One of the best times to visit the Mother City is during the festive season, when the warm weather and spectacular scenery make for a blissful summer holiday. Time and again, Cape Town has been voted one of the planet’s most beautiful places, and you can experience it for yourself this summer.

It’s almost impossible to pack everything in to a single Cape Town holiday – there’s just so much to experience in the city. The best idea is to create a holiday itinerary before you arrive. That way, you won’t waste any time once you arrive, and you’ll be able to start the sightseeing straight away!

Of course, there are a few things that you simply must do in the city, and below, you’ll find a list of these top Cape Town summer attractions. Be sure to include these on your itinerary – they’re some of the best attractions Cape Town has to offer. Get the most of out of your Cape Town festive season holiday – start planning now!

Top 5 festive season activities in Cape Town

See the festive lights in Adderley Street
One of Cape Town’s best-loved traditions is the switching on of the festive season lights in Adderley Street. For more than 40 years, colourful lights have festooned the CBD’s main road during December and January, and it’s a delight to traverse the length of the street and take in the beautiful display. The lights create a truly festive vibe in the city centre, and are a unique Cape Town tradition that enchants locals and visitors alike.

Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
During the summer, Kirstenbosch is a beautiful location for day time picnics or evening sundowners. Resting along the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, its views and diversity of indigenous flora are legendary. There are various walking and hiking paths, and seemingly endless stretches of emerald lawns, where you can relax in the shade, indulge in delicious snacks from the café, or enjoy your own picnic. Various festive season concerts take place in December, most of them at sunset – treating visitors to magnificent views combined with beautiful music and Christmas carols.

Spend a day at the beach
In South Africa, the festive season falls during summer, which means that it’s ideal weather for the beach. Cape Town’s summers are legendary: Hot days, cool breezes and clear skies – in other words, perfect beach weather!

A number of the city’s beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status – Clifton Beach, Mnandi Beach and Bikini Beach in Gordon’s Bay, to name a few. Spend a day with the family at Boulders Beach, famous for its penguin colony. Or take a romantic sunset stroll along the gorgeous Camps Bay strip, before enjoying refreshing cocktails at one of the trendy bars along the beachfront. You could gather a group of friends for a day of water-sports, games and picnics at the beach.

Travel to the top of Table Mountain
Everyone knows that a trip to the Cape wouldn’t be complete without visiting Table Mountain – and preferably getting right to the top of it, where you’ll be able to view Cape Town from the best vantage point in the city. The great news is that you don’t have to venture to the top of the mountain on foot (if you don’t want to, that is) – simply take the cable car!

The floor of this 65-passenger car rotates as it travels up the mountain, offering passengers 360 degree views of the city. You’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views and the thrill of travelling up Table Mountain in the famous cable car. Once at the summit, enjoy refreshments at the café, or stroll along the paths at the top of Table Mountain – a truly unique experience for any visitor, and one that simply cannot be missed!

Experience the Cape Minstrel Festival
Every year, Cape Town celebrates Tweede Nuwe Jaar (“Second New Year”) in Adderley Street, the biggest carnival in the city. There’s no better way for visitors to gain fascinating insight into the traditions of the Cape, and to experience its colourful, vibrant festivities of the holiday period. Thousands of Cape Minstrels – the Kaapse Klopse – parade along Adderley Street in brightly-coloured outfits, playing instruments and singing and dancing. Amongst locals, it’s one of the most highly-anticipated events on the calendar, and for visitors, it’s a spectacle to behold.

A fantastic Cape Town holiday starts with the finest accommodation
A memorable holiday begins with first-class accommodation. The newest city hotels offer 5-star lodgings in the heart of Cape Town – and prime positioning close to famous Adderley Street. Book your Cape Town holiday accommodation now, and enjoy luxury accommodation close to these world-class attractions.