There are some places you visit… and then there are places that completely surprise you.

That was Cape Town for me.

Last March, we spent five days exploring the mountains, oceans, wildlife, history, and incredible food all layered into one city!

And if I’m being honest, the only downside?

It’s really far from home.

But I’d go back in a heartbeat!

Why Cape Town?

This trip started with one simple goal: I wanted to see penguins in the wild.

That’s it. That was the reason.

But Cape Town ended up being so much more than that.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at The Westin Cape Town, right on the northern edge of downtown. It ended up being the perfect home base. Walking distance to the V&A Waterfront, easy access to everything, and less than 20 minutes from the airport.

The highlight? Breakfast on the top floor overlooking the city. One of those quiet, slow moments that really gets you excited for a day of exploring.

If I went back, I might try something oceanfront for a different view, but honestly, I’d stay here again without hesitation.

Here’s What We Did

Day 1: Waterfront + First Impressions

We checked in and headed straight down to the V&A Waterfront—and it immediately reminded me of Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco years ago.

Shops, restaurants, ferries, seals, ocean views… it has that same energy, but felt a little cleaner and less crowded.

One of the first things we noticed?

How inexpensive everything was.

We had dinner right on the water with an incredible view, and it was about $30 total for both of us. Not exactly what you expect for a place like this.

It was the perfect easy first night—walkable, relaxed, and just enough to start getting a feel for the city.

Day 2: Robben Island + A Little Bit of Tourist Mode

We booked the Robben Island tour ahead of time, which I would definitely recommend.

You take a ferry out (about 40 minutes), and the entire experience is structured—you go as part of a timed group, and you can’t just wander on your own.

But honestly, that’s part of what makes it so impactful.

Our guide was a former prisoner, and hearing him talk about his experience—including his time with Nelson Mandela—was something we’ll never forget.

It’s one of those tours that stays with you long after you leave.

Later that day, we leaned into being tourists and did a diamond tour.

Yes, it’s a little bit of a tourist trap—but I love diamonds, so I was all in. Watching how they’re cut and polished (and learning about how they’re mined) was actually really interesting, but I probably wouldn’t go again.

That night, we had dinner at The Pot Luck Club, which ended up being one of our favorite meals of the trip.

It’s more of a shared plate experience where you order several small dishes and try a little bit of everything. It felt a little more elevated and fun than a typical dinner. You do need a reservation, but it’s definitely worth planning ahead for.

Day 3: The Kind of Day You Don’t Plan – But Should

A friend picked us up and took us on what ended up being one of the best days of the trip.

Just a full day of driving, stopping, and seeing where the road took us.

We made it all the way down to the southernmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. There’s not a ton there—but standing at the edge of the continent felt worth it.

On the way back, we stopped at Betty’s Bay…

And this was it.

Penguins. In the wild.

There’s a boardwalk area you can pay for, but also a free section where you can still see them. We ended up walking around both, and I could have stayed there all day.

We also stopped along the coast for views of the 12 Apostles mountain range, which honestly don’t even look real.

One thing to keep in mind if you’re driving: they’re on the opposite side of the road, which takes a minute to adjust to.

Day 4: Ocean in the Morning, Mountains by Afternoon

This felt like two completely different trips in one day.

We started early with an ocean kayaking tour, and it ended up being one of those quiet, surreal experiences WITH tiny dolphins jumping all around us while we paddled.

Not something you can plan perfectly, but when it happens… it’s pretty incredible.

Later, we headed up Table Mountain.

Book your ticket ahead of time (the lines get long) and take the rotating cable car up. It slowly turns so everyone gets a full view on the way up, which is actually a nice touch.

At the top, there are trails, viewpoints, and plenty of space to just wander.

You can hike it… but I wouldn’t.

Day 5: Beach Hopping + Shark Flags

We spent the day exploring the False Bay coastline, starting in Muizenberg.

The beaches are beautiful—wide, open, and lined with those colorful changing houses you’ve probably seen in pictures.

But what really stood out?

The shark flags.

They have a full system:

• Green = low risk
• Black = poor visibility
• Red = high risk
• White = shark sighting

We had a black flag day, which basically means “we’re not sure what’s out there”… so we stayed out of the water…

Still, it was one of the most fun days! Walking from beach to beach, stopping at little seafood spots, browsing surf shops… just easy and relaxed.

Day 6: A Quick Stop Before the Long Way Home

On the way to the airport, we drove through the Bo-Kaap neighborhood to see the colorful houses.

It’s a quick stop, but worth it.

And then… a very long travel day home.

Final Thoughts

Cape Town surprised me.

It’s one of those places where you get a little bit of everything—beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, great food, and wildlife all within minutes.

And in just a few days, we were pretty much able to see it all!

If I’m ever back in Africa, I would come here again without hesitation.

My Recommendation

If you’re anywhere nearby… add it to your trip.

And if you’re not?

It might still be worth going out of your way.