Two Days In Cape Town - The Ultimate 48 Hour Itinerary

Day 1- Breakfast

Start your 48 hours in Cape Town off with coffee from one of the many tasty stands in the food market at the V&A waterfront, which makes for a great place to get your orientation in the city. In good weather, you can enjoy your breakfast at one of the outside tables with a view of the harbor and of Nobel Square, where sculptured statues of all four Nobel Laureates of South Africa stand tall and proud. After you’ve had your fill, take a casual walk over to the beautiful and innovative Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeits MOCAA) – once an unsightly cluster of old cement silos, this feat of architectural ingenuity is now a world-class art gallery. If art is not your thing, skip the ticket price and head straight to the top using an elevator in one of the old silo towers, which will give you a great view of the inspired engineering that went into converting the building. On the top floor you might pop into the restaurant – if you’re still hungry or in need of a caffeine kick – for a quick coffee or bite to eat, or simply enjoy the strikingly pretty view over the harbour. Equally stunning views can be enjoyed from the top of the Radisson Red, where – if you’d like to switch out your coffee for a cold beer – there is a cool rooftop bar and pool. Since we still have so much to do, I’d save this one for later!

Day 1 - Snack-time

For the history buffs, there is simply a plethora of things to explore; I suggest carrying on with Wale street to the Iziko Slave Lodge – a historic exhibit on slavery in Africa, as well as displays of ceramics, silverware and Egyptian artefacts – or heading to the nearby Castle of Good Hope. For a midmorning pick-me-up, make your way to Charly’s Bakery for delicious novelty treats, Truth (a steampunk cafe ́with award-winning coffee) or Nude Foods, a packaging-free grocery. 

Day 1 - Afternoon explorations

After all that walking, I’m sure you’re ready for a break! A good thing too, because next on the agenda is a drive around the peninsula, out of the CBD and around Greenpoint, then passing beautiful suburbs like Llandudno until you reach Chapman’s Peak Drive. There are many ways to do this trip, including buses and even (for the fit!) cycling, but the most affordable and easiest way is by renting your own car from a well-known global rental company or a local option like Rent a Cheapie. Whichever form of transport you choose, be sure to choose the route that goes via Chapman’s peak. The drive around Chapman’s Peak is about 20 minutes of winding road with breathtaking panoramic views over the Atlantic, and many viewing points to stop off and enjoy them. Looking back you might be able to see Hout Bay while looking forward you might spot the long white stretch of Noordhoek beach; either way, you’re in for a visual treat! Once you reach Noordhoek you could stop off at one of the farm-stall styled bistros and eateries, or continue on to Slangkoppunt (the Kommetjie lighthouse) for a quick visit and some snaps, before ending off in Kalk Bay on the False Bay side of the peninsula, for a huge helping of the best classic style fish (straight off the boat) and chips from the no-frills Kalkys.

Other notable farms in the area include Buitenverwachting and Constantia Glen, both of which offer the authentic wine farms experience, full with wine-tastings, restaurants and utterly amazing views of the vineyards and surrounding farms. Finally, head back into the city and end off where you started where you can either end off your days with a visit to one of the many excellent restaurants, or go for gold; an evening of dinner and entertainment at Gold. This unique restaurant offers an immersive dining experience with beautiful, theatrical storytelling and food which the restaurant considers an “edible map of Africa” full with all the flavours, spices and culinary heritage of the continent, and (more specifically) the Southern tip.

Day 2 - Lunch-time

After all that walking, it’s time to unwind, and the best place to do that is in Kirstenbosch Gardens, the only completely indigenous botanic garden in the world and among the top 10 botanical gardens in the world. For a nominal fee you can spend the entire day lounging between lush blooms, exploring the extensive gardens by way of manicured walkways or – if you have the energy – more rugged hikes, and uncovering the gems Kirstenbosch has to offer in the way of botanical jewels and manmade treasures. The gardens are truly magnificently maintained, with the boomslang suspension bridge adding an element of excitement for visitors. If hunger strikes (as it undoubtedly will after so much cardio) you have the option of a picnic on the expansive lawns or a visit to Moyo for traditional food and some subtle African face paint. If you time your visit right you might catch a summer sunset concert or performance, but even without that a visit to this must-see Cape Town highlight – conveniently located 15 minutes from Cape Town's CBD in the suburb of Newlands – is as close as you are likely to get to Jurassic park!

If Japanese ticks your boxes, but a more relaxed vibe is what you’re after head to the hidden gem Downtown Ramen; dimly lit, with wood panelling and sake bottles lining the wall you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Japanese back alley, with all the hip, casual ambience of a Capetonian joint. When you’ve slurped down all the mind-blowing ramen and sake you can fit, head downstairs to Lefties; a grungy bar with an alternative crowd or head to Harrington’s to dance the night away!