What to do in Cape Town: a 4-day itinerary

Cape Town deserves a trip all to itself. It's the kind of place you can return to again and again, and it will always be spectacular.

You know that cosmopolitan city that has a bit of everything to please different kinds of travelers? It has historical museums, stunning landscapes, plenty of greenery and wildlife, art galleries and street art, great food, attractions for children of all ages. In short, a city worth visiting, that will change any preconceptions you might have.

We visited Cape Town during our 20-day trip to South Africa, when we also spent three days on a safari in Kruger Park — without a doubt one of the highlights of the trip! And in this post I share everything you need to know before going to South Africa. Be sure to check it out!

First of all, follow me on Instagram @danae_explore – that’s where you can keep up with my trips, find lots of travel tips, and send me a DM anytime! I love chatting about travel

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Where to stay in Cape Town

In Cape Town, we stayed in an apartment in the Waterfront area, with a balcony and a view of Table Mountain. The sunsets made it even better. But be aware, the same listing includes different apartments, some with one bedroom and others with two. If you're unsure, contact the property to choose the best one for you.

In this same area, another good option is Dockside 1106, which has two bedrooms, and for those who prefer hotels, Southern Sun Waterfront Cape or the One Thibault Hotel.

Camps Bay can be a great place to stay, especially if you're looking for a beach atmosphere. There are several options, from hotels like South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel and The Bay Hotel, to more affordable stays like Vetho Villa, Balfour Place Guesthouse and Royal Boutique Hotel.

Getting around Cape Town

About we rented a car as soon as we arrived at Cape Town AirportI think it's the best way to explore the city, since the distances to be covered are long, and the car gives you the flexibility to adjust your plans depending on everyone's mood and the weather conditions.

As our trip continued for several more days, through the Franschhoek wine region, the Garden Route and Addo Elephant Park (see more details in our complete itinerary in South Africa), we calculated the time and hassle and concluded that it was worth paying the extra to return the car elsewhere. So we picked it up in Cape Town and returned it to Port Elizabeth Airport, where we began the air saga back home – click here to get a quote.

In this post, I share more details about what it’s like to drive in South Africa, but I can already tell you: it’s left-hand driving!

If, for this or other reasons, you don’t feel comfortable renting a car, you can easily explore everything with tours and transfer services. Below, I’ve included links to tours for each place we visited (or you can search directly on sites like Civitatis or Get Your Guide, which are the ones I usually use and trust).

And for transfers — for example, from the airport to your hotel — you can book through this link.

If you’re looking for other safari destinations, check our Kenya and Tanzania itinerary!

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How many days to stay in Cape Town

We spent four full days in Cape Town and I think that was ideal for seeing the city's main attractions. Of course, I would have loved to stay an extra day or two, but within our limited time in South Africa — we spent twenty days traveling around the country — that was what we could manage.

If you only have three days, that's great! You can enjoy everything the city has to offer. Just condense the schedule I've laid out below, and if needed, skip an activity that doesn’t interest you as much — for example, the Two Oceans Aquarium is worth it if you’re traveling with children, otherwise you can leave it out.

With two days you can also see a lot of the city, but some of the main attractions will probably have to be left out, and you'll be left wanting more. But if your schedule only allows for two days, go ahead and don’t miss Cape Town!

In reality, we stayed there for five days, but I didn’t include the first day in this itinerary. We arrived in the city one afternoon after waking up early to leave Kruger Park, driving over two hours to the airport, returning the rental car, flying to Cape Town, picking up another rental car, and finally arriving at our accommodation. Phew, just talking about it makes me tired lol.

Whenever we have a travel day like this, I never plan any specific activities — I leave the rest of the day free to wander around the neighborhood where we’re staying, stop by a market (since we were in an apartment, we took advantage of it to prepare some meals there), find a playground for the kids, and simply enjoy being on vacation.

So here we go — four full days of exploring Cape Town are about to begin!

Four-day itinerary in Cape Town

The itinerary was planned by areas of the city, focusing on a specific region each day. You can change the order of the days as you prefer.

Day 1: Table Mountain and Bo-Kaap

We did this tour on our own, with renting a car. If you prefer, there is a tour that covers what we did that day.

Table Mountain

Since the day started out clear, we went straight to Table Mountain, which turned out to be perfect, because on the following days the peak was covered with the so-called “cloth,” a layer of fog that really looks like a tablecloth on the table.

