Five Days in Cape Town | The Perfect Solo Itinerary

After my solo trip to Kenya and Tanzania last year, I’ve been dying to visit Africa again. Lo and behold, a work trip to Johannesburg materialized and I jumped at the opportunity to visit South Africa. However, I only had the time to visit the two major cities: Cape Town and Johannesburg in my seven days in South Africa.

Cape Town was a blast! A fascinating, diverse, and gorgeous city. I spent three days on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, combined it with city walking tours, visited Robben Island, and even caught a ballet show. There was a lot to do and not enough time.

Here is a five-day Cape Town itinerary you can do easily even if travelling alone.

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Basics

About

I was late to the Cape Town party, quite literally and figuratively. Many of my friends had been there already and could not and would not stop raving about how awesome the city was. A week wouldn’t be enough to see the place; a road trip is a must; the hikes are mind-blowing; and so the list went on.

Therefore, when I found an opportunity through work to do a side trip to Cape Town, I jumped at it.

The city was truly stunning, unlike anywhere I’d been before.

Cape Town sits by the Atlantic Ocean, with a mountain wrapped around it, and, thus, offers stunning views. The scenery constantly amazes and provides many OMG moments. Any way you turn, there’s Table Mountain, looming high, like a protective parent. When I asked locals what they missed most when away, almost all said “the sight of Table Mountain”. I felt like she was the “Mother” in “Mother City” but that’s not why Cape Town is called that. But more on this later.

However, everything you see and do in Cape Town carries with it a sombre tinge from the past, as apartheid and segregation were not that long ago. Today, Cape Town still seems predominantly white, and although legal segregation is gone, economic and cultural disparities remain. These differences are subtle but noticeable.

And now for a quick city overview.

Cape Town, located on the southwestern coast of South Africa, has a rich and complex history dating back centuries. The indigenous Khoisan people originally inhabited the area. Portuguese explorers arrived in the 15th century, followed by the Dutch East India Company, which established a settlement in 1652. This settlement grew into Cape Town, serving as a strategic rest stop for ships travelling to Asia. Over time the city became a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Dutch, British, Malay, and African communities. It’s truly a diverse city, a melting pot.

Key places to visit in Cape Town include the iconic Table Mountain, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding coastline. The V&A Waterfront is a bustling hub with shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Two Oceans Aquarium. The historic District Six Museum commemorates the forced removals of residents during apartheid. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cape Town has a population of 4 million, making it the second-most populous city in South Africa. While Pretoria (1400 km away) is South Africa’s administrative capital, Cape Town, as the seat of Parliament, is the legislative capital. Cape Town is often called the “Mother City.” One narrative attributes this to it being the site of South Africa’s first European settlement, thus symbolizing the nation’s origins. Another attributes it to a local newspaper in the 1930s highlighting Cape Town as the sole city deserving the title of ‘metropolis,’ drawing from the Greek words ‘metros’ and ‘polis,’ meaning mother and city, respectively. Embraced by the public, this designation gave rise to the endearing moniker “Mother City.”

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Best Time to Visit

Conventional wisdom suggests that January to March is the best time to visit due to clear skies and sunny days. December is good too, but it can get windy. However, when I visited in late May and early June, the weather was just perfect. The days were sunny, around 20 degrees Celsius, with calm winds. It was never chilly. Except for one rainy day, the weather was extremely pleasant. I wondered why more people didn’t travel during this time until the day I left – June 3rd – when it rained and cold weather officially began. However, from local wisdom, I learned that the shoulder months of April and May are perfect for a visit.

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Is it Safe?

South Africa has a reputation for crime, but it’s not as bad as you might have heard. With some precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips; take them seriously.

• Be discreet with valuables: Avoid flashy jewellery and keep your phone inside and out of sight. Use a crossbody bag for added security. Phone and bag snatching are common, so extra precaution is advisable.
• Avoid walking. Instead, utilize ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt even for short distances; and I’m talking about distances less than 5 minutes by foot. Stick to well-lit areas at night and avoid walking alone, especially on empty roads. Just avoid walking, period.
• Grocery stores and supermarkets are few and far in-between and thus access to food can be challenging at times, so keep yourself well-stocked with food at all times. SPAR, Woolworth, Checkers, and Pick n Pay are the popular supermarkets, to put as a destination in your ride app.

