When people visit Cape Town for the first time, they often arrive with a long list of places they want to see.

Table Mountain, Cape Point, the Winelands, Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront, the penguins at Boulders Beach and a few scenic drives in between.

The temptation is to fit as much as possible into a few days. But as someone who lives here, I’d suggest doing the opposite.

Cape Town is best enjoyed at a slower pace.

It’s a city where plans change. The weather has a habit of doing its own thing, traffic can take longer than expected, and sometimes the places you remember most are the ones you discovered by accident.

One of the best things you can do when visiting Cape Town is leave space in your itinerary.

Not every hour needs to be planned.

Spend a morning wandering around Kalk Bay instead of rushing through it. Browse the bookshops, watch the fishing boats in the harbour and stop for coffee when you find a place that looks inviting.

Take a drive through Chapman’s Peak and pull over at a viewpoint simply because the view catches your eye.

Stop in Noordhoek for breakfast. Walk along the beach. Stay a little longer than you intended.

Cape Town rewards that kind of travel.

Many visitors also underestimate how different each area feels.

The energy of Sea Point is completely different to Simon’s Town. Hout Bay has a different atmosphere to Camps Bay. Even a short drive can make it feel like you’ve arrived somewhere new.

That’s part of what makes exploring Cape Town so enjoyable.

The same applies to the Winelands. While Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are popular for good reason, not every wine farm offers the same experience. Some are lively and busy, while others are quieter and more relaxed. A little research before you go can help you find the type of day you’re looking for.

A few practical tips can make your visit easier too.

• If Table Mountain is clear, take the opportunity to go up. Conditions can change quickly and a clear morning can become a cloudy afternoon.
• Book restaurants ahead of time during busy periods, especially around the Waterfront.
• Pack a jacket, even in summer. The wind along the Atlantic Seaboard often catches visitors by surprise.
• And if your schedule allows, keep one day completely flexible. It gives you the freedom to follow the weather, revisit a place you loved or discover somewhere unexpected.

Cape Town has plenty of famous attractions, and they’re worth seeing.

But some of the best moments happen between the landmarks.

A coffee with a mountain view. A quiet beach walk. A scenic drive with no destination in mind. Watching the sun set while locals walk, run and cycle along the promenade.

Those are often the memories that stay with you long after the trip is over.

So yes, visit the highlights.

Just don’t rush through them.

Cape Town isn’t a city that needs to be conquered in a weekend. It’s a place to explore, enjoy and return to again.