Cape Town in 48 hours
Few cities have a setting like Cape Town's: a flat-topped mountain above the city bowl, two oceans, white beaches and world-famous vineyards within an hour.
Best time to visit. November to March for dry, sunny summer; whale season along the coast runs roughly June to November.
Where to base yourself
- Gardens and the City Bowl. Leafy streets below Table Mountain, near museums and restaurants.
- Bo-Kaap. Brightly painted houses and Cape Malay heritage.
- V&A Waterfront. Harbour, shops and the Zeitz MOCAA museum.
- Camps Bay. Beaches and sunsets under the Twelve Apostles.
- Constantia. Historic wine estates in the southern suburbs.
Two perfect days
Day one · Mountain and city
- Morning
- Table Mountain by cable car on a clear morning
- Afternoon
- Company's Garden and Bo-Kaap
- Evening
- Sunset at Camps Bay
Day two · The peninsula
- Morning
- Chapman's Peak Drive
- Afternoon
- Boulders Beach penguins
- Evening
- Cape Point, then seafood in Kalk Bay
Getting around
Use ride-hailing apps; they're widely used and inexpensive. For the peninsula and Winelands, hire a car or driver. The airport is about 25 minutes from the centre.
Local tips
- Check the wind before heading up Table Mountain
- Use ride-hailing at night
- Book Robben Island tours ahead
- Tip car guards a few rand