Table of Contents
WHEN WE WENT
Mid-September (beginning of Spring in South Africa). We had one rainy and windy day with temperatures in the 50's °F (10+ °C), and a sunny day in the 60's °F (15 °C).
WHERE TO STAY IN CAPE TOWN
Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel
BOOK HERE2-DAY CAPE TOWN ITINERARY: QUICK OVERVIEW
Cape Town was the last leg of our trip to South Africa, right after our safari stay at Kambaku River Sands Lodge in the Timabavati Private Nature Reserve (check out Dwayne’s review here). This 2-day Cape Town itinerary comprises indoor and outdoor activities that can be adjusted based on the time of the year you go and weather conditions. In addition, I’ll provide a supplementary list of alternative activities and sights that were not part of our planned itinerary but could make excellent choices.
We went to Cape Town in mid-September, which is the beginning of spring there. Temperatures were in the mid-50s/60s F (12-18 C). It rained almost the entire time on the first day, while on the second day, we had a beautiful, mild, and sunny day. Be prepared to dress in layers if you travel during the same time of the year!
HOW TO GET AROUND CAPE TOWN
Cape Town offers various transportation options for getting around the city and its surrounding areas. The best mode of transportation depends on your preferences, budget, and the specific locations you want to visit.
Here are some popular ways to get around Cape Town:
CAR RENTAL:
• Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
• Find out if you can use your driver’s license or need an international one – i.e., To park at V&A Waterfront for an hour, it’s R10 (approximately $0.55).
• Please note that in South Africa, they drive on the left-hand side of the road, which means the driver’s seat is on the right side.
• Many international and local car rental companies operate in Cape Town.
• Parking is pretty easy and affordable when not free.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
MyCiTi Bus: The MyCiTi bus system is a reliable and affordable public transportation option in Cape Town. It operates on several routes, connecting key areas within the city, and has a practical mobile app.
UBER:
Ride-hailing services like Uber operate in Cape Town, providing a convenient and often cost-effective way to get around the city.
WALKING:
Cape Town has pedestrian-friendly areas, especially in the city center. Walking is a great way to explore specific neighborhoods.
TOURIST BUSES:
Hop-on-hop-off tourist buses offer a convenient way to explore popular attractions in Cape Town. They typically follow designated routes and allow you to explore at your own pace.
OUR CHOICE:
When not walking, we used Uber (which is pretty cheap) and rented a car for one day to experience the coast.
WHAT TO DO IN CAPETOWN IN 2 DAYS?
Cape Town Itinerary: Day 1
Unfortunately, our first full day in Cape Town was very windy and rainy. Bad weather days are never ideal when traveling, but they become especially challenging in cities where the most popular things to do and see are outdoors. Nevertheless, we managed to have a decent time and put together an alternative itinerary for a rainy day in Cape Town that made us feel we didn’t lose precious time.
WHAT TO DO ON A RAINY DAY IN CAPE TOWN? / DISCOVER THE TOP INDOOR ACTIVITIES IN CAPE TOWN
Visit the District Six Museum
After having a delicious breakfast at Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel, where we stayed, we took an Uber to the District Six Museum and loved it! I highly recommend to check it out!
The museum is dedicated to preserving the memory and history of District Six, a neighborhood that was forcibly depopulated and demolished during the apartheid era in South Africa. It serves as a memorial and educational center, documenting the history of the neighborhood and the stories of its former residents. It features exhibitions, photographs, personal stories, and artifacts that provide insight into the lives of the people who once called District Six home. The museum also explores the broader historical and political context of apartheid in South Africa.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Ticket Prices:
• Self-guided tour: R60 (about $3) per person (NON-RSA Citizens)
• Guided tour (with an ex-resident/guide/storyteller): R75 (about $4) per person (NON-RSA Citizens)
Shop in Green Market Square
This is not a rainy-day activity, but when we left the District Six Museum, the weather graced us with a couple-hour break, and since we were pretty close to Green Market Square, we decided to take a brief 10-minute walk to shop there.
Green Market Square is one of Cape Town’s most iconic and historically significant public spaces. Located in the heart of the city, this bustling square has a vibrant history dating back to the 17th century when it was originally a marketplace for fresh produce and livestock. Today, Green Market Square has evolved into a thriving hub for arts, crafts, and trinkets from all over South Africa.
There was a diverse range of stalls to shop for unique souvenirs and soak in the lively atmosphere, and I got particularly excited when I came across Ashu Arts & Crafts. Its owner, Lucas Ashu, travels around Africa buying handmade traditional African masks and objects from different countries. They are all 100% original pieces; the most remarkable thing is that he will tell you the history and meaning of any piece he has in his stall. We spent more than an hour talking with him and bought two gorgeous masks and other things. We highly recommend buying from him! His collection and knowledge are outstanding, and his prices are honest (and you can always respectfully negotiate if you decide to buy more than one piece).
