Looking for unusual things to do in Cape Town? Step away from the familiar sights and crowds, and discover the city’s more unexpected side.
From vintage cinemas and secret sunset spots to hidden garden gems, Cape Town rewards curious travellers who wander beyond the beaten path. This curated list reveals authentic local experiences and hidden gems that capture the creative, cultural, and adventurous spirit of the Mother City.
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
1. Visit Giraffe House
If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Cape Town, Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre is a must. Tucked between Stellenbosch and Paarl, this charming sanctuary is a true hidden gem in Cape Town. And it’s perfect for travellers seeking authentic local experiences away from the city’s crowded attractions.
Imagine a peaceful, countryside setting, where you can meet graceful giraffes up close. A heartwarming moment for both kids and adults, feeding sessions allow you to interact closely with the giraffes. This is not your typical zoo visit; it’s a unique experience in Cape Town that blends education, conservation, and genuine connection to wildlife.
Beyond the giraffes, the sanctuary is also home to smaller wildlife, including antelope, ostriches, meerkats, and reptiles. You can take part in the daily interactive “creepy crawly” encounters (at 11 am and 3 pm) for a hands-on look at some of Africa’s fascinating smaller creatures.
Families also love the open lawns, shaded picnic spots, and children’s play areas, making this one of the best family-friendly activities in Cape Town. Bring your own picnic or enjoy light snacks from the kiosk, and settle down for a countryside-style lunch.
Take note, there is an entrance fee: R85 (adults), R60 (pensioners), R55 (children of 2-15 years old).
Insider tips:
- Arrive early to enjoy the calmest animal interactions and soft morning light for photography.
- Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle.
- Combine this trip with a scenic drive through Stellenbosch’s wine country for a non-touristy Cape Town day trip.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 5 pm.
Address: Corner of R304 & R101 Muldersvlei, Cape Town, 7600.
Website: https://www.giraffehouse.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 73 609 2670 | +27 71 873 2470
2. Catch a Film at The Labia Theatre
Looking for a unique Cape Town experience that captures the city’s old soul? The Labia Theatre is a vintage cinema that transcends the usual mall multiplex. Blending culture, nostalgia, and community in one cinematic outing, this theatre is a must-visit. Located in the leafy neighbourhood of Gardens, The Labia is the oldest independent art-repertory cinema in South Africa.
Picture ornate walls, an old-style ticket booth, romantic lighting, and the hum of anticipation in the air. Here is one of the non-touristy things to do in Cape Town, where locals and visitors mingle over popcorn and indie films.
With four screening rooms and a movie selection of foreign, independent, classic, documentary, and the occasional blockbuster films, there is something for everyone. Showtimes usually run from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm, and tickets cost R90 (adults) and R60 (students/pensioners/children) – purchased online or at the ticket booth.
Watching a film at The Labia isn’t just entertainment. It’s one of the best offbeat Cape Town activities that lets you merge culture, community, and history. For those hunting for unusual things to do in Cape Town, this vintage cinema is a local experience not to be missed.
Insider tips:
- Check out The Labia’s website for information on which restaurants they partner with for the movie meal specials.
- Look out for themed nights, film festivals, and Q&A events – The Labia often hosts niche or arthouse evenings.
Opening Hours:
Address: 68 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8000.
Website: https://www.thelabia.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 21 424 5927
3. Sunset Picnic at Rhodes Memorial
Want to add romance, colour, and breathtaking views to your list of unusual things to do in Cape Town? A sunset picnic at the Rhodes Memorial is pure magic. It’s one of those hidden gems in Cape Town that locals know, and foreign travellers fall in love with.
Look forward to peaceful moments, panoramic scenery, vast skies, and an authentic Cape Town experience away from the obvious. The Rhodes Memorial offers views out over the city, Table Bay, False Bay, and the distant mountain ranges. Settle down amidst the oak and stone-pine trees for a calm and intimate picnic. Then watch as the sun slowly sets, causing the horizon to turn soft shades of pink and orange.
The Memorial is free to enter, and the garden surrounding the monument is lush and green with winding paths – the perfect spot to connect with nature as well as history.
