2 Days in Cape Town: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore
I landed in Cape Town bright-eyed and filled with expectation for an exceptional trip.
For years, South Africa had been on my bucket list. I’d watched as friends and peers made their own journeys to the Motherland, returning with stories and sun-drenched photos that spoke of epic adventures. I craved an experience of my own.
Fast forward to this past October, I finally caught a 15-hour nonstop flight (thank you, Delta!) from ATL to CPT in celebration of a friend’s 35th birthday. I arrived a week early, not just to extend the trip with another group of friends, but to give myself time to fully experience the city and all it had to offer.
While I always recommend spending at least a week (two if you can!) in Cape Town, even a short stopover can be worth your while, especially if you’re en route to other destinations like Johannesburg or Namibia.
Here’s a taste of how two days in Cape Town can transport you, even temporarily, to another world filled with beautiful beaches, dreamy wineries, and unforgettable adventures.
Where to Stay
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There’s no wrong way to do accommodations in Cape Town, but I’ll admit — I’m a little biased toward villas.
There’s something about waking up in a sun-drenched estate, surrounded by friends and views that feel pulled from a scene in Selling Sunset (minus the drama, of course). If you’re traveling with a group, a villa offers the perfect mix of luxury and intimacy.
But if that’s not your vibe, don’t worry. Cape Town is home to an array of chic boutique hotels, stylish Airbnbs, and resort-style properties that cater to every taste and budget.
Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals
Ocean-view penthouses. Architectural villas. Garden cottages in leafy suburbs. Cape Town’s Airbnb scene is perfect if you value design, privacy, and the ability to cook or entertain. Just be sure to prioritize locations with gated access or 24/7 security.
Hotels
Whether you want five-star waterfront luxury or a cozy boutique stay in Gardens or Green Point, Cape Town has a hotel for every type of traveler. Bonus: many offer breakfast, concierge support, and easy access to city tours.
Day 1: Arrival & Iconic Experiences
On top of Table Mountain
Depending on where you're coming from, you’ll either land ready to explore or ready to collapse into your cozy bed. Either way, keep the first day light, intentional, and centered around a few iconic Cape Town staples.
Morning: Arrive & Dine
Ease into the day with breakfast at Jason Bakery or Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room — both city favorites that serve up strong coffee and solid people-watching.
Early Afternoon: Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap & Company’s Gardens
Hop on this Table Mountain guided tour for panoramic views and stress-free logistics. You’ll also pass through colorful Bo-Kaap and the tranquil Company’s Gardens. Want more freedom? Hire a driver or Uber between stops — Cape Town is easy to navigate.
Late Afternoon to Evening: V&A Waterfront
After some downtime and a quick outfit change, head to the V&A Waterfront. This lively harbor is perfect for sunset strolls, upscale shopping, and casual bites.
Dinner
Cabo Beach Club for a scene-y meal with a view.
Harbour House for a more elevated dining experience with prime waterfront seating.
Call it an early night, or head out for drinks and nightlife (which I cover in more detail in the full guide!).
Day 2: Culture, Wine & Nature
No visit to Cape Town is complete without a trip to the Winelands — and even with limited time, it’s worth carving out a day.
Morning & Afternoon: Tour the Cape Winelands
The best wineries are about 1–1.5 hours away in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Constantia. You can’t go wrong with one of these trusted options:
Not into wine? Trade tastings for a scenic coastal drive:
Cape of Good Hope
Boulders Penguin Colony
Chapman’s Peak Drive
All of which you can experience on this highly-recommended tour that I took with my girls. (If you happen to get Rodney as your tour guide, ask him about the hot chocolate at the Cape of Good Hope! )
Cape of Good Hope
Evening: Dine & Unwind
After a long day, you’ll want ambiance and good food. For that I recommend:
Kloof Street House – jazz-lit, moody, and effortlessly romantic.
The Bungalow, Clifton – oceanfront fine dining. Be sure to book ahead to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
This is just a small taste of what Cape Town has to offer. From wildlife safaris to four-wheelers on the dunes, the city is layered with adventure, beauty, and possibility. And trust me — once you’ve had a taste, you’ll want more.
Want the Full Itinerary? My 45+ page Luxe Cape Town Travel Guide is coming soon — packed with hotel picks, what to wear, how to budget, restaurant recs, curated activities, and all my notes from two unforgettable weeks. Get early access + a subscriber discount by signing up here.