We waited a long time in line for the cable car, so I recommend arriving as early as possible, especially on a sunny day. It’s also possible to hike up; the Platteklip Gorge trail is the most popular, but I wouldn’t recommend it with small children.

From the top, the view is impressive, and you’ll want to stop for photos all the time. There are several trails at the summit, and I suggest walking them all. They are relatively flat, and it’s a great way to enjoy the view from different angles. I can’t imagine going up the mountain without seeing it from every possible point.

It was windy when we went, but we didn’t feel cold. A friend of mine had been a week earlier and felt very cold, so I think it’s best to be prepared with a sweater or windbreaker, and plenty of water. At the top of Table Mountain, there’s a small shop, perfect for giving the kids a boost with an ice cream. After coming down, we had lunch and then went for a walk in Bo-Kaap.

Between waiting in line, the cable car ride, walking the trails, stopping for photos and ice cream, and the descent, we spent about 3 hours on Table Mountain. Here’s the link to the official website, where you can buy your cable car tickets directly.

Bo Kaap

Considered the oldest area of Cape Town, the Bo-Kaap neighborhood is famous for its colorful, low-roofed houses. These days, the streets are full of tourists searching for the perfect Instagram photo, often choosing the house that best matches their outfit. But I recommend going beyond that and really understanding the history of this place.

The history of Bo-Kaap dates back to the 18th century, when it was inhabited by freed slaves from Malaysia and other regions of Southeast Asia. While enslaved, their homes had to be painted white. After their liberation, they painted them in the brightest colors possible as a way to celebrate their freedom. There’s also a small museum worth visiting.

District Six Museum

A tough but essential visit. The District Six Museum is one of Cape Town's most important places for understanding the impact of apartheid on everyday life. Even if you’ve already visited the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, the District Six Museum in Cape Town is still worth a visit.

It is located in what used to be District Six, a vibrant and multicultural neighborhood that, starting in 1966, was declared a “white zone” by the segregationist regime. More than 60,000 residents, Black and mixed-race, were forced to leave their homes, which were then demolished.

The exhibitions bring together photos, testimonies, personal objects, and maps that keep alive the memories of those who lived there, highlighting both the cultural richness of the neighborhood and the violence of forced removal.

Here is the official website of the District Six Museum, which also notes that advance tickets can be purchased online through this website.

Day 2: Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach

We did this entire itinerary by renting a car; however, this private tour or this group tour follows the same route. There are half-day tours as well.

Chapmans Peak Drive

This is a full-day tour to the Cape of Good Hope, with several stops along the way. We started with Chapman’s Peak Drive, a scenic road that winds along the ocean, with many spots to stop, take in the views, and of course, snap plenty of photos.

But I admit we made a mistake! Chapman’s Peak Drive runs along the west coast of the Cape Peninsula, with the viewpoints all on the western side. Since driving in South Africa follows the English system, it’s best to do Chapman’s Peak Drive from south to north (that is, on the way back to Cape Town), because then you’ll be on the correct side to stop at the lookouts. Since we drove it north to south, at every viewpoint we had to cross the road — and we ended up missing a few stops.

Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is part of the Cape Peninsula and lies within Table Mountain National Park, a conservation area that protects not only the coastal landscape but also the local fauna and flora. Be prepared, because driving there feels like a mini-safari: we saw ostriches, elands (a type of antelope), zebras, and baboons!

Although it is often said to be the southernmost point of Africa, that title actually belongs to Cape Agulhas, about 150 km further on.

Initially called Cape of Storms because of the violent storms and strong sea currents in the region, it was later renamed Cape of Good Hope when the Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias managed to sail around it, opening a new route to the Indies in 1488. A few years later, in 1497, Vasco da Gama passed through the cape and continued on to India, establishing the long-awaited sea route between Europe and the East.

Besides the famous and Instagrammable sign that marks the spot, I recommend going further and exploring other areas of the park. You can walk or drive to Cape Point and the historic 1860 lighthouse. There’s a funicular up to the lighthouse (for a fee), but you can also walk if you prefer. We chose the funicular — part of the kids’ fun.

Since this is a National Park, you can find information on the official website Sanparks.org, where you can also buy tickets in advance. We bought ours right away and it was easy. For funicular tickets, as well as details about shops, restaurants, and other services, check this link.

