Cape Town is an ideal travel destination because of its jaw-dropping scenery, incredible food, and rich culture. It offers just the right mix of adventure and relaxation, whether you’re here to hike up Table Mountain, sip world-class wines, or soak up the city’s energy. A week is the perfect amount of time to experience the best of the city, but it can be overwhelming. We have designed this 7-day itinerary exploring Cape Town to give you a little bit of everything without feeling rushed!
Table of Contents
Day 1: City Highlights & Table Mountain 🏙️
Your first day in Cape Town should be about getting familiar with the city and seeing some of its most famous highlights!
Morning ☀️
Start the day by hiking up Table Mountain or take the Aerial Cableway for an incredible view. The best time to visit is around 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., as the crowds start rolling in about midday. The Table Mountain Upper Cableway station also operates as a cafe, so you can sip a cuppa while taking in the view.
Lunch🍴
For lunch, head to Cape Town’s popular Kloof Street, which is a 15-minute drive along Kloof Road. Kloof Street House is a great courtyard restaurant with a cosy vibe if you’re looking for cocktails and tapas platters. Check out Kyoto Garden Sushi, Vadivelu, or Carne on Kloof if you want international and unique flavours.
Afternoon 🌇
Explore Cape Town’s prolific Bo Kaap neighbourhood, a must-visit stop on your itinerary. It is known for its brightly coloured houses and Cape Malay culture. Grab a bite of Cape Malay traditional streetfoods such as koeksisters, sosaties or samoosas. Don’t forget to visit Bo Kaap’s Museum or take a free walking tour for an hour or two!
Evening & Dinner 🕯️
Watch the sunset from Signal Hill and end the day off with a steak dinner at the Iron Steak and Bar or fine dining at Pigalle. For a more casual experience, enjoy drinks at the Silo Rooftop Bar with a grand view of the city!
Day 2: A Cape Peninsula Road Trip 🚙
Broaden your horizons past the city centre and take a full-day scenic drive with incredible coastal stops! Remember to start early to avoid crowds and get your fill of a wonderful Cape Town coastal experience with Day 2 on your itinerary.
Morning ☀️
The day starts with a drive along the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive. The road is a 9km route stretching from Hout Bay to Noordhoek. Stop at Hout Bay for an optional boat trip to Seal Island. Take a quick walk and grab a coffee at The Roost in Noordhoek Beach.
Lunch🍴
For your midday excursion, you can hike to the lighthouse and explore the Cape of Good Hope. Pack a picnic or eat at the Two Oceans Restaurant for fresh seafood and ocean views.
Afternoon 🌇
On your way back up to Cape Town city centre, stop at Boulder’s Beach to see the colony of African penguins. It’s one of the best places to watch these charming creatures in their natural habitat. When you’ve had your fill, you can go to Kalk Bay to browse the quirky seaside shops and enjoy a relaxing harbour atmosphere.
Evening & Dinner 🕯️
You can enjoy an excellent meal at Harbour House Restaurant in Kalk Bay to end your day. The restaurant has a gorgeous ocean view. If it gets a bit packed, other dinner options include Salt on Main Rd or Cape to Cuba!
Day 3: Wine Country Escape 🍇
A Cape Town itinerary wouldn’t be complete without exploring its world-famous wine regions. Spend your day tasting award-winning wines paired with gourmet meals whilst basking in the sun and enjoying the natural beauty of the Cape’s vineyards.
Morning ☀️
Start your day with a scenic 45 to 60-minute drive to the Cape Winelands. Choose between:
- Franschhoek – A charming French-inspired town with boutique wineries and gorgeous scenery.
- Stellenbosch – A historic university town with oak-lined streets and top-tier wine estates.
Kick things off at Delaire Graff Estate for its contemporary art and fantastic views. Babylonstoren is a working farm with beautiful gardens and a relaxing atmosphere if you prefer something more rustic.
Lunch🍴
For a gourmet treat, indulge in a long, lazy lunch at Tokara (modern, stylish, and excellent food) in Stellenbosch or Le Petit Manoir in Franschhoek. Babylonstoren’s Greenhouse is a superb spot for fresh, seasonal dishes in a lush green setting if you love farm-to-table dining.
Afternoon 🌇
Take a leisurely vineyard stroll, or book a spa treatment at Lanzerac Spa in Stellenbosch if you need some pampering. Want to keep the wine flowing? Hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram. It’s a fun way to visit multiple estates without having to drive.
Evening & Dinner 🕯️
Wrap up the day with a sunset wine tasting at Haute Cabrière, known for its underground cellar and sparkling wines. If you’re heading back to Cape Town for dinner, go big with a fine dining experience at La Colombe or enjoy Chef’s Warehouse in Beau Constantia for incredible tapas platters and other delicious bites.
Day 4: Adventure & Beach Day 🌊
It’s time to get the adrenaline pumping before chilling at Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches! Day 4 on your travel itinerary takes you through the best options for an active day out on the town
Morning ☀️
(Pick your own adventure!)
Cape Town’s playground of land and sea offers an unbelievable number of quality adventure activities! Get your adventurous spirit pumped up with just a few of these unique activities!
- Shark cage diving in Gansbaai is an unforgettable experience. If you’re willing to drive 2.5 hours, it’s worth it.
