditional township tours, you can be sure that half a day in Cape Town will make you come back for more.

Fun Things To Do, Cape Town City Center

Tick-tock, tick-tock. Time is running out! If you find yourself around the city center, there are more than enough activities to keep you busy for half a day.

City Center: The Heart of Cape Town

Places like the South African Museum and Company Gardens are worth a visit if you’re on a tight time schedule. The Castle of Good Hope dates back to 1666, making it the oldest building in South Africa . This is definitely a must-see for history lovers.

If you want the best snapshot in the city center, head to the Bo-Kaap (also known as Cape Malay Quarter) where you will be met with the sight of bright, colourful houses at the foot of the mountain.

Cape Town At Night

Watch the sunset at Signal Hill – most Capetonians’ favourite place to enjoy the scenic views over the Atlantic Ocean. Head to the longest street in Cape Town, but also the best location to fully enjoy Cape Town’s vibey nightlife. New trendy streets in Cape Town include Kloof, Bree and Loop street. For cocktails with a view, Camps Bay or Clifton are great choices.

In And Around Cape Town: Places To Visit

Travel about 40 min from the city center and you will find a lot more of South Africa’s culture and tradition to explore.

Townships in Cape Town

Emerge in the culture of South Africa and enrich your senses in a true township experience. Head to Langa , South Africa’s oldest township – where a lot of history lies locked up. Or pay a visit to the Khayelitsha , the largest township in the Cape region.

Visit a Shebeen (traditional pub and brewery) where you can taste a traditional beer . In isiXhosa and Zulu (native African languages) traditional beer is called Umqombothi.

We advise travelers to only visit townships when accompanied by a tour guide.

Cape Winelands: Wine & Dine

Explore the quaint surroundings of the Cape Winelands with the beautiful mountains serving as a picturesque backdrop. Stellenbosch is one of the oldest towns in South Africa and worth a visit if you live and breathe street café culture!

The region has numerous award-winning wines produced at local wine farms around town. Visit the Cape Winelands and enjoy wine pairing with some of South Africa’s local delicacies, like biltong, or savour a gourmet meal at a lavish wine farm.

For more fun and adventurous ideas, check out our list of Cape Town half day tours below.

