You will be spoilt for choice as to how to spend time in Cape Town. Located in South Africa’s southwest coast, this vibrant and cosmopolitan city has so much to offer. I recommend at least 10-14 days to explore the city’s stunning landscapes, diverse cultures and rich history. Born and raised in Cape Town, my insider tips will help you make the most of your time in the city. Get set for some unique Capetonian experiences.
Local spots loved by visitors
Simon’s Town is loved by locals and tourists alike, mainly because of the charming African Penguins. Visit the Boulders Penguin Sanctuary then continue along the boardwalks. Beyond the sanctuary the penguins roam free, and because the locals respect their space, some penguins may pass you by!
In Cape Town, Sunday afternoon drives are a must. Chapman’s Peak Drive is my top pick. The long marine drive offers scenic mountain and sea views along the Atlantic Coast. After your drive, stop off to enjoy a blend of local food, art and culture at the Bay Habour Market in Hout Bay.
Another favourite is long walks in Kirstenbosch Gardens which you can combine with a picnic. During summer months, live music concerts are held every Sunday afternoon. Enjoy the show while you sip on wine and munch your way through your picnic. Be sure to go early because tickets sell out fast.
Where to experience adventure
For a bit of adventure Lion’s Head Mountain and Paarl Rock offer easy hiking and walks in beautiful landscapes.
You could also hike the iconic Table Mountain. This is a steep two and a half hour hike. If the weather is too hot, I suggest taking the cable car to the top.
Then at Cape Point you can enjoy a mix of walking trails, swimming, game watching and whale watching (when in season). On your way back, visit Kalk Bay Harbour where you can eat fresh seafood, see the colourful boats and playful seals.
Where and how to do wine tasting in Cape Town
Another Capetonian favourite is slow-paced wine tasting. Groot Constantia and Cape Point Vineyards both offer award-winning wines. Groot Constantia’s 2019 Sauvignon Blanc won the International Wine Challenge 2020 Trophy for the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world!
Cape Town’s wine tasting farms are endless. You will find some on the outskirts of Cape Town, from Paarl to Stellenbosch and in Franschhoek.
Paarl offers a full day of entertainment in one location. Your options include Spice Route Wine & Charcuterie pairing, chocolate tasting, spirits tasting, and craft beer tasting. The local restaurants offer beautiful views of the Cape Winelands.
Franschhoek Wine Tram route is a great day out. You can take your time hopping on and off the tram to sample different wines in this old French village.
I highly recommend hopping off at Grande Provence. Here you can enjoy a delicious combination of nougat and wine in a garden setting, complete with iron sculpture art pieces. If you prefer pairing your wine with something savoury, make sure you hop off at La Bri where you can have biltong (cured and dried meat) and wine, or stop at La Bourgogne for some olives and wine.
Where and what to eat in Cape Town
Food is a big part of life in Cape Town, so don’t miss out on visiting the main hotspots. In Constantia, breakfast, lunch or coffee breaks can be had at Chardonnay Deli. They have a range of home baked goods, health foods, and a barista on site – the coffee is second to none! The deli is beautifully set around trees, and even if you visit in winter, you will be happy that you did. They have a beautiful fireplace inside and heat lamps outdoors, so the fun never has to stop even if the weather is cold.
For local food in a vineyard setting visit Jonkershuis, they offer delicious Bobotie (a South African national dish). If that is not enough, did I mention this restaurant is set at a wine farm, complete with a museum and beautiful views all around?
For more traditional foods, try Mama Africa in Cape Town central, or visit one of the many steakhouses around for a good steak.
Cape Town has some of the best-ranked meat in the world. If you make friends with locals you may get an invitation to a braai (meat barbequed over wood fired coals) or a potjiekos evening (stew made in a cast-iron pot over a fire), this is the best way to eat traditional South African food. We love braais so much that we lovingly nicknamed one of our national holidays, National Braai Day (National Heritage Day – 24 September).
Where to experience culture
South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation because of its diverse ethnic groups, which include native South Africans (Khoisans), migrating Africans (Bantus), European colonisers (Dutch, French and British) and Asian migrators (from South, Southeast, East Asia and islands along the sea route to India).
If you are curious about South African history and culture before colonisation began then spend the day at the award-winning museum, ǃKhwa ttu San Heritage Centre. Visitors can learn about the first South African inhabitants, the San, while watching wild game roam around the 1900 acre farmland.
You can also visit District Six Museum, which explores pre and post-Apartheid history, and the forced removal of its ethnically diverse groups of people during that era.
If you hold the late Former President, Nelson Mandela, close to heart (and who doesn’t) then visit Robben Island Museum. Our beloved Madiba was imprisoned there for 18 years.
For a cultural experience expressed through art, choose from older museums like Iziko South African Museum, to newer ones like Zeits MOCAA at the Waterfront.
Where to unwind and get pampered
After all the sightseeing, wine tasting, eating and cultural immersion, you may wish to spend your final days in Cape Town getting pampered. Quiet time on the beach or in the mountains is a relaxing way to unwind.
Camps Bay is a great beach spot where you can enjoy cocktails, view the famous 12 Apostles Mountain Range, enjoy a spa treatment, and more.
For a traditional massage treatment, the Africology Intonga (stick) massage at Cayenne Spa is a top pick. The masseur uses different sized wooden sticks along with skilled hand movements to release tense muscles.
After winding down, you will be ready to head back home relaxed and with a bag full of memories. If you have spent time in Cape Town and we did not mention your favourite place, let us know about it in the comment area below!