Embedded Files
A city of beauty and incredible adventures
A city of beauty and incredible adventures
What a city! It's not called the Mother city for no reason.
There is so much adventure to be had and some much beauty to be discovered, every corner you turn can feel like anotehr postcard worthy view.
From beaches, to mountains, to food and wine, Cape Town has it all. But where do you start and how do you make the most of your time here. Well I'm here to help, find itineraries and guides below along with some must see spots.
There is so much to see and do in Cape Town, it is honestly so hard to narrow it down, but I've tried. These are my top 12 suggests for things to do on your first trip to Cape Town, some are obvious but others are more off the beaten track, so even if it's not your first time check out our blog post on what to do in Cape Town.
The Ultimate Cape Town Guide is coming soon!
The Ultimate Cape Town Guide is coming soon!
Keep you eye out for our ultimate Cape Town Guide so you can plan a once in a lifetime trip to Cape Town, including restaurants, wineries, things to do, discounts on accommodation and sooo much more.
Places to eat
Places to eat
There is so much incredible food in Cape Town, you will be spoilt for choice. The food everywhere is incredible and with so many Michelin restaurants it is a foodies paradise. Check out our suggestions for must try restaurants and eating options when in Cape Town.
Getting around Cape Town
Getting around Cape Town
In my opinion the easiest way to see Cape Town is by renting a car. I have always found driving around Cape Town super simple and easy and never had an issue. If that's not for you then uber is everywhere and very easy and cheap to get around to all the destinations you want to go to. Areas that would be more difficult to get to if you don't have a car have plenty of options like a guided tour, so you don't have to miss out.
There are buses, trains and "taxis" (minibuses that rule the road) but if you aren't in Cape Town very long then as a tourist I would avoid these.
Finding accommodation in Cape Town can be quite confusing as there are so many different areas to chose from.
In a rush, here's my quick suggestions (as always here's options depending on your budget and an idea accommodation costs in the Cape Town):
Luxury ~£250pn- 12 Apostles Hotel, Camps Bay
Mid-range <£100pn - Lagoon Beach Hotel, Milnerton
Budget <£50pn - Tokoyo Aparthotel, CBD
Super budget <£20pppn - Villa Viva, CBD
For a run down of all the areas and the pros and cons of each check out my where to stay Cape Town blog post:
Cape Town Packing List
Cape Town Packing List
A raincoat/windproof jacket - Cape Town weather can be unpredictable, especially if visiting over winter. Always be prepared for the wind.
Changing robe/towel - with all the incredible beaches and wild swimming spots you'll always want to be ready for a dip.
You'll need clothes for the beach, hiking and going to nice resturants and sunny wine farms.
Travel card - most places in Cape Town only accept card these days. I would always recommend some cash but there is very little you need it for (car parking is one thing). Check out my suggestions on some great cards that I've used out in South Africa so definitely work.
If hiring a car:
Car phone holder
USB
Driving licene
Credit card
Venturing out of Cape Town
Venturing out of Cape Town
It's not just about Cape Town, South Africa has so much to offer just outside of the city. Consider these options when booking your trip to Cape Town:
Stellenbosch & Franschhoek
Stellenbosch & Franschhoek
Highlights: Wine wine and more wine. There's also some lovely hikes to break up the wine stops if you wish. You're sure to have such a wholesome few days.
Suggested time: 2-3 nights
Drive time from CPT: 1 hour
Safari
Safari
Highlights: I don't think I need to explain this one. Safari in South Africa can be very affordable if done right so do check out the Safari section to see if you could add a few days of magic to your trip.
Suggested time: 2-6 nights depending on where you go and how long you want to be animal spotting for.
Drive time from CPT: Dependant on where you go, private games reserves as little as 1.5 hours drive away. National parks - Addo elephant park 1 hour flight/8hour drive (combine with the garden route), or Kruger 2 hour flight.
Hermanus
Hermanus
Highlights: Lovely small town on the coast, would highlighly recommend in Whale season (June to November) when you can spot whales from the shore.
Suggested time: 1-2nights (or just a day trip from CPT)
Drive time from CPT: 1 hour 30 mins
The Garden Route
The Garden Route
Highlights: There is so much to see and do along the Garden Route, from boat trips to hikes, to wine, food and penguins.
Suggested time: At least 5 nights
Drive time from CPT: A road trip along some gorgeous coast line, start in Hermanus and end in Port Elizabeth. 1-2hrs driving a day.
West Coast
West Coast
Highlights: Stunning coast line and beautiful scenery. Venture up to Cederberg for hiking in a landscape that is just out of this world.
Suggested time: 2-5 nights
Drive time from CPT: 2 hours
Further into the Wine lands
Further into the Wine lands
Highlights: It's not all about Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, you can head further in land to discover some incredible places where you can blend and bottle your own wine as well as experience more off the beaten track adventures.
Suggested time: 2 nights
Drive time from CPT: Up to 2hours
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse