One Day in Cape Town: The Perfect Layover Itinerary!

Whether you’re visiting friends or family or simply stopping through Cape Town on a layover, you’re in the right place! This One Day in Cape Town itinerary will help you craft the best 24 hours in the Mother City so you can make the most of your time.

Things to Prepare Ahead of Time

Before you land in Cape Town, you should make sure you have a few things figured out!

• Visa – Do you need a tourist visa for your layover? Make sure you check the requirements for your passport before you land!
• Accommodation – If you’re staying overnight, you’ll need to have some accommodation booked. I’ll provide you with a couple of options later in this post if you’re considering an overnight stay!
• Various Stops – Use this itinerary as a guide to plan your day. I recommend using Uber or Bolt (only use Bolt during the day) for your time in the city.

One Day Itinerary for Cape Town

Stop 1: Brunch on Bree St.

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Assuming you’re arriving in the morning, your first stop of the day has to be the Ladder on Bree St. This cafe quickly became one of my all time faves while I was living nearby and can’t recommend it more! Their menu is always changing seasonally and everything I’ve had there has been incredible.

When you’re done breakfast or brunch, wander around some of the shops on Bree street to get a feel for the area!

Stop 2: Explore Bo-Kaap

Bo-Kaap is a historic neighbourhood that was once known as the Malay Quarter.

It’s situated at the bottom of Signal Hill and most of the neighbourhood is seated on a steep slope!

Walk into some art galleries and marvel at the colourful homes that the neighbourhood is known for. You can walk here from The Ladder, however, I wouldn’t recommend walking around here on your own.

I used to live in this neighbourhood and it’s known for a lot of petty crime.

Stay with a group or join this incredible 3-hour Cape Malay cooking class in Bo-Kaap to learn about how to make some traditional food while learning about the area.

Stop 3: Beach Day at Boulders Beach or Clifton

Depending on how far you want to go, enjoy a beach day at Boulders Beach (where you can see penguins up close) or at one of the Clifton beaches!

You can take an Uber to both beaches but Clifton is much closer. I usually go to Clifton 1st or 2nd Beach – you’ll get dropped off on the side of the street and will have to walk down steep stairs to get to the beach below.

The Clifton beaches are truly amazing but sometimes (usually right after heavy rainfall) there will be a lot of seaweed and trash washed up on the beach. This doesn’t happen often in the summer but is something to consider if you’re visiting during other seasons.

Boulders Beach, on the other hand, is another great option!

It’s about a 30 minute drive from Cape Town but you can also book a tour like this one to eliminate any stress of getting to and from the beach. Make sure you get a ticket to go to the beach so you can get up close to the penguins (but not too close because they will bite!).

Stop 4: Visit Mojo Market for Dinner

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If you’re coming from Clifton Beach and feeling a little hungry, stop off at Mojo Market in Sea Point!

It’s a food market that’s open 7 days a week with SO many options for food – all of which are great and really affordable.

Some nights there is live music or karaoke and there’s lots of seating. You’re bound to make new friends with locals having a meal!

Stop 5: Hike Kloof Corner for Sunset / Head to the Signal Hill Bunkers

Depending on how tired you are at this point, I’d recommend a hike up Kloof Corner for sunset OR stopping by the bunkers at Signal Hill.

Kloof Corner is a short hike to an insane viewpoint for sunset and won’t take you more than 40 minutes up for the roundtrip journey. Just make sure you call an Uber in advance before it’s dark so you have a safe way to get back to your hotel or the airport later on!

The bunkers at Signal Hill is another favourite spot of mine. From here you can watch the paragliders (if the wind conditions are right). You can find the spot on the map here.

Instead, if you’re keen to explore Table Mountain National Park, you can take the cable car up to Table Mountain and watch the sunset from there.

Stop 6: Grab a Drink or Two

After sunset, head to a bar to grab a couple of drinks to celebrate your time in Cape Town!

There are a ridiculous number of incredible places to go out depending on the mood you’re in.

Here are some of my faves:

• BLONDIE
• The House of Machines
• Yours Truly (rooftop bar)
• The Power and the Glory
• Selective Live
• The Athletic and Social Club

Still not sure where to go?

Read my blog on the 23 Best Clubs in Cape Town: Top Nightlife in South Africa

Cost of One Day in Cape Town

Exploring Cape Town for a day can be surprisingly affordable, depending on your budget.

When taking a look at the one day itinerary above, you can expect to spend roughly R1,000-1,200 ($50-65 USD) for a full day.