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Boulders beach

On the way back we stopped at Boulders Beach, the famous penguin beach. What an incredible place! The beach itself is striking, with large rocks, white sand, and deep blue water. But it’s the penguins that transform what would otherwise be just a pretty beach into one of the most special places in the world.

It is estimated that there are currently around 2,100 birds in the Boulders Beach colony — in 1983, when the site was incorporated into the National Park, there were 3,900 penguins. In May 2010, African penguins were reclassified from a vulnerable species to an endangered species.

The beach has set visiting hours (generally from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, but in some months it is open until 6:30 pm), and you must strictly follow the designated paths, most of which are wooden walkways. Boulders Beach is also part of Table Mountain National Park, and you can find more information here.

On the way back to Cape Town, it’s worth stopping at Muizenberg Beach, the surfers’ beach with its colorful little houses — another spot that makes for beautiful photos.

If you’re looking for other safari destinations, take a look at our Kenya and Tanzania itinerary!

Day 3: Kirstenbosh National Botanical Garden & Camps Bay Beach

Kirstenbosh National Botanical Garden

A day to explore another part of Cape Town. In the morning we went to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, located on the slopes of Table Mountain. It’s a very pleasant and peaceful visit.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is considered one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Located at the foot of Table Mountain, it is dedicated exclusively to South Africa’s native flora, covering five of the country’s six distinct biomes. Walking through its gardens feels like exploring a mosaic of landscapes, from aromatic and medicinal plants to endemic flowers found only in this region.

One of the highlights is the “Boomslang,” a suspended walkway that weaves through the treetops and offers incredible views. In addition to its natural beauty, Kirstenbosch is also a stage for cultural events, especially in the summer — check the official website for more information and tickets.

The Skeleton Gorge trail to Table Mountain also begins inside Kirstenbosch.

Old Biscuit Mall

We left the gardens starving, and when browsing Google Maps (I love it!!!) I saw that a place called the Old Biscuit Mill had several well-reviewed restaurants, so we headed there. We had no idea what to expect, and it turned out to be a wonderful surprise — I love leaving room for these unplanned moments during a trip; they make everything more enjoyable.

The Old Biscuit Mill is, as the name suggests, a former biscuit factory transformed into a space for food, art, and design, full of restaurants, trendy little shops, art galleries, and cafés. If you’re passing through the area, it’s definitely worth stopping by, even if only for a coffee or an ice cream.

Camps Bay Beach

It was already mid-afternoon when we arrived at Camps Bay Beach, one of Cape Town’s most iconic beaches, with the impressive Twelve Apostles mountains as a backdrop.

The water is a bit cold, but the kids didn’t care; they just wanted to play in the sand and take a quick dip. I made a point of spending a good amount of time there so I could say that our trip to South Africa was complete — it even included the beach!

Even if you don’t feel like swimming or playing in the sand, Camps Bay is very pleasant, with a promenade full of bars, restaurants, and upscale hotels, plus one of the best places to watch the sunset. After the kids had enough of the sand, we cleaned up quickly and went to a delicious Japanese restaurant, Codfather, definitely worth a visit.

Day 4: Two Oceans Aquarium and Robben Island

Two Oceans Aquarium

In the morning, we walked to the Two Oceans Aquarium, located at the V&A Waterfront, very close to the apartment where we stayed. It’s a great option if you’re traveling with kids or if you’re really into marine life. I admit I only went for the kids, since I’ve already had my share of aquarium visits — here on the blog I’ve written about the aquariums in Seville, Lisbon, and the marine aquarium of the Rosario Islands, Colombia (but trust me, I’ve been to many more!).

The Aquarium is based on the meeting point of two oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian, showcasing the marine life of both ecosystems and the increasingly urgent challenges faced by the oceans. There are giant tanks with sharks, turtles, and thousands of fish in all colors — in short, a well-structured aquarium that delivers on its purpose.

Here is the link to the official website of the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Option: Lion's Head Trail

If aquariums aren’t your thing, another option is the Lion’s Head Trail, one of the most famous hikes on the continent, with stunning views along the entire route. Unlike Table Mountain, which has a cable car, the only way to reach the top of Lion’s Head is on foot. Admission is free.

