Things to do in Knysna

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Knysna

Types of activities

Where to stay

Knysna Travel Guide

Knysna which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a sunset

Knysna featuring tranquil scenes, general coastal views and rocky coastline

Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve which includes surf, general coastal views and rocky coastline

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Tours & day trips

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WILDERNESS GARDEN ROUTE QUAD BIKE FUN RIDE

Free cancellation available

Water activities

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Knysna: Scenic Cruise Aboard a Luxury Lounge Cruiser

Free cancellation available

History & culture

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Cape Town - Safari tour with Return Transport

What to do in Knysna

Popular places to visit

Sunset at the waterfront in Knysna. The waterfront area is one of the best places to eat in Knysna, and our two favorite restaurants are Caffe Mario (Italian) and 34 South

Knysna Waterfront

You can enjoy retail therapy at Knysna Waterfront during your stay in Knysna. You can seek out the golf courses while in the area.

Knysna featuring landscape views, general coastal views and mountains

Knysna Lagoon

Sheltered from the rough sea swells by two rugged headlands, this brilliantly blue lagoon is a boating and watersports hotspot.

Knysna Quays

Shop for hours in sleek malls, dine with spectacular views and take a boat charter out onto a lagoon from one of the most scenic harbors on the Garden Route.

Knysna featuring rocky coastline, mist or fog and landscape views

Eastern Head View Point

Enjoy spectacular views over the brilliantly blue Knysna Lagoon and the sheltering sandstone bluffs, and watch waves crash into the rocks at this cliff-top lookout.

Knysna showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and tranquil scenes

Buffalo Bay Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Buffalo Bay Beach during your trip to Knysna? You can seek out the golf courses while in the area.

Great 9km beach walk to buffalo bay and back

Brenton Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Brenton Beach during your travels in Knysna? You can seek out the golf courses while in the area.

Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve

See some of the Western Cape’s wonderful wildlife in a coastal nature reserve that combines the flora and fauna of both the ocean and the land.

Outeniqua Transport Museum

Have fun with all the family browsing this museum’s impressive array of historic steam trains and vintage cars, along with photographs and other artifacts.

Leisure Isle

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Leisure Isle during your travels in Knysna. Wander the gardens and beaches while you're in the area.

Areas of Knysna

Thesen Island

While visiting Thesen Island, you might make a stop by sights like Knysna Lagoon and Garden Route National Park.

Knysna Quays featuring a bay or harbor and a sunset

Waterfront

Unique features of Waterfront include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Knysna Quays or Knysna Waterfront while you're exploring the area.

Knysna Central

If you're spending some time in Knysna Central, Knysna Quays and Knysna Waterfront are top sights worth seeing.

Beautiful view from a beautiful guest house

Paradise

Paradise is noteworthy for its gardens, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Knysna Lagoon and Garden Route National Park.

Rexford

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Rexford and surrounding area, you can visit Knysna Golf Club and Leisure Isle.

Belvidere

Travelers like the restaurants in Belvidere, and Knysna Lagoon is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is Knysna worth visiting?

One of the most common things to do in Knysna is explore Buffalo Bay Beach. Tick this major attraction off your itinerary, then discover more of this area's culture and fishing.

How do I spend a day in Knysna?

After you've checked off top attractions like Buffalo Bay Beach and Eastern Head View Point, spend some time exploring Knysna's shopping and dining scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Knysna?

Buffalo Bay Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Knysna and should be high on every must-do list of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Knysna?

Three days in Knysna is more than enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many guests spend three days on average. Buffalo Bay Beach, Eastern Head View Point and Outeniqua Transport Museum are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots like Plettenberg Bay.

Is Knysna a walkable city?

With vibrant neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Knysna is a good destination to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Drupkelders Hiking Trail and Knysna Quays. Then take a stroll around Paradise, located 2 kilometers from downtown, and Knysna Central, which is about 0.48 kilometers away.

What are some activities to do in Knysna with kids?

If you're searching for tours and attractions for all of your group, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in Knysna with kids.

What to do in Knysna for adults?

From delicious food and cultural attractions to thrilling excursions and unique experiences, there are loads of interesting things to do in Knysna for adults.

Are there free things to do in Knysna?

From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Knysna. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Buffalo Bay Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.