The Unique 5-Day Cape Town Itinerary.

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Heading to South Africa you will want to spend some time in Cape Town, also known as the Mothercity. How long should you stay and what should you do? I recommend at least 5 days for your Cape Town itinerary. This will give you a good overview not only of the city itself but also of the surrounding areas. 

Mountains, beaches, culture, art, food, and of course wine await on this ultimate Cape Town itinerary – something for each taste and budget.

My Cape Town Itinerary 5 Days

Practical Tips for your Cape Town itinerary

CAPE TOWN WEATHER

When planning your Cape Town itinerary in advance there is only so much you can do because Cape Town weather is unpredictable. The wind that is. Cape Town wind is crazy, especially in summer and the infamous South-Easterly is infamous for good reason. So for most outdoor activities, you will need to take the wind into account and be flexible with your plans. 

Going up Table Mountain with the cable car, taking the ferry to Robben Island, and even just spending a lazy afternoon on the beach will all depend on the weather.

GETTING AROUND CAPE TOWN

Before we get started, let’s talk about getting around in Cape Town. Cape Town’s public transport system is not the greatest. While there is the myCiti bus now it is still not ideal and most Capetonians have a car or cycle (though that would also depend on where you live and work). 

I highly recommend using Uber. I have previously gotten into an argument with someone on Facebook after I advised a woman who was about to move here to forego regular taxis and use Uber instead. This reader was berating me for not supporting the local economy with my tourism money and giving my money to an evil cooperation like Uber. Here is the thing though: while Uber may have its problems like most companies, I love the concept and that is not due to the price. I love that I can pay with my credit card on file and that there is some sort of accountability thanks to the rating system and the fact that you can track someone. To me traveling as a single female, this is huge and I know it is for many of my friends here who send their kids around with Uber too. 

Read more: Great Cape Town accommodation for all budgets.

Unfortunately, taxis in Cape Town were never very reliable with old cars and drivers who didn’t know where they were going. The local minibus taxis aren’t much better and are frequently caught speeding to meet their daily quota (honestly if you come across one on the road, just move out of the way and don’t argue). So for me to go around via Uber has nothing to do with money or saving money but all to do with safety.

That said, and some may hate me (and have hated me in the past) for suggesting that – I think a great way to get an overview of any city if you visit for the first time is a Hop-On Hop-Off bus. You will cover most of the major sights with the Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town busses, can decide which ones you are interested in, and get a little bit of background information on the go. I know I know, it is oh so touristy but honestly, these buses are so practical. So here it goes – my name is Annika and I am a travel blogger who likes Hop-On Hop-Off busses.

CAR RENTAL IN CAPE TOWN

If you want to be completely independent then a rental car is your best option. You can either get your rental car directly at the airport upon arrival or in town. 

Make sure to check your current driver’s license requirements and remember: you will have to drive on the left side of the road, adhering to speed limits in km/h and distances in kilometers. 

Do get comprehensive insurance for your rental car that includes your rims (Cape Town boardwalks are exceptionally high and everyone I know has scratched their rims at one point or another) and windows as stone chipping is common. 

Do you have more practical questions about your Cape Town trip? Check out my comprehensive guide below where I will probably answer them.

Read more: The ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide.

Day 1 – Ocean & Mountain

V&A Waterfront // Start your day with a leisurely breakfast and by the time you are done, traffic will have calmed down. Then you can head towards the V&A Waterfront. This is one of Cape Town’s biggest malls and a touristy harbor but you know what? I still really like it here. There are usually some bands playing, seagulls screaming and there is even a little ferris wheel, the Cape Wheel, from which you can soak up the views. Yes, it is touristy but I still recommend it to Cape Town first-timers.

In case you have time to spare or the weather is not so great head to the Zeitz MOCAA, the largest museum for contemporary African art in the world.

Note that this itinerary does not include shopping time. Honestly, the V&A offers your usual array of international stores so I wouldn’t waste my time on H&M and such. If you wanted to find some more unique souvenirs you should rather go to the Watershed.

Splurge: A helicopter ride in Cape Town is a must-do. Compared to many other cities it is pretty affordable and the scenery is simply spectacular even more so from above. I went on a trip before and cannot recommend them enough.

Lunch by the Ocean // For lunch, you have a couple of different options. If you like the vibe and the harbor views, stay at the V&A. I recommend Harbour House for great fish and seafood, alternatively, you can find some more recommendations here. 

Otherwise, move on and go to Grand Africa. While this place is just a tad bit pretentious it is also pretty stunning – you are sitting first row with an ocean view and your feet in the sand. The big sharing pizzas are also quite yummy so if you are keen on a leisurely (and probably boozy) lunch on a sunny day, this is a good choice.

Alternatively, head from the V&A Waterfront to Sea Point. Opposite the Sea Point pool at end of the promenade, you will find La Perla. This restaurant is as old school as it gets – think waiters in white jackets who have worked there for 20 years – but wonderfully so. The food is a great array of classics: tuna or beef carpaccio, fresh oysters, great pasta, and various simple yet wonderful fish and meat dishes from the grill. My family always goes to La Perla for special occasions and it was a favorite of my late uncle which makes it dear to me. So while it might not be hip and happening, the food is as wonderful as the service. Make sure to get a table outside so you are overlooking the Sea Point promenade and life won’t get any better!

