Cape Town Itinerary 7 Days: The BEST of Cape Town!
Planning a trip to Cape Town? You’re in the right spot! If you’ve been searching for the perfect Cape Town itinerary for 7 days, I’m here to help.
You can never go wrong with a trip to Cape Town because there is literally SO much to do.
It can be overwhelming to try and find the best things to do during a short stay so I’ve laid it out for you in this day-to-day itinerary to make things easier.
Key Info About Cape Town
Hey, If you’re new here, I’m Amy! I’m originally from Toronto, Canada but I’ve spent 7+ months living in Cape Town while working remotely.
During the months I lived there, I made many local friends who filled me in on some of the best spots around the city and I love sharing them with you so you can skip the touristy spots and have an even better trip.
Daily Budget
Your budget for Cape Town will depend on your personal travel style.
Budget travellers will be able to get by with $30-50 per day. This would cover your accommodation (hostels), meals and transportation.
If you prefer to travel more mid-range, you can expect to budget $80-$150 to cover your hotels, dining out and activities.
For luxury travellers, $200 a day is more than enough for premium accommodation and experiences!
Best Time to Travel Cape Town
In my humble opinion, there is no bad time to visit Cape Town.
That said, I’d recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons (right before or after summer – usually Oct/Nov or March-May for good weather and low prices!
Plan your trip to Cape Town in October here.
If you don’t mind spending more, you can of course visit during peak season Dec-Feb. I’ve been to Cape Town during peak season and didn’t find it to be too busy.
Plan your trip to Cape Town in December here.
Best Activities to Do in Cape Town
You’ll never get bored in Cape Town because there are so many fun activities to do.
Here are a few of my favourites I’d do over and over again:
- Paragliding – I did this on my last day in Cape Town and will never forget it!
- Boulders Beach – Swimming with penguins is an experience you won’t have in many other parts of the world. It remains one of my favourite days in Cape Town.
- Hiking – Lion’s Head and Kloof Corner are some of my favourites because they don’t take long and have amazing views. Then of course there’s Table Mountain National Park with multiple hiking routes that never disappoint!
- Beach Days – Clifton 1st, Llandudno, Beta, Bali and Glen Beach are some of the best beaches near the city!
I cover more activities further down in this Cape Town itinerary so you’ll have plenty of things to do!
Day 1 in Cape Town – Welcome to Cape Town!
Start your first day off in Cape Town with a visit to some of the iconic beaches in the area.
I’d recommend heading to Camps Bay first because there are plenty of shops to browse through and places to eat when you start getting hungry!
My fave beach in the Camps Bay area is actually just slightly to the side of Camps Bay, called Glen Beach. It’s a quieter spot compared to the rest of Camps Bay which I like a lot more.
Continue your beach day by heading to one of the Clifton Beaches! There are 4 different Clifton beaches so you’ll have to clarify which one when calling an Uber or Bolt to take you there (it’s not the safest to walk there day or night).
I usually go to Clifton 1st so I’d recommend heading there.
You get dropped off above the beach and have to walk down a set of stairs to get there. The views as you walk down are incredible and the beach itself is STUNNING!
You can hire an umbrella on hot days to use while you’re there for about R50 which makes such a difference.
You can either stay till sunset and watch it from Clifton or head to ‘The Rock‘ to see the sunset from above Camps Bay and Clifton!
Day 2 in Cape Town: See Penguins at Boulders Beach + a Secret Beach
This Cape Town itinerary wouldn’t be complete without seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach!
It’s one of those touristy things that are 10000% worth it BUT let me fill you in on how to do it the right way.
There are a few different ticket options when you get the Boulders Beach (and pricing is different for locals and tourists).
At the time of writing this post, it’s R45 for South African citizens and residents (adults) and R190 for International citizens (adults).
You can find all the pricing options here (including children).
When I was there last, there were options to go view the penguins from a viewing deck and a completely other area where you could pay to enter the beach where the penguins roam.
Make sure you go to the BEACH entrance!
You need to follow a boardwalk that’s to the right side of the main entrance to get down to the beach where you’ll pay for your entrance.
Once you’re on the beach, follow it back towards the direction of the main entrance to avoid the crowds of people. You’ll have to weave around some of the boulders but trust me, it’s worth it!
You’ll start seeing the penguins on the beach and swimming around.
Please don’t get close to the penguins, as they will bite you (it happened to my friend)!
It’s such a crazy feeling to be THAT close to penguins and if you’re willing to get in the cold water to cool off on a hot summer day, you might even get to swim alongside some of them.
The Secret Beach ..
If you don’t care much about the penguins but still want to enjoy the stunning beaches in the area, this is for you! It’s called Windmill Beach.
It’s not entirely a secret, but it’s definitely a local spot where you won’t find many other tourists.
The beach looks almost identical to Boulders Beach but don’t have to pay to enter and you sometimes see penguins there that swim over from Boulders!
I saw one when I was there last summer and had no idea that was even a possibility so it was exciting to see.
Day 3 in Cape Town: Hit the Wineries!
The Western Cape of South Africa is known for its wine!
There are some incredible wineries around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. A day at the wineries is a full day so you won’t be able to do both.
I’d recommend going to Franschooek and taking the wine tram.
You can get transportation to and from Cape Town to make the day hassle-free and explore 3-4 wineries.
And while you can definitely go as a solo traveller I’d try and round up some new friends (if you’re staying at a hostel/coliving space) and go with a group!
If not, you’re bound to meet plenty of people on the tram to chat with.
Day 4 in Cape Town: Local Markets & a Sunset Cruise
Cape Town has some amazing markets so there’s no better way to spend your morning/early afternoon.
Head to the Oranjezicht Farmer’s Market near the V&A Waterfront or the Neighbourgoods Market! Both are great and have similar food options but I’d say the Neighbourgoods Market has a better vibe on weekends than the Oranjezicht Farmer’s Market.
You’ll find food and drink options from all cultures, as well as some lovely clothing and jewellery vendors at the markets. I found one of my favourite dresses ever at the Oranjezicht Farmer’s Market that was handmade and I still wear it nearly three years later!
When the evening rolls around, I highly recommend a sunset cruise! You get to kick back and relax while cruising around Cape Town’s coastline while sipping on some sparkling wine. The sunsets from the water are fantastic on a summer night!
You can do this activity throughout the year, however, I’d only recommend going in the warmer months, as it can get very cold on the water (bring a sweater with you even in the summer).
I did this 1.5 hr cruise with Champagne and it was one of the most memorable activities I did while in Cape Town and something you should add to your Cape Town itinerary ASAP.
Day 5 in Cape Town: Chapman’s Peak & Cape Point Road Trip
Ready for a road trip?
One of the most scenic drives you can take is along Chapman’s Peak! It’s about 25 km from Cape Town and is known for its incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean.
If you’re driving yourself, bear in mind that it’s a toll route and you can find all toll information here!
After, continue your drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve where you can hike to the iconic lighthouse or wander through the various trails. You’re likely to see some baboons on the way! Stay clear of them because they can be aggressive.
Travelling on your own or don’t want to drive yourself?
I highly recommend this day tour to see the best of Cape Point!
If you’re heading back to Cape Town before sunset, make your way to Kloof Corner. It’s a short 20-30 minute hike that has an incredible view at sunset! You’ll see Lion’s Head, the 12 Apostles, and all of Camps Bay and Clifton beaches.
Read my full guide to Kloof Corner here!
Day 6 in Cape Town: Bo-Kaap, Thrifting & Lion’s Head Sunset
Start your next day in Cape Town wandering around Bo-Kaap!
It’s a colourful neighbourhood with a lot of history. You can admire the street art, walk into a few art galleries and take in the views. I’d only visit Bo-Kaap during the day and with a group (or at least one other person), as there can be sketchy people around that area.
Next, make your way over to Observatory to explore some of the thrift shops! Grand Funk, Bangbang Vintage and Better Half are a good place to start. The entire street in Observatory (Lower Main Rd) is packed with thrift and vintage stores and you can easily spend a few hours browsing around.
Finally, after a long day of shopping, it’s time to head to Lion’s Head for sunset!
Lion’s Head is probably the most popular hike in Cape Town because it only takes about 45-60 minutes to get to the top where you have panoramic views of the entire city.
If you’re staying for sunset, make sure you go down before it gets dark as the trail can be slippery and hard to navigate in the dark!
Day 7 in Cape Town: End Your Time on a High
Of course, your Cape Town itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Table Mountain!
You have a few options based on how you’re feeling after the hike up Lion’s Head. You can either choose a few different hiking trails to hike up to Table Mountain OR you can take the cable car.
I typically hike up (2-3 hrs with stops for photos/breaks), enjoy the views from the top and then take the cable car down.
You can find pricing for the cable car here.
Still have some time left in the day? Take a trip over to Muizenberg for some surfing or just to hang out at the beach and have a coffee!
