Perfect Week in CapeTown
Cape Town is a spectacular destination, offering a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and world-class dining. In one week, you can experience the best the city has to offer—from the heights of Table Mountain to the vibrant streets of Bo-Kaap and the serene vineyards of Stellenbosch.
The Perfect Week in Cape Town: An Itinerary Full of Adventure, Culture, and Relaxation
Cape Town is an extraordinary destination that combines breathtaking landscapes, a fascinating history, vibrant culture, and exceptional dining. In just one week, you can immerse yourself in the city's top attractions—from the sweeping views atop Table Mountain to the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap and the tranquil vineyards of Stellenbosch. Here’s your ultimate 7-day Cape Town itinerary, packed with must-do activities and insider recommendations to help you make the most of your stay.
Cape Town is the southernmost city in South Africa, which means its seasons are opposite to those in the US. When it's summer in the US, it's winter down there, and when it's winter in the US, Cape Town enjoys its summer.
Flying South:
To start things off - we've priced three itineraries for you to consider - in Economy, Business and First Class (per adult, per way).
These inventories change daily - so Turn to #UpNonStop to find your best current deal - (Taking into consideration your points & miles balances)
Needless to write (but let's do so anyway) that Flying direct on board United Airlines is an option too and inventory is available and is priced as low as 45,000 (Economy) and as high as 375,000 (Business) United miles for the direct flights from DC or Newark. The same (if not more expensive) alternatives are offered comparably from Atlanta, onboard Delta Airlines.
Stay Comfortably:
For our 7-night stay - we priced two solid hotel options using points:
1) The Westin Cape Town which averages for 41,400 Marriott Points per night
2) Hyatt Regency Cape Town which averages at 3,500 Hyatt Points per night
Seven Majestic Days in CapeTown
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the Waterfront
- Morning: Arrive in Cape Town and check into your hotel at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. This area is not only a great place to stay but also a bustling hub of activity, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Afternoon: After settling in, take a leisurely stroll around the V&A Waterfront, enjoying the views of Table Mountain and the harbor. You can visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, which showcases the marine life from both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Test Kitchen Fledgelings, a trendy restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with creative, high-end dishes.
Recommendation: Book a sunset cruise from the Waterfront for incredible views of Cape Town from the water.
Day 2: Table Mountain & Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Morning: Start early and take the cable car up Table Mountain. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike the Platteklip Gorge trail, which is a steep but rewarding hike to the summit. From the top, you’ll have panoramic views of the city, Robben Island, and the surrounding coastline.
- Afternoon: After descending, head to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Take a stroll through the gardens and don’t miss the Boomslang Canopy Walkway, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and greenery.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Constantia, Cape Town’s oldest wine region, at La Colombe, one of the top-rated restaurants in South Africa.
Tip: Book your Table Mountain tickets online in advance to avoid long queues for the cable car, especially during peak season.
Day 3: Cape Peninsula & Boulders Beach
- Morning: Today, take a full-day trip down the Cape Peninsula. Start by driving along the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most beautiful coastal roads. Stop at Hout Bay for coffee or a quick boat trip to see the seals at Duiker Island.
- Afternoon: Continue your journey to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, the southwestern-most point of Africa. You can hike between the two points, enjoy the dramatic cliffs, and spot wildlife like baboons and antelope.
- Late Afternoon: On your way back, visit the famous Boulders Beach in Simon's Town, home to a colony of African penguins. This is a fantastic place to get up close with the adorable penguins in their natural habitat.
- Evening: Head back to Cape Town and dine at Harbour House Kalk Bay, known for its fresh seafood and ocean views.
Must-Do: Don't forget to take your camera to Boulders Beach for those iconic penguin photos!
Day 4: Wine Country – Stellenbosch & Franschhoek
- Morning: Cape Town is famous for its wine regions, so take a day trip to the nearby Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine valleys. Start your morning with a wine tasting and cellar tour at Spier Wine Farm, known for its beautiful estate and excellent wines.
- Afternoon: Head to Franschhoek, often called the "food and wine capital" of South Africa. Here, you can explore the charming town or hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram for a scenic and fun way to visit multiple vineyards without worrying about driving.
- Lunch: Stop for lunch at La Petite Colombe, an award-winning restaurant that combines exquisite wine and gourmet cuisine.
- Evening: Return to Cape Town after a day of indulgence and relax at your hotel or a casual dinner at the V&A Food Market, where you can sample a variety of local and international dishes.
Pro Tip: Wine tastings are generally affordable, and many vineyards offer free tours, so you can enjoy luxury without breaking the bank.
Day 5: Robben Island & Bo-Kaap
- Morning: Visit Robben Island, the historic site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Take a ferry from the V&A Waterfront and enjoy a guided tour led by former political prisoners, which gives you a deep insight into South Africa's struggle against apartheid.
- Afternoon: After returning to the mainland, explore the colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap, famous for its brightly painted houses and rich Cape Malay culture. You can visit the Bo-Kaap Museum and even take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Cape Malay dishes.
- Evening: Dine at Marco's African Place, where you can try authentic South African cuisine like bobotie, game meats, and samp & beans while enjoying live music.
Photo Opportunity: The vibrant houses of Bo-Kaap are Instagram gold, so be sure to capture the unique architecture and street scenes.
Day 6: Beaches & Local Markets
- Morning: Head to Camps Bay, one of Cape Town’s most glamorous beaches, known for its white sands and the dramatic backdrop of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Spend the morning relaxing, swimming, or even surfing.
- Afternoon: Make your way to the Old Biscuit Mill in the Woodstock area for lunch. If it’s a Saturday, you can enjoy the lively Neighborhood Market, which is filled with local food stalls, crafts, and live entertainment.
- Late Afternoon: Visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world, located in a historic grain silo.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Kloof Street House, a trendy restaurant with a bohemian vibe, known for its eclectic decor and delicious dishes.
Don’t Miss: Camps Bay is a great spot for sunset, with plenty of beachfront bars and cafes where you can sip a cocktail and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Day 7: Adventure Day – Shark Diving or Paragliding
- Morning: If you’re up for an adrenaline-filled day, why not try shark cage diving in Gansbaai? You’ll be safely submerged in a cage to witness great white sharks up close. This full-day excursion is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for thrill-seekers.
- Alternative Morning: For something less heart-stopping but equally thrilling, opt for paragliding off Signal Hill. You’ll soar over the city and coastline, enjoying breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.
- Afternoon: Spend your final afternoon at Clifton Beach, a set of four beaches known for their pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s the perfect place to relax after a morning of adventure.
- Evening: Cap off your week in Cape Town with a farewell dinner at Signal Restaurant at the Cape Grace Hotel, offering fine dining with views of Table Mountain and the waterfront.
Thrill Seekers’ Choice: Whether it’s sharks or paragliding, Cape Town offers plenty of adventure for the bold. Make sure to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Wrapping it 🆙
A week in Cape Town is the perfect amount of time to experience its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and rich history.
From the iconic Table Mountain to the penguins at Boulders Beach, and the world-class wines of Stellenbosch, this itinerary captures the essence of the city.
Whether you're a foodie, a nature lover, or an adventurer, Cape Town has something for everyone.
Turn to #UpNonStop to hook you up with your Majestic week-long trip to the Mother City of Africa