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Flights and Visa from India

Flights

I flew Qatar Airways to Cape Town and Etihad on my way back from Johannesburg. The round trip cost INR 55,000 or USD 660. Kenya Airlines had flights too but with long layovers in Nairobi. South African Airlines were not flying the route.

Visa

Currently, there are two ways to obtain a visa: an eVisa or a stamped visa through VFS. The South Africa visa is currently free of charge for Indians. The South African eVisa process can be unpredictable. I received mine within five days, but it had the wrong expiry date. The DHAC toll-free number (0800 60 11 90) confirmed they couldn’t correct it over the phone. I subsequently applied through VFS, which required additional documents and incurred service charges totalling INR 2255 in Mumbai. Processing time for the visa is typically 15-20 days, but I expedited mine with an ‘expedite letter’. For a smoother experience, consider applying well in advance for the eVisa and be prepared to use VFS if needed. You can obtain a free eVisa through this link.

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SIM, Money, and Transportation

SIM

The Cape Town airport has Vodacom and MTN SIM card stores open from 7 AM to 8 PM. I purchased an MTN prepaid SIM card at Cape Town Airport. Vodacom has slightly better 4G/5G network coverage in South Africa but is more expensive than MTN. A 30-day, data-only (10 GB) MTN SIM costs about 469 ZAR (25 USD).

Money

At the time of writing this, 1 South African Rand (ZAR) equalled INR 4.6 and 0.055 USD. I budgeted 200 ZAR (20 USD) per day to cover walking tours (~200-300 ZAR for a 2-hour tour), roadside shopping, and as a backup in case my credit card did not work. However, almost all places accept credit cards, with many displaying a ‘cashless’ sign, indicating that no cash is accepted. ATMs are available at the airport if you want to withdraw cash as a backup, as I did. Standard Bank, Capitec, and Nedbank ATMs appeared to have the lowest charge for withdrawal at 50 ZAR, while ABSA charges around 75 ZAR per withdrawal.

Transportation

Uber and Bolt are reliable and affordable ways to get around Cape Town. Locals consider Uber safer, especially at night, but it’s more expensive. Bolt is cheaper, but I used it for daytime travel only.

Uber and Bolt are plentiful. The fares rarely go beyond USD 3-6 for travel within the city. The drivers, often from Zimbabwe or the Eastern Cape, are kind, chatty, and play such good music!

To travel from the airport to the hotel, take an Uber or Bolt. Do not get swayed by those who promise to help you find a cab or claim to be Uber. Ask for directions from one of the uniformed personnel inside the airport. In Cape Town, the Uber and Bolt pickup is in the parking, a five-minute walk outside from the Arrival Hall.

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The Itinerary

Cape Town can be done in several different ways. Using walking tours + self-guided visits to places of interest, and through the hop-on-hop-off bus tours + hop-off in your areas of interest. Below are some ideas.

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Walking Tours

There are a few kinds of walking tours you can do in Cape Town. See timetables at City Sightseeing Free Walking Tours (from 81 Long Street), Walk Cape Town, or Cape Town Free Walking Tours (from Motherland Coffee, St Georges Mall in CBD). Walks are tips-based. (~200-400 ZAR per person depending on the duration of the walk and how pleased you were.)

The walking tours usually cover the following areas.

The City Centre

This walking tour usually passes through (1) The Greenmarket Square (A 17th-century marketplace once used for slave trading), (2) the Company’s Garden (South Africa’s oldest garden, established by the Dutch East India Company to supply fresh produce to sailors voyaging to India), (3) City Hall (Constructed in 1905, featuring a statue of Nelson Mandela at the site of his first post-prison speech), (4) The Grand Parade (Cape Town’s primary public square), (5) the District Six Museum (Commemorates District Six and the forced displacement of 60,000 residents based on race during Apartheid), (6) The South African Museum (Founded in 1825, housing diverse zoological, paleontological, and archaeological collections), (7) The Jewish Museum & Holocaust Centre (honouring Jewish life and South Africa’s Jewish history), (8) the Castle of Good Hope (A 17th-century fort, the oldest colonial structure, offering above-ground and underground exploration).

