Cape Town in an interesting and beautiful city that reminds me of my home town Los Angeles because of the weather, beaches and artistic and diverse culture. The beauty of this seaside and bustling city is in stark contrast to its recent history of apartheid, which has many decades of healing ahead of it.
We were originally supposed to spend 6 full days in Cape Town, but after many travel hiccups, our trip got cut short to only 4 days. We made the most of it and did most of the must-see activities in Cape Town! Here is a great itinerary based on the must-sees, and a few great restaurants along the way.
When to Visit Cape Town
Cape Town is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the summer months from December to February, when the weather is warm, and the beaches are at their best. If you’re a fan of fewer crowds and mild weather, visiting in spring (September–November) or fall (March–May) is also a great option.
How to To Get There
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the main gateway to the city, with flights from major international hubs. If you’re traveling from Kenya to South Africa, be aware that you must have a yellow fever vaccination—otherwise, you might end up getting one in a sketchy airport garage in Kenya (trust me, I know from experience). Due to travel mishaps, we lost two days and ended up with only four days in Cape Town, but we made the most of it!
Where to Stay: Seapoint or Woodstock
After missing our original flight, we arrived in Cape Town a day late and checked into our beachside condo in Sea Point. Cape Town is surprisingly affordable compared to U.S. vacation destinations, so we opted for a stay with spectacular ocean views. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we kicked off our trip with rosé and a breathtaking sunset from our Airbnb’s living room.
At the 2nd airbnb we decided to stay in Woodstock, a cultural hub for the more artistic crowd. Our airbnb was really eclectic and hipster, with interesting artwork, funky furniture, a gorgeous tiled staircase, and an open air rooftop patio. I really loved the atmosphere here.
Tip: Don’t wander Woodstock at night, there are still frequent muggings. We we warned many times by the locals. We wandered by day and it felt perfectly fine, but be aware of your surroundings.
Day 1: Coffee & Hike Table Mountain
Truth Coffee: The Ultimate Steampunk Café
Start your day at Truth Coffee, an immersive experience designed with leather, steel, and an industrial steampunk aesthetic. Their coffee names—Resurrection Blend, Deep Dark and Twisted, and Vengeance Blend—are as bold as their flavors. Grab breakfast and don’t forget to get dessert!
- Must-Try: Lemon meringue pie or a chocolate éclair with your coffee.
- Address: 36 Buitenkant St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
Hike Table Mountain
Table Mountain is an absolute must-see! You can either hike or take the gondola to the top, but we wanted the full experience—so we chose the Platteklip Gorge Trail.
- Trail Difficulty: Challenging (1,800 feet of climbing, mostly stairs)
- Duration: 2-3 hours up, gondola ride down
- Best Time: Start early to avoid the heat!
We started our hike at 2 PM, which was a mistake—it was scorching hot! Though I love hiking, I wasn’t mentally prepared for the brutal stair climb. However, our efforts were rewarded with an incredible sighting of mountain goats gracefully leaping between ledges, an extremely rare encounter!
Once at the top, we enjoyed panoramic views of False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean and even spotted some Rock Hyraxes (adorable gopher-like creatures). We celebrated with a sunset glass of wine before taking the gondola down—thankfully, no need to descend those stairs!
Pro Tip: Hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Day 2: Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch & Franschhoek
Cape Town’s wine country is like Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez in California, with rolling hills, perfect weather, and world-class wine. We took a day tour of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, which included three stunning wineries:
Zevenwacht Wine Estate
Our wine tour started at Zevenwacht Wine Estate, located in the Stellenbosch region. This lovely winery offers a picturesque setting with rolling vineyards and a stunning lake. Known for its excellent wine and cheese pairings, this estate provides a relaxing atmosphere to sip on South Africa’s finest wines.
- Highlight: Wine and cheese pairing
- Atmosphere: Classic vineyard with beautiful rolling hills
Stellenbosch Town Stop
Stellenbosch is a picturesque town founded in 1679, with Dutch and Victorian architecture.
- Highlight: Lunch at Basic Bistro, sipping Pinotage while overlooking the white–washed NG Kerk Stellenbosch-Wes church.
- Architecture: Dutch and Victorian charm
Marianne Wine Estate
This was my favorite of the three places we visited, with an open air tasting room overlooking the vineyards, and different types of dried beef to try with our wine selection which was unique experience.
- Highlight: Unique dried beef and wine pairing
- Atmosphere: Open-air tasting room with spectacular vineyard views
Rickety Bridge Winery
Next we took a short trolly ride over to the Rickety Bridge Winery, where we hopped onto a tractor to head to the tasting rooms. I especially loved the South African Pinotage, which is what they are known for. I also really enjoyed the South African rosés.
- Highlight: Arriving via a short trolley ride, then hopping onto a tractor to the tasting rooms.
- Wine to Try: South African Pinotage and rosé
The only downside of this tour was that it was a multi-language group, making conversations a little difficult. If you book a tour, ask about the group setup!
Day 3: Old Biscuit Mill
Explore the Old Biscuit Mill
A historic factory-turned-artsy hub, Old Biscuit Mill is home to hip restaurants and local artisan goods. Grab breakfast here and wander around the shops.
Brunch at Redemption (Old Biscuit Mill)
A music-themed café with burgers, beer, and record-shaped menus.
Visit District Six Museum
The District Six Museum is a powerful tribute to the vibrant community forcibly removed during apartheid in the 1970s. Through personal stories, photographs, and artifacts, it offers a moving and educational insight into Cape Town’s complex history and the resilience of its people.
Dinner at The Potluck Club
A five-star dining experience with Asian-inspired tapas and cocktails. My spicy Thai martini was incredible! Despite the high-end experience, the bill was surprisingly affordable.
Other great restaurants in this group include:
If you can get a reservation for any of these absolutely do it!
Day 4: Penguins
Visit the Boulder Beach Penguins
Seeing penguins on a beach? Absolutely! Just a 30-minute drive from Cape Town, Boulders Beach is home to African penguins, who wisely chose sunny beaches over icy Antarctica.
- Entry Fee: Small charge (used for conservation efforts)
- Fun Fact: These penguins can dive over 400 feet deep and hold their breath for over two minutes!
- Downside: They smell a bit, but their cuteness makes up for it.
Cape of Good Hope & Cape Point
If you have time (we didn’t), head to the Cape of Good Hope after seeing the penguins.
- The southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula with jaw-dropping ocean views.
- Hike up to the lighthouse at Cape Point for a breathtaking vantage point.
- Tip: Visit on a clear day to fully enjoy the scenery.
The House of Machines
One of the coolest cocktail bars in Cape Town, The House of Machines blends an industrial moto vibe with delicious drinks. If you’re a fan of smoky Manhattans, this is the place for you.
Final Thoughts: Is Cape Town Worth It?
Cape Town is an incredible mix of adventure, food, culture, and natural beauty. From breathtaking hikes and world-class wine to adorable penguins and top-notch dining, this city has it all. Though we missed a few things due to flight mishaps—like a beach music festival—we still had an unforgettable experience.
If you’re visiting South Africa for a safari at Kruger National Park, a stop in Cape Town is absolutely worth it. For West Coast Americans, it’s a long trip for a city that feels similar to home—but with penguins, wine, and epic mountain views, it’s a trip I’ll never forget.
Have you been to Cape Town? Let me know your favorite spots in the comments!
See more posts on Cape Town.
Are you planning a trip soon? These are some of my favorite sites for finding places to stay, book tours, and more:
- Booking.com for the best hotel deals
- Get Your Guide to book a variety of tours and activities
- Expedia for flights, hotels, rental cars and more.
- Herschel for nice luggage that’s made to last
2 Responses
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Thanks for reading Emma, I’ll check out the rental company. 🙂