If you’re into adrenaline activities, why not try paragliding? I had the BEST time paragliding from Signal Hill and would highly recommend it.
How Long Should You Spend in Cape Town?
As a true Cape Town enthusiast, the more time you have in Cape Town, the better!
But if you only have a week, it’s definitely enough time to see the best that the city has to offer. It was a challenge to come up with a 7-day Cape Town itinerary because there’s just so much to do in Cape Town.
If you have a little more time, I’d suggest staying for a month so you can get to know different areas of the city, go on more road trips and make the most of the activities you can do in and around Cape Town.
Getting to Cape Town
Getting to Cape Town is easy!
You’ll most likely arrive at the Cape Town International Airport and from there, the easiest and safest way to get to the centre of town is by Uber.
When you first get out of the airport, you’ll have many ‘taxi’ drivers try to get you in their car. Always ignore these people because you don’t know if they’re registered and they most likely aren’t.
It’s always best to put your safety first and Uber vets their drivers.
The wifi at the Cape Town airport isn’t the most reliable and usually isn’t working (will update you if it is when I’m back next) so I’d recommend getting an eSIM so you can book your Uber when you arrive.
I’ve had to ask strangers in the past to hotspot me at the airport so I could connect to Uber and get a ride to the city which isn’t the smartest thing to do.
So don’t be like me and come prepared with an eSIM so you know you’ll get to your destination safely!
The drive is about 20-30 minutes, depending on where in Cape Town you’re going and the time of day.
How to Get Around Cape Town
When mapping out your Cape Town itinerary, you might be wondering how you can get around during your stay.
You can always hire a car (I get into those details below) but if you’re only visiting for a short period of time, the best way to get around is by Uber.
I’ve previously used a similar rideshare app called Bolt, as it’s often cheaper than Uber but was recently told that it’s not as safe because they don’t vet their drivers the same way Uber does.
If you’re going to use Bolt I wouldn’t use it at night but only during the daytime.
There is local transportation called MyCiti that you can use to get around, however I’ve never personally used it.
If you take anything away from this Cape Town itinerary, beware of the local ‘taxis’ which are little shuttle buses without any signage that stop and go throughout the city.
You’ll likely see people hop on and off at some point during your stay.
These buses usually go through townships to bring people to and from work and are very affordable but not safe for tourists.
Where to Stay in Cape Town?
Before we get to the end of this Cape Town itinerary, let’s talk about accommodation!
There are some truly incredible places to stay in this city. Of course, it all comes down to your budget so here are some great options for all budgets:
Low-Budget Stays
- Villa Viva Cape Town – Starting at $40 USD/night for a private room, dorms are even less! I spent a lot of time at Villa Viva and it’s more of a guesthouse than a hostel which I liked.
- Never @ Home Green Point – Starting at $78 USD/night for a private room, dorms are even less! This is great if you’re after a party vibe.
Mid-Range Stays
- Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa – Rooms start at $155 USD/night. Enjoy incredible views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and more from their stunning outdoor pool!
- The Residences at Crystal Towers – Rooms start at $84 USD/night. This is the best option if you’re looking for a proper apartment with a full kitchen to use in the heart of Cape Town.
Luxury Stays
- POD Camps Bay Boutique Hotel – Rooms start at $494 USD/night. Located in Camps Bay, this hotel has everything you could ever dream of and MORE!
- The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa – Rooms start at $394 USD/night. Another stunning spot in Camps Bay! Step out onto colourful trails and enjoy a scenic view from your room.
Best Food & Drinks in Cape Town
Not sure where to go for food during your trip?
I’ve highlighted a few of my fave cafes, restaurants and bars you should add to your Cape Town itinerary!
The Best Cafes
- Okja Cafe – Camps Bay or Kloof St
- The Ladder (Bree St)
- Nourish’d Cafe
Best Restaurants
Best Bars/Clubs
Road Trips From Cape Town
There are many different road trips you can take from Cape Town.
One of the most popular is a road trip along the Garden Route!
The Garden Route can take multiple days to complete but if you’re short on time you could always drive part of it and then circle back to Cape Town.
I’d also recommend driving from Cape Town to West Coast National Park for a weekend getaway! It’s a beautiful part of the Western Cape and is lesser travelled than the Garden Route.
Best Places to Visit in Cape Town for First Timers
Another important aspect of any Cape Town itinerary is the best places to visit!
- Table Mountain – Ride the cable car or hike for panoramic city views.
