Quick Guide to 3 Days in Cape Town, South Africa

There is no other city quite like Cape Town. The city is wedge between ocean, desert, and spectacular vineyards. This Mother City allows travelers to indulge in unique cuisine, immerse in culture, and Carpe Diem in some of the most adrenaline-rush adventures. Even if you only have a few days to spare, seize the day and see as much as possible. Here are some quick tips to get you started in Cape Town.

When to Visit:

Depending on what you are searching for, you can visit Cape Town year-round. Summer in Cape Town is from December to March. Tourist season is high and everything is relatively more expensive but the weather is in the high 70s. March to May is the best time to visit for wine lovers. It is the start of the wine harvest. Winter is from June to August. Day temperatures can drop in the low 60s but accommodations are at their cheapest. If you are looking for color and all the plants blossoming, visit from September to November.

Before Arrival:

Make sure you have the proper travel documents when traveling to Cape Town. Most countries do not need a visa when entering into South Africa for stays less than 90 days. You can find more information listed here. You are not required to get any immunization travel shots. Cape Town is a metropolis city and catching malaria or yellow fever is very rare.

Getting Into City Center:

Cape Town International Airport to the city center is approximately 20km. The best way to get into the city center from the airport is by hiring a taxi driver or arranging transportation with your hotel. It will cost you about R300 to R400 ($19 – $26). The cost-efficient way to get into the city center is by taking their public transit, MyCiti. You can find more information about MyCiti, including using the trip planner, here.

Currency Exchange:

Upon arrival, I proceeded through the arrival concourse to find multiple ATM machines. The highest option on the ATM machine is R3000, about $190 USD. The machine dispenses in 100 bills but you can get smaller change at the currency exchange booth in the concourse.

Current Exchange Rate:

In South Africa, the currency used is called the Rand.

• $1 Aus = R11.32
• $1 USD = R15.62
• €1 = R17.24
• £1 = R21.81
• ¥1 = R0.14

Where To Stay:

I booked a hotel apartment, Icon Luxury Apartments for my stay in Cape Town. It was $90/day. The room was everything I needed and more. The studio room came equipped with a full kitchen, a comfortable bed, a lounging area, and a bathroom. Icon Luxury Apartment is located on Long Street but away from the bustling noise of the city. Parking is also available for guests without a charge!

Getting Around:

I rented a car at Avis for $200 (including full insurance) for 4 days. I strongly advise on getting the full coverage especially those who are not familiar with driving on the left side of the road and the steering wheel on the right.

You can easily get around Cape Town without renting a car. The most practical way is taking the Hop On Hop Off bus for R150 (edit: now R180) a day. The bus takes you all around Cape Town without breaking your bank. The only issue is that the bus does not run late so plan accordingly.

Getting By:

There are 11 different languages in South Africa, however, English is the most commonly used.