- Paragliding off Signal Hill – Fly over Cape Town with spectacular views of the ocean and mountains.
- Kayaking with dolphins – Launch from Three Anchor Bay and paddle alongside marine life.
Lunch🍴
For a relaxed, beachfront meal with cocktails and ocean views, head to The Bungalow in Clifton or Grand Africa Café & Beach.
Afternoon 🌇
It’s time to unwind! To keep the seaside fun going, spend the afternoon at Clifton Beach or Camps Bay Beach. Whether you sunbathe, swim, or enjoy the vibe, it’s the perfect way to recharge.
Evening & Dinner 🕯️
End the day with sunset drinks at Chinchilla Rooftop Bar or the Leopard Bar at Twelve Apostles Hotel. For dinner, grab fresh seafood at Codfather (pick your own fish from the display) or enjoy the stylish beachside atmosphere at Bilboa in Camps Bay.
Day 5: Cape Town’s Hidden Gems 🎨
Today, the itinerary is all about Cape Town’s creative side, from artsy neighbourhoods to scenic nature spots (and maybe more wine!).
Morning ☀️
Kick things off in Woodstock, Cape Town’s trendy, creative district. Wander through the streets, check out the colourful street art, and grab breakfast at The Old Biscuit Mill Market (best on Saturdays).
Lunch🍴
Head to Constantia, just 20 minutes from the city, for a wine tasting and lunch at Constantia Glen—a small but stunning vineyard with great platters. Foxcroft Restaurant serves excellent small plates if you’re in the mood for something more refined.
Afternoon 🌇
Take a short drive to Silvermine Nature Reserve and hike to Elephant’s Eye Cave. It’s a moderate 1.5-hour hike with a spectacular panoramic city view. There are multiple trails to choose from, but Elephant’s Eye Cave and the Silvermine Waterfall Hike are doable and rewarding for most people.
Evening & Dinner 🕯️
Have a unique night out, enjoy live jazz at The Piano Bar or do a gin-tasting experience at Hope Distillery. For dinner, you can check out Casual: Between Us, a charming, locally loved spot with great food. If you want a fine dining experience, take a drive to La Colombe, one of the best restaurants in the world. Remember to book early, though!
Day 6: Cultural Experiences🏛️
A day to dive into South Africa’s history and experience its local culture. This Cape Town itinerary will show you the best ways to learn about locals and their history firsthand!
Morning ☀️
Take the ferry to Robben Island from the V&A Waterfront (book in advance). This 4-hour tour includes a visit to Nelson Mandela’s prison cell and powerful insights into South Africa’s past. You can even book a tour with freed political prisoners to get a firsthand account of the prison’s conditions and history.
Lunch🍴
On your way back to the V&A Waterfront, stop and dine at Ginja for great seafood with a view. Or grab something quick at the V&A Food Market, where you’ll find everything from local street food to sushi. The boba and vegan ice cream stands are also a delicious and quick sweet treat on the go.
Afternoon 🌇
Take a guided Langa Township Tour to experience the heart of Cape Town’s communities. With a local guide, you’ll visit small businesses, chat with residents, and learn about the township’s history, culture, and daily life. Or take a trip to The Company’s Garden and visit the Iziko South African Museum.
Evening & Dinner 🕯️
Go for a traditional South African braai at Mzoli’s in Gugulethu, a lively, authentic spot. If you prefer something fancier, The Test Kitchen Fledgelings offers a fine dining experience with a social impact focus. The restaurant aims to encourage aspiring chefs to step into the culinary world by providing patrons with unique and innovative meals!
Day 7: Farewell With A Sunset Cruise 🌅
Your last day in Cape Town is about relaxing and ending on a high note. This itinerary will focus on a laidback day with low-effort activities and engaging spots to visit.
Morning ☀️
Wake up early for a Lion’s Head sunrise hike, known by locals as one of the best views in Cape Town. If you’re not up for hiking, walk along Sea Point Promenade. Enjoy the seascape sounds and fresh salty air with a coffee from a local café.
Lunch🍴
Make a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Learn about the city’s local flora whilst enjoying the phenomenal view from the Treetop Canopy Walkways. To eat, you can unwind with a picnic on the grounds or grab a table at Moyo Kirstenbosch for African-inspired dishes in a stunning setting.
Afternoon 🌇
You can do some last-minute shopping at the V&A Waterfront, pick up locally made crafts at The Watershed Market, or explore the Zeitz MOCAA Museum for contemporary African art. Lastly, you can stroll through the Two Oceans Aquarium for a face-to-face encounter with Cape Town’s sea creatures.
Evening & Dinner 🕯️
End your trip with a sunset champagne cruise from the V&A Waterfront. There’s nothing like sailing past Table Mountain as the sun dips below the horizon. For your final dinner in the city, go big with fresh seafood and steak at Baia, or experience Japanese-African fusion at FYN, one of Cape Town’s most celebrated restaurants.
Final Notes 📝
This Cape Town travel itinerary is designed to suit your tastes and interests. Adventure days are balanced with relaxation to ensure you can get the most out of your visit without tiring yourself out. After an incredible seven days in Cape Town, you will have hiked to gorgeous views, indulged in world-class food and wine, and explored the city’s diverse culture and history. The best part is that there is still so much more to discover, so explore to your heart’s content!
