Although Cape Town isn’t enormous compared to other big cities, there is still far more to do and see there than you could see in even two days. It’s a fine line to walk. You want to feel like you’ve truly gotten to know the city when you leave, but you don’t want to speed through your entire stay.
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Two days in Cape Town require organization, structure, and knowledge of the area. Fortunately, I have all of that written down for you. Watch my two-day whirlwind tour of Cape Town to see how you can make the most of your short 48-hour stay in this stunning city.
DAY 1: START IN THE CITY
The City Bowl is the heart of Cape Town. From museums and art galleries to pubs and restaurants, this is the hub of activity. You’re never too far from a breathtaking location in Cape Town because of the magnificent beaches, forests, and mountains that surround the inner city.
The V&A Waterfront, which is essentially a neighborhood in and of itself, is a good place to start. You can get breakfast at any of the fantastic local eateries and cafés, but try not to get sidetracked—there will be time to explore the Waterfront in its entirety later. For now, head for the City Sightseeing bus stop.
Indeed, there is no better way to experience Cape Town than from the top deck of an open-top bus. Pro tip: It’s also worthwhile to obtain a Cape Town City Pass, which grants you free access to more than 70 attractions, many of which are located along the route.
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If you just sit back and enjoy the trip, the Red route will take you there in approximately an hour and a half. Nevertheless, give yourself most of the day because you’ll want to stop at some of the wonderful attractions along the way!
Start by climbing Table Mountain, where you can use the cable car to get a 360-degree perspective of the amazing city you are about to discover. After that, the bus will transport you over the hills to the Atlantic Coast, where you can check out Camps Bay and Clifton’s stunning sandy beaches. If it’s nice outside, get off at Sea Point and walk (or rent a bike and bike) to the next stop along the Sea Point Promenade.
When you arrive back at the Waterfront, spend a few hours here. Do some shopping, take a spin on the Cape Wheel, or marvel at the diversity of our marine life at the Two Oceans Aquarium. As sunset approaches, head to one of the incredible bars overlooking the ocean, and order a bottle of local wine to enjoy with the views. Your dinner options are endless, too. There are hundreds of choices at the Waterfront or in the city, ranging from fine dining to casual burgers or pizzas. Once you’re well fed, head to the City Bowl (and Long Street in particular) for live music, cocktails, dancing, or a night cap. If you’re ahead of schedule, there’s alos some amazing shopping to be done here by day. Sit at a pavement table to people watch, but remember to hold onto your valuables, or keep them out of sight.
