Cape Town is a destination where towering mountains meet the sea, urban life flows into nature, and every corner offers something new to uncover.
Spending a week here gives travellers the chance to go beyond the highlights and really immerse themselves in what makes the Mother City so special. From history and adventure to world-class cuisine and relaxed luxury, here’s how to enjoy Cape Town like a local with a taste for the exceptional.
Take on the icons, but dig deeper
No trip to Cape Town would be complete without experiencing Table Mountain. Take the cable car to the top for sweeping views of the city bowl, Atlantic coastline and beyond. But rather than rush on, make time to linger – explore the walking trails, pack a picnic, and watch how the light shifts across the city below.
Down at sea level, the V&A Waterfront offers a vibrant mix of culture and retail. It’s easy to spend hours here browsing local craft markets, watching street performers, or dining on fresh seafood. From here, set off on a boat trip to Robben Island – a sobering but essential stop that brings South Africa’s recent history into sharp perspective through the story of Nelson Mandela and the years he spent imprisoned there.
Discover the coastline and its characters
Just an hour’s drive from the city centre, Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is home to a colony of endangered African penguins. A visit here feels like stepping into a nature documentary – clear blue waters, smooth granite boulders, and penguins waddling right past your feet.
Continue the journey along the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. The landscapes here are dramatic and windswept, and it’s easy to see why the area feels almost mythical. With scenic roads winding along the cliffs and the two oceans meeting at the tip, it’s a stretch of coastline that locals never tire of.
See the city through a different lens
One of the most memorable ways to explore Cape Town is with Jeep Tours Cape Town. These guided tours swap tour buses for rugged Jeep Wranglers and venture into less-travelled corners of the city. From tackling the white dunes of Atlantis to scenic drives along the peninsula, these experiences feel more like an adventurous day out with friends than a typical city tour. The guides are locals with a passion for sharing their hometown – making each stop along the way feel personal and unexpected.
Sip and savour the Winelands
South Africa’s wine regions are internationally celebrated, and the Cape Winelands are just a short drive from the city. Spend a day wandering through vineyards in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, enjoying tastings at family-run estates or contemporary cellars set against rolling hills. Pair award-winning varietals with cheese boards, lazy lunches, or a sunset glass of chenin blanc on a shaded terrace.
The Winelands offer more than wine – they offer a slower pace, a deep connection to the land, and the warmth of South African hospitality at its best. You find out more with the new Digital Guide to the Winelands.
Where to eat
Cape Town’s food scene is creative, diverse, and bursting with flavour. For an elevated dining experience, Upper Union on Kloof Street serves a menu designed for sharing, with bold seasonal ingredients in a relaxed yet refined setting. Nearby, Kloof Street House is a perennial favourite. Set in a Victorian mansion and filled with eclectic décor, it offers a moody, romantic atmosphere perfect for a long lunch or candlelit dinner.
Where to stay
Base yourself in one of Cape Town’s most charming neighbourhoods with a stay at More Quarters Neighbourhood Hotel. Tucked just off bustling Kloof Street, this collection of luxury apartments blends the comfort of home with the service of a boutique hotel – ideal for travellers wanting space and independence with access to local cafés and shops just steps away.
For something more exclusive, the Cape Cadogan Private Residence offers three en-suite bedrooms, a private pool and full-service luxury – perfect for families or small groups seeking privacy with style.
