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Things to do in Cape Town

Itineraries for Your Trip to Cape Town

Cape Town locals share their perfect days.
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2 Days in Cape Town for First Timers

Curated by Karen Gardinera Scottish travel writer based in the US.

Two days in Cape Town allows you time to thoroughly explore the city—from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the top of Table Mountain—and get a closer look at some of the city’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. Here’s how to spend two days in South Africa’s most beautiful city.


Day 1: Morning

Get a great perspective on the layout of Cape Town by heading up Table Mountain for sweeping views. Options include hiking, biking, and skip-the-line cable car tours. Combine a visit to Table Mountain with other attractions like the infamous Robben Island.

Day 1: Afternoon

Take a sightseeing tour to see Cape Town’s top sights and learn about its history. Hop-on hop-off bus tours allow you the flexibility of being able to set your own itinerary. Alternatively, a private guided tour lets you customize your itinerary with the added benefit of more in-depth exploration.

Day 1: Night

Get a taste of local culture on a themed evening experience, such as a jazz tour that takes you into homes of local musicians and noted nightspots to listen to live performances—most also include dinner, often at a local musician’s home.

Day 2: Morning

Explore the wild scenery that lies just outside of the city on a morning tour to Cape Point. Guided half- and full-day tours (group and private) generally drive along the oceanside Chapmans Peak Road, past Hout Bay Harbour and Boulders Beach, known for its colony of African penguins, to Cape Point where the views from the Cape of Good Hope are spectacular.

Day 2: Afternoon

Get a lesson in Cape Town’s cultural history with a tour of the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, home to a large community of Cape Malays. Tours generally include entrance to the Bo-Kaap Museum and some include a traditional South African meal in a private home.

Day 2: Night

Conclude your visit to Cape Town with an evening filled with music, dance, and delicious traditional eats. Pre-book experiences that combine dinner with a traditional show to guarantee your spot.

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