Apartheid to Freedom

I did the Apartheid to Freedom Tour with Cape Town Free Walking Tours. As part of the tour, we visited St. George’s Cathedral, where Desmond Tutu’s appointment as archbishop created quite a stir. We also saw the race classification board building, where officials decided on racial classifications and handed out passes. Grr…

Would you believe they used methods like the pencil test, where a pencil was placed in a person’s hair to see if it would fall out, and possibly a pinch test, which tested what a person yells out in shock when someone does a surprise pinch on him? These classifications determined where people lived, their earnings, and not just their futures, but those of generations beyond.

Anyway, moving on… Next, we saw the statue of Cecil Rhodes in The Company’s Garden. It has been kept as a reminder of the past, following Nelson Mandela’s advice to forgive and forget. Again, grrrr. Rhodes created the monopoly of De Beers through invasive means and eventually, propelled by the white brotherhood, became prime minister of the Cape Colony in 1890. He used his power to take land from black Africans and promoted the superiority of the Anglo-Saxon race. He and his British South Africa Company founded the southern African territory of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe and Zambia), which the company named after him in 1895. He was not a nice man. Despite his wickedness, Cecil Rhodes is worth reading about.

The tour continued to the Parliament House, and the District Six Museum (outside), ending at the site of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration speech at Cape Town’s City Hall.

Bo-Kaap

I did the Bo-Kaap Walking Tour with Cape Town Free Walking Tours. It runs thrice a day, so it seems like a popular tour. ​The Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, meaning “above the Cape” in Afrikaans, is a thriving, populous area in Cape Town known for its brightly coloured homes and cobblestone streets. Nestled on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city centre, Bo-Kaap has a rich history as a once-segregated area that was home to Muslim immigrants and slaves. This historical backdrop is why the area hosts several mosques, some dating back centuries.

Bo-Kaap has the largest concentration of pre-1850 architecture in South Africa and is Cape Town’s oldest surviving residential neighbourhood. The brightly coloured facades in Bo-Kaap are attributed to the new homeowners’ expressions of freedom, as all the houses were painted white while they were leased.

Townships

In South Africa, a township typically refers to a densely populated urban area that was designated for non-white residents during the apartheid era. These areas were segregated and often lacked basic infrastructure and services compared to predominantly white areas. Townships were often the result of forced removals of black, coloured, and Indian communities from more desirable urban areas to peripheral locations (Remember the Group Areas Act from earlier?). Today, many townships continue to exist, though efforts have been made to improve living conditions and integrate them into broader urban development plans.

Township tours in Cape Town are a way to experience the unique culture and history of these historically segregated communities. However, it’s important to choose a tour company that is respectful and ethical, and that ensures that the benefits of tourism go back into the township. The Hop-on-Hop-off bus tours offer township tours (Langa, Gugulethu, and Khayelitsha) or you can do them as a walking tour with a guide from the area through an Airbnb experience or similar.

 

Others

There are other tours you can take as well, such as the Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch Three Region Explorer Wine Tour or an African food tour (conducted by the same guys I went on the Peninsula Road Trip with – they were fabulous!), but I didn’t do these due to lack of time.

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Where to Stop

District Six Museum

I learned a lot during my visit. I had already caught a glimpse of District Six when the Sightseeing Bus (Blue Route) drove us past the large expanse but I learnt more as I walked through the exhibits, read people’s notes, saw their belongings, and learnt more about stories of their joys and struggles as were etched on the walls. Established in 1867, District Six was a vibrant, multicultural area in Cape Town, home to freed slaves, merchants, artisans, labourers, and immigrants. However, the area’s mixed population made it a target for the apartheid government’s segregation policies. In 1966, the apartheid government (the National Party) announced that District Six would be razed and rebuilt as a “whites-only” neighbourhood under the Group Areas Act. This plan followed the ideas of Swiss planner Le Corbusier, who advocated for replacing a city’s “accidental” layout with a standard geometrical plan. Over the next decade, more than 60,000 residents were forcibly removed to Cape Flats. In 1970, the area was renamed Zonnebloem, after an 18th-century colonial farmstead. In 1984, the destruction of District Six was completed. Although the new government in 1994 brought hope for change, it did not materialize. District Six provided its occupants with a sense of belonging despite that it served to reinforce patterns of segregation and white supremacy. The District Six Museum preserves this history.

