Itineraries for Your Trip to Cape Town
1 Day in Cape Town for First Timers
Cape Town is a city that has it all. I love hiking around Table Mountain for a dose of nature, surfing the foamy waves of Camps Bay, and wandering past colorful buildings in the diverse neighborhood of Bo-Kaap. My first trip there was filled with firsts: seeing dassies (wild guinea pig–type mammals) on the mountaintop; admiring king protea, the country’s gorgeous national flower; giggling at the cute African penguins at Boulders Beach; and digging my toes into some of the whitest sand I’ve ever experienced.
First-time travelers who only have one day in Cape Town won’t have time to see and do it all, but this list narrows it down to the key attractions you can’t miss.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a ride on the Cableway to Table Mountain National Park.
Since Cape Town is located in the Southern Hemisphere, winter occurs from June to August, and summer runs from December to February.
Since Cape Town is spread out, a great way to get a sense of the city is with a hop-on, hop-off tour. This morning, check out highlights such as the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (home to South Africa’s unique flora), Table Mountain, Cape Point, the Twelve Apostles mountains, and Camps Bay, hopping on and off the bus to explore at your leisure. If you plan to take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, note that lines can be long, so consider purchasing advance tickets or visiting early in the morning on a guided Table Mountain hike.
Hop off the bus for an afternoon stroll around Bo-Kaap, the city’s most vibrant neighborhood. This area is perfect for a lunch break, home to many restaurants and diverse dishes, including Malaysian, Sri Lankan, Indian, and African cuisines. If navigating the area on your own feels overwhelming, consider joining a Cape Town walking tour or food tour. Or, just wander along the hilly streets, admiring the brightly colored buildings and soaking in the one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Golden hour is a special time in Cape Town. The colored hues of the sky overlooking the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the mountains, and the beaches are simply stunning. Catch the sky in all its glory from the Cape Wheel along the waterfront, followed by an evening meal overlooking the water. Or, take a sunset hike up to Lion’s Head, a peak that reaches a height of 2,000 feet (600 meters). If you plan to hike, consider a hiking tour, which is best for those unfamiliar with the area.
