Planning your first trip to Cape Town? Then this relaxed and easy 7 Day Cape Town Itinerary will help you cover all the main sights without ever feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Over the course of a week, you will explore some of Cape Town’s most iconic sights, including Table Mountain, Robben Island and Camp’s Bay Beach. Take a day trip out of the city on a Cape Peninsula Day Trip and drive the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive.
This itinerary has plenty of downtime, whether you spend it sunbathing at the beach, wandering the V&A Waterfront or hiking Lion’s Head that is up to you. If you’re short on time, this 7 Day Cape Town itinerary can easily be condensed into fewer days.
I spent a week in Cape Town during winter 2025 and I firmly believe it’s an all-year-round destination. With its mix of city, coastlines, nature and wildlife, here is what to do in Cape Town in a week.
Read my Ultimate 3-Week South Africa Itinerary here.
7 Day Cape Town Itinerary
Day 1: District Six Museum, CBD & Bo Kaap
Start off your trip by exploring the city centre.
Make sure to visit the District Six Museum housed in a former Methodist Church. The museum shares the stories of the multicultural residents of District Six who were forcibly removed from their homes when the area was declared white-only during the Apartheid era. Many residents were moved to townships in the Cape Flats on the outskirts of the city and still live there today.
From the District Six Museum you can walk around the CBD where you will find several sights such as the Castle of Good Hope built by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century, City Hall, where Nelson Mandela made his first public speech after his release from prison in 1990 – there is a statue of him on the balcony. As well as Company’s Garden, Greenmarket Square and St George’s Cathedral.
From here, it’s a short distance to Bo Kaap, famous for its colourful houses and cobbled streets. The area was historically home to the Cape Malay community, a predominantly Muslim group descended from the Dutch East Indies (modern-day Indonesia), India and East Africa. The neighbourhood’s unique blend of Malay, African and Islamic influences has shaped Bo Kaap into what it is today. Don’t forget to try a Cape Malay curry before leaving.
Day 2: V&A Waterfront & Robben Island
On day two visit the V&A Waterfront, named after the British monarchs Queen Victoria and Prince Alfred. It is the oldest working harbour in the southern hemisphere dating back to the 17th century. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to keep you entertained as well as the Time Out Market Cape Town.
Head over to the Two Oceans Aquarium where you will see a colony of Cape Fur Seals lounging on the floating platform.
It’s a short walk to the Gateway to Robben Island, where you can take a guided boat and bus tour of the island that Nelson Mandela spent 18 years imprisoned on. The island has functioned as a leper colony, military base, maximum-security prison and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The ferry to the island takes around 30 minutes and the full tour lasts around 4 hours. There are 3 to 4 tours per day depending on the season. You can check ferry times and guided tour prices on the Robben Island Museum website.
Unfortunately, when I was there in July 2025, I was unable to visit as the island was closed for renovations. However, it has since reopened to the public for tours.
Day 3: Camps Bay Beach & Table Mountain
Start your day at Cape Town’s most famous beach – Camps Bay Beach. Lounge on the beach and take a dip in the sea, if the water is too choppy for your liking there is a tidal pool where you can take a more relaxing swim. Save this day for when you have the best weather, when I was there in winter in Cape Town it was still plenty sunny enough for swimming and sunbathing.
Take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway up to the top of Cape Town’s most iconic landmark. Be prepared for a long wait for the cable car to the summit – the views are worth it. At the top you will be treated to panoramic views over the city, the coastline, Lion’s Head and Robben Island. Make sure to check the weather and visibility before ascending. You can book tickets online to save time or book at the ticket office there; you can also get a discount off of tickets if you are a SANParks Wild Card holder.
Read my post on “Is the SANParks Wild Card Worth It?” here.
Day 4: Cape Peninsula Day Trip
On day 4 take a self-drive day trip to the Cape Peninsula. This was my favorite day in Cape Town.
In the morning drive to the colourful beach huts at Muizenberg, before heading to see the penguins at Boulders Beach. End the day at the beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where you can see the most south-western point of the African continent.
If you don’t have a car, there are several organised day trips from Cape Town which take you to all the mentioned stops. Sites such as Get Your Guide and Viator have plenty of options.
Read my guide to taking a Cape Peninsula Day Trip from Cape Town here.
Day 5: Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Drive & Noordhoek
Head out of the city on a day trip to Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Drive & Noordhoek Beach.
Start the day at Hout Bay with a 45-minute boat trip to Duiker Island, home to a colony of Cape Fur Seals. Afterwards, drive the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive to Noordhoek Beach where you walk across the sand to a rusted shipwreck from 1900.
