Our Itinerary for the Perfect 5 Days in Cape Town

Some of my links may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details.
This post was crafted with care and occasional typos by Colleen (and not AI)

Cape Town, nestled between Table Mountain and the southern tip of Africa, offers visitors wild coastlines, breath taking views, a complex history, and a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and world-class wines.

We ended our overland tour from Victoria Falls in Cape Town, and the city was a striking contrast to the landscapes we’d seen in Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana.

Cape Town truly has it all. With so much to see and do, it can be challenging to choose. That’s why we’ve put together an itinerary based on our favourite adventures. This guide will help you make the most of your 5 days in Cape Town, filled with must-see sights and the best places to stay and eat.

Keep reading, and we’ll ensure you make the very most of your time in Africa’s Mother City!

5 Day Cape Town Itinerary

You might think that five days would be plenty to see a city but trust us; there’s a lot to do in Cape Town! We had to plan carefully and book ahead to ensure we saw everything we wanted, with no room in our schedule for errors.

Here’s what we included in our itinerary :

We’ve also provided some great alternatives if any of our suggestions aren’t your cup of tea.

I love researching and finding the best tours at the best prices. Save yourself time by going with our recommendations; you’ll see that we’ve picked some fantastic options. With five days, you can experience the very best of this vibrant city without feeling too rushed or feeling that you’ve missed out.

Day 1: Hop On Hop Off to Table Mountain, Camps Bay and Kirstenbosch Gardens

A great way to get around Cape Town is on the Hop On, Hop Off Bus. Not only is it convenient, but it also gives you a chance to see the city as you travel. While you could save time using Uber, the bus offers a more scenic and enjoyable way to explore.

Top Tip: If you choose the top deck in winter, make sure to wrap up warm; it can get breezy up there!

Morning At Table Mountain

If you’re staying in the V & A Waterfront area (which we highly recommend), you can catch the HOHO bus near the Aquarium on the Red Route to the Table Mountain Cable Car.

The cable car ride itself is an experience, offering panoramic views of Cape Town. We travelled up in the clouds, but they cleared once we reached the top. Don’t worry about where you stand because the floor rotates, so everyone gets a great view!

Top Tip: You can buy your cable car tickets at the entrance, but save yourself time and stress by purchasing them online beforehand:

We didn’t allow enough time for our visit to Table Mountain, so we’ve set aside an entire morning for you. There are many walking trails and information boards at various lookout points. As its name suggests, Table Mountain has a flat top, making it an easy walk.

You’ll also find a shop and restaurant at the top. Be prepared to queue for the return cable car, and possibly wait for your Hop On, Hop Off bus – but the views are worth it.

Camps Bay For Lunch

After Table Mountain, continue on the Red Bus Route to Camps Bay. Camps Bay is glorious, as is its neighbour, Hout Bay. Enjoy a seaside lunch here before catching the Blue Route bus to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Afternoon in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

We loved Kirstenbosch so much that I’d happily go back for an entire day. These gardens are stunning, even in winter when we visited; they were still full of colour. The park is vast, and beyond the gardens, there are numerous hiking trails to explore if you have the time.

Free guided tours are available, so check the Kirstenbosch website for times. We missed the afternoon tour, but a volunteer kindly offered to escort us around. You can pick up a map at the visitor centre, and the areas are well-signposted, but I can’t stress enough how huge this garden is.

Accept that you won’t see it all in half a day; instead, choose a few key areas and enjoy them fully but the Tree Canopy Walk is a must-see.

The restaurant is the perfect spot for a drink before more exploring. The gardens are beautiful, the views are incredible, and we would return to Cape Town just to visit again.

Top Tip: The gardens are open until 18:00 in winter, but the last Blue Bus departs at 16:30. Be at the bus stop 5 minutes before to ensure you don’t miss it. Alternatively, you can order an Uber when you’re ready to leave.

Sunset Cruise and Dinner

What better way to end your first day in Cape Town than with a fabulous sunset cruise. If you’ve read our other posts, you’ll know we’ve done a few of these (the Mekong and Perfume rivers come to mind), but on this sunset cruise, you get to travel on a catamaran from the V & A Waterfront, and sip champagne as the sun dips.

Timing is everything, so make sure you’re back at the waterfront on time; we took an Uber from Kirstenbosch. Start times vary depending on the season; sunset is early in June! This tour is a bit of an indulgence, but it’s the perfect end to a perfect day.

Day 2: Robben Island and Bo-Kaap Walking Tour

There is so much to see and do in Cape Town that we had to pick and choose what was most important to us. Robben Island was a must, but I also wanted to experience at least one walking tour and with the limited time, we opted for Bo-Kaap.

Robben Island

Robben Island was always on my itinerary. I remember watching Nelson Mandela leaving his last prison, and I needed to visit the place that held him captive for so long. The history of Cape Town is complex, and I don’t pretend to know it all, but I knew I had to see Robben Island.

You can book a tour that includes hotel pickup and your entry to the Island museum, or you can book directly from the Nelson Mandela Museum website. As we were within walking distance of the ferry point at the Nelson Mandela Gateway, we booked online.

The trip lasts around 3.5 hours, including the ferry journey, but you’ll want to arrive a little earlier, so plan for about 4 hours. We visited in June and were warned that the ferry can sometimes be cancelled if the weather isn’t good. The journey takes about an hour, and the sea can be choppy, so if you suffer from motion sickness, consider taking something in advance.

Once on the island, you are directed to a bus for a visit of the island itself. Afterward, you meet your prison guide; ours was the wonderful Mr. Ntoza Talakumeni, Political Prisoner number 58/86.

Nelson Mandela was famously imprisoned here, and it’s a moving experience to learn how the prisoners helped, educated, and supported each other to survive the harsh conditions. The phrase they used, “each one teach one,” resonates and reminded me of a similar saying we heard in Hanoi at the community restaurant KOTO: “Know one, teach one.”

This visit provided a fascinating and powerful glimpse into the life of one of the world’s most influential figures, and it absolutely deserves a place on your itinerary.

Lunch at the V & A Waterfront

The ferry returns you to the starting point, and two great restaurants are just a few minutes’ walk away.

Zeitz Museum or Diamonds?

You’re just a stone’s throw from either the Cape Town Diamond Museum or the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art. We visited both. I have to say, Gerry was underwhelmed by the art at Zeitz, although the building itself is a masterpiece. However, it’s not cheap to visit.

If you’d prefer the Diamond Museum, book your slot in advance; it’s best to email or call ahead.  

You’ll need to head off to your walking tour by 4 pm, so we called an Uber which took us from Zeitz to the meeting point for just a few euros.

Bo-Kaap Walking Tour

There are several walking tours available, but after reading the reviews, we chose the Cape Town Free Walking Tour of Bo-Kaap. Do remember that whilst the tours are free you should tip the guide; we usually pay between 10-15 euros each, depending on the costs in the country and the length of the tour.

The meeting point is at Motherland Coffee in St Georges Mall; look for the guide with the big green umbrella.

Bo-Kaap is famous for its brightly coloured buildings and delicious Cape Malay cuisine. During the walk, we learned about the history of the area and its ongoing transformation. We discovered the distinct culture, food, and the community that still thrives here. Our guide shared stories from his childhood and walked us through some of the more famous landmarks, including one of the oldest mosques in South Africa.

This a short tour, but it offers a very different perspective on South Africa and a good choice to complement our day.  At the end of the tour, we recommend you take an an Uber back to your hotel.

Day 3: Cape of Good Hope

Today is all about breath-taking views and an iconic destination; we’re heading to the most southerly tip of the continent.  For us, reaching the Cape was quite a moment. We travelled 6,500 kilometres overland across Africa to get here. We’d seen stunning Chobe and the Okovango Delta, travelled across the Namib desert and hiked Fish River Canyon. Reaching the Cape was the perfect end.

Peninsula Cape Tour

This tour is a must for any visit to Cape Town.  And the drive is stunning.  Check the details for what is included in your tour, but book and enjoy your day at the seaside!

The Peninsula Cape Tour takes you along Chapman’s Peak Drive, with its winding coastal roads, dramatic cliffs, and far-reaching views. You’ll stop at Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, and, of course, take a photo at the famous sign.

Top Tip: There are many Peninsula tours available. Ours was included in our Africa Overland Safari, but I researched to find the best of the rest. This tour from Viator has the highest review score but is also one of the more affordable options, so book this one!