Castle of Good Hope

Not far from District Six, Castle of Good Hope is a decent visit if you have time. The three-and-a-half-century-old monument is South Africa’s oldest colonial building and was a former Army base, a former seat of government, and a slave port. Entry fee is 50 ZAR, open from 9 AM to 4 PM with the last entry at 3:30 PM.

The Castle presents Cape Town’s rich history through its Military Museum, the William Fehr Collection of paintings, former living quarters, and The Cape Heritage Museum, featuring an eclectic mix of knick-knacks and paintings depicting local life. What fascinated me most was their emphasis on viewing exhibits with fresh eyes, encouraging reinterpretation. After all, museums are not just for admiring creativity and heritage but also for interpreting the exhibits and finding new meanings. That’s why I love visiting them; it lets you briefly inhabit the artists’ minds and personalize their creations.

Inserting a small history lesson here as I learnt on my walk. The Dutch East India Company (DEIC) was established on 20 March 1602. This was brought about by the amalgamation of several Dutch companies which waded with the East. By 1608 the DEIC had driven the Portuguese from the Malay Archipelago and eventually ousted them from the South of India, Ceylon and Japan. The DEIC was at the height of its power in the second half of the 17th century. The Castle of Good Hope was built between 1666 and 1679. A steady decline in the DEIC came about in the 18th century. The DEIC’s budget was over-burdened with all kinds of military expenditures. There was the upkeep of fortified stations and the maintenance of a strong navy. The company ceased to exist in 1795. The British took control of the Castle in 1795. It served as military headquarters for the British until it was handed over to the Union of South Africa government in 1917.

The Slave Lodge

The Iziko Slave Lodge in Cape Town is a significant historical museum, showcasing the history and legacy of slavery in South Africa. Built in 1679, the Slave Lodge was constructed by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to house enslaved people brought to the Cape Colony. Over time, it has been used for various purposes, including government offices and a post office.

The exhibits inside detail the lives of enslaved people at the Cape, including their origins, living conditions, and the impact of slavery on Cape society. I visited the museum with the ever-present question in my mind: how did we allow ourselves to be enslaved (or, in India’s case, colonized)? Why didn’t we protest right at the start? Should we then credit the Europeans for being wily enough to have conquered us? And cut to the present, should we continue to blame them for the state we are in or are we simply playing the victim?

Of course, I didn’t get the answer to any of it exactly, but I did learn of slaves who tried to mutiny over the years and were cruelly obliterated. Our vulnerabilities likely stemmed from a lack of weaponry, a fragmented society, or perhaps even the treachery of some within our own ranks. These factors, coupled with the cunning of our invaders, ultimately overpowered the bravery of the majority. Whatever it was, it’s indeed difficult to shirk off the legacy of this past, as a quote from Gabeba Baderoon explains:

“In this museum, the city looks at last at its beginnings – almost two centuries of slavery on which it is built. Outside, it is as though this brutal history is invisible, unspoken. But still, its traces are everywhere. In names, in skin, in who matters.”

The pain and loss from dispossession during the post-colonial and post-apartheid periods, along with the struggle and resistance, are deeply ingrained in our DNA. It may take centuries to overcome them. As this is an election year, and we are all striving to form fair and just governments in our countries amid endless internal strife that is preventing us from doing so, I fear we have not learnt our lessons and self-emancipation is far away.

The museum is well worth a visit for the low price of admission. The entry fee is 60 ZAR. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. 

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Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tours

Buy a two or three-day City Pass which includes the bus on all days and several activities and attractions for free. A 3-day pass costs 1895 ZAR (INR 8,600 or USD 103) but provides unbeatable value, offering free entry into many attractions and buses for all days.

However, I knew I wouldn’t be able to cover all attractions in three days and wanted to spread it out. Thus, I only purchased the three-day unlimited Sightseeing Bus Pass. It cost 479 ZAR (INR 2200 or USD 26). Again, unbeatable value.

