Are you travelling to South Africa with only one full day to spend in Cape Town and have no clue what you should see or experience? We call Cape Town home, and therefore we know it inside out! So, we’ve compiled our top three itineraries to give you some ideas of how to maximise your one day in Cape Town…
Cape Town has so much to offer
Your One Day in Cape Town Itinerary
So little time and so much to do? Everyone has different tastes, so we thought we’d give you three ideas for spending your one day in Cape Town.
Option 1 – For The Culture-Loving City Slicker
If you love exploring art, culture, cuisine and shopping, this itinerary is for you.
Explore The Bo-Kaap
Start your day off in one of Cape Town’s most historically distinctive neighbourhoods. Situated at the foot of Signal Hill, on the fringe of the city centre, lies the Bo-Kaap. This colourful neighbourhood is a must-visit, with so much to see, taste and explore.
Experience a piece of the Cape’s history in the colourful Bo-Kaap
Browse The Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Next, make your way to the Oranjezicht City Farm Market. This is the perfect place to browse on weekends, with endless food and drink options, gorgeous clothing, antiques and more. This vibey market is sure to have something to suit everyone’s tastes.
Buy delicious foods and wonderful goodies at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, Image Credit: The Frank Story
Shop at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
For those interested in art, culture and shopping, you’re in luck, as the V&A Waterfront is the place to be – and it’s conveniently within walking distance of the market. With Table Mountain as your backdrop, spend some time walking around this bustling area, exploring an abundance of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is a hub of culture, shopping and entertainment
See Cape Town from a Bird’s-Eye View
The V&A Waterfront is also the starting point for your helicopter tour to Cape Point! Take off over the Atlantic Ocean and admire the unique Cape Town city with flat-topped Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, Clifton and Camps Bay beaches, and Cape Point from above.
Take to the sky and experience Cape Point from the best vantage point, Image Credit: NAC Helicopters
Appreciate Art at Zeitz MOCAA
Once you return to the V&A Waterfront, head towards the Silo District, where you can explore Africa’s largest art museum, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA). Its unique architecture and equally impressive African art make it a world-class attraction for art afficiandos.
Experience a curated selection of African art at the Zeitz MOCAA, Image Credit: Iwan Baan
Sundowners and Dinner in Camps Bay
Do it like the locals and end your one day in Cape Town with sundowners and dinner in Camps Bay. Bo-Vine Wine & Grill House is one of our favourites and is conveniently situated on the Camps Bay strip, where you can experience magnificent sunsets and golden hour rays.
Spend your evening watching the sunset from the Camps Bay strip
Option 2 – For The Great Adventurer
This option is perfect for our adventure-loving guests wanting to enjoy Cape Town’s magnificent natural beauty.
Sunrise Hike up Lion’s Head
Kick off your one day in Cape Town with a sunrise hike up Lion’s Head while enjoying panoramic views of the city, Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean.
Hike to the top of Lion’s Head for spectacular views of the city
Coffee in the City
Next, grab coffee and a snack from one of Cape Town’s many incredible coffee shops. Our favourite spots are Rosetta Roastery and The Ladder – both conveniently located in the CBD.
Pop in at one of Bree Street’s amazing coffee shops, Image Credit: The Ladder
Peruse Kalk Bay
Pack some snacks, sunblock, your swimming costumes and towels and drive along the M3 to the seaside town of Kalk Bay. Walk around and explore the eclectic mix of historic buildings, cobbled streets, bohemian bric-a-brac shops, vintage bookstores, as well as art and antique galleries. You can also take a dip in one of the tidal pools or head to the nearby Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, or Clovelly beaches.
Kalk Bay is a wonderful seaside suburb to explore
Visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach
Continue driving along the coast, and you’ll find yourself in Simon’s Town, home to the world-famous Boulders Beach. Spend some time tanning on the soft sand, building sand castles and swimming in the ocean with the African penguins!
Sunbathe with the endangered penguins on Boulder’s Beach, Image Credit: Bas Leenders
Admire the Views at Cape Point Nature Reserve
Next, make your way to Cape Point Nature Reserve, where you’ll find an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, pristine beaches and rugged cliffs. You can drive or hike around the reserve and stop at sights like the Cape of Good Hope. Take the Flying Dutchman funicular to the upper lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views without having to break a sweat.
Explore Cape Point on the Flying Dutchman, Image Credit: Cape Point
Drive Along Chapman’s Peak
Head towards Hout Bay via Chapman’s Peak Drive. This lovely marine route winds around the mountains above the Atlantic Ocean, providing endless ocean vistas. Make sure you stop and enjoy sweeping views of the blue ocean while having a picnic at one of the lookout points!
Take a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak, Image Credit: Love Cape Town
See the Seals at Seal Island
Continue to the coastal suburb of Hout Bay, where you can take a relaxed walk along the beach, explore the Bay Harbour Market or take a boat cruise to Seal Island.
A peaceful stroll along Hout Bay beach
Sip Bubbly on a Sundowner Cruise
End your adventurous one day in Cape Town with a glass of bubbles on a magnificent sunset cruise. You can depart from the V&A Waterfront, where you’ll head out for a fun ride, ending with a colourful sunset show.
Watch the sun set over Table Mountain
Option 3 – For The Connoisseur
This itinerary is perfect for those guests who want to enjoy the top luxuries and attractions Cape Town offers.
Go up Table Mountain
Spend your one day in Cape Town enjoying the finer things in life. And what could be finer than one of the New7Wonders of Nature? Take the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain and admire the exquisite views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains.
Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Image Credit: Table Mountain Aerial Company
Breakfast in the Southern Suburbs
Drive to the Southern Surburbs for breakfast at The Hans and Lloyd Coffee Co, one of our favourite local restaurants.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Hans and Lloyd Coffee Co, Image Credit: Restaurant Guru
Kick Back in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Next, make your way to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. There are few places as relaxing and tranquil as Kirstenbosch, and you can easily spend hours in this beautiful place. Stroll along the Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway, feast on a picnic on the lush green lawns, admire the variety of plants, enjoy the art exhibition or even take a guided tour of the grounds.
The incredible view from the Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway in Kirstenbosch
Sample Fine Wines in Constantia
You absolutely cannot leave Cape Town without visiting one of our world-renowned wine farms. All located within a short drive of one another, you have so many options to choose from! A personal favourite is Beau Constantia. This boutique wine farm is located at the top of Constantia Nek and has magnificent views of the valley below.
Take in the incredible view from the Beau Constantia tasting room, Image Credit: Lesley Marchant
Fine Dining at La Colombe
End off your perfectly curated day at La Colombe, voted South Africa’s best restaurant. With more than a few handfuls of awards under their belt, you’ll have the gastronomic experience of a lifetime!
Enjoy a fine dining experience to remember, Image Credit: La Colombe
One Day in Cape Town Has Never Looked So Good
Although it might be short, we can help make your one day in Cape Town a unique and memorable experience. And no matter which option you choose, your day will be filled with unique and unforgettable experiences.
So, contact one of our Rhino Africa Travel Experts and get ready to be wowed by our incredible home city!