The Peninsula Tour Includes:

For a few extra euros, you might consider treating yourself to a private tour. This option offers more flexibility with timings and the day’s schedule, making it worth considering for a small group.

Pot Luck Dinner

You’ll be back in Cape Town by late afternoon, giving you time to freshen up before dinner at the Pot Luck Club. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, be sure to mention them when booking, and do book ahead, as this is a very popular restaurant.

Day 4:  All About Wine

You simply cannot visit South Africa without trying its famous wines. We booked this tour, thinking it might not be so great given the low cost but at least we’d get to see Stellenbosch.

How wrong we were!  This tour is fabulous and offers amazing value for money! Book your seat before it sells out and sit back to enjoy the day.

Stellenbosch Wine Tasting Experience

We walked to the pick-up point near the Aquarium on the V & A Waterfront and took our seats on the Hop On Hop Off bus, which whisked us away to Stellenbosch.

After all that wine (and there is a lot), you’ll appreciate the long drive back to Cape Town for a quiet snooze.

This tour offers incredible value, and every estate we visited was worth the trip. Living near Bordeaux, we’ve experienced many vineyard tours, and this ranks among our favourites!

An Evening At Gold

We loved Gold. A local Cape Towner told us it was “a bit meh” and a little touristy. And sure, there might be better restaurants in town, but it was still a great evening and great experience.  And Gold isn’t all about the food.

It reminded us very much of the dinner we had at Dusty Road Township Experience in Victoria Falls.  The food is authentic and they did a great gluten-free meal for me.

You can book direct or book an organised tour that includes the pick-up, a pre-dinner show and the main event. Then sit back and fall in love with the music and the show!

Top Tip: You’ll want to order an Uber to take you there and back after the show if you book direct

Day 5: All About Sharks

Gerry wanted to see a Great White. We usually go for whale watching tours (like the Orca trip from Port Angeles or the Blue Whales in Mirissa), but for Cape Town, it had to be sharks.

Shark Cage Diving Or Shark Viewing at Gansbaai

I’ll say from the start that you don’t need to go into the shark cage to enjoy this tour. Gerry never planned to go in the cage; he just wanted to see sharks in the wild. In fact, the views from the top of the boat are often better than from the cage. Do not feel like you’re missing out if you prefer to stay dry. I however always knew I wanted to go in.

The tour starts early. We were collected from our hotel before sunrise and headed to Gansbaai. Once there, we had breakfast (they offered gluten-free options) and a safety briefing before heading down to the water and our boat.

There’s no pressure to go in the cage, and you can change your mind once you’re on board.  But if you do, here’s what to expect:

If you really don’t want to go in the cage, you won’t be alone and it is true that you often get a great view from the top of the boat. The water can be murky at times, so the view from the boat might be better. We didn’t see any Great White Sharks; they’re rare off the coast of South Africa these days but we did see plenty of other sharks.

This was an incredible day and I’d recommend this tour to anyone. It’s exhilarating, a little nerve-wracking, and totally unforgettable. And for those who prefer to stay dry, the trip still offers fantastic views and sightings of sharks, dolphins, seals, and, if you’re very lucky, the occasional whale.

Back on land, you can change out of your swimming gear and enjoy a hot shower and hot chocolate before heading back to Cape Town.

Dinner At The V and A Waterfront

We wandered through the Waterfront most evenings. There are so many shops, boutiques, and lots of live music. There’s also a huge variety of restaurants; one of our favourites was Mozambik.

Spend a few hours here—eat, shop, people-watch, and enjoy a nightcap in one of the many bars.

Other Great Ideas for Cape Town

The longer we spent in town, the more we realised we needed more time in the city. If any of our favourite tours aren’t right for you, consider the alternative options below:

Hike Lion’s Head

I really wanted to do this hike, and it was recommended by a South African friend, but we just didn’t have time to fit it in. You may have better luck in the summer when sunsets are later than in June.

You can do this hike at sunrise but we’re not morning people and I don’t like hiking in the dark.

Sunset at Signal Hill

Timing is everything, especially in winter when sunset tours start early, cutting into daytime activities. In summer, this would be a great option. You can take the Hop On, Hop Off Bus to Signal Hill on their sunset tour.

Bring a picnic and join the throngs who gather to watch the sunset over Cape Town.