What to bring: Pack a picnic blanket, snacks or a light meal, a windbreak in case the evening is chilly, sunscreen if you are there during daylight hours, and a camera.
Top tip:
- Check the weather in advance as the wind can pick up.
Opening Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Address: Rhodes Ave, Devil’s Peak, Cape Town, 7700.
Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodes_Memorial
Contact Number: +27 21 689-9151
4. Wander Through the Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens
For unusual things to do in Cape Town that offer peaceful, green escapes from the city, the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden is the perfect pick. A lush oasis in the heart of the historic town of Stellenbosch, this hidden gem offers a soothing break from the hustle and bustle.
Start by roaming the paths through themed gardens – from the bonsai collection and herb garden to the Japanese garden, and waterlily ponds. These gardens are home to many rare and threatened indigenous species that live side-by-side with foreign plants.
Then, take a seat at the Botanical Café for coffee and cake or a light lunch. And don’t miss the gift shop or plant sales, offering an array of delightful crafts and indigenous plants to take home with you.
This is an authentic Cape Town experience that nature lovers and photographers will adore.
There is an entrance fee: R15 (adults) and R10 (pensioners). Stellenbosch University Students and Staff are free.
Top tip:
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the garden.
- Early morning is the ideal time for calm light and fewer visitors.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Address: Corner of Neethling St & Van Riebeeck St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7602.
Website: https://www.su.ac.za/en
Contact Number: +27 21 808 3054
5. Explore the Street Art in Woodstock
For a unique Cape Town experience that shouts local creativity, the murals of Woodstock are just the ticket. Ideal for art lovers and curious travellers wanting non-touristy things to do in Cape Town, it’s vibrant, provocative, and soul-stirring.
Walk the streets of Woodstock and look out for bold murals painted by local and international artists alike. Expect striking street art and visual poetry, where each piece tells a story: social justice, nature, identity, and South African heritage.
Why not take a guided walk and dig into the context that inspired each piece? At JUMA Art Tours, local guides take you on an explorative journey through the painted streets and local galleries of Woodstock.
Look out for funky cafés, vintage shops, and converted warehouses. The gritty charm of this colourful neighbourhood is perfect for wandering if you are craving offbeat Cape Town activities.
Top tip:
- Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours for a solid walking-tour experience.
- Allow for more time if you plan to stop by cafés, shops, and galleries.
Opening Hours: Monday, 8 am to 6 pm. Tuesday, 8 am to 9:30 pm. Wednesday to Sunday, 8 am to 11 pm.
Address: Woodstock Exchange, 66 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915.
Website: https://www.jumaarttours.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 73 400 4064
6. Kayak with Penguins at Simon’s Town
This is one of the most unusual things to do in Cape Town that feels adventurous, yet gentle. For off the beaten path Cape Town memories, you can’t beat kayaking out to see the African penguins at Boulders Beach. It’s wild, serene, and full of nature.
Launch from Simon’s Town Waterfront in a stable kayak and get ready to paddle past naval harbours and rocky coastlines. With Boulders Beach as your destination, look forward to meeting the African penguins who call this area their home.
Approaching from the water offers a unique perspective of the penguins’ activities. Watch as they swim or waddle along the beach, and if you’re lucky, there’ll be Cape Fur Seals, dolphins, and plenty of seabirds.
Cost: R550 per person for +/- 2 hours.
Top tip:
- Timing matters – head out in the morning as the waters are calmer, the wind tends to pick up later.
- Be sure to pack a hat, sunblock, a towel, and a waterproof pouch for your phone and camera.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 am to 2 pm.
Address: Kayak Adventures Simons Town, Long Beach, Driegebroeders Road, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7995.
Website: https://www.kayakadventures.capetown/simons-town-kayaking
Contact Number: +27 82 497 8797
7. Discover the Secret Tunnels Beneath the City
For history, adventure, and mystery rolled into one, exploring the tunnels beneath the city is a must. A true Cape Town hidden gem, tours of the tunnels offer travellers and locals a rare peek at what lies beneath: forgotten canals, bunkers, old forts, and underground passages.
Get ready to step down through manholes, decommissioned access points, rope ladders, and narrow shafts. These secret tunnels were used centuries ago to channel water, for defence, and as underground infrastructure. Many run from the base of Table Mountain towards the Castle of Good Hope.
