How to Spend 3 Days in Cape Town

The largest city and southernmost city in Africa, Cape Town is an exhilarating metropolis surrounded by natural beauty! From the breathtaking views of  Table Mountain to the rushing waters of the sea, the South African gem is incredible melting pot of cultures bustling with creativity! The city

The chic restaurants, bustling bars, and brightly painted houses, and dramatic cliffs will make you fall in love with Cape Town. While the city may boast a tumultuous past, nowadays it is an incredibly diverse melting pot where Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, and traditional African religions coexist in harmony.

If you only have 3 days in Cape Town, you might be wondering what are the must-sees? What do you need to cover and how should you plan your trip? Here are our suggestions!

Day 1

Start your morning with a trip to Table Mountain. The skies are clearer in the early hours of the day, so this is when the views of the city will be at their best! You will also see the lay of the land as you bask in the breathtaking vistas. The trail can be a challenging hike — so take the suspended cable car instead.

From Table Mountain, make your way to Clifton or Boulders Beach to soak up the sunshine. You can may stroll along the coastlines and enjoy a seaside lunch at one of the restaurants by the water. At Boulders you may even get get chance to spot a penguin.

At the Galileo Open Air Cinema you can watch a movie under the stars while relaxing in a beautiful botanical garden or wine estate. This open air cinema event takes places throughout the summer at several different locations in Cape Town. Beer, wine, and fresh popcorn are on sale at every movie showing, and some of the films that will be showcased include Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Wizard of Oz, The Shawshank Redemption, and Grease.

Day 2

If you enjoyed a few beers at the Open Air Cinema last night, soothe your head and get ready for the day with a big helping of brunch. Check out The Bistro at Cascades on the Promenade, where you may feast on a hearty Farm Style breakfast with bacon, cheese, and double eggs.

From there, go shopping on Long Street. This hip and trendy street is home to a number of incredible local designers and clothing stores, along with handmade African crafts from across the continent. You will be sure to find something unique to bring home with you as a souvenir.

Day 3

Jump on a 40 minute ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island, where you can see the UNESCO World Heritage Site prison where Nelson Mandela was jailed for more than 18 years.

After you return from this tour, take a late afternoon or evening stroll around the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. In the summer the sun does not set until later house, so this is a lovely place to end your day of sightseeing. Walk along the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway and admire the indigenous flora.

Go out for dinner along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. This vibrant harbor bustles with activity and offers magnificent views of Table Mountain. You can check out the Two Oceans Aquarium, do some shopping, listen to live music from the roaming street performers, and dine in one of the superb restaurants. This is an excellent way to end your magical 3 days in Cape Town!