The Perfect Cape Town Itinerary to do Everything
Cape Town is a must-visit destination for any traveler. If it’s not on your bucket list, it should be. The city offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, world-class food, and adventure of all sorts. Cape Town can easily get overwhelming, and you can spend a weekend or 3 weeks exploring the city and its surroundings. This Cape Town Itinerary has been perfected over our own visits over the past 2 years. Mix and match the days as you see fit!
Cape Town is clearly one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it’ll just take a couple of hours for you to realize this. In fact, my first visit to Cape Town was for a work trip in 2019. Within a single day, I was truly shocked at how beautiful the city is.
This post contains affiliate links.
Transport in Cape Town
Renting a car
Cape Town can also be overwhelming because there are so many things to do not only in town but around. I feel like the best way to get around is to rent your own car. If you have the skills to do a manual car, you’ll save some money, but otherwise renting an automatic car will help you get around and see everything on your own time. Try to get accommodation with secure parking if you rent. I usually pick the cheapest and smallest car option from booking.com.
Uber
Uber is quite accessible and affordable if you don’t want the hassle of finding parking and such. It’s also safe to use. Ubers will generally take you up to an hour away, whether that’s to a winery or a hiking trail. Depending on how many Ubers you plan to take, renting a car could be more economical. One week I spent USD 500 on Ubers and since then I’ve always rented a car since I try to do as much as possible, including day trips.
City Sightseeing Bus
You can purchase a Cape Town city pass from the red bus classic, City Sightseeing bus. You can load money or purchase a pass to get to all of the top destinations in Cape Town. It may seem silly, but it’s a more reliable and easy way of transit than the city transportation buses.
Walking
Coming from Joburg, I’m always surprised at the ability to walk around freely (for the most part) in Cape Town. You can explore a lot on foot, including in the city center, during the day. Walking along the promenade in Sea Point is also a must.
Tours
Cape Town is pretty easy to navigate on your own. However, there are many young South Africans who operate incredible tours from hiking guides, bar hopping, sunset experiences, art tours, or even your own photoshoot.
On a bike tour with One Day Africa’s Sipho
You can organize day tours with several companies using Viator, Airbnb experiences, and others. Transport will likely be included in these day tours.
I personally use Viator to book experiences in South Africa and beyond. Sometimes, my credit card gets blocked or a company won’t accept an American credit card (that doesn’t use 3D authentication) and so I can’t book directly. To avoid all this and getting my credit card blocked, I book via Viator (which owns Trip Advisor), which is what I suggest for my affiliate links.
Safety in Cape Town
The vast majority of tourists will visit Cape Town without incident. Just like in any large city, it’s best to practice caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can be avoided by keeping aware of your phone and wallet: don’t leave your phone sitting out on a table and keep your purse zipped!
Robberies at ATMS are not uncommon. I suggest you use an ATM inside a mall, rather than on the street. Our friends witnessed someone getting robbed right after taking out cash from an ATM in the city center. Many things in Cape Town are card-only so you shouldn’t need to take out a lot of cash anyway.
If you park on the street at night, you may experience your hubcaps being stolen (this happened to our friends who visited Cape Town after our wedding…). I recommend trying to stay in a place with a garage if you’ll be renting a car.
Dining in Cape Town
I haven’t always suggested where to eat in this Cape Town Itinerary. My Unique Restaurants in Cape Town guide is one of my most popular posts and I continue to update it with new finds each time I visit Cape Town. I suggest starting there to get an idea of where you want to eat.
I always suggest you make a reservation when eating out in Cape Town. It’s a foodie city and people eat out frequently for all meals. You should make reservations for breakfast through dinner.
Most fancy-type restaurants or any restaurants that are on a foodie list will definitely require you to plan ahead to make a reservation. If you want to dine at one of the world-renowned restaurants (like La Colombe) plan to book at least a month in advance.
The Perfect Cape Town Itinerary
There is no need to follow my Cape Town itinerary exactly! Mix and match the days, depending on the weather, your mood, or whatever else!