Explore the untold stories of slavery at Cape Town's Iziko Slave Lodge Museum.
Cape Town’s Iziko Slave Lodge is only a 5-minute walk from Green Market Square, so we decided to go there before lunch. Originally constructed in the late 17th century, this historic building served as a lodge for enslaved people during the Dutch East India Company era. Today, it has been transformed into a museum dedicated to preserving the memory and stories of those who were once enslaved here. The Iziko Slave Lodge offers a powerful and educational experience, providing valuable insights into the harsh realities of the transatlantic slave trade and South Africa’s role in it.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ticket Prices:
Standard Fee
• Adults: R60
• Children aged 5 to 17: R60
• Pensioners and Students: R60
Upon Presentation of Valid SA ID/ SADC Identification
• Adults: R40.00
• Children aged 5 to 17: R20.00
• South African pensioners and students (with valid cards): R20.00 / Free entry on Fridays
• School groups: Booked: R15.00; Unbooked: R15.00
• Free entry on commemorative days
Have Lunch at V&A Waterfront
After securing our goods and visiting the Iziko Slave Lodge, we took a 5-minute Uber ride to V&A Waterfront for lunch. This area is a great place to visit on good weather days, but it is also a great option on rainy days because of its indoor shopping mall and numerous restaurants and cafes. We decided to try Karibu Restaurant, an elegant establishment with a pretty good South African cuisine menu.
Visit MOCAA - Museum of Contemporary Art
We picked MOCAA because it was a short walk from V&A Waterfront. If I have to be 100% honest, this was the least favorite of the museums we visited. The building is beautiful, but we didn’t particularly love the exhibitions, plus several galleries were closed. Of course, this is a completely personal experience, and it also varies a lot depending on the temporary exhibitions and events they have when you visit. For this reason, I recommend consulting their website before deciding if you are interested in what they offer at the moment of your visit.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (with last entry at 5:30 PM).
Ticket Prices:
R250 (about $13)
Alternatively, I would check out the South African National Gallery, a 10-minute Uber drive from the V&A Waterfront. Housed in an elegant historic building, this prestigious institution is home to an extensive and diverse collection of art, spanning from traditional African masterpieces to contemporary works.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ticket Prices:
Standard Fee
• Adults: R60
• Children aged 5 to 17: R60
• Pensioners and Students: R60
Upon Presentation of Valid SA ID/ SADC Identification
• Adults: R40.00
• Children aged 5 to 17: R20.00
• South African pensioners and students (with valid cards): R20.00 / Free entry on Fridays
• School groups: Booked: R15.00; Unbooked: R15.00
• Free entry on commemorative days
Take an Afternoon Break at Truth Coffee Roasting
This was the ideal place to take a break during a gloomy rainy day. Truth Coffee Roasting, located in the heart of Cape Town, is not just a coffee shop; it’s an immersive experience. With its steampunk-inspired decor and an unrelenting commitment to quality, Truth Coffee has earned its reputation as one of the world’s best coffee shops. They offer an extensive coffee menu as well as a variety of food and bakery options (vegetarian and vegan options are also available).
Dinner at Rick's Cafe Americain
After our coffee shop break, we returned to Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel to get ready for dinner and head to a neighborhood restaurant called Rick’s Cafe Americain. This restaurant has a delicious Moroccan/Med/US menu (vegetarian and vegan options are also available) and a lovely Casablanca movie theme that makes the ambiance pleasant and relaxing.
Cape Town Itinerary: Day 2
The second day was entirely dedicated to outdoor activities and enjoying Cape Town’s majestic scenery. We rented a car through Hertz and went to pick it up at one of their locations about 10 minutes from the hotel (we took an Uber there). Please note that in South Africa, they drive on the left-hand side of the road, which means the driver’s seat is on the right side. If you decide not to rent a car, the Hop On-Hop Off bus can be a great option as well.
Walk Around the Colourful Neighborhood of Bo-Kaap
Our first stop was in the colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap, an area of Cape Town formerly known as the Malay Quarter, a former racially segregated area. It traces its beginnings to the 1760s, a period during which a multitude of “huurhuisjes” (rental houses) were constructed and rented out to enslaved individuals. These individuals, collectively referred to as the Cape Malays, were initially transported from regions such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and other parts of Africa to labor in the Cape.
It is a lovely neighborhood to visit, and you can enjoy:
• Walking around and taking beautiful pictures,
• Doing a little shopping in one of the art galleries
• Eating a traditional Cape Malay meal at one of the restaurants and/or taking a Cape Malay cooking course.
