How to Spend 36 Hours in Cape Town

From cobbled streets alive with history to panoramic views of ocean-kissed cliffs, Cape Town’s charm lies in its rich tapestry of cultures, flavors, and sights. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or traveling with family, this 36-hour itinerary captures the city’s spirit in just the right dose of adventure, discovery, and pure South African magic. Here’s how to make every moment count.

Day 1

6:00 p.m.

Start your Cape Town adventure with dinner in the Woodstock district. Consider dining at The Pot Luck Club, a buzzing space known for its creative small plates and rooftop views. Try the famed fish tacos or lamb ribs for a flavor-packed intro to South African cuisine. 

8:30 p.m.

Up for a nightcap on your first night in the city? Head to The Gin Bar, tucked away behind Honest Chocolate Café. Known for its speakeasy vibe and creative gin cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to wind down while sampling South African gin with botanicals unique to the Cape’s fynbos region.

Day 2

9:00 a.m. 

Begin your day with a tour through the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, one of Cape Town’s most iconic neighborhoods, known for its colorful houses, cobbled streets, and rich Cape Malay heritage. Explore the history and culture here, learning about the legacy of the Muslim community and the neighborhood’s unique place in Cape Town’s heritage. Consider stopping into the Bo-Kaap Museum, a historic home that highlights the struggles and celebrations of the Malay community in Cape Town.

12:00 p.m.

From Bo-Kaap, you have two options. Take a short drive to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Explore the diverse flora, including the unique fynbos vegetation, and walk the Boomslang Canopy Walkway for elevated views of the gardens. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will want to spend time exploring Skeleton Gorge or Table Mountain. 

If you'd rather head out on open waters, take the ferry from The Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, now a World Heritage Site, where political prisoners (including Mandela) were kept until 1996. Be sure to check the latest tour times. 

4:00 p.m.

Have some extra time? Explore the V&A Waterfront, home to many shops and restaurants. The nearby Two Oceans Aquarium offers a respite from the outdoors and brings the marine life of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans up close. Children and adults will enjoy spotting penguins, sharks, and peering into the kelp forest tanks inside this beautifully designed aquarium. 

7:00 p.m.

Take in a golden Cape Town sunset from Signal Hill for panoramic city views and Table Mountain vistas. Bring a light jacket and your camera for this scenic spot that’s popular at dusk for a reason. 

8:00 p.m. 

End the evening with dinner on the V&A Waterfront. Karibu offers traditional South African dishes like bobotie and springbok served with views of the harbor. It’s the perfect end to a day of exploring Cape Town’s coastal and cultural highlights.

Day 3 

9:00 a.m. 

For a last scenic drive, head along Chapman’s Peak Drive for stunning cliffs and ocean views. Stop at one of the viewpoints to capture photos of Cape Town’s breathtaking coastline, a memory you’ll want to keep long after your visit.

10:00 a.m.

Make your way to Simon's Town, a historic naval base with charming Victorian architecture. Context's Simon's Town History Tour will take you through the Heritage Museum and the old Malay Quarter while exploring everything from the indigenous history to the Dutch and British occupations and the struggles of the Cape Malay people.  

1:00 p.m. 

Enjoy lunch at The Lighthouse Café, known for its fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere. Stop by Boulders Beach, and if you're lucky, you might see the colony of African penguins who call this beach home before you head on for the rest of your trip. 

From the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap and the maritime charm of Simon’s Town to breathtaking botanical gardens and cliffside views, these 36 hours capture the essence of Cape Town’s natural beauty, cultural depth, and culinary wonders. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Cape Town has a way of drawing you in, leaving you with memories that linger and a sense that you’ve only scratched the surface of this remarkable city.