A Perfect One-Week Itinerary

Cape Town is a beautiful city with an abundance of activities and sights. One week might not be enough to explore everything, but here's a carefully crafted one-week itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:

Before You Start: Get the CityPASS

To make your trip more convenient and cost-effective, consider purchasing a CityPASS. It provides free entry or discounts to more than 80 attractions and experiences around Cape Town, including many mentioned in this itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation or Exploration

Arrival in Cape Town: Settle into your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, you can either relax or start exploring.

Company's Garden: If you have time, take a leisurely stroll through this lush, historical park, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore the Heart of Cape Town

Greenmarket Square: Start your day at this historic market, where you can shop for local crafts and souvenirs.

Eastern Food Bazaar: Enjoy a diverse range of foods for lunch, reflecting Cape Town’s multicultural culinary scene.

Bo-Kaap: Wander through this colourful neighbourhood, rich in history and culture, with its vibrant houses and cobblestone streets.

Company's Garden: If you didn't visit on Day 1, spend your afternoon here, visiting museums and enjoying the park.

Day 3: Visit the Waterfront

V&A Waterfront: Dive into a full day at Cape Town's iconic waterfront, with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Cape Town Food Market: Taste a variety of local and international dishes.

Two Oceans Aquarium: Discover marine life from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Cape Wheel: End your day with a ride on the Cape Wheel for panoramic views of the city.

Day 4: Wine Tasting Experience

Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl: Take a wine-tasting tour in these renowned wine regions. Enjoy cellar tours, wine tastings, cheese and fruit platters, and chocolate pairings. A guided walk through historic Stellenbosch is a highlight.

Day 5: Go on a Nature Adventure

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden: Spend your morning exploring one of the world’s great botanical gardens.

Table Mountain: Take a cable car or hike up this iconic mountain for breathtaking views.

Lion's Head: If you’re up for more hiking, this peak offers fantastic vistas and is especially beautiful at sunset.

Day 6: Discover the Coast

Boulders Beach: Visit the famous penguin colony and relax on the picturesque beach.

Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope: Explore these dramatic coastal points within the Table Mountain National Park, offering stunning scenery and wildlife spotting.

Day 7: Finale

Sunset Champagne Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing cruise with stunning views of the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

Dinner at Gold Restaurant: End your trip with a 14-dish African feast accompanied by live entertainment, including storytelling, singing, and dancing. For an interactive experience, try the djembe drumming session.

Additional Experiences

Consider adding these activities to your itinerary for a richer experience:

Hiking: Hiking through Cape Town was an unforgettable experience for me. It was my first hiking adventure, and it left me with a deep appreciation for the outdoors. I recommend exploring the various trails around Cape Town, which cater to all levels of hikers. The views and landscapes are breathtaking, making it a must-do when visiting South Africa.

Drink Tastings: My travel buddy and I had a fantastic time exploring Cape Town’s drink scene. We did beer, wine, and gin tastings, each offering a unique experience. I was particularly intrigued by the gin tasting, it was my first time trying it and I never knew such tastings existed before!

World of Birds: Visit the World of Birds, the largest bird park in Africa, which houses over 3,000 birds and small animals.

Seal Island Cruise: Go on a Seal Island cruise to see the thousands of Cape fur seals that inhabit the island.

Cape Town offers a diverse of experiences, and this one-week itinerary provides a comprehensive introduction to the city's highlights. From vibrant markets and scenic gardens to world-renowned wine regions and stunning coastal views, your time in Cape Town will be unforgettable.

Activity Ideas

Explore some of the top activities and tours in Cape Town