There are a lot of things that can be done in Cape Town! South Africa’s “mother city” offers the right activities for everyone – cultural experiences, action, time to relax, nature and much more.

Museums | City Life | Nature | Sports and Action | Cultural Experiences

Museums
  • District six museum (http://www.districtsix.co.za/)
    - A museum working with the memories about Cape Towns Sixth Municipal District, a place where different people lived together as one community and were removed to different areas because of the Group areas Act.
    • Iziko museums (http://www.iziko.org.za/)
      A group of 12 museums – art collections, social- and natural history museums. Interesting special programs and activities all over the year. Most of them in walking distance from the Scalabrini Centre.
    • Robben Island (http://www.robben-island.org.za/)
      A place of banishment, isolation and imprisonment from the 17th to the 20th century, today a World Heritage Site and museum. It is the place where Nelson Mandela and other famous leaders in the fight against Apartheid spend lots of years.
    • Castle of Good Hope (http://www.iziko.org.za/)
      One of the oldest buildings in Cape Town, build by Dutch people in the 17th century.
    • 2 oceans aquarium (http://www.aquarium.co.za/)
      Fun for the small ones but no less interesting for the grown ups. Situated at the V & A Waterfront, the exhibition shows animals living in the sea all around Southern Africa. The more adventurous ones can even go diving!
    • Jewish museum (http://www.sajewishmuseum.co.za/home/)
      Situated between the South African National Gallery (one of the Iziko museums) and the Company Gardens, the South African Jewish museum is a place of information, education and dialog all around the life of Jewish people.
    City Life
    • Green Market Square
      The market in the city center where you can buy African arts and crafts!
    • V & A Waterfront (http://www.waterfront.co.za/Pages/Welcome.aspx)
      A tourist magnet with lots of shops, restaurants and bars but still a working harbor. The gateway to Robben Island is situated at the V & A Waterfront, but it is also the place to start various other boat trips.
    • Long Street
      Probably the most famous street in the city center. The place to meet in the evenings for Cape Town locals and tourists.
    • Camps Bay
      Not just that Camps bays sandy beach is inviting you to lie down and relax, having a cocktail before dinner and enjoy the beautiful sunset should be included in every stay in Cape Town.
    • Sea Point
      Beautiful promenade along the Atlantic ocean. The perfect place to go for a short or long walk…
    Nature
    • Table mountain (http://tablemountain.net/)
      - South Africa’s most famous mountain. Hick up, or just simply enjoy the view and take the cable car.
    • Lions Head & Devils Peak
      - Table mountains “small brothers”.
    • Two Oceans
      - Cape Town is surrounded by two oceans – the Atlantic and the Indian ocean. So it is the perfect place to walk along the beach, go swimming, surfing, watch fishers in small harbors, watch whales (whales season June to November), see South Africa’s famous penguins in Simonstown …
    • Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope – Kap der Guten Hoffnung (http://www.capepoint.co.za/)
      - The Cape Point is Africa’s most southwesterly point! Don’t forget to greet the Baboons and Dassies.
    • Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens (http://www.sanbi.org/frames/kirstfram.htm)
      - Famous for its beauty and diversity it is a good place to see South Africa’s national plant the Protea and to watch birds. In summer season various open air concerts are taking place there (don’t forget to book your tickets)
    • Cape Winelands
      - The Constantia Valley, Cape Towns wine yard, is South Africa’s oldest wine growing area, but also the wine regions in Cape Town northeast are worth to do a day trip. Visit Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and taste South Africa’s best wines.
    • Company Gardens
      - A park area in the city centre, established by Dutch settlers in the 17th century. Situated in the city centre (next to the Scalabrini centre) it is the perfect place to feed squirrels, watch bird or just sit down an relax.
    Sports & Action
    • (Kite) Surfing
      The False bay (Indian ocean, between Cape Point and Cape Aghulas) is a paradise for all friends of waves! Surflessons for beginners offered!
    • Hiking
      Table mountain (National Park), Lions Head, Devils Peak, Cape Point National Park, walks along the cost line, … Cape Town and surroundings offer hiking trails for everyone.
    • Yoga
      Yoga lessons are offered on Tuesday and Thursday (except public holidays) at the Scalabrini Centre.
    • Golf
      There are more than 20 golf courses in Cape Town and surrounding.
    • (Shark) Diving
      Two oceans, lots of ship wracks … and sharks! There is a variety of possibilities to see the live under water – for beginners and experienced Divers, in a cage to have the perfect shark experience …
    Cultural Experience
    • Volunteering
      One of the best chances to get in contact with local communities is to spend a few hours at the Scalabrini Centre. Especially if you plan to stay in Cape Town for a longer period it is an opportunity to experience something new. Please make your arrangements in advance with our volunteer coordinator Daniela ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
    • City Center
      Cape Town city bowl is a place where many different cultures, peoples and communities are coming together. Everything you are doing is an experience. Open your eyes, open your mind and walk through the city centre …