The trailhead is at Signal Hill. It’s not an extremely difficult hike, but it’s certainly not a walk in the park either. The trail is steep, with some challenging sections involving stairs and chains, and in others you climb over rocks. From what I’ve read — we didn’t hike it ourselves — the effort is worth it, and the views are said to be absolutely spectacular. Bring water, and avoid the trail on rainy or humid days.

After the hike (or before), it’s worth driving up to Signal Hill, another spot with beautiful views of the city. The Lion’s Head trailhead is on the small road that leads up to Signal Hill.

Robben Island and the Apartheid Prison Museum

Being at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, it is easy to catch the Robben Island tour, and I recommend you don’t miss it.

About 12 km off the coast, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South Africa’s most iconic historical landmarks. During the apartheid era, the island served as a maximum-security prison for political opponents of the regime. Nelson Mandela was its most famous prisoner, spending 18 of his 27 years of incarceration there.

We joined the guided tour, which is included in the ticket price, and our guide was a former prisoner of the island — an elderly gentleman, extremely lucid, which brought incredible richness to the experience.

Here is the link to the official website, and here for a tour with hotel pick-up — but it’s also very easy to get to the V&A Waterfront by taxi or Uber.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

When you’re in Cape Town, you’ll likely spend a lot of time at the V&A Waterfront — at least that’s what happened to us. And it’s a delight!

The site is the city’s former port area, revitalized while preserving its original Victorian architecture, and today it’s a vibrant complex with numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural events. In addition to the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Robben Island tour I mentioned, there’s also a Ferris wheel, several outdoor sculptures, and even tours to spot marine life.

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Other suggestions of what to do in Cape Town and around

Wineries in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl

We spent twenty days in South Africa — check out our complete itinerary here — and after Cape Town, we went to the country’s wine region, which includes the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl.

We chose to stay two nights in Franschhoek, but many people visit the wineries as a day trip from Cape Town. It’s an excellent option if you want to enjoy a few glasses of wine without worrying about driving afterwards.

There are several tour options, take a look:
- Four wineries in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
- Private wine tour in Stellenbosch
- Franschhoek region with the Wine Tram ride
- Wineries in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl

Whale watching

One tour that looks amazing — and that I would have done if I’d had more time in Cape Town — is whale watching.

Hermanus, a town just over 100 km from Cape Town, is one of the best places in the world to see whales. On some days, you can even spot them from land-based lookouts!

This full-day tour is a great option, and I highly recommend it! The thrill of seeing these giants in the wild is indescribable — I realized this dream later, while sailing through the Beagle Channel in Ushuaia.

The best time for whale watching in Hermanus is from June to November, when the southern right whales come closer to the coast to mate and give birth. Outside this period, the chances of spotting them are much smaller, so if it’s on your wish list, it’s worth planning your trip around these months.

If you don’t have time for a day trip, you can also take a marine life tour from the V&A Waterfront — with a bit of luck you may see whales, though sightings are less common here than in Hermanus.

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Safari in private reserves

If you’re in Cape Town and don’t have time to go on safari in one of South Africa’s national parks — like Kruger Park or Addo Elephant Park (click on the links to read our posts about visiting each one), it’s worth considering a safari in the private reserves near Cape Town. It may not be the same as a national park, but it will certainly be a memorable experience. After all, coming to South Africa and not going on safari is kind of like going to New York and not seeing the Empire State Building, right?

The main option close to Cape Town is the Aquila Reserve, which offers various tour options. These private reserves are malaria-free areas, which can be a plus for families with kids.

If you’re looking for other safari destinations, take a look at our Kenya and Tanzania itinerary!

Complete itinerary of our South Africa tour

Our two-week twenty days in South Africa is detailed on the map below — just click and save it to your Google account. When you’re planning your next trip to South Africa, you’ll know where to start

In this post, I explain how I use Google MyMaps to plan my trips. It’s a great tool for saving locations, calculating routes and distances, and organizing your entire journey. I highly recommend giving it a try!
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How to use this map: Click the menu tab in the upper left corner of the map to access different layers, including points of interest and routes. You can toggle layers on and off by checking the corresponding boxes. To see details about specific locations, click on the icons on the map.

To save this map to your Google Maps account, just click the star icon next to the map title. To access it later on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, tap the menu button, go to “Your Places”, select “Maps”, and you’ll find this map saved there.
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