Cape Town, South Africa is a bucket-list destination for many people – and for good reason. This gorgeous town on the country’s west coast is home to incredible shopping, jaw-dropping views, and some of the most delicious food (braai, anyone?).

I was fortunate to travel with TBA Escapes on their Beach to the Bush tour which included all the major highlights curated by the owner herself who lived in Cape Town for years!

If you only have a limited time in Cape Town, there are sites you definitely want to make sure get on the itinerary.

What Should I Pack?

Cape Town, South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, so if you’re from the US you can expect the seasons to be flip-flopped. January is generally the hottest month in Cape Town as it’s the height of summer!

You’ll want to bring beach clothes, even if you’re just planning to stroll across the sand. The beaches in Cape Town are some of the best in the world, so you won’t want to spend all your time inland.

Bring a bag or wallet with closures to avoid pickpockets. Cape Town is generally safe for tourism, however petty theft and other crime does happen.

The currency of South Africa is the South African rand. Most places accept credit cards, but it’s good to have a bit of cash on hand for tips and street vendors.

Recommended: What to Pack for Your First African Safari

How Long Should I Spend in Cape Town?

There is so much to do in my favorite of South Africa’s capital cities (there are three – Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein!), two days simply isn’t enough time to adequately explore. I would recommend a minimum of three full days in Cape Town, but of course that’s not always feasable.

Here are my top highlights for a short trip to Cape Town:
 

Hike Up Lion’s Head Mountain

Lion’s Head is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, and a very popular hiking spot. It can take about 2 hours to hike, so hit the trail to catch the sunrise views before you start a day of sightseeing!

Don’t forget to pack hiking boots, sunscreen, and a water bottle if you’re planning on hiking during your time in Cape Town.

Shop at the Local Markets

Grab a delicious breakfast and shop for local wares at the Orangezicht City Farm or stock up on all your favorite things at the Watershed Market where over 150 local vendors sell their wares. This is a great place to grab souvenirs or new one-of-a-kind treats for yourself!

Hike (or Cable Car!) Table Mountain

Get a bird’s eye view of Cape Town and the shoreline from Table Mountain! Journey up the craggy mountainside via rotating cableway or journey on the 4-hour hike if you’re a more advanced hiker. Once you’ve reached the summit, take in the 360-degree views and sip a coffee in the clouds.

Pack a picnic for a unique lunch spot with city views you can’t get anywhere else!

Visit the Colorful Bo Kapp Neighborhood

Bo Kapp is one of the most recognizable spots in Cape Town. This neighborhood of brightly painted homes was once a racially segregated area of town, with the paint colors serving as an expression of freedom.

Unwind at a Wine Farm

Cape Town is well known for its local wine and wine farms. Enjoy some of the delicious local cuisine and treat yourself to a wine flight – South African wine is some of the best in the world.

Babylonstoren is about a 35 minute drive from Cape Town, and definitely worth the excursion. It’s easy to see the time fly by as you explore the beautiful gardens, shop fresh eats from local vendors, and enjoy a meal among all the plant life.

Hit The Beach

What is a visit to this seaside city without at least one trip to the beach? Just a short walk from Kalk Bay is St. James beach with its iconic colorful beach huts, or relax on the white sand beaches at Clifton!

Say Hi To Africa’s Only Penguin Colony

At Boulder’s Beach, you’ll find one of the cutest sites in Cape Town – a colony of beach-dwelling penguins! These cuties are used to being fawned over by animal-loving visitors, but they are still wild animals so make sure to leave a respectful distance between you and them.

Pro Tip: I did a fair bit of climbing across, over, and through large bolders to get this photo. If you aren’t able to do a bit of flexible gymnastics or walk down several sets of stairs, you might want to skip this stop.

Take In The City By Helicopter

See all the sights at once – no really! There’s no better way to get a view of the city and the full peninsula than by helicopter tour.

Most helicopter tours range from 15-25 minutes, which is more than enough time to circle all of the local highlights (and maybe even see some ocean wildlife!), but many companies offer longer tours as well.

Have a Braai

Braai is an unparalleled culinary treat that South Africa is famous for. It is basically South African barbeque, with the food being cooked using aromatic wood.

If you don’t have friends in Cape Town to host a backyard braai, there are incredible restaurants all around the city with top-notch eats to satisfy your cravings.

There’s always something happening in this vibrant seaside town nicknamed the Mother City! If you’ve been debating a trip to South Africa, this is your sign to book those plane tickets.

The best time to travel is March-April (Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere) or September to November (the beginning of Summer in the Southern Hemisphere). You’ll find great temperatures and clear weather for your trip!

Have you been bitten by the travel bug? Explore even more beautiful destinations to check off of your bucket list!

If you’re looking for more itineraries for quick trips, check out how to spend 48 hours in London!