By Expedia, on March 9, 2020

How to Spend a Weekend in Cape Town

Cape Town is filled with a diverse mix of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes that are paradise for a world-weary traveler. Even if you only have a weekend to take it all in, take a look at this travel itinerary and ideas for spending 2 or 3 days in Cape Town and seeing all the best the city has to offer.

Coastline and landscape in Chapman's Peak, Cape Town
Chapman’s Peak

Friday Evening

When you arrive on Friday, you’ll have 72 hours in Cape Town. After settling into your hotel, head to Chef’s Warehouse & Canteen, a Central Business District restaurant and culinary hangout with South African fusion cuisine, such as ham hock terrine with celeriac remoulade and oxtail ravioli.

If you’re looking for an upscale night out after dinner, visit the Planet Bar. Decked out in velvet, satin, and leather, Planet Bar is an indulgent hotel champagne bar that offers a wide selection of wine and champagne, as well as a long list of specialty cocktails to sip on a garden terrace.

If beer is more your speed, you can visit the Beerhouse to sample a total of 99 beers from 13 different countries and 26 beers on tap. There’s also a beer pairing food menu for quick bites that work perfectly with your selected brew.

Saturday Morning

On Saturday morning, you’ll have 48 hours remaining in Cape Town. Start with breakfast at Loading Bay, a café and clothing store combination that offers coffee, classic breakfast dishes, and racks of popular clothing brands like Naked & Famous Denim.

If you’re traveling with kids, you can spend some time at Two Oceans Aquarium for up-close encounters with marine life like sharks and rays. The aquarium has many diverse habitat exhibits, including an ocean exhibit, predator exhibit, kelp forest exhibit, penguin exhibit, and a touch pool with showcases of microscopic sea life. You’ll also like the Iziko South African Museum, which has an extensive collection of native fossils, animals, and human artifacts on display.

For lunch, try something different by visiting Oranjezicht City Farm Market Day, a Saturday market with fresh produce like figs, cauliflower, carrots, and chiles, as well as a wide selection of burgers and baked goods.

Saturday Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, tale some time to explore the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary & Monkey Park, which boasts numerous aviaries and over 400 bird species. You’ll also like Camps Bay Beach, a curved, narrow beach with turquoise waters that’s perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

On Saturday night in Cape Town, things really get exciting. For a unique dinner experience, head to Hemelhuijs. The restaurant features a seasonal menu, along with a restaurant interior that’s redesigned to bring out bold new flavors, for an immersive culinary experience.

After dinner, you can experience some of Cape Town’s haunted past with a ghost walk. You can tour places like the quiet village of Simonstown to learn about the apparitions that haunt the museums, a coffin that won’t sink, a mural that can’t be photographed, and a murderous barber. If you prefer laughter to fear, you can visit Cape Town Comedy Club to chuckle along with the country’s best comedians while you sip cocktails.

Landscape at Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town
Camps Bay Beach

Sunday Morning

On Sunday morning in Cape Town, you’ll have 24 hours left for sightseeing. Begin with breakfast at Origin Coffee Roasting, a coffee-lover’s haven with a variety of exotic coffee flavors and an extensive breakfast menu.

After breakfast, head to Boulders Beach for some fun in the sun. The popular cove beach has soft, white sand and sheltered waters for safe swimming, as well as a nearby colony of adorable wild penguins.

If you want to get out into nature, you can visit the Platteklip Gorge for challenging hiking and climbing opportunities in a verdant landscape. There’s also the Silvermine Nature Reserve, a nature reserve near a reservoir with a vast network of trails to explore.

For lunch, stop by the General Store Kitchen & Grocer for a surprising rotation of dishes. Each day offers something different, such as roasted squash with cabbage and lime and halloumi salad with grilled peppers.

Sunday Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, you can spend some time in Cape Town’s fascinating museums. The Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, a political history museum, and the South African National Gallery, an art museum dedicated to African and European artwork, are must-see attractions. There’s also the Cape Town Diamond Museum, which holds exhibits on diamond science and history.

On Sunday night in Cape Town, you can take in any experiences you may have missed. Start with dinner at La Tête, a decadent restaurant with nose-to-tail dishes and indulgent desserts, such as confit duck leg and sweet madeleines.

Before you head home, spend some time exploring the city’s night markets. One of the best markets is the Century City Natural Goods Night Market, which has live music and a wine and beer tent. You could also try the Lion’s Head Full Moon Hike, an evening hiking trail along the slope near Table Mountain, for spectacular landscape views at sunset.

People on Table Mountain in Cape Town
Table Mountain

Ready for the perfect weekend getaway?

Now that you have a suggested weekend itinerary for a memorable vacation to Cape Town, it’s time to start planning your trip. Discover other ways to explore Cape Town’s coast and take a look at deals on Cape Town vacations on Expedia to save on your trip!