There are plenty of ways you can make your one day in Cape Town more affordable if you need to. For example, you can find other free activities such as a walking tour.

Or if you don’t mind splurging, it’s not hard to spend more money on incredible experiences in and around Cape Town!

Best Places to Visit in Cape Town for First Timers

Cape Town is a city brimming with must-see attractions for first-time visitors. Here are a few you might want to consider checking out:

• Table Mountain: One of Africa’s most iconic landmarks, offering panoramic views of the city, ocean, and beyond
• Camps Bay: A stunning beach destination with white sand, trendy restaurants, and breathtaking views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range.
• V&A Waterfront: A bustling hub with shops, restaurants, and attractions, perfect for exploring Cape Town’s vibrant culture.
• Bo-Kaap: Famous for its colorful houses and rich history, this neighborhood is a must-see for its charm and culture.
• Cape Point: Experience the dramatic meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

If you want more ideas, check out these 26 unique activities for couples in Cape Town!

Best One Day Tours From Cape Town

Don’t want to rush around from place to place?

Maybe you’re most suited to going on a day trip somewhere near Cape Town to make the most of your time!

• Cape Point & Cape Peninsula Tour: Discover the scenic beauty of Cape Point and the Cape Peninsula. Highlights include Chapman’s Peak Drive, Boulders Beach to see African penguins, and the rugged cliffs of Cape Point Nature Reserve.
• Robben Island Tour: Take a ferry from the V&A Waterfront to this historic site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Learn about South Africa’s struggle for freedom with a guided tour of the island and prison.
• Franschhoek Wine Tram: Explore the picturesque Cape Winelands aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram. Enjoy wine tastings at world-class vineyards while soaking in the stunning views of the valley.

How to Get Around Cape Town

The best way to get around Cape Town is by Uber (or Bolt during the day).

Cape Town also has MyCiti public transportation which is said to be safe, however, Uber is a much easier and convenient option if you don’t have a lot of time to see Cape Town!

Is Cape Town Worth Visiting For One Day?

Yes!

Luckily, you can fit a lot into one day in Cape Town if you’re organized.

Plan ahead and you’ll get through quite a bit in one day but you’ll certainly be exhausted by the end!

If you only have one day in Cape Town, it’s still worth the visit. You’ll get a little taste of the city and if you love it, you can always return another time.

How Long Should You Spend in Cape Town?

Let’s face it – one day in Cape Town won’t give you much time to see everything.

I always recommend spending at least a week in Cape Town if you have the chance to! I spent 7+ months in Cape Town and still haven’t seen it all.

Things to Do in Cape Town (For Longer Stays)

If you decide one day in Cape Town isn’t enough, there’s a LOT you can see and do with extra time on your hands!

• Visit the Cape Winelands: Explore Stellenbosch or Franschhoek for wine tastings and picturesque vineyards.
• Explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: A beautiful escape showcasing South Africa’s unique flora, perfect for picnics or concerts.
• Take a Day Trip to the Cape Peninsula: Drive along Chapman’s Peak, visit Boulders Beach to see African penguins, and explore Cape Point.
• Surf at Muizenberg: A laid-back beach perfect for beginners or those wanting to soak in the surf culture.
• Discover Local Markets: Browse artisanal goods and enjoy delicious food at markets like the Oranjezicht City Farm Market or the Old Biscuit Mill.
• Visit Hout Bay: Enjoy a scenic harbor, fresh seafood, markets, and boat trips to see seals at Duiker Island.

Read my 7 Day Cape Town Itinerary here for more ideas!

Is it Safe to Walk Around Cape Town?

In short – I wouldn’t!

You can walk around certain areas of Cape Town during the day (Kloof Street, Bree Street, Long Street, etc) but it’s always best to take an Uber.

Check out my full Cape Town safety guide here!

Where to Stay

If you’re spending the night before catching a flight or driving home, here are a few great accommodation options!

• Budget – Kloof St Hotel (from $42 USD/night)
• Mid-range – O on Kloof Boutique Hotel & Spa (from $107 USD/night)
• High-end – Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa (from $135 USD/night)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Even for short trips, I always make sure I’m insured and have been using SafetyWing for years now.

One Day in Cape Town Might Surprise You!

As you can see, one day in Cape Town will only really scratch the surface.

Once you get a taste, you’ll likely fall in love and will find yourself back in Cape Town before you know it!

I’ll be back shortly with a new blog but in the meantime, you can follow my adventures as a full-time traveller and digital nomad on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube! 

Cheers, 

Amy xx