Katherine Alex Beaven

In many ways Cape Town wears its history on its sleeve. It’s there in the old stone walls of the Castle, the streets of District Six, the galleries of the city centre and the stories of communities whose roots stretch back thousands of years. It’s complex, chequered and layered, but Cape Town’s best museums and galleries help to make sense of those many layers, exploring everything from San culture and colonialism to apartheid, natural history, medicine and contemporary African art.   Some are major institutions worth a day wandering around. Others offer a more intimate window onto the people and events that shaped the Cape. Here are those worth seeking out. RECOMMENDED: ☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🥣 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town This article was recently updated by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

Of all the things to see and do in Cape Town, submitting to beach life has to be one of the city’s most essential experiences. Despite water temperatures often ranging from chilly to frigid, you’ll see plenty of surfers riding waves, divers exploring underwater wonders and curious snorkellers. And then there’s all the sand-based stuff, too. From beaches within easy distance of restaurants, hotels and markets to those that are a bit more isolated and better-preserved, Cape Town has a stretch of sea and sand for every kind of beachgoer. No matter where you throw down your towel, prepare to be dazzled with spectacular mountain views, picture-worthy turquoise waters and dramatic beachfronts boasting tide pools, marble boulders, insane sunsets and much, much more.  And, did you know that Cape Town is home to a host of Blue Flag-accredited beaches? In 2024 48 beaches around South Africa’s coastline made the cut, including eight in the city of Cape Town! Most of them cracked the nod for our list of local favourites... RECOMMENDED: 🇿🇦 Where to stay in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.