Company’s Gardens and the Iziko Museum

Company’s Gardens is the oldest in Cape Town.  In the middle you’ll find the Iziko South African Museum, a fascinating stop for those interested in natural history, archaeology, and cultural artifacts.   The museum houses an extensive collection, from dinosaur fossils and ancient rock art to the marine exhibits that showcase the rich biodiversity of South Africa’s waters.  

After the museum, visit the city’s famous Company’s Garden Restaurant for lunch

District Six Museum

The District Six Museum in Cape Town is a tribute to a vibrant community that was forcibly removed during the apartheid era. Located in a former Methodist Mission Church, the museum tells the story of District Six, a once-thriving, multicultural neighbourhood declared “whites-only” by the apartheid government in 1966.

Over 60,000 residents were evicted from their homes and relocated to the outskirts of Cape Town, while their homes and businesses were systematically demolished. Visiting the District Six Museum is an emotional experience; much like the Partition Museum in Amritsar, India.  The stories may be uncomfortable, but they demand to be told.

The exhibits include personal stories, photographs, maps, and everyday objects that tell the story of the community that once thrived there. Guided tours, often led by former residents, offer invaluable insights and are highly recommended for a deeper understanding.

Two Oceans Aquarium

We walked past the Two Oceans Aquarium every day and would have loved to visit, but time wasn’t on our side. Having enjoyed the Monterey Bay Aquarium in the US, it would have been nice to compare the two, but alas, it never made our shortlist.

The Two Oceans Aquarium, located on the waterfront, is considered a world-class marine attraction. While not the largest, it showcases the incredible diversity of marine life found in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, which meet at the southern tip of Africa.

It features over 3,000 marine creatures, from vibrant tropical fish, mesmerizing jellyfish, and giant spider crabs to playful penguins and graceful rays. The 1.6 million-litre walk-through tunnel is very popular, allowing visitors to come face-to-face with ragged-tooth sharks, turtles, and large schools of fish.

Oranjezicht City Farm Market

The Oranjezicht City Farm Market, located at the historic Granger Bay site near the V & A Waterfront, is a lively market celebrating the best of Cape Town’s local produce and artisanal foods. Originally started as a community project to revive a neglected public park into an urban farm, the market has grown into a popular spot for both locals and visitors.  You’ll find :

It’s a great foodie destination too, offering a range of delicious food stalls serving everything from gourmet breakfast to vegan and gluten-free delights! The market is only open in the mornings, so if you can squeeze it into your schedule, it’s worth a visit. They open at 8:00, and it gets very busy, so go early to beat the crowds and it’s a choice for breakfast!

Hout Bay Harbour Market

The Bay Harbour Market claims to be the most vibrant market in Cape Town. It is a bustling weekend market set in a converted fish factory right by the harbour in Hout Bay, a picturesque fishing village just outside of Cape Town.

You can visit on a Friday evening or during the day at the weekend. It’s a delightful mix of eclectic craft stalls, live music, and mouth-watering food options, with over 100 stalls. It’s a popular spot for visitors and locals, so expect it to be busy.

Hout Bay is a beautiful bay worth visiting, regardless of the market; spend a day here or an afternoon at the beach as well as the market.

Top Tip: Cape Town is a popular destination. We visited in the middle of winter and still faced fully booked places. Plan ahead. Popular spots like Table Mountain and Robben Island can get very busy, so book your tickets in advance.

Best Area to Stay in Cape Town

We found the V & A Waterfront and the surrounding area ideal for a short visit. It’s central, safe, and has a fantastic range of accommodations to suit every budget. Other great options are Camps Bay for beach lovers or the city centre for those who want to be in the thick of it.

Camps Bay or one of the other beach resorts might be perfect in summer but for ease of getting around and in winter stick with the Waterfront; there is so much to see and do here, and it’s great for wandering in the evenings.

It’s not cheap to stay in Cape Town, and the V & A Waterfront is a more expensive area but it’s a great location.

1. Protea Breakwater Lodge Hotel

At the end of our overland tour, we stayed a few nights at the Protea by Marriott Waterfront. Despite its lower reviews, we actually enjoyed our stay; although we had one of the larger rooms.  The staff were super helpful, and the breakfast was amazing.