• Visiting the Bo-Kaap Museum, located in one of the earliest homes built in the Bo-Kaap area, dating back to the mid-18th century. This social history museum tells the story of the local community within a national socio-political and cultural context.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ticket Prices:
• Adults: R60
• Children aged 5 to 17: R60
• Pensioners and Students: R60
Upon Presentation of Valid SA ID/ SADC Identification
• Adults: R40.00
• Children aged 5 to 17: R20.00
South African pensioners and students (with valid cards): R20.00 / Free entry on Fridays
• School groups: Booked: R15.00; Unbooked: R15.00
• Free entry on commemorative days
We only had a little time to spend here, but we enjoyed having a brief walk and admiring the colorful buildings.
PARKING TIP:
Do not stop at the beginning of the street where the illegal parking people try to have you park. Keep driving until you get to a small circle square. You will see buses parked there, but if it's not too packed, there will also be a few free car spots.
Be Inspired at The Long March To Freedom
This was one of Dwayne’s great finds! I had no idea this place even existed, and I was happy we had a chance to visit. It took us about 15 minutes by car to get here from Bo-Kaap.
The “Long March to Freedom” is an iconic outdoor exhibition that celebrates the rich history of South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy. It showcases a series of larger-than-life bronze statues of some of the most prominent and influential leaders who played pivotal roles in the country’s liberation movement. Visitors can immerse themselves in a powerful visual journey through history, gaining insight into the struggles and triumphs of the South African people.
Opening Hours: The “Long March to Freedom” is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Ticket Prices:
• Full-price ticket with guided tour: R75
• Subsided ticket with no tour (only for South African citizens and residents): R10
Enjoy a Cape Town Scenic Drive
After our lovely visit to the Long March to Freedom, we immediately got on the road to begin our Cape Town scenic drive. Our first stop was around Bakoven Beach to enjoy the view and take pictures.
The second stop was in Hout Bay, where we not only enjoyed the scenery but also found a great casual restaurant to have lunch. If you enjoy fish & chips, don’t hesitate to try Fish on The Rocks restaurant; you won’t regret it.
Next, we embarked on the breathtaking journey along the epic Chapman’s Peak Drive, renowned as one of the world’s most iconic scenic routes. There is a small toll fee to pay (cash or credit card) – for details, click here. It’s important to note that the drive’s accessibility depends on prevailing weather conditions; thus, we recommend visiting the official website to confirm the current road status before embarking on this adventure.
Right at the end of the scenic drive, we found a lovely cafe called The Coffee Guy, where we enjoyed delicious hot chocolate and mouthwatering cookies—highly recommended! The business is located in Noordhoek, and it’s open Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Take The Aerial Cableway To Table Mountain
At this point, we decided to drive back to get to Table Mountain before closure. Because we were traveling during the low season, there were no lines for the aerial cableway. Unfortunately, the weather was very cloudy and cold up there, so we couldn’t fully enjoy the view. When we purchased the tickets, the staff warned us the view might be abstract, but we still wanted to check the experience of our list, and we did!
Before going, you can visit the Table Mountain Aerial Cable website to check closing time (which varies depending on the season), weather conditions, visibility, and wait time. Please keep in mind that during high season, lines can be very long (even a couple of hours), but fast-track tickets are available at an additional cost. Also, if you want to hike up or down Table Mountain, you can purchase only single-up or single-down tickets.
Dinner at Meeting Point Restaurant
For our last dinner in South Africa, we chose a traditional Tanzanian East African Cuisine restaurant called Meeting Point Restaurant. Highly recommended! Casual ambiance, delicious homemade-style food, and good prices.
ALTERNATIVE ITINERARY
Especially if you travel during late spring and summer with longer days and warmer temperatures, we suggest you tweak our itinerary a bit to add a couple of stops – Boulders Beach to admire the adorable penguins and Muizenberg Beach for the iconic colorful beach houses.
OPTION 1:
Visit Table Mountain right after The Long March of Freedom, as you will pass by on your way to your scenic drive. If going to the top of Table Mountain at sunset is not a break dealer, it will be better to go in the morning to avoid longer lines.
You will then start your scenic drive as per above. Once you get to the end of Chapman’s Peak Drive, you will continue to Boulders Beach (a 15-minute drive from The Coffee Guy cafe), and then from there, you will reach Muizenberg Beach (a 20-minute drive).
OPTION 2:
You leave Table Mountain as the last stop of the day, driving there from Muizenberg Beach (a 35-minute drive) to admire the view from there at sunset.
Cape Town’s scenic drive was the highlight of our trip to Cape Town, and indeed one for the books!
OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN CHECKING OUT IN CAPE TOWN:
Depending on your interests, how many days you are in the city, and the weather, you might be interested in these additional things to see and do in Cape Town:
• Robben Island (Nelson Madela’s prison)
• Clifton Beach
• Muizenberg Beach
• De Waterknat Neighborhood
• Woodstock Neighborhood
• Kalk Bay Neighborhood
• Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden
• The Castle of Good Hope
• Lion’s Head Hike
• Signal Hill Hike
• See the Marine “Big 5”
• Hop On-Hop Off Bus
• Wine Tour
