What's the sky doing?

Table Mountain cable car

The top of the city, with views over both coasts on a good day.

Check first: Closes in strong wind, so check on the morning you go.

Hike Lion's Head

A short, steep walk with a full circle view. Go early, or for sunset with a torch.

Check first: Some sections have chains and ladders.

Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope

Wild coast, baboons, ostriches and big views from the old lighthouse.

Check first: Very exposed in the wind. Keep your food away from baboons.

Drive Chapman's Peak

One of the great coastal drives, with cliffs on one side and sea on the other.

Check first: Toll road. It closes when there's a risk of falling rocks.

Penguins at Boulders Beach

Walk the boardwalks beside a wild African penguin colony. The big boulders give shelter.

Check first: Pay at the gate. Don't touch the penguins.

Kirstenbosch garden

Walk among proteas and giant trees on the back of Table Mountain, and cross the treetop walkway.

Clifton beaches

The rocks keep off the south-easter, so this is where locals go on windy days.

Check first: The water is icy, even in summer. Parking fills up early.

Sunset at Camps Bay

Palm trees, the Twelve Apostles behind you and the sun going into the sea.

Learn to surf at Muizenberg

Warmer water, gentle waves and the famous coloured beach huts.

Check first: Book a lesson on the day if the wind is low.

Tidal pools at St James

Swim safely in a rock pool in the warmer water of False Bay.

Check first: Watch for big waves at high tide.

Kite-watching at Blouberg

The strong wind brings out the kitesurfers, with the classic view of Table Mountain across the bay.

Check first: Sand blows hard, so stay near the walkway.

Sunset from Signal Hill

Drive up with a blanket and watch the sun go down over the city and the sea.

Walk the Bo-Kaap

Bright painted houses, cobbled streets and the smell of Cape Malay spices.

Check first: Be respectful, because people live here.

Company's Garden and the museums

Shady paths and squirrels, with the South African Museum and National Gallery next door.

Zeitz MOCAA

Africa's big contemporary art museum, inside an old grain silo.

Check first: Closed some days, so check first.

Two Oceans Aquarium

Sharks, turtles and a kelp forest, and it's all indoors. Children love it.

V&A Waterfront markets

Food hall, craft market and shops, most of it under cover and all of it close together.

District Six Museum

The moving story of a neighbourhood removed under apartheid, often told by people who lived there.

Castle of Good Hope

South Africa's oldest surviving building, with a moat, cannons and a good museum.

Robben Island ferry

See the prison where Nelson Mandela was held, with a tour led by former prisoners.

Check first: Ferries cancel in rough seas. Book early and allow a spare day.

Woodstock street art and Saturday market

Big murals on old factory walls and a busy food market on Saturdays.

Check first: Walk it with a group or a guide.

Kalk Bay harbour

Fishing boats, seals, antique shops and huge waves over the harbour wall in a storm.

Check first: Stand well back from the wall in big seas.

Sea Point Promenade

A flat, wide seaside walk with public art and the paragliders landing on the lawn.

Wine tasting in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek

Often clear when the coast is misty, and lovely by the fire when it rains. Use a driver.

Check first: 18 and over. Don't drink and drive.

Constantia vineyards

Wine farms about 20 minutes from the city, the easy choice if you don't want a long drive.

Check first: 18 and over. Don't drink and drive.

Sunset cruise from the Waterfront

See the mountain turn gold from the water. Best on a still evening.

Check first: Sailings depend on the wind.

Scenic helicopter flight

The Twelve Apostles and the Peninsula from the air. Nothing else gives you this view.

Check first: Needs good visibility and low wind.

Tandem paragliding

Run off Signal Hill with a pilot and land beside the sea at Sea Point.

Check first: Flights depend on the wind, so keep your day flexible.

Sea kayak in Simon's Town

Paddle past naval ships and, on a good day, penguins in the water beside you.

Check first: Needs a calm sea.

Whale watching at Hermanus

Southern right whales come close enough to see from the cliff path. June to November.

Check first: About 2 hours' drive each way.