In the heart of Cape Town, between Sea Point and the V&A Waterfront, you’ll find the stunning neighborhood of Green Point. It’s full of trendy restaurants, verdant spaces, bustling cafés, and some notable landmarks.
So, whether you’re looking for a place to grab lunch, a museum to intrigue you, or just somewhere to enjoy a colorful sunset, rest assured that you’re sure to find something to do. Green Point is a central spot to be in Cape Town, and it’s ideal for exploring this fantastic city.
Without further ado, here’s a guide of the best things to do in Green Point.
Top tip: Wondering when to travel to the Mother City? Check out this post on the best time to visit Cape Town.
16 Top Green Point Things
From paddling in the Atlantic Ocean to enjoying some food at the Oranjezicht Market, here are the top things to do in Green Point.
Browse African Art at Zeitz MOCAA
One of Cape Town’s best contemporary attractions, the Zeitz MOCAA is a must-visit for its expansive exhibits of African art. It’s definitely one of the top art museums in South Africa, and, what’s more, it’s situated in reused grain silos. This makes the building a masterpiece in itself, but the artwork inside is truly incredible to see.
This includes pieces from a wide variety of African artists, such as Penny Siopis, Willie Bester, Zanele Muholi, Frances Goodman, and Kudzanai Chiurai. Zeitz MOCAA is open all week, from 10 am until 6 pm and tickets cost R250 (€12) per person.
Top Tip: Want to avoid waiting in the queue? Consider buying this fast-track Zeitz MOCAA ticket.
Delight Your Senses at Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Cape Town is known for being a culinary hub in South Africa, and this is no more apparent than at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market. Yeah, you can get all kinds of food, from the mouth watering Korean fried chicken at Sepial’s to the enticing pasteis de natas at Vadas.
What’s more, it also has an impressive range of local clothing, crafts, and homeware stalls, where you can buy souvenirs, a trendy outfit, or even some colorful seasonal flowers. All in all, it’s a great visit no matter your budget, as the entrance is free and the pricing of food varies.
Tour Cape Town Stadium
As one of the major cities that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Mother City is also home to the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point. This spectacular arena can seat around 55,000 people and is now used for other sporting events and concerts.
This includes various rugby and soccer teams, such as Western Province, the Stormers, Cape Town City F.C., and the Cape Town Spurs. You can also tour the stadium on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 pm. This is a brilliant way to experience the history of this building and to learn more about how it was created.
Wander Through Green Point Park
Moving onto something outdoorsy, which is enjoying the lovely Green Point Park. It’s a stunning place to be in Cape Town, as you enjoy panoramic views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Cape Town Stadium.
Additionally, the park is also home to the Biodiversity Garden, where you can educate yourself about the incredible flora and fauna South Africa has on offer, aka fynbos. It’s got loads of different plant species and an awesome labyrinth.
What’s more, the park is also home to the Park Café Green Point, which offers fantastic coffee, great food, and friendly servers.
Visit the Green Point Lighthouse
Another classic landmark in Green Point is the Green Point Lighthouse, with its red and white stripes and square tower. It is the oldest operating lighthouse in South Africa and has been operating since 1824.
Situated adjacent to the Promenade, it’s definitely a great monument to check out. On the inside, there is a small museum, which is open to the public from Monday to Friday between 10 am and 3 pm. It’s free to enter and you can even walk to the top of the lighthouse for some spectacular views.
Check Out the V&A Waterfront
Right near Green Point is the V&A Waterfront, a shopping and culinary hub in Cape Town. There are so many things to do in the V&A Waterfront. From marveling at the marine life at the V&A Aquarium to sampling some of the irresistible food on offer at the Time Out Market, you’ll be spoiled for choice
Moreover, if you want to enjoy some shopping, there are over 450 shops to browse. These range from local brands, like Sealand Gear, Float Apparel, and Artclub and Friends to international fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana.
Go Shopping at the Cape Quarter
Another spot that is terrific for shopping in Green Point is the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village, where you can find a variety of art, fashion, jewelry, and homeware stores. Even better, it’s only a six-minute drive from Cape Coliving, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to do a quick food shop or to find a cool gift.
After perusing the stores, you might feel a bit peckish but don’t stress; there are some brilliant restaurants and cafes here. For a great cup of coffee and an excellent toasted sandwich, head to Bootlegger Coffee Company. Prefer some cheesy pizza and pasta? Check out Liguria Ristorante.
Get Lunch at Giovanni’s
One of this neighborhood’s most attractive features is the variety of excellent restaurants it has on offer. Giovanni’s is a classic Italian deli, where you can access a wide range of foods, like fresh pasta, imported charcuterie, local fruit and vegetables, and hand baked bread.
That’s not all they have to eat, though, as you can also get some mouthwatering ready-made meals, like salads, dips, roasted vegetables – and that’s not even mentioning their fantastic sandwiches. So, whether you’re packing for a picnic or just want to have a cappuccino and a croissant on their patio, be ready for a foodie’s heaven.
Enjoy Burgers at Hudsons
Image from Hudsons Website
Prefer something more American? You can’t go wrong with a burger at Hudsons Green Point, one of the best restaurants in Green Point. From the classic Hudson, which is topped with mustard mayo and pickles to The Original Royale, which comes with bacon, cheddar, and onion rings on it, the burgers here are incredible.