Read more: The best restaurants in Cape Town

Beach time // After lunch, it is nap time so head towards Clifton and Camps Bay. Which beach you choose will entirely depend on the weather – you may easily get blown away in Camps Bay. I recommend Clifton 1st beach (there are 4 in total) which is small, secluded, and doesn’t get too crowded or Beta Beach in Bakoven. The latter is tiny but you have some beautiful views of Lion’s Head and will only be surrounded by locals. Parking around both beaches can be tricky so this is definitely the time to use Uber or the Hop-On Hop-Off bus.

Know that there are no shops or kiosks on those Cape Town beaches. While there are sometimes guys who sell soft drinks and popsicles don’t count on it and make sure you bring everything with you that you may need.

Oh and have I mentioned that the water is… chilly? Perfect to cool off if you dare!

Table Mountain // The one thing no Cape Town itinerary can miss is a visit to Table Mountain. Plan this for your first day. In case the weather doesn’t cooperate you still have some time left to attempt again.

You can either get your tickets for the cable car in advance or hike up Platteklip Gorge and just get a ticket for the way down (you can buy your ticket at the top and pay in cash or by credit card).

If you want to hike, plan this for the morning and change your V&A visit to the late afternoon. 

The hike is steep and depending on your fitness level will take you 1–3 hours. Make sure to take enough water and wear sunscreen. The way up Platteklip is usually quite busy and therefore pretty safe, but you can also book a tour if you prefer.

For those who don’t want to hike (I don’t blame you!), get a return ticket for the cableway and come for sunset. If the weather doesn’t play along and the cable car stops operating (you can #AsktheCableway here and check if they are running) you can drive up Signal Hill as an alternative for some pretty views. Hiking trails lead from various car parks if you feel like a less strenuous walk or there is Lion’s Head.

On top of Signal Hill, you will find a car park and a few viewing platforms from which you can almost get a 360 degrees panorama over the city and the Atlantic.

You can get a ticket for the Hop-On Hop-Off bus which will get you to all of your stops on day 1. 

Day 2 – City & Constantia

Cape Town City Tour // If you have 5 days in Cape Town, use the morning to take in some sights in the City Bowl. You can either stroll on your own or join a walking tour to get some insight into Cape Town’s turbulent history. A must-see is the Greenmarket Square if you are in the market for some very colorful African souvenirs, Company Gardens, the District 6 Museum, and colorful Bo Kaap.

Bo Kaap Cooking // Stay in Bo Kaap for lunch as there are some excellent cooking classes available. You will learn how to make beloved Cape Malay dishes, learn about the history of Bo Kaap and the people who live here, and maybe even visit some traditional shops in the neighborhood.

Constantia Wine Tasting // You don’t need to venture far if you want to do some wine tasting in Cape Town. Constantia is not only a beautiful, leafy suburb but also home to some of the oldest wine farms in the Cape and known for the Constantia wine route. 

Groot Constantia wine tasting is probably the most famous in Cape Town and one of the oldest Constantia wine farms, however, I find them quite touristy and I am not a huge fan of their wines (at least not the ones that are offered at tastings). I recommend Klein Constantia or Beau Constantia instead. The last wine tasting in Klein Constantia starts at 4.30 pm and in Beau Constantia at 5 pm. If you are too late, you can always just buy a bottle and sit outside to enjoy the views.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens // Afterward, you should stop for a stroll in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. See the infamous Boomslang, a treetop walkway, and explore the scent-garden which was planted for visually impaired visitors so they can enjoy the garden too, take a nap under a tree, and just soak up the greenery.

Extra tip: If you are in town on a Sunday in summer check out the Kirstenbosch summer sunset concerts in the evening. You can bring a picnic and enjoy national and international artists on one of the most amazing concert stages right at the foot of Table Mountain.

All of these stops including some of the best Constantia wine farms are covered by the Hop-On Hop-Off bus routes.

Day 3 – Cape Point & Penguins

Chapman’s Peak // Drive from town towards Hout Bay and then Chapman’s Peak. The drive is one of the most scenic drives in Cape Town, actually in the whole of South Africa. There are plenty of parking bays where you can pull over for stunning views over Hout Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and finally Noordhoek Beach.

There are instances when Chapman’s Peak is closed due to bad weather and falling rocks. Signs leading to Chapman’s Peak from both directions will tell you but you can also check here beforehand. conditions. If that is the case you can still do your Cape Point Tour and drive via the M3 and M4. 

Scone Shack // Before you get to Cape Point you should stop at the Scone Shack. This lovely outdoor cafe is great for a pitstop and makes the allegedly best scones in South Africa. Sit on a tree trunk, have a cup of tea, swat a duck, and cuddle with a piglet – it is a vibe!