Figure out where to stay while you’re visiting Cape Town with my favorite accommodation options from my own visits and recommendations from friends.
In case you aren’t familiar with my itineraries and adventure style, you will literally see and do everything to avoid any Cape Town FOMO. My itineraries are jam-packed! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be amazed, and you’ll be exhausted. Trust me. It’s worth it.
Keep adding the days together to get the perfect Cape Town itinerary depending on how many days you have.
Must-visit Destinations
You should definitely fit in these essentials for the perfect Cape Town itinerary:
- Table Mountain cable ride or hike
- Lions Head hike
- Woodstock Neighbourgoods market (Saturday or Sunday only, around 10-4pm)
- Oranjezicht City Farm Market (Saturday and Sunday 9-2pm, evening market in the summer 5-9pm)
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Simonstown Penguins + Kalk Bay + Muizenberg day trip
- Winery Day in Paarl or Stellenbosch
- Evening boat cruise
Please note that you should check that your dates align with what days things are open. I suggest going to both Neighbourgoods and Oranjezicht, but that’ll only be possible on the weekends. Wineries typically end their tastings at 4pm so keep that in mind if you want to have a longer experience. Many restaurants in Cape Town are closed on Mondays or close early on Sundays.
Day 0
I like to include day zero in case you arrive in the evening and just wanna get a good night’s sleep before an action-packed week ahead. Order delivery via UberEats or go out for dinner somewhere near your Airbnb/hotel.
Day 1
Morning
Head to the colorful houses of Bo-Kaap in the morning on the first day of your Cape Town Itinerary. On your way, you can stop at Rosetta Roastery and get a legit cup of coffee and breakfast. Spend 1 hour walking around and taking pictures.
Besides the main strip, walk by the art galleries and houses on this street. There is a small museum that you can also visit (though to be honest, I’ve never gone inside; maybe I don’t know what I’m missing).
Afternoon
Afterward, visit Victoria and Alfred (V&A) Waterfront and Watershed for views, vibes, shopping, and food. Have lunch at one of the restaurants or visit the food stalls.
The Watershed is the best place to go shopping in Cape Town for souvenirs and gifts for yourself and others. The crafts are unique and well-priced. Besides some typical ‘African’ gifts (like wooden animals or beaded items), you’ll mostly find handmade, unique items made by artisans and well-known, South African fashion brands. There is no haggling here.
Visit the Sea Point Promenade. You’ll see people running, walking their dogs, and overall enjoying the good Cape Town life. There are several beaches along the way and even a tidal pool at the end in Bantry Bay.
Evening
The Lions Head sunset hike is a classic in Cape Town. If you can just manage one hike on your Cape Town itinerary, this should be it.
If you’re not tired and have time to freshen up, visit The Pot Luck Club for dinner. Make reservations at least a week in advance.
Day 2
Today, you’ll explore Cape Town’s surrounding popular areas. If you’re renting a car, this will be easy and there is parking at all the locations. Carry some small change (1 to 5 rand coins) to give to parking attendants. You can easily uber between these areas as well. Chat to your accommodation host if you want to rent a driver/car for the day. This is very common. Your uber may even ask if you want to negotiate a price after your first stop to have him drive you around for the day.
Morning
Take a drive to Simonstown, home of the Boulder Beach Penguins in the morning. Take a bathing suit with you as you can also take a dip at Boulders Beach. The Penguins are pretty crowded no matter what as there is a single walkway for people to see the penguins. Just mentally prepare and be chill.
Alternatively, Go on a tour of Cape of Good Hope and the Boulders Beach penguins together. My friend did this tour and really enjoyed it!
Afternoon
Stop at Kalk Bay for a look at the famous seals on the pier. These guys are funky! Some of the fishmongers throw the excess fish guts into the ocean and there are always two or three different seals waiting about. Just because they are used to people doesn’t mean they are tame. The seals frequently freak out children and don’t like it when people get close.