You’ll see old architecture, gun posts, secret radar stations, and hidden ammunition lifts. And, while you explore, guides share stories about colonial history, wartime, and the role of water in Cape Town’s early growth.
Top tip:
- Booking is essential, and weather matters – heavy rain can cause flooding in the tunnels.
Address: Darling St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001.
Website: https://www.goodhopeadventures.com/
Contact Number: +27 82 482 4006
8. Stargaze at the Planetarium
If you yearn for unusual things to do in Cape Town that transport you beyond earthly rhythms, visit the Iziko Planetarium & Digital Dome. It’s perfect for locals and foreigners who want a magical night under cosmic lights.
Step inside the dome auditorium and gaze up at the 360-degree digital sky. It feels like travelling through space without even leaving the city. From stars and galaxies to nebulae, the digital upgrades make the visuals crisp and immersive.
Even if the weather outside is cold and rainy, here the sky is always clear, making this a unique Cape Town experience that doesn’t rely on the weather.
Ticket prices: locals pay R90 (adults) and R50 (children aged 5-17 years). International travellers pay R130 (adults, pensioners, and children).
Top tip:
- Look out for the latest events and shows for a deeper dive – these are a must-see for enthusiasts and anyone curious about the universe.
Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays (for research). Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Address: 25 Queen Victoria St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000.
Website: https://www.iziko.org.za/museums/planetarium/
Contact Number: +27 21 481 3800
9. Visit Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay
For a unique Cape Town activity that combines food, art, music, and harbour views, don’t miss the Bay Harbour Market. A converted fish-factory turned creative marketplace, this is an authentic Cape Town experience with lively energy and plenty of local flair.
Start by browsing the more than 80 stalls, all stocked with arts, crafts, décor, fashion, jewellery, and more. Then eat your way through the eclectic mix of food stalls offering anything from Mexican, sushi, braais, waffles, Cape Malay curries, seafood, and baked goods. To drink, enjoy options such as craft beer, local wine, cocktails, and good strong coffee.
The live music creates a great vibe, and Friday evenings are especially energetic with bands, DJs, and occasionally township guitarists or saxophone players. And with outdoor and indoor seating, you can really soak up the ocean breeze, harbour sounds, and views of Chapman’s Peak.
Top tip:
- For a lively night out, choose to visit on a Friday evening.
- If you seek a more relaxed browsing vibe, weekend daytime visits are ideal.
- Be sure to arrive early, as parking spaces can fill up.
Opening Hours: Friday 9:30 am to 9 pm, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: 9.30 am to 5 pm.
Address: 31 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7872.
Website: https://www.bayharbour.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 84 370 5715
10. Hike to the Hidden Waterfall at Silvermine
Instead of the well-trodden paths of Table Mountain and Lions Head, hike to the hidden Silvermine Waterfall for a peaceful nature experience. This is the kind of hidden gem in Cape Town that rewards you richly: lush forest, tranquil seclusion, and rushing water. It’s perfect for those craving nature-lover local experiences and non-touristy things to do in Cape Town.
The path takes you from Silvermine East Gate through fynbos-covered slopes, shaded forest stretches, and finally to a cascading waterfall. The terrain is a mix of gravel jeep track, narrow bushy paths, and short scrambles, making it easy-moderate in difficulty.
After rains, the waterfall is full and dramatic, while drier seasons soften it to gentle trickle. Either way, this hike offers sweeping views and it’s great for families, first-time hikers, and anyone searching for offbeat Cape Town activities.
Top tip:
- Stick to the marked paths; the scramble near the waterfall can be wet and slippery.
- To experience the waterfall at its best, go after the rains.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 am to 6 pm.
Address: Silvermine (Nature Reserve), Cape Town
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/
Contact Number: +27 21 780 9002 | +27 21 712 7471
Cape Town is full of surprises. Beyond Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront lies a world of hidden gems waiting to be enjoyed. From kayaking with penguins to uncovering secret tunnels beneath the city, each experience shows a side of Cape Town that few visitors ever see. So next time you plan a day out, consider these unusual things to do in Cape Town. You won’t be disappointed!