Red Route

The Red Route is shorter than the Blue Route, and I recommend you do it first. The Red Route is used to visit Table Mountain and get a teaser of Camps Bay. I hadn’t booked a ticket for the Table Mountain cableway in advance, so when I arrived, there were long queues at both the ticket counter and the cableway entry point. Therefore, I bought an afternoon ticket, which is cheaper (360 ZAR in the afternoon after 1 PM versus 420 ZAR in the morning), and found the lines much shorter when I arrived at 1 PM when the afternoon batches started.

I spent the morning exploring Camps Bay, taking two rounds on the bus, and falling in love with the area. On the first day, you could consider stopping at Camps Bay or Green Point. The second day, which is the Blue Route, has too many places you’ll want to stop, so it’s better to leave time for it.

Blue Route

I took the blue route end to end at least four times in the last two days of my Sightseeing Bus Pass because the coastal drive was SO out of the world. It’s hands down one of the best drives in the world, and definitely one of the best hop-on-hop-offs. Not just because it hugs the coast—there are many like it—but because it stretches for miles and miles with dramatic views on both sides. I can’t erase from my head the first view of the Twelve Apostles as we turned a bend. Below, the crashing waves met rugged rocks, lined with lavish homes trying to blend in. And the sight of fit joggers alongside only added to the enjoyable experience. Eye candy all around.

While many opted for Mariner’s Wharf or Camps Bay for beach and dining, I preferred Sea Point or Green Point. If you’re short on time, Green Point is ideal as it’s the final stop, just minutes from the waterfront’s first stop. Green Point offers a peaceful seaside atmosphere with fewer crowds and is also a great accommodation choice.

Purple Route

I was unsure about doing the wine route alone. Drinking solo seemed well… pathetic! However, I met two other solo travellers on the bus who were toying with the same conundrum, and so we joined forces.

Constantia Groot is beautiful and well worth a visit. It’s South Africa’s oldest wine farm, established in 1685. According to its website, its wine is mentioned in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, and Charles Dickens’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood and it may have been served to Napoleon during his exile on the island of Saint Helena. For 115 ZAR, we enjoyed delicious wine samples, learnt about winemaking, and took a goblet home. I loved the Pinotage, Lady of Abundance, and the sweet dessert wine that allegedly led to Napoleon’s early demise.

There was some confusion about the other vineyards on the route and I felt that our bus driver wasn’t able to guide us properly. He said the other vineyard on the route was the one next to where we changed buses (i.e. blue route to purple route), but I’m not sure if this was correct. In any case, the vineyard was closed as it was Monday. So, I only visited Constantia Groot, which was enough. As per the route, there are two other vineyards: Beau Constantia and Silvermist Wine Estate.

I later visited Stellenbosch, a gorgeous town with a European feel, lined with oak trees and historical buildings. It includes the Village Museum, showcasing period houses and gardens. Stellenbosch University, with its botanical garden, is another must-see. The town is bustling with students. For wine enthusiasts, Stellenbosch offers numerous acclaimed wine estates, including Spier Wine Farm, Kanonkop, and Tokara. The Waterford Estate offers unique chocolate and wine pairings.

There is a very popular tram for the wine tour that visitors rave about. I wished I could have taken it, but I felt shy about drinking alone.

Sunset Bus

The three-day Bus Pass comes with a harbour and canal cruise and a sunset bus tour. I managed to do all three but enjoyed the sunset bus tour the most.

The sunset tour begins at Stop 1 at the V&A Waterfront around 4:45 PM (in winter) and spans 3 hours. Although, I imagine most of the time is spent navigating traffic rather than at Signal Hill, catching the sunset. Despite this, my experience was enjoyable. I went on a beautiful and balmy Saturday evening, and the locals, drawn by the beautiful weather and the promise of a sight of both the sun and moon, parked their cars along the narrow approach road, causing our bus to get delayed on the way out. However, the gorgeous sunset views and the overall party atmosphere were worth the trip. I watched the city twinkle to life in the evening with Table Mountain as a backdrop. A lovely memory.

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Where to Stop

The V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is Stop 1 for both the red and blue bus routes. I enjoyed the V&A Waterfront very much. It’s heavily guarded, and colourful, with plenty to see, shop, and do. It’s also a great meeting place.

