How to spend 24 hours in Cape Town

If you’re traveling to South Africa, chances are good that you will visit Cape Town, South Africa’s mother city.  This beautiful harbour city sits against the backdrop of Table Mountain, one of the new seven natural wonders of the world.  The city is stacked with stuff to do, indoors and out doors.  If this is your first time here, read my quick guide on how to spend a packed 24 hours in Cape Town.

*This article with an interactive map is available on the GPSMyCity app for download here

24 hours in Cape Town

7:00 – Sea Point Promenade

One of the many outdoor things you can do in Cape Town is to take a stroll or a bike ride along the Sea Point Promenade.  If you start your morning off like this, you can fill your lungs with fresh sea air.

8:00 – Breakfast

Grab some breakfast at one of the many eateries in Bree Street in the city centre.  Jason’s Bakery is always a winner or if you’re crazy about bacon, why not try a speciality sandwich at Bacon on Bree?

If you’re looking for the best coffee in the country head over to the best coffee roasters in town, Truth Coffee in Buitenkant Street.  They also serve beautiful breakfasts and fresh bakes to enjoy.

9:00 – Table Mountain

The most prominent symbol of Cape Town was named one of the new Seven Wonders of nature and is an absolute must visit if you’re in Cape Town, weather permitting.  If you’re feeling tough you can do a hike up the mountain or just take the cable car to the top for the best views.

11:30 – Taste wine at Groot Constantia Wines

Head to Groot Constantia Wine Estate, the oldest wine estate in South Africa and taste some of their award-winning wines.  Enjoy a stroll on the grounds and admire the original architecture of this cultural heritage site.  The chocolate and wine paring and cellar tour is highly recommended.

13:00 – Lunch

Head out to Woodstock for lunch.  The Woodstock Exchange is a good starting point and if you’re there on a Saturday, be sure to check out the Neighbourhood Market at the Old Biscuit Mill.

14:00 Art tours and museums

You can do a walking tour of Woodstock’s street art and afterwards head back into town to explore the colourful Bo-Kaap houses and the Bo-Kaap Iziko Museum.

16:00

Head off for some last-minute shopping at the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Quarter for more specialised options or explore the artisan shops within the city centre (I love Babette’s Clothing, Honest Chocolate and Dear Rae Jewellery).

18:30

Time for some sun downers overlooking the bay.  The Grand Café & Beach is directly on the beachfront so you can curl your toes in the sand while sipping on one of their creative cocktails.  The Camps Bay strip also offers many options, be sure to try The Leopard Bar at the Twelve Apostles Hotel or The Bungalow in Clifton for great views.

20:00 – Dinner

Head to Kloof Street and the nearby Park Street for great dinner offers.  Try Kloof Street House if you’re looking for more upscale dining or Black Sheep.  You’ll find the bohemian eatery Bombay Bicycle Club at the top of the hill where the Kudu loin is a must try.  Its sister restaurant Cafe Paradiso is lower on the street.  Take a stroll down Kloof Street and consider your options, as there are many.

22:00 – Nightlife

Long Street is where it happens.  Filled with eateries, bars and clubs there’s something here for everyone.  If you venture further down Loop and Shortmarket Streets you might even stumble on some hidden gems like Tjing Tjing, The Secret Gin Bar or The House of Machines.  You can also head out to Harrington street in the fringe district for more indie hangouts like Lefty’s Dive Bar or The Assembly for some live music and clubbing.

Transportation around Cape Town:

My Citi Bus

Tourist Bus – Hop on Hop Off

Uber or Taxi service

Check out AirBnB for accommodation options or Booking.com for the best deals.

Other activities to consider:

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Hiking Lion’s Head, Surfing in Muizenberg, Visiting Robben Island (Mandela’s prison cell), District Six Museum, Zeits MOCAA or take a champagne and sunset cruise.

You might also like : Things to do in Cape Town for free

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*If you liked this post you can save it for later to read offline with the GPSMyCity app! You can download an interactive map of the places I mention in my post too 🙂 click here or on the banner in the side bar.

Part of #MondayEscapes hosted by My Travel Monkey

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