Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most breathtaking destinations, blending stunning coastlines, vibrant culture, and rich history into a travel experience unlike any other. From iconic sights like Table Mountain and Robben Island to local markets, wineries, and hidden beaches, there are endless things to do in Cape Town that make it a must-visit city. While many travelers begin their journey with things to do in Johannesburg or even spend time exploring where to stay in Johannesburg before flying south, Cape Town offers its own unique mix of adventure and relaxation. Planning your trip means knowing not only what to see but also where to stay in Cape Town, whether you prefer boutique hotels by the waterfront or luxury resorts with mountain views. And of course, no itinerary is complete without exploring the incredible restaurants in Cape Town, which showcase some of the best food and wine South Africa has to offer.
Dates: February 21 – March 2
Airport: IAD to JNB
I was so excited for my trip to South Africa. It’s my first visit to Africa in general. I visited both Johannesburg and Cape Town. My favorite part of the trip were the amazing scenic mountain views.
Flight
I bought my flight 3 months in advanced for $686 with Virgin Atlantic. It included a 12 hour layover in London on the way and 4 hour layover coming back. I got a flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town for $120 with Kulula airline.
I would definitely fly Virgin Atlantic again. The plane was spacious in Economy. I really liked the food and of course free wine and spirits. Kula was decent. They didn’t offer any free snacks. I really missed having pretzels and drinks especially since I get motion sickness. The salt helps with my stomach.
Where to Stay in Johannesburg
I stayed in three different AirBnB’s while in South Africa. One night in Jburg, two nights in Camps Bay – Cape Town, and the rest of the trip in downtown Cape Town.
The host was super accommodating and allowed early check-in and luggage storage. Breakfast was included in my stay.
Where to Stay in Capetown
This place was gorgeous with mountain and beach views. The only thing I didn’t like about this place were the stairs. Two flights to get to the apartment, one flight to the room and an additional flight for the master bedroom. It’s a 15 minute walk to the beach.
Penthouse in Downtown Cape Town
This was my favorite place and location. The views were nice! My room had a door where I could walk out onto the main balcony. It was close to a lot of places I went to, including a 15 – 20 minute walk to the waterfront.
Getting Around
Uber is available and super cheap. My average ride cost was $3 a trip.
Things to Do in Johannesburg
I learned a lot about South Africa’s history and Nelson Mandela.
Outdoor mall with shops and food. I loved the area.
Things to do in Capetown
Cute beach area!
Beautiful area with water views, restaurants, and shopping.
Baptiste Rooftop at Marly Hotel
I really liked this place. For non hotel guests, it was $33/person which was your spending limit there. I ordered food and drinks and lounged at the pool. It was a good option being as tho the beach water was too cold to get in.
It was a great experience to ride around in an open vehicle to view un-caged animals. The tour guide was very entertaining.
This tour allowed you to see the prison where Nelson Mandela was held. It consists of a prison tour and a bus tour to see the island. Our guide was an inmate there in the 80’s and provided a lot of insight during the tour.
Winery Tour
We did a private wine tour for $90/person for 4 people that included transportation with Luhambo Tours. Our guide was super friendly and took us to a lot of wineries. My favorite winery was the Waterford Estate and Simonsig wineries. I got to pop champagne with a saber!!
Jburg Extras:
Cape Town Extras:
Restaurants in Johannesburg
The artwork is what caught my eye in this spot. The service and food was great.
Restaurants in Capetown
This was one of my favorite places. They have several locations throughout Cape Town, but the Kloof St location has the best ambiance.
I got to try a South African cider. It was really good. Their sister location (Yours Truly) would be a good option as well.
Great cafe with fresh, healthy breakfast options. They have several locations throughout Cape Town.
This is also one of my favorite restaurants. The ambiance and food were great. The food is tapas style and can easily be shared.
I thought it was a cute breakfast cafe. The food was fresh.
Jburg Extras:
Night Life
The music was great. We got a bottle/VIP section for $60 USD.
It’s a small place that offers a chill vibe. Great hookah. I went to this place a lot during the week. Locals don’t go out during the week, mainly Fridays & Saturdays.
This was one of my favorite places. It was big with great ambiance and patio. To get a table, it was a minimum spending limit of $190 USD. Food pictured: grilled lamb chops with potatoes and Tempura Shrimp.
It was a good time, small, but nice. They even had coat check.
Cape Town is a destination that combines natural beauty, cultural depth, and unforgettable experiences at every turn. From climbing Table Mountain to exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, there are countless things to do in Cape Town for every type of traveler. Pair your adventures with world-class dining at some of the top restaurants in Cape Town and unwind in one of the city’s many boutique or luxury hotels when deciding where to stay in Cape Town. Many visitors also begin their journey with things to do in Johannesburg or explore where to stay in Johannesburg before heading to the coast, making both cities ideal for a complete South African itinerary. Whether you’re here for history, food, or adventure, Cape Town promises a trip you’ll never forget.
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