They don’t just have burgers, as you can also get pizzas, salads, ribs, and sliders. To drink, you can choose from some terrific craft beer, colorful cocktails, local wines, and some incredible milkshakes.
Top Tip: Looking to save some cash? Hudsons offer a 2 for 1 special on pizzas on Tuesdays, and Happy Hour from Monday to Friday between 4:30 and 6:30 pm.
Swim at Mouille Point Beach
If the weather in Green Point is great, then an exceptional thing to do is visit the Mouille Point Beach for a swim. It’s the perfect spot to explore rock pools or just to enjoy a quick dip in the cold Atlantic Ocean (with average water temperatures in the 50s).
Additionally, it’s a brilliant setting to catch a sunrise or a sunset, to have a picnic, or even simply to enjoy the spectacular Atlantic seaboard.
PS: For an excellent sweet treat after swimming, visit The Creamery Café in Mouille Point for decadent locally-made ice cream. They also have puddings, sundaes, waffles, and milkshakes.
Play Some Putt Putt
Image from Putt Putt Green Point Facebook
Another fun thing to do in Green Point is to play some Putt Putt with a terrific vista. Putt-Putt on Beach Road has 18 holes, which range from easy to very challenging. What’s great about this spot is it’s open from 9 am until 9 pm, and it’s very affordable to take part.
At only R44 (€2) per game per person, you might even find yourself wanting to play another round. If you’re keen on playing mini golf, then buy the ten game bundle, as it’s valid anytime and only costs R360 (€18). The 18 holes take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on how good you are.
Walk Along the Prom
Seeing as it’s already been mentioned a few times, the Sea Point Promenade is definitely worth an entry of its own. It is a delightful coastal path that stretches from the Green Point Lighthouse to Saunders Rock Beach and is always packed with joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists.
It’s a fantastic example of Cape Town’s multiculturalism, and even has some impactful public art on display. This includes the Mandela Glasses – which show Robben Island as if through the eyes of Mandela, and the Rhinosaur – depicting the sad reality of extinction rhinos are facing.
Dine on Tacos at El Burro
Image from El Burro Website
Moving onto another top Green Point restaurant: El Burro is where you can find some of the best Mexican cuisine in the city. To get started, you can’t go wrong with the chicharrones (fried pork), the chile rellenos (stuffed jalapenos), or the chunky guacamole with chips.
Next up, the flavorful tacos such as Al Pastor, Crispy Duck, Chicken Mole, and Baja Fish are a must-try. The quesadillas and enchiladas are definitely a great option if the weather in Green Point, Cape Town, is a bit chillier.
For something to pair with your meal, they have a wide range of margaritas, craft beers, and local wines. One magnificent option is the pineapple and chilli margarita.
Visit the Cape Medical Museum
Image from Cape Town Museum Website
If you’re interested in all things medical, then the Cape Medical Museum is a lovely way to spend part of an afternoon in Green Point. It was opened by Sir George Gray in 1904 and offers some brilliant insight into the traditional and Western heritage of medicine in the Cape.
It’s open from Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 4 pm and admission is free, although a donation is recommended. Some of its coolest exhibits are the fully kitted out Victorian dentist’s surgery and the dispensary filled with tiny medicine bottles. You also shouldn’t miss the display of the history of diseases and pandemics in the Cape, which is full of informative facts.
Paddle in the Atlantic Ocean
Image from Atlantic Outlook GYG
Now, for an exhilarating activity to get your day started, kayaking in the Atlantic Ocean surely can’t be topped. This marine life kayak tour starts in Granger Bay, where you’ll paddle out and across the Atlantic Seaboard. You’ll get a chance to experience some unique perspectives of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles mountain range, Signal Hill, and Lion’s Head.
Plus, you’ll likely spot seals, dolphins, penguins, and maybe even some whales. If you’re worried about safety, rest assured that your guides are extensively experienced and the boats are extremely stable.
Enjoy Coffee at Jason Bakery
Image from Jason Bakery Facebook
Lastly, for an epic Green Point breakfast, head to Jason Bakery. This is another magnificent restaurant on offer in Green Point, where you’ll find all kinds of innovative pastries and tasty coffees.
This includes the three-day process doughssant, which are filled with interesting fillings and unique designs. Some other highlights are the pancakes, the bagels, and the sandwiches. The all-day breakfast also features shakshuka, the dirty eggs, and the apple pie oats.
Top Tip: Every Thursday, Jason Bakery has a Pizza Evening, where you can try their 72-hour fermented dough, which is topped with unique toppings. It’s open from 6 until 9:30 pm.
Wrapping Up the Best Things to Do in Green Point
As you can tell, Cape Town’s Green Point neighborhood has so much to offer. From dining on delectable food at one of the many Green Point, Cape Town restaurants, to enjoying some mini golf on the Prom – this place is magical.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Green Point, Cape Coliving is ideal, especially if you’re a digital nomad or a solo traveller. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Sea Point and a 15-minute walk from the V&A Waterfront.
Next Read: For something adventurous to do, check out this post on the best Cape Town tours.
