How To Spend one Day In Cape Town: Perfect 24 Hour Itinerary
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After a month of travelling through Africa on our overland tour, we arrived in Cape Town. We had five days to explore, but some of our fellow travellers had just one day in Cape Town, forcing them to narrow down their wish list of things to do.
So, how do you choose what to see in one day? For history buffs, Robben Island might be a priority. For iconic landmarks, Table Mountain is a must. And then there’s wine, diamonds, Cape Point, stunning Kirstenbosch Gardens, and colourful Bo-Kaap. And we haven’t even started on the museums!
Cape Town has so much to offer, it’s impossible to experience it all in one day. But should that stop you from visiting? Absolutely not! With careful planning and a few smart bookings, you can make the most of your 24 hours in Cape Town.
What Would You Choose For Your One Day?
Cape Town boasts a rich and complex history, a melting pot of tradition and culture, natural beauty, and some of the best food around. But, many travellers arrive here as part of a longer journey and only have a short time to explore.
Choosing what to see (and what to miss!) can be daunting. I’d recommend that you start with what you love; I knew I had to visit Table Mountain and Robben Island. Then think about what appeals to you; Kirstenbosch and Stellenbosch were high on our list.
Top Tip: I’ve read plenty of posts on how to spend a day in Cape Town and many aren’t realistic. Cape Town is a big city, so remember to factor in travel time to make sure you see the key places.
My Itinerary for 24 Hours in Cape Town
I love history, nature, and a good walking tour, so my 1-day itinerary includes:
If my choices don’t match your interests, don’t worry; keep reading for plenty of alternatives.
Top Tip: The time of year will greatly impact your itinerary. We visited in winter, so shorter days limited our sunrise and sunset options. In Cape Town’s summer, you’ll have much longer days and more flexibility.
1. Breakfast at the V&A Waterfront for Sunrise
Robben Island was a must on my itinerary. Nelson Mandela is one of the world’s most influential figures, and I wanted to see the place where he was held captive for so long.
The earliest tour is at 9:00 am, so we strolled through the Waterfront as the sun rose, stopping for an early breakfast. Even if you’re not an early bird (and we’re certainly not), it’s worth setting the alarm to catch the sunrise.
There are several cafés near the Nelson Mandela Gateway. Ginja and Vovo Telo Bakery & Café are both open early and offer great breakfast options. Find a table with a view of the water and watch the sky change colours.
2. The First Boat to Robben Island
The Robben Island website describes the island prison as a symbol of “triumph of the human spirit over adversity” Certainly true of Nelson Mandela’s story.
The first boat departs at 9:00 am, but you’ll need to arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand for check-in. Ferries leave from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, and the tour lasts around 3.5 hours.
Top Tip: If you suffer from seasickness, take some medication ahead of time, as the sea can be a little choppy.
This trip isn’t sombre in the same way as visiting the Killing Fields in Cambodia. It’s poignant, but also inspiring to see Nelson Mandela’s garden and the cell where he spent so many years. Tours are conducted by former political prisoners of Robben Island; the wonderful Mr. Ntoza Talakumeni, Political Prisoner number 58/86, was our guide.
The tour is well-organised and never felt rushed. This is one of the most popular tours in Cape Town, so book ahead if you know you want to visit. You can book directly through the Robben Island website or via an organised tour that handles everything for you.
3. Lunch Back at the V&A Waterfront
You’ll return to the V&A Waterfront just in time for lunch, and there are plenty of options to choose from. We loved:
4. Cable Car To Table Mountain
No visit to Cape Town is complete without a trip to the top of Table Mountain. You can hop on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus from the Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront, though it may be too slow for your schedule. Our advice is to take an Uber for convenience.
To save even more time, book your ticket online. If you’re in a hurry, you can opt for a Fast-Track Ticket to get to the top even faster without queuing for the Cable Car. Once you’re up there, free guided walks are available from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm; on the hour and weather permitting.
Alternatively, you can download the Upper Cableway Station Audio Tour for a self-guided experience.
Allow a few hours for your visit, and don’t be discouraged by cloud cover. We ascended in heavy mist, but it lifted, giving us incredible views of the city below. And don’t forget a jacket in case the clouds roll back in!
