Cape Town: 1 day, 3 ways

Cape Town is a city bursting with natural beauty, rich history and unforgettable experiences aplenty. On a cruise to Cape Town, your trip to the city may only be fleeting, so we’ve done all the hard work for you and crafted three itineraries to choose from. Which will it be? 

• Drive along Chapman’s Peak
• Explore Simon’s Town 
• See the penguins at Boulders Beach

Affectionately known as ‘Chappies,’ Chapman’s Peak is a scenic drive that winds along miles of stunning coastline. Starting in the picturesque fishing village of Hout Bay and finishing in Noordhoek in the Cape Peninsula, the route is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 

Offering a slower pace than neighbouring Cape Town, this idyllic beach town on the southern peninsula is filled with coastal charm. With a history that dates back to the 1600s, Simon’s Town is steeped in treasured maritime heritage, which can be discovered in detail at the South African Naval Museum. 

Situated just outside of Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach is a sandy cove home to a colony of endangered African penguins. An elevated boardwalk provides the perfect viewpoint to watch the lovable penguins as they surf the waves on their tummies and waddle along the beach without disturbing them. 

• Walk along Lion’s Head Hiking Trail
• Get the cable car to the top of Table Mountain
• Have dinner at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront 

For spectacular 360° views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay, consider walking the three-mile-long Lion’s Head Hiking Trail. The trail is easily accessible if you’re relatively fit, and it’s recommended to experience it with a guide so that you can learn about the surrounding flora and fauna as you walk. 

Watching over the city is the iconic and breathtakingly beautiful Table Mountain. At its highest point, the mountain reaches 1,086 metres, offering spectacular views with panoramic vistas over the city. If you’ve already tackled Lion’s Head Hiking Trail, preserve your energy by riding the 5-minute revolving cable car to the summit. 

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is the beating heart of Cape Town. As the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, it attracts over 20 million visitors a year. And with its plentiful shops, bars, cafés and restaurants, it’s easy to see why. One such restaurant is Belthazar, a grill restaurant boasting the biggest wine-by-the-glass bar in the world. 

• Spend the morning at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
• Go wine tasting in the Cape Winelands 
• Carry on the fun at Mojo Market 

Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a biodiverse kingdom of forests, glades and lawns. First established in 1913, the gardens offer a wonderful respite from the bustle of the city - spend the morning wandering around reading the information boards or take a guided tour for an even more immersive experience. 

South Africa is synonymous with the production of wine - vineyards cover over 140,000 hectares, mainly in the province of Western Cape. The Cape’s Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing vines, and taking a tour of these vineyards is a popular day trip. Why not enjoy a delicious lunch followed by an even more delicious wine-tasting session? 

After a few glasses of wine, carry on the party at Mojo Market, a buzzing urban market open almost 24 hours a day. The lively spot boasts 30 food spots offering dishes from around the world and five bars, each dedicated to a specific beverage. Live music is played here daily, with up to four free performances on a Saturday!