It’s easy to dismiss destinations that are being hyped by others. There’s always a slight resistance to ‘following the crowd’, and I certainly raise a wary eyebrow whenever I hear recommendations from my colleagues about their recent trips. I’m glad I ignored this inner voice on my recent visit to South Africa, however, as Cape Town doesn’t just meet expectations, it exceeds them in every way imaginable. The Best Experiences in Cape Town 
For your first trip to Cape Town, you absolutely must start with the classics. A sunrise hike up iconic Table Mountain for breathtaking panoramas (or the cable car if you’re short on time) is something you will want to plan out in advance. I made it up there for sunset and managed to squeeze it in after a ferry ride to Robben Island to walk in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps. Swap the crowds for a pre-dawn hike up Lion’s Head, or join a local’s weekend ritual by diving into the incredible food scene at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, where you can sample fresh produce and artisanal treats while mingling with Capetonians. Instead of just sticking to the well-trodden paths, venture into the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood for a walking tour of its vibrant, world-class street art, or take a scenic coastal drive to the bohemian fishing village of Kalk Bay. If you’re staying in central Cape Town then spend time at the V&A Waterfront to try local dishes like fish and chips or the truly unique Gatsby sandwich.
Its a long flight to Cape Town from Europe, but there are direct options available which in my experience always helps with the journey. I took a short trip to Amsterdam from London before connecting onwards to South Africa. There are so many options that prices are kept at a (comparatively) reasonable limit. The weather was perfect when I arrived in early April, and Cape Town’s unique landscape, framed by the iconic Table Mountain at one end and the south Atlantic sea on the other, give it a generally pleasant temperature even in summer. The rolling clouds over the peaks you can see from the ground here are almost a cliche at this point, but they are preposterously attractive on camera.
Sunset Rock at sunset is the view point of choice for many locals
From the airport it was easy enough to pick up an Uber. This is the safest and cheapest way to get around, although other taxi services also operate here. I’d recommend sticking to what you know, at least for the first few trips, and you’ll also find the a lot of Cape Town is walkable. The Downtown district, where the main convention centre is located is a 20 minute walk from the popular V&A Waterfront shopping malls and food markets.
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Where to stay in Cape Town
Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town
Sat on Cape Town’s spectacular Atlantic coastline, the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town is a modern property with enough escapism to feel like its a sanctuary from the frenetic city yet also within walking distance of the main attractions. Set in the shadow of Table Mountain and the DHL Stadium, the location allows for peaceful nights and relaxing days whilst the views are unbeatable. On my visit I caught sunrises that felt otherworldly while dolphins and whales were spotted in the distance.
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With the Victoria & Alfred district close by, you can take one of the regular shuttle buses to major tourist attractions just in front of the lobby. This ride only takes 5 minutes and is ideal if travelling with family or when time is tight, but I still found it more practical to walk. That said, the complimentary service is a lovely touch that not all hotels offer. Rooms and suites are spacious and full of modern touches that make your stay a joy. The spa has an indoor pool but like most Brits I preferred to spend time in the outdoor infinity pool to bask in the sun and inhale the fresh salty air. The marina is a safe docking point and many rooms offer views of the ocean and come complete with balconies.
Cassam at sunrise on the marina just outside the hotel
Once I felt comfortable with the geography of Cape Town, or at least this central area, I was ready to start exploring. This acclimatisation only took a few hours and I had a long list of things I wanted to try. You can squeeze in a fair amount in 48 hours, but some of the furthest attractions might require a longer stay to fully enjoy. Here are some of my personal highlights.
>> Tour Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap and Cape of Good Hope in one day
Things to do in Cape Town
The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour
Tours
The food scene in Cape Town is one of the main things people talk about after visiting. A popular ‘cheeky’ chicken restaurant originated in South Africa and I had to try it just to make sure the original was still the best. It was. Elsewhere you can find excellent steaks with local marinades and sauces to give them a twist, whilst biltong is a healthier version of jerky that you’ll find people enjoying throughout the day. Fish & Chips usually bring a catch of the day to the plate whilst you really should hunt down a Gatsby if you are feeling hungry. This packed sandwich essentially comes with everything inside and has become a trademark dish here. If you head to B0-Kaap, the colourful Muslim neighbourhood, Indian and Asian flavours are on offer. The food overall is excellent value and a walking tour is the best way to sample it all.
Wine Tours in Cape Town and Stellenbosch 
Nenad Gataric
A short drive from Cape Town’s city centre, the surrounding vineyards offer world-class wine tours that blend breathtaking scenery with celebrated vintages. The historic Constantia Wine Route, home to Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine estate. Further afield, the Stellenbosch region boasts iconic estates like Tokara and Delaire Graff, where tastings are elevated by contemporary art and panoramic mountain views, while the Franschhoek Wine Tram allows you to hop between chic cellars such as La Motte and Boschendal at your own pace. Beyond traditional tastings, experiences range from vineyard picnics and gourmet harvest lunches to behind-the-scenes winemaking workshops, ensuring every sip comes with a story. You should ideally set aside a full day for these, although some can be combined with lunch and dining options. Even if you don’t drink, these tours offer something special and some of these can be tailored to just try the grapes themselves without any wine!
Robben Island
Historical Landmark
A visit to Robben Island is an essential journey into South Africa’s recent history. You should book this tour in advance as it is popular and on the day I visited an extra boat had to be arranged for surplus guests. Your tour begins with a scenic 30-minute ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront, offering stunning views of Table Mountain as you travel to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once on the island, a guide who is often a former political prisoner leads you on a bus tour past key landmarks like the limestone quarry. The emotional highlight is a walk inside the maximum-security prison to see the tiny cell where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27 years. Its a moving experience and the echoes of opposing apartheid and fighting for justice are as relevant today as they were decades ago.
Table Mountain
Park
Accessible via cable car or hike, the flat top mountain is regarded as one of the natural wonders of the world. You can see Table Mountain from every part of the city below and flying into Cape Town you also get incredible views of it. If you’re feeling brave you can zip line or abseil down from the peak, but for most of us the viewing platforms are more than enough. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to head up especially as its slightly cooler during those times, although I recommend bringing a few extra layers regardless as it can get windy up there.
Lion’s Head and Other Hikes 
If you want views of Table Mountain, then Lion’s Head is arguably the best peak in Cape Town. You can’t get up here as easily as some other spots, so you will have to bring your hiking boots. This isn’t the only option though, as I ended up finding a number of outstanding vantage points on the drive along Chapman’s Peak. This is known as one of the best road trips in the world, and it takes you to places overlooking the bay on one side of Cape Town. Locals have a few spots they like park up at to get the best pictures but even if you want to enjoy the uninterrupted drive, this is an unmissable highlight. I didn’t have enough time to do the full stretch of this route, but the main section (which is actually part of a toll road) is only 10km long and something you won’t regret doing.
V&A Waterfront Walking Tours 
As I mentioned, Cape Town is a very walkable city and tours often take advantage of this fact. The most popular hang out is the V&A Waterfront which has malls, food courts and local markets. Prices are little higher here than elsewhere as many tourists find it convenient to just stay in this area after all. I still recommend this area for all first time visitors as you get a real sense of where the city is going and why so many people are picking it as their destination of choice this year. Be sure to try one of the guided walking tours to fully embrace the food, culture and ambience of the city. Most of these either start or end on the waterfront.
About the author 
Cassam Looch has been working within travel for more than a decade. An expert on film locations and set jetting destinations, Cassam is also a keen advocate of the many unique things to do in his home city of London. With more than 50 countries visited (so far), Cassam also has a great take on the rest of the world.
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