Read my post on driving Chapman’s Peak Drive from Hout Bay to Noordhoek Beach here.
Day 6: Optional
There are so many things to do on 7 Day Cape Town Itinerary, you could be entertained for weeks.
On day 6 choose how you’d like to spend your time:
- Relax on another of Cape Town’s beautiful beaches such as Clifton or Llandudno.
- Visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens at the foot of Table Mountain.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, hike to the top of Lion’s Head at sunrise or sunset for sweeping views over the city.
- Stroll along the Sea Point Promenade and go for a swim at the Sea Point Pavillion.
- Or, explore one of Cape Town’s markets such as the Oranjezicht City Farm Market or Old Biscuit Mill Market.
Day 7: Cape Winelands
On your last day in Cape Town, take a day trip to the Cape Winelands, South Africa’s most well-known wine region.
Franschhoek
Franschhoek meaning “French Corner” was founded by French Huguenot settlers fleeing religious persecution. Each July, the town celebrates its French heritage on Bastille Day.
Franschhoek is most famous for its Wine Tram. This hop-on hop-off tram allows you to visit different wine estates safely and easily on one of its many lines. You can check which lines serve which estates on the Wine Tram website.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is a university town known for its historic Cape Dutch architecture and oak-lined streets. Although it doesn’t have a Wine Tram like Franschhoek, it is still worth visiting one of it’s many wine estates.
How to Get to the Cape Winelands?
You can visit the Cape Winelands as a day trip from Cape Town or spend a night or two if you have more time.
If you only have time for a day trip and you’re concerned about drinking and driving (as you should!), then take an organised day trip. You can find day trips to both Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, including transfers to the Wine Tram on Get Your Guide or Viator.
5 Day Cape Town Itinerary
If you are short on time in Cape Town, here is how you can condense this 7 Day Cape Town Itinerary into just 5 days.
Combine Day 4 (Cape Peninsula Day Trip) and Day 5 (Hout Bay, Chapmans Peak Drive & Noordhoek Beach).
Set out early in the morning and drive to Muizenberg, followed by Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope. On you drive back to Cape Town drive back via Chapman’s Peak Drive. You might not have time to take a Seal Island boat trip, but the views along Chapman’s Peak Drive will be stunning at sunset.
You could also combine the activities on Day 2 (V&A Waterfront & Robben Island) and Day 3 (Camps Bay & Table Mountain) into one busy day.
Take a morning tour of Robben Island, have lunch at the V&A Waterfront, before spending the afternoon at Camp’s Bay beach. End the day by taking the cable car up Table Mountain for sunset views over the cape.
Where to Stay in Cape Town
Camps Bay
Albeit on the pricey side, Camps Bay is one of the of the best places to stay in Cape Town. With stunning views of Camps Bay Beach and Table Mountain, plenty of upscale shops, bars and restaurants, it is the perfect place for a relaxed week in Cape Town.
Sea Point
Sea Point offers a more budget friendly beach-front stay. The Sea Point Promenade provides easy beach-access and makes a great place for coastal walks. Along the promenade, the Sea Point Pavilion has 3 ocean-front swimming pools including a saltwater pool.
I stayed at the Bantry Bay Aparthotel by Totalstay in Sea Point. I loved this hotel and the area. Some of the best meals of my 5 week trip to South Africa were in Sea Point.
Notable mentions include Kleinsky’s Delicatessen, Kanela Café, Ariel Modern Italian and Gelato Mania (there is also a shop in Camps Bay).
V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is best for shopping, bars and restaurants. The area has plenty of luxury hotels along the harbour with beautiful views of the mountains.
Green Point
Nestled between the V&A Waterfront and Sea Point, Green Point is best for a central stay in Cape Town. Here you can visit the Cape Town Stadium and visit some of the city’s markets.
City Bowl
Set in the city centre and away from the waterfront, the City Bowl is best for those wanting an urban stay. The District Six Museum and Bo Kaap neighbourhood are located in this area.
7 Day Cape Town Itinerary Final Thoughts
This 7 Day Cape Town itinerary is perfect for first time visitors. Combining natural beauty, urban city and wildlife, this itinerary allows you to experience the best of the cape at a slow pace.
Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. But there is more to the city than just natural beauty. Take time to explore South Africa’s recent history at places like Robben Island, Bo Kaap or the District Six Museum. Visiting these sites will offer an insightful experience that will give your trip context and meaning, making it even more memorable.
I hope this guide has helped you plan the perfect 7 Day Cape Town Itinerary and that it will be a highlight from your trip to South Africa.