Walk along the main strip of shops and restaurants. I suggest parking here at the lot behind the Portuguese restaurant. For your little tour, walk to the pier to see the seals and then toward the tidal pool.
There are several spots to have lunch in Kalk Bay. I most recently went to Cape to Cuba with a group of friends and family and LOVED my meal. I’ve also dined at SALT and have wanted to eat the Olympia Bakery but it has always been full…
After lunch, continue making your way to Cape Town by stopping at Muizenberg to see the colorful houses on the beach. My brother went surfing here! There are a couple of surf shops across the beach. Check out this 1-hour private lesson surf option.
If you want an alternative suggestion to spending time in Kalk Bay or surfing, instead go on a hike from Muizenberg after visiting the penguins.
Evening
Drive back to Cape Town using the Chapman Peak Route. Try to time your drive with the beginning of sunset. This is a toll route but totally worth the R60. Make several stops at (designated!) viewpoints as you meander back to Cape Town.
Stop at Clifton Beach for the last of the sun’s rays. Unfortunately, I don’t have a dinner recommendation for you here. I haven’t liked any of the restaurants around but maybe you’re less fussy than me. Tiger’s Milk is crazy popular but I haven’t been that impressed with the food.
Day 3
Morning
Take a cable car up to Table Mountain. Your visit will probably be around 2-3 hours depending on the line. I’ve waited around 45 minutes usually to get to the cable cars.
Once you reach the top, take a loop around, get a cake + coffee, or buy a bottle of wine and enjoy the view.
Table Mountain can get cloudy at the top. Try to wait it out for a bit to catch views.
Alternative Morning + Afternoon
If you want to hike Table Mountain, come straight to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in the morning. Take a short walk around the gardens to visit the highlights of the proteas and the boomslang bridge. Then start the Skeleton Gorge Hike.
The hike will take 6 hours or more. You’ll end at the Table Mountain cable cars; you can buy a one-way ticket down or hike down. You can easily catch an uber when you exit below.
Afternoon
Next, visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (read my guide) and get lunch at the cafe on arrival. You can spend 2-3 hours walking around and having lunch at the wonderful Fynbos Cafe.
Evening
Go on a sunset boat cruise from a tour operator at the V&A Waterfront. I’ve used both the catamaran and the harbor boat with Waterfront Boat Tours and have found my experience great on both versions.
Day 4
Morning
Visit the District Six Museum, highlighting the forced removal of residences from this area in the 1970s. I haven’t yet been for literally no good reason except I always happen to make time for the museum on a Monday and I always forget it’s closed on Mondays. Don’t be me. This is actually a very insightful museum and people rave about how much good information is shared on the tours.
Take a little walk around, get a bagel at New York Bagels, or walk to Truth Coffee Roasting for its famous punk-rock vibe. There are also great teas, not just coffee, at Truth Coffee.
Afternoon
Wineries: This afternoon is wine time and there are several options to help you get a taste of the best South Africa has to offer.
You can:
- Take the Franschhoek Wine Tram for the day and explore several wineries on the route.
- Spend the day at Babylonstoren winery, which is good for more than just wine. Kids and adults will enjoy the wine museum, two farm-to-table restaurants, fresh juices and baked goods, and gorgeous gardens. Get dinner here if you’re coming
- Head to Cape Point Vineyard for wine tasting and the nearby market. To be honest with you, I took my parents here straight from the airport as we couldn’t check into our Airbnb until 3pm anyway. We had an amazing wine tasting with oyster pairing and also went to the nearby Noordhoek Farm Village.
- Visit the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Park. Then, drive to Stellenbosch to wander this university town and visit the Post Card Cafe for wine tasting at Stark-Condé Wines. End with an early dinner at Post and Pepper.
- Spend the afternoon at Spier. My friend visited Spier and loved her experience! She said the best part was the little bird sanctuary where you could pet rescued owls and see demonstrations about African birds of prey!
