Discovering Cape Town and Its Surroundings: A One-Week Itinerary

So you've booked a flight to South Africa and now you're wondering what to do in one week in Cape Town? We've got you covered! Cordt and me have spent several months in both Cape Town and the surroundings and tend to go back every year because it's simply such a great place to be in. In this article, I've compiled our favourite places to visit - museums, wine estates, restaurants, hikes, beaches.

One note before we dive in - there is so much to do in the Cape Region that you could easily spend a whole month here and not get bored. In order to make the most of your time, I would recommend to base yourself in Cape Town and get a rental car for a few days to do several of the day trips mentioned in this itinerary. Alternatively, you can also join tours to get to Stellenbosch and Hermanus.

Days 1-2: Exploring the Heart of Cape Town

Begin your explorations in the vibrant streets of Cape Town: Start with a stroll through the colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap, known for its brightly painted houses and cobblestone streets. Then, make your way to the V&A Waterfront, a dynamic commercial and residential area lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions. Here, you can visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, a modern art museum housed in a converted grain silo, showcasing cutting-edge African art. If you are visiting during the weekend, don't forget to visit Oranjezicht City Farm Market. End the day strolling around the beaches of Sea Point.

No visit to Cape Town is complete without experiencing the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens! I love Botanical Gardens and go in almost all places I visit, but no garden I have been in even comes close to Kirstenbosch. On the foothills of Table Mountain it looks out over the valley towards the sea and you can easily spend a day here just wandering around and reading on one of the many benches. If you are there during the South African summer, check their website for their sunset concerts. It is just a beautiful experience to listen to music, sip a glass of wine, and sit with the view of the Table Mountain.

Day 3: Hiking Adventures in Table Mountain

I strongly advise to allocate one full day to visit Table Mountain (if you are short on time, you can also do it in a morning/afternoon by taking the cable car up and down).

The adventurous should definitely not miss the India Venster trail - this has the most spectacular views of the city and coastline we've seen on our hikes up Table Mountain. However, it is a very challenging route, so be prepared for a workout. Before hiking this trail for the first time, we read a lot of horror stories about it being close to impossible, but - even though it is definitely a challenge and Cordt struggled due to his fear of heights - it is 100% worth it and you do not need to have supernatural fitness. You will manage if you are a regular hiker and have a bit of confidence in yourself. However, we would not recommend to take this route down, as the sheer drops you need to climb down make it quite dangerous.

Alternatively, the Platteklip Gorge trail offers a more direct path to the summit, while the Lion's Head trail is suitable for those looking for a less strenuous hike. If you are hiking on Lions Head, take the Cable Car up and down Table Mountain after your hike. On top of the Table Mountain you can also do a small loop hike to appreciate the views from all angles.

In the afternoon, head to Camps Bay (you can even walk there if you are still feeling like it). The beaches here are a perfect spot to relax and watch the sunset. For dinner, consider visiting o-Vine Wine & Grill House, known for its delightful seafood and steaks.

Days 4-5: Cape Peninsula Excursion

The next two days are all about exploring the breathtaking Cape Peninsula. Start driving in Cape Town downtown, along the coastal road from Camps Bay to Hout Bay and then along the stunning Chapman's Peak Drive, known for its dramatic ocean vistas and rugged cliffs. Once you reach Noordhoek, stop for some delightful ice cream at Kristen's Kick-Ass Ice Cream. If you're there during the summer and on a Thursday evening, plan your trip so you can go to Cape Point Vineyards for sunset. This is when the vineyards fill with food trucks and music - it has an amazing atmosphere and you can eat different foods and sip wine while watching the sunset.

Continue to Simon's Town to visit the penguin colonies at Boulders Beach - if you want to save some money, you can just skip the fenced off area and instead wander the beach and you will see plenty.

You can spend a full day at the tip of the Cape - drive all the way to Cape Point and hike the Kaap die Goeie Hoop-voetpad. Take a picture at the Cape of Good Hope sign and walk up to the Cape of Good Hope Lighthouse. If you feel like taking a dip in the ocean, you can head to the Venus Pool or to Buffels Bay Picnic Site and Tidal Pool.

Day 6: Wine and Dine in Stellenbosch

No trip to this region would be complete without a day in Stellenbosch and surrounding wine heartland of South Africa. Tour the verdant vineyards either by yourself or on an organised tour from Cape Town to taste some of the world’s best wines. Even if you do not like wine, I would recommend you to allocate one day to this region as it's also got beautiful nature and the wine estates are worth a visit for their beauty. Have a look at our Google Map for our recommendations!

If you have a bit more than one day, I'd recommend to include Old Nectar Gardens and Dylan Lewis Studio & Sculpture Garden.

For a memorable meal, book a table at The Table at De Meye. It's a beautiful estate and you dine outside sitting on tables in their picturesque garden. They offer a menu filled with fresh, organic ingredients.

Day 7: Coastal Wonders along False Bay

Conclude your week with a scenic drive around False Bay. From Cape Town Center, make your way up Sir Lowrys Drive and in Bot Rivier turn towards the coast. At Stony Point Nature Reserve you can again see many penguins, and in Pringle Bay you could get lunch at Hake Away and sit on the beach to eat. Drive back slowly, taking in the views of False Bay from the other side of the bay.

If you have a few days more

If you have 2-3 days longer, I would advise to drive a small loop around Cape Town: Spend one to two nights in the Wine Region (Stellenbosch or Franschhoek both have some beautiful accommodations!) and then add another night on the coast in or close to Hermanus. This will give you more opportunities to explore these places a bit more in depth. If you are visiting between July and November, don't miss a Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus!

You can also add one day for an outdoor adventure: Depending on the season, there are many amazing outdoor adventures to be had in the Cape Region. We loved the Cape Canopy Tour, you could go abseiling with Frixion Adventures or snorkeling with seals.