At the top, there are walking trails, information boards, a shop, and a café. If you don’t have a Fast-Track Ticket, allow extra time for your return trip, as there’s often a queue for the cable car down.
5. Afternoon Walking Tour of Bo-Kaap
We love a good walking tour, and everyone told us that Bo-Kaap was the best one in Cape Town. It doesn’t cover a long distance, making it perfect for those short on time.
After some research, we chose Free Walking Tours Cape Town, and it was a good choice. The timing was spot on, with tours every day, rain or shine, at 4:20 pm. If you arrive early, grab a coffee at Motherland Coffee, located at St Georges Mall.
Bo-Kaap is Cape Town’s colourful and historic quarter. Its brightly painted houses are a photographer’s dream, and there’s a lot of history in this small neighbourhood. Our guide grew up in Bo Kaap and had many stories to share about his childhood. Bo-Kapp is a cool place to visit and shows a very different side of Cape Town.
6. Evening Experience at GOLD Restaurant
Cape Town has some seriously great places to eat, but we’re recommending GOLD.
A local we met on our Gansbaai Shark Cage Tour raised his eyebrows at our choice, suggesting there are better restaurants in town. There are, but GOLD is more than just a restaurant; it’s a gloriously fun experience.
Take a taxi to the venue and arrive early if you want to join the drumming session (we missed it as it was fully booked). Even so, we enjoyed the live dance, music and the joyful atmosphere that is GOLD.
They serve 14 courses of traditional African fare alongside live music and entertainment, and they cater perfectly for gluten-free diets, so I didn’t miss a thing.
If you only have one evening in Cape Town, this is a wonderful way to spend it. Just be sure to book ahead, as it’s a popular spot and tickets sell out fast!
7. Night Cap at the V&A Waterfront
After dinner at GOLD, we ordered an UBER and headed back to the V&A Waterfront for a nightcap.
The area comes alive at night, with pop-up choirs, dancers, and shops selling every kind of souvenir. And, of course, plenty of bars where you can enjoy a final drink at the end of a very busy day!
We loved this area. It’s lively, feels safe, and is the perfect place to end your day in Cape Town.
How Would You Spend Your 24 Hours in Cape Town? A Few Alternatives
You’ve seen my ideas, but my guess is that there will be one or two things you’d switch around? If so, take a look at the list below and adjust to your preferences. Not everyone’s perfect day will be the same, and I won’t mind if you swap some things around.
Cape Town For History Buffs
Cape Town is rich in historical sites, though not all tell joyful stories. If you’re a history lover, you may prefer to focus on those experiences:
Art Lovers Itinerary
Cape Town’s art scene is thriving, especially among young artists; we have three suggestions for you.
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
Many friends recommended the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. The building itself is fabulous; almost Gaudi-esque in appearance. However, I’ll admit Gerry didn’t enjoy our visit. It felt a bit pricey, and we struggled to follow the path through some exhibits, but if you’re an art lover, it might be a must-visit.
The museum offers free daily one-hour tours (Monday through Friday at 12:30 PM), but you need to book upon arrival, as places are limited.
Norval Foundation
Another excellent gallery is the Norval Foundation, located a 30-minute drive from the V&A Waterfront. Opened in 2018, it focuses on making South African and African art accessible to all.
Expect contemporary visual art, from painting and sculpture to photography and installations. As well as the gallery, you’ll also find :
The museum is open Monday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and is closed on Tuesday
Woodstock
Finally, a slightly less formal option for art lovers would be to explore the vibrant street art of Woodstock, an up-and-coming neighbourhood known for it’s boho atmosphere and creativity.
Foodie Things To Do
If food is your passion, skip Robben Island and dive into Cape Town’s local food scene.
Options for the Great Outdoors
One of our biggest regrets was not being able to hike around Table Mountain. Both Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Gardens offer a range of glorious hikes, which could have easily filled a day or two of our time.
Rainy Day Ideas
Don’t let the rain dampen your plans. Cape Town has plenty of indoor attractions to keep you busy.
Beach Lover Options
Best One Day Tours from Cape Town
Honestly, if you’re visiting Cape Town for the first time and only have one day, my advice is to stay in the city. There’s so much to see and do, you certainly won’t get bored. But if you’re not a fan of cities, there are plenty of great options for a day out:
Best Way To Get Around in Cape Town In One Day
Cape Town is a big, busy capital city. If you’re short on time, you’ll need to consider how you get around.