Just because you go to a winery doesn’t mean that you need to drink! There are often beautiful gardens, fun farm animals, juices, restaurants, or unique food tastings like oysters or cheese. Some are also very family-friendly.
Read more half-day trip ideas here.
Evening
I suggest eating at one of the wineries as you’ll likely stay that long or ordering some UberEats from The Cousins Trattoria, an amazing Italian restaurant where the delivery is as good as in-person dining.
Day 5
If you’re recovering from the wineries the day before, swap Day 5 and 6.
Morning
Take a drive out to Atlantis Dunes in the morning to go sandboarding or quad biking.
Afternoon
Stop at one of the Table Mountain view beaches on your way back to Cape Town to get this famous view of Table Mountain.
There are several beaches between the dunes and the town of Table View; either stop at Blaauwberg Nature Reserve or continue driving until Table View to visit Bloubergstrand Beach. The views are similar. There are less people at Blaauwberg simply because there is nothing else around it. The water is still freezing.
If you wanna have lunch and just stare at the water, get a wrap from Shawarma Express (where you can easily park too) or treat yourself to an early dinner at Homespun in Table View.
Evening
Have a chill evening at your Airbnb or head to Long Street for evening vibes and drinks. I suggest starting at Tjing Tjing House (not open Sunday or Monday, though) and then walking on Long Street.
Day 6
Morning
Go on a Salt River Graffiti tour with One Day Africa. The art is absolutely stunning and the tour experience is wondering. You’ll learn so much about the neighborhood, the graffiti artist, and the culture.
Afternoon
After your tour, get lunch at Pahari African Restaurant located in Salt River, Then, visit Shackleton Brewing Company for a beer.
Head to a beach and lounge. You’ll notice that I haven’t added many beach days thus far… It’s because the water in Cape Town is insanely cold and I cannot handle it. The water is pretty to look at but that’s about it. However, many people are brave, and as my brother, Jafar says “just get a wetsuit.” The only beach I have ever managed to get into was Bakoven Beach, which is a little bit like a cove. You can just hang out here for a while.
Otherwise, walk and lounge at Clifton Beach 1 through 4. I like Clifton 4th Beach the best. I can’t exactly tell you why it’s different than the others to be honest though.
Evening
Make a reservation at Emazulwini Restaurant in Makers Landing for a modern, Zulu-inspired tasting menu.
Day 7
Take this day either to explore Cape Town more or choose from one of the half-day or full-day adventures here.
Morning
Get breakfast at the Strangers Club the visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art. The exhibits change frequently, and the museum will take you 2 hours to walk around.
Afternoon
Have the famous fish and chips spot, Fish on the Rocks, in Hout Bay. Be sure to order the type of fish and not just say ‘fried fish’ because then you will get fish sticks as my parents and I found out.
I ordered the prawns, and they were amazing!! Then take a walk through the outdoor art gallery.
There is a gin distillery and brewery right next to the art gallery as well.
If you visit on a weekend, the Bay Harbour Market is open 9am-4pm.
Evening
For unique and delish Indian food, visit Curry Club. The in-person dining is decorated in a cool and quirky manner, so if you manage to make it off the couch, you won’t be disappointed!
And that’s it, peeps! The perfect Cape Town itinerary is done.
Trips from Cape Town
Read the post on my favorite day trips from Cape Town to swap out some adventures suggested above in this Cape Town itinerary.
Go on a Road Trip from Cape Town
Rent a car and complete an epic road trip starting in Cape Town. Start by spending 2 nights on a safari at Gondwana then continue on a Garden Route Road Trip. The views are stunning, and every little town has something to offer. Check out the complete Garden Route Guide for all the stops you should make along the way.
Go on Safari
You can drive 4 hours outside of Cape Town to get to some cool safaris. I stayed at Gondwana with my siblings in 2021 and although it didn’t have all the big 5 (you’ll have to visit Kruger National Park for that), it was an incredible experience.
