Recently had a PM regarding my top things to do/see/experience in Cape Town, so I am also placing them here for everyone to see/add to for future planning purposes. Enjoy! If you don't like something that I do, great (no need to say so!).
For Hotels...
When I visit Cape Town (affectionally abbreviated cpt), I have stayed in Airbnbs. I find that these are in close proximity to everything I would want to do and visit and quite less expensive. It also provides a more cozy atmosphere at least for me. I don't know if you're keen to only stay in a hotel, but if an Airbnb is an option, let me recommend some areas that would yield some excellent places to stay.
The Waterfront is very close to all of the things you'd probably want to do and an excellent home base. The V&A Waterfront is a central area, both well known and vibrant. There are some excellent apartment/condo buildings in this area.
The Waterfront area bleeds into another area, Greenpoint. Greenpoint sits right along the Atlantic seaboard. Also close to the V&A with easy access to the city. Another area to look would be Seapoint. Seapoint is a main drag along the Atlantic as well, with a lovely promenade. Staying in any of these areas gives you close proximity to all you would want to do!
Transport - use Uber or Bolt. I've never had an issue with either. Both are readily available, affordable, and in my experience quick to arrive. Use one of these services to get from the airport to where you are staying. Quick tip: no need to be paranoid at all, but rather remain cautiously aware. Major cities across South Africa are known for smash and grabs, so keep your phones low in your lap or in your pocket when in a car (esp at stoplights (known as Robots in South Africa)). Just a tip; I've never had an issue, but remain situationally aware.
Must see things to do...
Oh so many.
Do you like wine? If so, you have to make a stop by an estate or do a wine tram. Linking some here: https://winetram.co.za/ | https://winetractor.co.za/ If you cannot take a day to do one of these I will recommend making a stop to Groot Constantia which is the oldest wine farm in South Africa: https://grootconstantia.co.za/ ... you can actually access this one on the Red Bus, so no need to make a separate plan to visit. Make sure to do one of their tastings and/or pairings. Very affordable and no reservations needed. IF you choose to do the wine trams which I mentioned above, you can also book these through Red Bus and they have transport to and from the departure site of the trams so you don't have to worry about fetching an Uber. Just relax and enjoy!
As you may have seen from my previous posts, I am a huge advocate for the Red Bus (Hop on Hop off) (https://citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town). Even in my many times to cpt, I still book the Red Bus each time. It has a main station at the V&A so very easy access. It is prompt, runs smoothly, and so easy to make your way around the city, and you can choose when and where to get off and how long you'd like to stay in each place, so you're not rushed! PLUS... you get a headphone receiver and can plug in to listen to the history and fascinating information on everything around you as you ride. If the weather is nice, be sure to sit at the top deck. When you are riding the bus, honestly, feel free just to pop off anytime and explore if it is of interest to you and take the the surrounding views. It is so beautiful along the Atlantic Seaboard that honestly a ride around the whole peninsula on the bus is worth it. One fabulous thing to do is a stop in Hout Bay. Fascinating little history of a town. There is a lovely beach here if you want to rest some, but also the major thing to recommend here is the Fish and Chips. You can't leave cpt without having fish and chips from here. There are also some little shops, but it is a quaint and fun little area to explore for a bit (https://www.marinerswharf.co.za/)