Cape Town is the kind of place that looks good from just about every angle. Whether you’re staring up at Table Mountain, walking the coastline, or sipping wine with a view, it’s hard not to fall for this city. But if you’ve ticked off the usual tourist boxes, or you’re just looking to experience the city in a different light (sometimes literally), there are a few ways to shake things up.
From glowing paddle boards to guided mushroom walks, here are four fresh ways to see Cape Town like you’ve never seen it before.
1. Paddle Through the V&A Waterfront… At Night
You’ve probably walked through the V&A Waterfront by day. Maybe you’ve browsed the Watershed, grabbed a bite at the food market, or snapped a photo of Table Mountain from the marina. But have you ever paddled through the canals at night, with your board lit up like something out of a sci-fi movie?
With SUP Cape Town’s Glow Night Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour, you can. Each board is fitted with LED lights that illuminate the water beneath you, casting a gentle glow that follows you as you glide through the city’s canal system. It’s peaceful, surreal, and surprisingly easy even for beginners. The glow adds something a little magical to the whole experience, especially when the city lights reflect off the water and the hum of the Waterfront settles into a soft background buzz.
It’s not just a fun evening activity but a completely different way to explore the city. One that feels quiet and personal, even while you’re surrounded by one of the most visited spots in Cape Town. You’ll see the waterfront architecture, bridges, and lights from a totally new perspective, and we guarantee you’ll leave with a story to tell.
2. Climb Lion’s Head by the Light of the Full Moon
Lion’s Head is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The hike is short but steep, winding its way in a spiral up the iconic peak between Table Mountain and Signal Hill. Most people do it for the views at the top, which are absolutely worth it. But if you really want to do it differently, wait for a full moon.
The Full Moon Hike is one of Cape Town’s unofficial but well-loved traditions. Hikers set off in the late afternoon, reaching the summit just in time to watch the sun dip into the Atlantic Ocean while the moon rises over the mountains. The city lights flicker on, the sky turns violet and gold, and suddenly you’re standing in the middle of a postcard.
There’s a unique sense of community up there. People bring snacks, headlamps, cameras, and even a little music. It’s festive but still serene, and the descent by moonlight is something you’ll remember long after your shoes have been dusted off. Just be sure to wear proper hiking shoes, pack water, and don’t hike alone.
3.Hunt for Mushrooms in a Cape Forest
If a quiet forest, expert guide, and a basket full of freshly foraged mushrooms sounds like your kind of morning, you’ll love this one. The Mushroom Foraging Walk with Mosh Jewelry is a chance to slow down and really see Cape Town’s wilder side.
Led by artist, forager, and mushroom enthusiast Nikki Munitz, these walks take place in the forests of the Cape Peninsula and focus on finding and identifying wild mushrooms (and a few other edible plants along the way). Nikki is all about encouraging a deeper connection with nature, and there’s something grounding about learning to spot mushrooms on the forest floor while the city hums somewhere in the distance.
It’s not just about the fungi but about tuning in. You start noticing the way moss grows on fallen logs, or how different the forest smells after rain. Whether you’re a nature nerd, a curious foodie, or just someone who wants a new kind of walk in the woods, this is a wonderfully low-key but deeply rewarding experience.
And yes, you’ll probably leave with a new appreciation for mushrooms – and maybe a few to cook for dinner.
4. Explore the City’s Stories on a Street Art Tour
Cape Town’s streets are full of stories and some of the best ones are painted on walls. If you’re looking for a different lens through which to see the city, try taking a walking tour of its street art.
Woodstock, Salt River, and District Six are all hubs for Cape Town’s street art scene, and several local guides run immersive walking tours that explain the history, artists, and cultural significance behind the works. It’s not just about looking at beautiful murals (though there are plenty of those). It’s about understanding the communities behind them, the messages being shared, and the voices that don’t always make it into the guidebooks.
You’ll see murals that honour local heroes, comment on current events, or express deeply personal stories, all while wandering streets that might otherwise go unnoticed. Some tours also stop at local coffee shops, creative hubs, or artists’ studios, adding a real human connection to the art on display.
It’s a tour that takes Cape Town off the postcard and puts it into context: colourful, complicated, and completely alive.
See the City, Differently
Cape Town isn’t a place you should just visit. The more creative you get with how you experience it, the more it opens up in surprising ways. Whether you’re floating through glowing canals, standing on a mountain under the full moon, or spotting mushrooms between tree roots, each of these activities gives you a different perspective of the Mother City.
So go on, skip the ordinary this time. Cape Town has more sides to it than you think.