Is It Safe To Walk Around Cape Town
We walked a great deal during our 5 day stay in Cape Town, but stayed mainly within the V&A Waterfront area and busy tourist sites. These parts of Cape Town are generally safe to explore during the day, but it’s important to acknowledge that crime does exist here.
You should also be alert to scams, fake ticket sellers, and overpriced taxis. I recommend always purchasing tickets from reputable sources, such as the official website of the attraction, and using only trusted transport options.
It’s easy to become too fearful, but we never felt unsafe during our stay. Still, it’s wise to be aware of potential issues and take sensible precautions. If you’re unsure about anything, your accommodation can be a great resource for advice.
Where To Stay in Cape Town
Cape Town offers a wide range of accommodation. Remarkably, we stayed in three different locations during our short time in the city. While there are other areas to consider, if you are only visiting Cape Town for a day, staying near the V&A Waterfront is the most convenient option.
We also stayed in two different apartments, both on the waterfront. One was closer to the main road/entrance, and the second was nearer to the Aquarium. Both were excellent choices, and we’d stay again.
1. Protea Breakwater Lodge Hotel
Our Africa Overland tour booked us into this hotel. We had one of the larger rooms, and the staff were super helpful. The breakfast was amazing and it’s an easy stroll to the waterfront.
2. Victoria and Alfred Hotel
Another excellent option with great reviews and a fantastic location right in the heart of the waterfront. This would be our hotel of choice next time!
3. Mountain Marina Luxury Apartments
We loved the freedom of staying in an apartment, especially for longer visits. This one is just a few minutes’ walk from the Aquarium, still within the V&A Waterfront area. A great choice.
4. The One & Only Cape Town
If you’re seeking serious luxury, The One & Only Cape Town is the place. We walked by every day, and oh my, what an incredible hotel.
Is Cape Town Worth Visiting for One Day?
Absolutely! While one day isn’t enough to see everything, you can still have a packed day that offers a real sense of Cape Town. If we only had one day, I’d 100% choose to go again!
My advice is to make a list. Start with the activities you must do, then add the ones you’d like to fit in. Check timings, see what’s open, and figure out how you’ll get there. I may be a techy person, but when I plan a trip, I often end up with scraps of paper, moving them around like chess pieces, trying to fit everything in. Try it; it really works for me.
We absolutely loved Cape Town. Initially, we worried we’d planned too much time but quickly realised we hadn’t allowed enough! It’s easy to fill a day, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. In fact, one day in Cape Town is the perfect way to whet your appetite for a return visit—it certainly did for us!
Travelling In Africa?
We spent a month travelling from Victoria Falls to Cape Town. If you’ve enjoyed this post you may also like :
20 Day Victoria Falls to Cape Town Adventure
Looking for the greatest African Overland Experience? We travelled from Victoria Falls to Cape Town on quite possibly one of the greatest tours we’ve ever taken.
If you think this kind of tour is too much for you then think again.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Whenever you travel, you should have great travel and medical insurance. None of us expect anything bad to happen, but in the event of an incident, you want to be sure that your insurance will cover you.
I’ve ended up in hospital in Peru, Indonesia, Portugal, Japan and Ireland. Every time my insurance took care of everything. I would never leave home without full and comprehensive insurance.
MondialCare : Due to increasing limitations, mainly due to age, we have recently switched to MondialCare for our travel insurance. We have taken an annual policy at a very reasonable cost that includes medical and other travel cover. There are no trip length limits and the upper age for cover is 84. For Camino walkers and travel in Europe they have a low cost Schengen policy with no age limit.
TrueTraveller : We have used this policy and were very happy with the cover, especially considering our ages and pre-existing conditions.
Globelink: We have used and recommended Globelink for years and not heard of any issues. They are a great choice for European and UK Residents.
Genki : This is an EU based company offering long term policies for nomads and travellers. Their monthly rates are very competitive for longer trips too.
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Hey I’m Colleen. I’m married to Gerry, we’ve three fabulous kids and been living in France for almost two decades. I fell in love with Spain in the 1980s and I’ve walked 1000s of miles along the Camino de Santiago. Now we’re exploring and walking the world and I can’t wait to share what we’ve learned!