The Waterfront was built between 1860 and 1920, inspired by the transformations of the Sydney and San Francisco waterfronts. On the Waterfront, you can find the Two Oceans Aquarium, the V&A Food Market, the Watershed (a craft market), the Clock Tower, the Cape Wheel (a Ferris wheel with a view), the Cape Town Diamond Museum, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, boat tours, numerous shops, and restaurants. The Cape Wheel offers a panoramic view of the city and Table Mountain.

Fun fact: The V&A Waterfront was named after Queen Victoria and her son Alfred (and not Victoria’s husband Albert).

Hours Monday – Thursday: 9 AM – 7 PM. Friday – Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM. More than 80 restaurants and entertainment options make it a great stop at Cape Town. It’s also safe to hang out here because there are patrols everywhere.

Table Mountain via the Cableway

Table Mountain should be the first item on your itinerary as it’s a Cape Town icon that needs to be scaled, either on foot or via the cable car. The Mountain is a prominent landmark overlooking Cape Town, standing at 1,086 meters (3,563 feet) above sea level. The mountain is part of the Table Mountain National Park and is known for its flat-topped summit, which is approximately 3 kilometres (2 miles) wide.

Geologically, Table Mountain is composed mainly of sandstone and granite. It is one of the oldest mountains in the world, estimated to be around 600 million years old. The mountain’s unique shape was formed by natural erosion over millennia. The mountain has a rich history. The indigenous Khoikhoi people called it “Hoerikwaggo,” meaning “Mountain of the Sea.” In 1503, the Portuguese explorer António de Saldanha named it “Table Mountain” because of its flat top.

In 1929, a cableway was opened, making it accessible to tourists.

Table Mountain has its own constellation, Mensa, named after its table-like shape. It is also one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, recognized in 2011. The mountain’s ever-changing “tablecloth” of clouds is a well-known natural phenomenon.

The cable car to the top operates from 8:30 AM to between 6 PM and 9 PM, depending on the season. It is a large cable car with a capacity of 65 people and a rotating bottom. Poor weather may lead to cancellations, so it’s good to have a backup plan. Prices differ between the morning ride (420 ZAR) and the afternoon ride (360 ZAR, after 1 PM). Queues are usually shorter in the afternoon, making it a good time to go.

Stop here on the Red Route. 

World of Birds

The World of Birds in Cape Town is one of the largest bird parks in Africa. Located in Hout Bay, it houses over 3,000 birds and small animals, representing about 400 species. The park is spread over 4 hectares and includes walk-through aviaries that allow visitors to see the birds up close in a natural environment. It is very well organized. Visitors can interact with some animals, such as feeding birds or monkeys in designated areas. This hands-on experience is particularly popular with families and children.

I enjoyed World of Birds more than I expected. I visited on a Monday afternoon, and there were very few people. I spent about two hours interacting with the birds and monkeys. It seemed like the animals were waiting for human presence because they started cackling, hooting, and shouting whenever I passed their enclosures. The birds appeared more curious about me than I was about them. The enclosure with the squirrel monkeys was especially fun. The monkeys would pounce on you and not let go.

The park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the last admission at 4 PM. Monkey Jungle is open from 11:30 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 3:30 PM. Penguin feeding times are 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM. The entry fee is 130 ZAR.

Mariner’s Wharf

This is a popular stop on the Blue bus route.

Mariner’s Wharf is one of the first harbourside developments of its kind in Cape Town and is designed to resemble a traditional fishing village. It’s a small, clean beach that offers stunning views of the Hout Bay harbour, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains. It has shops here that sell nautical-themed gifts, local crafts, and souvenirs, but the real draw is the restaurants that offer delicious seafood fares, such as ‘Mariner’s Wharf’ and ‘ Wharfside Grill’. There are a few places to have a quick bite as well. Mariner’s Wharf is a good lunch option on your Blue bus route.

Camps Bay

Camps Bay is a luxury suburb of Cape Town, known for its stunning beach, lively nightlife, and scenic views. It’s a hotspot for celebrities. Leonardo DiCaprio, Charlize Theron, David Hasselhoff, Zac Efron, Jared Leto, and many others have been spotted here. The area boasts several good hotels like the Bay Hotel, South Beach, and The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. You can stop at one of the famous cafés such as the Mantra Café or Café Caprice, or restaurants such as Bo-Vine, The 41, or The Codfather on your Red or Blue Route buses.