Cape Point Tour // After your scone, it is time to head to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point (not one and the same!). While neither is the most southern part of Africa as some people like you to believe and you can’t really see the two oceans collide both viewpoints are well worth a visit and are situated in the stunning Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. You will not only get amazing ocean views but can also spot many plants and cool animals like baboons, zebras, and bucks in the wild.

Extra tip: For those who are planning a longer South African holiday you can book a Cape Town tour to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa.

Penguins at Boulders Beach // From Cape Point, you will drive to Boulders Beach in Simonstown to see the penguins because really, you can’t come to Cape Town and not see the famous African penguins. You will need to pay a conservation fee to get in and from the entrance, there are a few boardwalks leading through the dunes from which you can view the penguins. 

To get close you can head down to Foxy Beach but honestly, I would only recommend doing that if you come very early in the morning as the beach is tiny and gets super crowded. Needless to say but I will still say it: do not try to touch the penguins! They are wild animals and have really sharp beaks.

If you want some beach time I recommend you had to adjacent Windmill Beach. This one is super pretty and usually deserted but the occasional penguin might still swim over. So if you are hoping for a penguin encounter in the water this is the place you should go to.

Kalk Bay Dinner // On your way back to Cape Town you will drive through picturesque Kalk Bay, a little village full of fun antique stores and colorful facades. You might as well stay for dinner. 

The harbor is worth a visit if only for a seal selfie with one of the resident seals. Afterward, fish and seafood are a must-eat here and depending on your budget you should get fish ‘n chips at Kalky’s or have a fancy seafood lunch at the Harbour House. Both places offer really great food in their own way and serve fresh and local products.

For today you will either need a rental car and drive yourself or join a tour. That said, I highly recommend a rental car so you can explore in your own time and get those scones!

Day 4 – Adventures in Nature

Snorkel with Seals // Start your morning early and brave the icy water to go snorkeling with seals in Hout Bay. Many operators will take you out for a snorkel at one of the seal colonies that live right offshore and are well worth getting into the water for. Seals, while stinky, are super cute and lots of fun to interact with.

Operators like Cape Town Bucketlist will make sure that you and the seals will be safe. The whole trip takes about 2,5 hours while you are in the water for 1 hour. They have different time slots available and all you will need is your swimming costume and a towel for after, you can even rent a GoPro from them. 

Read more: Snorkeling with seals in Cape Town.

Noordhoek Beach // After you are back on land and have dried off head to Noordhoek via Chapman’s Peak. The drive is pretty enough to do it twice but this time you will spend a bit of time in Noordhoek, a somewhat sleepy seaside village with one of the most stunning beaches in Cape Town. 

Stop for lunch at one of my favorite restaurants The Foodbarn (you will most likely need a reservation) in the Noordhoek Farm Village or head to the more casual Cafe Roux next door. Afterward, you can take a stroll on the beach, visit the Noordhoek shipwreck that lies stranded on that beach, go horseback riding, or do a beer tasting at the local brewery.

Hike in Silvermine // In the afternoon you will take a different route and head to Silvermine. This reserve is part of Table Mountain National Parks and is a beautiful area for hiking in Cape Town. Alternatively, you can just go for a swim in the Silvermine Reservoir. Do note that you will also need to pay a small fee to get in and the gate closes at 6 pm.

Muizenberg // If you are still up for more stop in Muizenberg on your way back. This beach is known for its colorful wooden beach huts and is the surfer beach in Cape Town. Whether you are a pro or need lessons this is the beach to be! 

Even if you are not up for heading into the water, you can always watch the pros on their boards and have a little photo session in front of those iconic huts – you know you want to!

Day 5 – Wine in the Winelands

Winelands // If you have 5 days for your Cape Town itinerary you should actually head out of town on your last one. Stellenbosch and the Winelands await!

Keep in mind that Stellenbosch sits surrounded by mountains and gets incredibly hot during the summer. You definitely should start your day early – wine tasting at 10 am is perfectly acceptable in South Africa.

Read more:

A Guide to visit Stellenbosch in the Winelands.

Keep calm & drink wine – The best wine farms in Stellenbosch

If you want to visit a few wine farms you should take an Uber to Stellenbosch and from there use the Vinehopper. This is a hop-on hop-off bus that goes to various wine farms. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour or hire a private driver. Needless to say, do not drink and drive!

Babylonstoren // There are plenty of beautiful vineyards where you can have lunch or a picnic under some shady trees. My favorite is actually not in Stellenbosch but closer to Franschhoek – Babylonstoren. The place is perfect for lunch, casual or fancy before you take a stroll through their famous gardens, homemade ice lolly in hand. 

Stellenbosch // In the afternoon you finish your day with a stroll through the historic city center of Stellenbosch. You can join a tour if you are interested in art and culture or simply explore on your own. If you haven’t done enough wine tasting yet there are plenty of wine bars in Stellenbosch that will help you out. 

From Stellenbosch you can either head back to town or head directly to the airport if your Cape Town itinerary has come to an end.

If you only have a couple of days, check out my Cape Town itinerary for 3 days here.

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