Twenty-Four Hours in Cape Town
Where would you go if you only had a day to experience the pulse of Cape Town? Would you savour world-class wines or wander through contemporary art spaces? Cape Town is a city where adventure meets elegance at every corner. With a day’s layover and time to spare, I set out on an adventure that promised memories to last a lifetime.
Steenberg Wine Estate – 11:34
No visit to Cape Town is complete without exploring a wine estate, especially if you’re a wine lover like me. Steenberg Farm in Constantia offered the perfect choice, just a scenic 50-minute drive from central Cape Town. It’s easily accessible by Uber, which is a real plus when you’re on a layover. The estate’s scenery and ambience are breathtaking; as we arrived, vistas of sun-soaked vineyards, perfectly manicured lawns, and reflective water features invited us to settle in for an idyllic brunch.
You may start at the wine tasting room or, for a deeper dive into Steenberg’s wine production, join a vineyard tour to glimpse the winemaking process from vine to bottle. If relaxation is your goal, the estate’s Spa offers a tranquil retreat for massages or beauty treatments—perfect for unwinding after a long flight.
We chose outdoor seating to make the most of the summer sun. Our sommelier warmly welcomed us, sharing enthralling stories of Steenberg’s heritage. Our brunch began with a selection of sparkling wines, including the crisp Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc and two standout favourites: the 1682 Chardonnay Cap Classique NV and 1682 Pinot Noir Rosé Cap Classique NV. Each sip was as exquisite as the picturesque surroundings.
The restaurant’s rustic decor created the ambience of a sheltered wine cellar. We sampled the risotto, elegantly complemented by a red pepper coulis and a sprinkle of pumpkin seed crumb, as well as the roasted pork belly, artfully arranged on a bed of cumin pumpkin purée, tender greens, and a flavourful apple and carrot chutney with apricot accents, paired with the refreshing crispness of a Chardonnay MCC.
To fully savour the experience, I indulged in a second tasting—the Flagship experience—featuring the Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir Cap Classique, The Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Nebbiolo, and the crowning Catharina Red Blend. Walking barefoot across the lawns afterwards, I took in the sights, smells, and flavours that made this visit unforgettable.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, booking a wine tasting in advance ensures you make the most of your visit.
Zeitz MOCAA – 15:22
Cape Town’s cultural heart beats strongest at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, housed in the historic grain silos towering 57 metres above the V&A Waterfront. Opened in 2017, this museum is a beacon of contemporary African art, giving a voice to artists across the continent.
Our tour began at the summit of the building, the museum’s main attraction, where we admired the monolithic silos and experienced the adrenaline rush of walking across the solid glass floors that offered a vertigo-inducing view into the atrium below. The architecture alone is worth the visit—a seamless blend of industrial history and modern design.
Zeitz MOCAA houses the permanent installation of SALA (Scheryn Art Collection), showcasing diverse contemporary African art. The word “sala” is derived from various Southern African languages and means “to stay.” True to its name, the exhibition invites you to linger and reflect on what a museum is and what it can be. Its interactive nature offers visitors multiple ways to engage with the art.
Among the highlights was the work of Nolan Oswald Dennis, a Zambia-born artist now based in Johannesburg. His intricate sculptures and maps delve into themes of land, identity, and cosmology, weaving narratives of displacement and belonging.
Mouna Karray’s evocative photography drew me into intimate scenes of Tunisia, while Kudzanai Chiurai’s gripping drawings explored uncomfortable political truths. Berni Searle was captivated by her use of granular elements, like coloured sand layered across her face, making bold statements on identity and self-perception.
Zeitz MOCAA offered a window into Africa’s contemporary artistic soul. As I stepped back into the sunlight, I couldn’t help but marvel at the diversity of stories and voices it held.
Tip: Allocate at least two hours to explore Zeitz MOCAA fully. The interactive exhibits and diverse art styles deserve your undivided attention.
Zest Restaurant – 19:08
After an afternoon immersed in art and culture, we headed to Zest for dinner, an opulent setting in Sea Point. The chic restaurant welcomed us with its modern interior, where soft ambient lighting cast a warm glow across the room. Polished wooden tables, and woven dried grass light fixtures created an atmosphere of understated luxury combining a sleek, minimalist design with natural elements that added a rustic charm. The glass-encased verandah seamlessly connected the indoors to the outdoors, offering unobstructed ocean views. We took outdoor seats to where the sounds
We began the evening with a crisp Chenin Blanc before ordering the wood-fired steak fillet, paired with a vibrant Zest salad and caramelised grilled sweet potato. The fillet was cooked to perfection—tender, moist and bursting with natural flavour that only the finest cuts of meat can offer. Surprisingly, the grilled sweet potato was the true star; complementing the steak beautifully with its sweet, smoky taste perfectly balanced the richness of the steak. Dinner at Zest felt like a sensory journey; the gentle Atlantic breeze and the rhythmic sound of the waves created a tranquil atmosphere, making the experience even more memorable.
Pro Tip: Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours.
The Athletic Club and Social – 22:46
To cap off the night, we made our way to The Athletic Club and Social, a stylish three-story bar and restaurant in the heart of Cape Town. The venue exuded old-world charm, with plush leather furnishings, dim lighting, and vintage black-and-white photographs lining the walls.
We sank into a cosy leather couch, enjoying the mellow ambience and easy conversation. I indulged in a glass of Amatra The Oreads 2022, a Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend with notes of black plum and subtle spice. Paired with a creamy vegan vanilla ice cream, it was the perfect end to a day filled with indulgence.
As I reflected on the day, I realised that Cape Town’s charm lies in its seamless blending of adventure, culture, and luxury. Each moment felt curated, and each experience was unique. A single day may only scratch the surface, but it’s enough to leave you yearning for more of this city’s magic.