- V&A Waterfront – A lively hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Cape Point – Stunning views where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
- Robben Island – Tour the historic prison where Nelson Mandela was held.
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – Beautiful gardens with mountain backdrops.
- Boulders Beach – Visit the famous African penguin colony.
- Bo-Kaap – Explore colourful streets and learn about Cape Malay culture.
- Camps Bay – Relax on pristine beaches and enjoy trendy restaurants.
- District Six Museum – Learn about the city’s history and apartheid legacy.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive – A scenic coastal drive with breathtaking views. Continue along the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point for a full day of exploring!
- Long Street & Kloof Street – Bustling nightlife, restaurants, and local shops.
- Old Biscuit Mill – Vibrant Saturday markets with artisan goods and food.
- Signal Hill – Perfect for sunset views and picnics.
- Woodstock – Cape Town’s creative hub with street art and quirky cafes.
Want more suggestions?
I have 190+ pins of my favourite places and activities to do in Cape Town to help you plan an insane trip!
Access my interactive Cape Town Maps HERE.
Is Cape Town Safe?
This wouldn’t be a proper Cape Town itinerary if I didn’t touch on an important factor – safety.
I feel like a lot of people glorify Cape Town and while I love it, I’m going to be honest with you. It’s not the safest city.
Especially if you’re coming from somewhere in Western Europe or North America, you might feel slightly unsafe in Cape Town.
I don’t say that to scare you but so you’re aware before you go.
I’ve spent over 7 months in and around Cape Town and was fine for the most part, however, I was mugged once in that time (luckily nothing bad happened and I only lost the equivalent of $2!).
That said, I know many people who visit Cape Town and have nothing bad happen to them and I’ve been back since that experience.
The best thing you can do is be hyper-aware of little safety tips to follow.
I put together a comprehensive safety guide here so you’re prepared for your trip to South Africa!
Is Cape Town Expensive?
This is an interesting question and one you might be wondering about when working on your Cape Town itinerary.
As someone who’s been to Cape Town in 2021, 2022 and 2023, I’ve seen prices go up SIGNIFICANTLY in the past few years.
Many locals struggle to make ends meet in Cape Town so while it is pretty affordable for those earning in euros or dollars, just know that a lot of locals are barely surviving.
Here are some updated prices you can expect to pay in 2025:
- Hostels – $15-27 USD per night
- Hotels – $65 – $120 USD per night for a 3 or 4 star hotel
- Coffee – $2-3 USD for a latte
- A meal out – $4.50 -7 USD for a main at a restaurant or cafe of Bree St
- Beer – $2-3 USD per beer
What is Load Shedding?
If you’re in the middle of planning your Cape Town itinerary, you might have heard of load shedding.
Load shedding in Cape Town refers to scheduled power outages implemented by South Africa’s electricity provider, Eskom, to manage the demand on the national power grid.
It happens when the electricity supply cannot meet demand, often due to infrastructure issues or maintenance.
These outages are planned in stages, with Stage 1 being the least disruptive and the higher stages involving longer, more frequent outages.
Load shedding usually lasts 2-4 hours per session and follows a schedule that helps residents and businesses prepare.
Luckily, in recent years, load shedding hasn’t been as much of an issue. In 2023, most hostels and cafes had generators to accommodate tourists.
That definitely wasn’t the case in 2021 or 2022 so you don’t need to worry much about load shedding anymore if you’re visiting for a short trip!
Hiring a Car in Cape Town
Hiring a car in Cape Town is a convenient way to explore the city and its surrounding attractions, such as the Cape Winelands and Cape Point.
Driving in Cape Town is relatively easy, with well-maintained roads and clear signage.
However, it’s essential to take precautions as car break-ins can occur, particularly in tourist hotspots or secluded areas.
Always park in secure, well-lit areas, avoid leaving valuables visible, and consider using a steering lock for added security.
If your car is broken into, you’ll need to file a police report to claim insurance or notify the rental company.
Reports can be filed at the nearest police station and may take time to process, so factor this into your plans.
Many rental companies provide additional theft insurance, which can offer peace of mind. Although there are risks that come with hiring a car, it can certainly be worth it if you want to see more of Cape Town’s surroundings!
Just be cautious, stay informed, and you’ll be set for a smooth journey.
Ready for Cape Town?
I hope you make use of this Cape Town itinerary and have the most incredible time! I’m sure no matter what you do, this city will blow you away like it did to me.
I’ll be back shortly with a new blog but in the meantime, you can follow my adventures as a full-time traveller and digital nomad on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube!
Cheers,
Amy xx