Camps Bay is a tourist hotspot and gets super-crowded on the weekends.

From Camps Bay, you can visit several nearby beaches:

1. Clifton Beach: A blue flag beach popular with the wealthy and famous. It’s known for its beautiful sands and views and is a favourite for sundowners and celebrity spotting. Access is via stairs from Victoria Road.
2. Oudekraal: Located halfway between Camps Bay and Llandudno Beach, this area has small coves and beaches surrounded by granite boulders, offering a secluded spot.
3. Bakoven Beach: Situated between Camps Bay and Llandudno, the beach is divided into two main sections: a small, sandy beach and a rocky area with large granite boulders. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming in calm waters, and exploring tidal pools.
4. Llandudno Beach: A stunning white sand beach with large granite boulders and mountain views. There are no shops, only expensive homes. It’s popular with surfers and rock climbers.
5. Sandy Bay: A wild, secluded beach with no development, accessible by a 20-minute walk from the parking lot. It is South Africa’s only nudist beach but mostly visited by older people 🙂

Other Tours

Robben Island

Robben Island is a small island in Table Bay, about 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) from Cape Town. It covers 5.07 square kilometres (1.96 square miles) and is mostly flat, rising a few meters above sea level. The name “Robben” comes from the Dutch word for “seals,” which were once common there.

Historically, Robben Island has had many uses. In the 19th century, it was a leper colony and a place to isolate people with contagious diseases. During World War II, it was used as a military base. The island is best known as a maximum-security prison during apartheid. Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, was imprisoned there for 18 of his 27 years in jail, along with other political prisoners.

Today, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a museum. 

The regular official tour, which takes four hours, costs 600 ZAR (USD 32), with four official tours in summer and three in winter. The tours get cancelled when the sea gets choppy. Tickets are refundable until 48 hours in advance.

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Peninsula Roadtrip

I did this using an Airbnb experience but I nearly booked this tour that seemed to be covering much more ground. In the end, I didn’t go for it because I was craving a good old-fashioned road trip experience. You know, like the ones my friends won’t stop bragging about! The peninsula road trip covers the colourful houses at Muizenberg Beach, St James Beach, Kalk Bay Harbour, Boulders Beach to see the African Penguins, a visit to the Cape Point lighthouse and Cape of Good Hope, Chapmans Peak Drive for a sundowner. The full-day (10 hours) experience cost INR 10k (USD 120). This included the entry fees – 190 ZAR at Boulders Beach, 400 ZAR at Cape Point and 61 ZAR at Chapmans Peak Drive.

It was a fabulous experience overall. This experience is also available on Viator and GetYourGuide in other formats.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Ideas

The Artscape Theatre Centre

Watching a show at the Artscape Theatre Centre should be your top priority in Cape Town. I watched the ballet/opera “I Got Rhythm,” and it was sublime. According to the playbill: “The opera celebrates George Gershwin’s America through his sensational music. We start by stepping back into the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties, drawing inspiration from ‘An American in Paris .’ Next, ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and ‘Summertime’ set the romantic, soulful mood of a bygone era, while the joyful energy of ‘Girl Crazy’ and ‘I Got Rhythm’ create the excitement of a big Broadway musical.”

The production was a collaboration between the Cape Town Opera and Jazzart Dance Theatre, with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra performing “big band” style on stage.

Each performance was breathtaking. Costumes shimmered with gold and bronze. Dancers’ legs kicked high, faces sparkled with frolicsome smiles, heads adorned with tiaras, bodies bathed in baubles and shine. Conductor David Nixon, in a glittering suit, led the orchestra like an Oscar statue, with his troupe performing against the transforming, dazzling backdrops. The show consisted of two 45-minute sets, but time flew as slow ballads erupted into vibrant leaps, pirouettes, and synchronized taps and claps, making my heart soar. I’ll never forget the experience.

