Curator’s statement
Cape Town is my second home. I love how it blends an urban vibe with breathtaking nature: You’ve got Table Mountain’s iconic silhouette, endless beaches, and lush forests all in one place. The city feels so international—it reminds me of San Francisco, but with its own heartbeat of incredible food, art, nightlife, and music. Plus, you’re just a couple of hours from world-class reserves where you can see African wildlife (sometimes even right in your front yard).
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Things to do in Cape Town
View from Table Mountain
While you could easily spend two weeks in Cape Town, three days is the perfect taste of this breathtaking city. Whether you’re stopping over pre- or post-safari or before a Garden Route adventure, plan to balance the big sights with a few unexpected local moments. Take your time to soak up the sights and discover why this corner of South Africa is one you’ll want to come back to again and again.
What makes Cape Town—and South Africa as a whole—so unforgettable isn’t just the landscapes, but the people. Invest time in talking with locals and sharing stories, and you’ll understand why so many travelers feel that coming here is like coming home.
Here are my top picks for Cape Town, which you can easily enjoy in three days.
Table Mountain is a breathtaking way to start (or end!) your Cape Town adventure, offering 360-degree views like nowhere else in the world. Even on the most beautiful day, the mountain can close because of the wind, so if the weather is clear, go! Pro tip: Get a fast-track ticket to skip the line for the cable car up and down (the return line can be just as long). Having a guide to point out hidden spots and explain the unique flora and fauna is so worth it.
Guided city tour: Explore Bo-Kaap’s colorful streets, discover Cape Malay culture, and taste a fresh samoosa. Stroll past historic landmarks, relax in the Company’s Garden, and stop for local bites at the V&A Waterfront or a cozy café. With a guide, you’ll breeze through it all stress-free and be done by 5 pm, leaving your evening open for great food and live music
Cape Point day: Wild coastlines, penguins & coastal gems
You can self-drive the Peninsula, but hiring a guide makes it so much easier. This day gives you an incredible overview of Cape Town’s coast, with plenty of scenic drive-bys, quick stopovers, and views of the city’s epic beaches and charming towns. Delight in watching the penguins at Boulders Beach, snap a photo at the historic Cape of Good Hope sign, and don’t miss a coffee or sweet treat at Noordhoek Farm Village. Pro tip: Let your guide adjust the route for weather and crowds—it’s worth it.
Cape Winelands: Elegant estates & iconic sips
A day in the Cape Winelands is all about stunning estates, incredible food, and unforgettable local wines. Sip historic reds and chocolate pairings at places like Waterford or Muratie, then head to Franschhoek for sparkling MCC tastings and a leisurely gourmet lunch. End the day in Paarl at Fairview or Spice Route for wine, cheese, and local flavors with epic views. Pro tip: Book ahead—the best tasting rooms and lunch spots fill up fast!
Day safari at Aquila
If you’d rather swap the wine for wildlife, a day safari at Aquila is an easy way to see South Africa’s iconic animals without leaving Cape Town behind. They’ll pick you up and drop you off right at your hotel, so you can just sit back and enjoy the experience. Expect a classic game drive where you might spot elephants, lions, rhinos, and more—plus a hearty lunch and time to relax by the pool or explore the reserve before heading back to the city
Alma Café: Local food & live shows
For an authentic night out, check out Alma Café, a true neighborhood gem known for its community-style dining and incredible home-cooked food. You’ll share long tables with locals while enjoying live shows that range from music and comedy to small theater performances. It’s the perfect way to connect with Cape Town’s creative side and feel right at home among good people and good food.
Places to eat & drink in Cape Town
Belly of the Beast
Belly of the Beast: Fresh and local with a daily changing tasting menu. There’s no set number of courses, but we’ve seen six to nine. It serves lunch and dinner and is a 30-seat restaurant with two seatings. They book up fast! It’s our favorite spot in Cape Town.
Kloof Street House: Set in a magnificent Victorian house, Kloof Street House is a unique space with fabulous food. Highly recommend the ostrich filet. Reservations are recommended.
TTK Restaurant Group: This is a fabulous collection of restaurants offering some of the better dining and unique experiences.
Harbor House: Great seafood with a view on the waterfront.
The Butcher Shop and Grill: A steakhouse located near the Greenpoint Lighthouse. It’s rated as one of the best steakhouses in Cape Town.
Marcos Place: If you want a taste of proper Southern African food and entertainment, this is the best spot.
Willoughby & Co: One of the oldest sushi restaurants in Cape Town. It’s located in the V&A Waterfront Mall.
Lebanese Bakery: If you happen to find yourself in the Southern Suburbs, don’t miss a stop at this spot. The falafel is incredible!
Need to know
Airport & getting around
When you land at CPT, go straight to the customs line, grab your bags (free carts are available), and ignore taxi offers. Use Uber instead—it’s the safest way to get around Cape Town. Have the Uber app set up before you fly and skip cabs altogether.
Money
Use your debit card at ATMs to withdraw Rand (ZAR). There’s no need for foreign exchange ahead of time. Apple Pay works at many places, but smaller shops may want cash. Major banks like Charles Schwab, Capital One, and Citibank often refund international fees, so check with your bank before you go. A currency app is helpful. Never put your card down or hand it over to someone—they should always bring the card machine to you. This is a key safety tip to keep your card info secure.
Tipping
Tipping 10% at restaurants is customary and very appreciated. Expect to tip for good service, and more if it was exceptional. Pay tips in cash since group meals usually have one bill. Always plan to tip your guide or driver if you hire one.
Safety
Cape Town is generally safe, but there are areas you should absolutely avoid. Never do a township tour without a reputable guide. Don’t walk alone at night, even in areas that feel safe. If you’re traveling solo, ask your hotel to help (many will send a staff member to walk you a few blocks). In touristy areas, look for the green-vested safety officers (SIDs) if you need directions or help. If you’re driving yourself, do a bit of research on where to drive and stop. Don’t flash valuables, use Uber instead of hailing street taxis, and always keep an eye on your bags in busy spots. When in doubt, check with your guide or a local.
Power
South Africa uses Type M plugs (three prongs, one larger). Bring an adapter and a small multi-plug or power strip since many rooms only have one outlet. USB-A plugs are common, but pack the right cable if you use USB-C. A power bank is handy for load shedding (rolling blackouts), which can last two to four hours. Phones, tablets, and small electronics are all dual-voltage, so you’re covered. Skip the blow-dryer—it won’t work well, and most places will have one for you.
Travel Advisor
Sara D’Angelo
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cape Town page.