2. Victoria and Alfred Hotel

Another excellent option in the same price bracket is the Victoria and Alfred Hotel, with great reviews and an amazing location right in the heart of the waterfront area. This would be our hotel of choice next time!

3. Mountain Marina Luxury Apartments

We moved to an apartment for our extra 5 days in Cape Town and loved the freedom to cook, make plentiful cups of tea, and relax in our own space. It was still in the V & A Waterfront area, just a few minutes walk from the Aquarium and very secure. We would choose to stay here again and loved the independence you have in an apartment.

4. The One and Only Cape Town

If you’re looking for serious luxury (read a lot of thrills), we stayed next door to The One and Only Cape Town and oh my, what an amazing hotel.

If you want to be treated like a queen for a few days, this is the place to be. The staff are incredibly courteous, the views across the waterfront are amazing, and it must be one of the best addresses in town.

Our Favourite Places to Eat in Cape Town

Cape Town is known for its incredible cuisine. We planned to explore many of the best spots, but early mornings and packed days meant we ended up staying close to home and retired early.

However, we did try a few great places, and we’d recommend the following:

Safety in Cape Town

It is fair to say that Cape Town has a reputation for crime.   As I write this I’m visiting Canada and I wondered what the Canadian Government advice to its citizens was and sure enough the advice was to exercise a high degree of caution.  But I will add that the advice was the same for the United Kingdom, Spain and France (albeit for different reasons).

Like any big city, it’s wise to be cautious.  It would be foolish not to recognise that violent crime does exist.  But you should also be aware of theft from scams and fake ticket sellers and overpriced taxis.  For this reason I recommend buying ticket always from a reputable source, or the main website of the attraction.  And only using recognised, trusted transport options.

It’s very easy to become too fearful and it’s fair to say that we never felt unsafe in all our time in Africa.  But it makes sense to be aware of potential issues and take sensible precautions.  That way you get to enjoy the incredible that Cape Town is; without the worry

Best Time to Visit Cape Town

Cape Town is great at any time of year but its true that visiting in winter has a few drawbacks. 

We visited in June; mid winter.  It was cold but we also had stunning blue skies and pleasantly warm days.  The biggest issue for us was the shortness of daylight hours.  Sunset tours became impossible as sunset was so early.  But we never experienced the crowds of summer and we liked that!

We were also warned that sea excursions could be cancelled as the weather and the sea is unpredictable but we had no issues.  Whilst we enjoyed Cape Town in winter, you’d be wise to have layered clothing, a rain jacket and be mindful of the strong Cape Town winds. 

Getting Around Cape Town

We recommend booking reputable tours that include hotel pick-up or using Uber, which is widely available and an affordable way to travel. Hotels can also recommend trusted drivers, and it’s possible to book a driver for a day if you’d like to set your own agenda.

Some people hire cars, but we preferred to let others do the driving so we could enjoy the scenery instead.

Getting To and From the Airport

Cape Town International Airport is the third-largest airport in Africa, located just under 20 kilometres from the city. The journey from the airport usually takes around 30 minutes, but much slower during rush hour so make sure you allow for this.

We suggest just two options for getting to and from the airport: Uber or a Private Transfer. We used Uber a lot in Cape Town and it’s an affordable easy way to get around

But we booked a private transfer back to the airport as we wanted to make the arrangements before we left home.  It was easy, efficient, and safe. Whilst UBER is probably cheaper, the private transfer gave us peace of mind. 

Top Tip: In South Africa, taxis are not like those in Europe or the US. They are unregulated, the meters are often fake, and the drivers maybe unregistered. Driving skills may be questionable, and they may not have insurance. In short, we were advised never to get into a taxi.

More Cape Town Travel Tips and FAQ

Are 5 Days Enough for Cape Town?

Five days gives you a fantastic introduction to Cape Town.  You cannot see everything, and you’ll leave feeling that you want to come back. 

We were blown away by Cape Town.  We expected it to be great but not quite as great as it was!  The setting under Table Mountain is spectacular, the coast is stunning, and Kirstenbosch is beautiful. There is so much to love about Cape Town.

We only had five days at the end of our Victoria Falls to Cape Town Overland Tour, but we filled those days with a lot of magic. There’s always more to see, but with five days in Cape Town, you’ll get to know the city, fall in love with it, and start planning your return.