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If you are looking for a private sunset cruise, why not reserve the yacht for your own private experience. You have the yacht all to yourselves. You choose the duration of the sunset cruise, from 2 hours to 4 hours.
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Getting up close with penguins is one of the best experiences in Cape Town. Options include scenic drives along the beautiful Cape Peninsula coast visiting famous landmarks like Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point and Simon’s Town or kayaking to the penguins. We've found tours catering to every penguin seeker and nature lover.
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$14.62
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Best deal at: Getyourguide
There are some really great ways to experience Boulders Beach and the rest of Cape Town's lush wilderness. Whichever you pick, it's going to be a fun day!
Comfort
9
Location
10
Value for money
9
PROS:
  • Easy booking and cancellations
  • Free pick-up service
  • Great number of additional activities to be booked
CONS:
  • Additional costs may apply to enter Boulders Beach
  • Admission fees for some stops
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Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s most iconic sights in the city with the shape of the mountain dominating the beautiful skyline. Considering the majesty of the mountain, it’s no wonder that the cable car, Cape Town, is a top tourist attraction and this is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Although there are many trails scaling the mountain, the cable car is an easier way to summit (or descend) as the ride boasts breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town. Some of these include Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, Cape Town city centre, and even the West Coast. Depending on how much budget you have to spend on cable car tickets, there are a variety of options available. Here we explore the top options, namely a combo ticket with the hop-on-hop-off bus, a hike and cable way combo, and a private tour. Simply pick the option that best suits your needs.
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$16.00
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Best deal at: getyourguide.com
Regardless of your budget, amount of energy or time available in Cape Town, a trip on the Table Mountain cable way is a must! The price you pay is a small amount considering that the experience is invaluable.
Value for Money
9
Convenience
8
Fun
9
PROS:
  • The best panoramic views of Cape Town
  • Summit one of the seven natural wonders of the world
  • Enjoy the rotating floor of the cable car for a 360° view
CONS:
  • The experience may be cancelled if the weather is bad
  • Table Mountain can get very crowded
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Nothing says romance more than a sunset cruise along the gorgeous Cape Peninsula. Sit back with a glass of sparkling wine, loved one by your side, and let your troubles and stress float away as the sun goes down. Watch Table Mountain become illuminated as the landscape grows pink and bright. Cape Town has one of the most scenic coastlines in the world and you get to see it at golden hour! There can be no better way to end the day.
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$18.75
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A catamaran tour is an exciting, fun way to explore the coast of Cape Town and watch the sunset light up Table Mountain and the water that stretches towards it.
Comfort
9
Location
9
Romance
10
Value for Money
9
PROS:
  • Brilliant way to relax after a long day
  • Great date night idea for before or after dinner
  • Chance to see the city from a new, different perspective
CONS:
  • Possible cancellation for rain and poor weather
  • Not wheelchair accessible
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Robben Island is at the core of South Africa's rich history and culture. The tiny island located just off the coast of Cape Town tells the story of Nelson Mandela’s captivity — and subsequent freedom — which became iconic for the democracy of South Africa. Today, the island is a popular tourist attraction for those passionate about history and human justice. The only way to reach the island is by boat or air. Here, we will discuss Robben Island ticket prices and the variety of ways to visit the island by ferry — and even by helicopter.
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$48.34
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A visit to Robben Island gives travelers the opportunity to delve deep into South African history. This enriching experience may be affected by the weather, so be sure to check the forecast before booking.
Value for Money
8
Convenience
7
Fun
8
PROS:
  • Secure a ticket on the ferry to Robben Island
  • Discover the rich history of the island from a former prisoner
  • Learn about South Africa’s dramatic past
CONS:
  • The tour may be canceled due to bad weather conditions
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If you've ever wanted to go abseiling, Table Mountain is one of the best places to try it! This adventure is definitely one you'll never forget. Table Mountain's unrivaled natural beauty combined with the excitement of abseiling off a sheer cliff is sure to secure this wonderful memory forever.
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$62.58
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Best deal at: Viator
You can tick adrenaline-inducing abseiling off your bucket list with this abseiling Table Mountain tour. Try out this extreme sport with the safety of a skilled instructor, and take the chance to enjoy the mesmerizing Table Mountain views while you're there.
Fun
10
Location
10
Value for money
8.5
PROS:
  • Enjoy views from the famous Table Mountain
  • All equipment provided
  • Exhilarating
  • 100% safe
CONS:
  • Weather dependent
  • You'll have to find your own way up and down the mountain
  • Terrifying if you suffer from extreme vertigo
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Soar above The Mother City like a Cape Black Eagle. For the best view of Cape Town, look no further than an exhilarating, but peaceful paragliding Signal Hill tour. Experience stunning views of Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Robben Island, Lions Head, and a host of other gorgeous coastal sites. Tandem paragliding in Cape Town is certainly a bucket list item for any adventurous soul. It makes for an extremely memorable date or a fantastic present. Just be sure to include yourself in the gift, as you don’t want to miss out on this one! Know before you book
  • No persons under 8 years old
  • Adults must accompany all children
  • Tour subject weather conditions
  • You are required to provide your weight at the time of booking
  • Transport not included
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9dvnclVZfI&feature=emb_logo&ab_channel=manuwegmershaus
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$84.67
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Best deal at: Getyourguide
Tandem Paragliding from Signal Hill is a thrilling, beautiful way to see the sights in Cape Town. It's an adrenaline rush without being too scary, for those who want to fly, but not fall.
Fun
10
Location
10
Comfort
9
Value for money
7.5
PROS:
  • Fly like a bird
  • Best views of Cape Town
  • 100% safe
  • Exhilarating
CONS:
  • Weather dependant
  • Cannot pilot yourself without training
  • Can be vertigo-inducing
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Watch the colorful envelope of your hot air balloon become buoyant as billows of combustion bring it to life, affording its passengers an unforgettable, upwardly lifting experience. Cape Town is known for its amazing mountains, sprawling winelands and gorgeous coastline. What better way to see this beautiful city than on one of the incredible hot air ballooning tours? From families to couples looking for a romantic activity, there’s a tour to suit everyone. Take flight with the rising sun as it illuminates the magnificent Cape Winelands landscape below. Think it’s all a bunch of hot air? Think again!
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$163.42
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Best deal at: viator.com
What could be better than soaring over spectacular vineyard landscapes on board one of the most nostalgic forms of flight? Photos of the setup routine are welcomed, as this in itself is something special to see. From the incredible take-off to the memorable views, this tour is unforgettable.
Comfort
8.5
Location
10
Fun
9.5
PROS:
  • Unmatched aerial views
  • Experience of a lifetime
  • Photo opportunities like no other
  • Breakfast and sparkling wine included
CONS:
  • This one's for the early birds
  • Not ideal for those with vertigo
  • Subject to cancellation due to weather conditions
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Tandem skydiving over Cape Town’s gorgeous landscape guarantees a priceless view. If you have a love for adventure, new experiences, and nature at its finest - this tour is for you. Know before you book
  • If you are booking 24 hours before your tour, cannot guarantee hotel pick-up
  • Flight boarding fees paid directly on arrival
  • Dress season-appropriately but warmly and comfortably. Wear closed, well-fitting shoes
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$190.50
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Best deal at: getyourguide.com
Comfort
7
Value for money
8
Location
9
Fun
10
PROS:
  • Close to central Cape Town
  • Stunning views
  • Memorable experience
  • Highly-trained staff
CONS:
  • Can be nerve-wracking
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