The Artscape Theatre Centre is Cape Town’s main performing arts centre. Established 40 years ago, it serves as the official performing arts council for the Western Cape. It offers internationally acclaimed ballet, opera, and other theatrical performances with a local twist. There is always something good to watch.

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The Zeitz MOCAA

Apart from the shopping, restaurants, pop-up entertainment, and the Nelson Mandela Gateway for the ferry to Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront area has a few other attractions close to one another. These are the Two Oceans Aquarium (located next to the City Sightseeing Cape Town Visitor Center), the Diamond Museum, the Cape Wheel, and the Zeitz MOCAA. Of these, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa seemed worthy of a visit.

Zeitz MOCAA is the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world. It is housed in a former grain silo complex, and the building’s designer preserved its original structure, including its 42 cylindrical concrete tubes. Some of the most stunning works inside are by Nandipha Mntambo, Kudzanai Chiurai, Mustafa Maluka, and Wangari Mathenge, all of whose works touch on social, political, and cultural issues in Africa. Nandipha’s and Wangari’s works are gender-focused as well. A visit to the Zeitz MOCAA is worthwhile as it’s solely dedicated to contemporary African art. Both the artwork and the building in which they are housed are unique. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM with the last entry at 5.30 PM. Entry cost: 250 ZAR.

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Food and Shopping

Time Out Market, an upmarket food hall, captures a diverse range of South African foods, from a chef’s take on a traditional barbecue at Mlilo to Cape Malay cooking with a modern twist at Barakat. Selective Live provides an intimate setting, with a mountain view, to watch music performances from an array of genres that include Afro jazz, African folk and hip-hop. https://www.webtickets.co.za/

Cape Town’s Old Biscuit Mill is a vibrant weekend destination, perfect for soaking up the local scene. Located in the trendy Woodstock neighbourhood, known for its hipster vibes and graffiti art (including some stellar street murals nearby!), the Mill itself buzzes with activity. While it’s a bit of a drive from the city centre, plan a morning or afternoon to fully experience what it offers. You can browse unique (though sometimes pricey) designer ware and grab a bite at Neighbourgood. I don’t think it’s worth going into on non-weekends.

I also visited the Oranjezicht City Farm Market which was loads of fun. It’s located close to the V&A Waterfront, and therefore convenient to visit. Open Saturdays from 8:15 AM to 2 PM and Sundays from 9 AM to 2 PM. During the summer months (October to April), there’s also a Wednesday evening market from 5 PM to 9 PM. I had the best ice cream EVER at Harlow Gelato, a delicious apple crumble I devoured. Similar to the Old Biscuit Mill market, OZCF boasts a vibrant selection of artisanal food and handcrafted goods. But what truly sets them apart is their focus on fresh, seasonal produce, offering a complete farm-to-table experience.

Coffee in South Africa was amazing, with a body jolt each time I took the first sip. I loved Bootlegger and Motherland Coffee, however, in Cape Town, try Truth Coffee on Buitenkant at the city centre for a unique experience – “Quirky cafe that’s a steampunk world of pipes and old metal, with gourmet, home-roasted coffee”. A visit to the Book Lounge bookstore nearby completes the adventure.

Gold Restaurant in Camps Bay is highly recommended for its unique experience. It serves traditional African dishes from across the continent, accompanied by live entertainment featuring African music and dance performances. Although I haven’t been there, it seems worth checking out.

 

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Trekking

Capetonians are enthusiastic about fitness and enjoy spending time in nature. Thus, there are several local hiking groups and visitors are welcome to join for a small fee. You could look up Meridian Walks and join them on a few of their walks.

Lion’s Head is undoubtedly the most walked peak in South Africa, At 670 m high, it flanks Table Mountain on its right and has a 360-degree view of Cape Town. The most walked route is the spiral Path which has some interesting sections with a chain ladder that can be bypassed.

There are also several organized hikes to Lion’s Head or Table Mountain.

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—There are interesting tours to try out in Cape Town, especially when you are solo and want company—

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And I cannot leave without mentioning the cheeky seagulls in Cape Town! These bold birds swoop over your head, cawing loudly, and even tap on your window sills, demanding attention with their aggressive antics. They are not as unassuming as the ones you might’ve met elsewhere.

Bye bye Cape Town. Until we meet again.