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Ready-made trips · South Africa

Cape Town in 6 days

Table Mountain and the Bo-Kaap, Lion's Head, Kirstenbosch and the Constantia wine farms, and the penguins and Cape Point.

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Length
6 days
Best time
November to March
Pace
Moderate
Day trips
Cape Peninsula

Six days in Cape Town: Table Mountain and the Bo-Kaap; Kirstenbosch and the Constantia Wine Route; Lion’s Head and Sea Point, plus a day trip to the Cape Peninsula. Each full day is one of our own checked days, planned to be walked in order, with opening hours checked and lunch and dinner suggestions close to the stops.

Day by day

1First Evening in Cape TownArrival

  • When you arriveGreenmarket SquareCraft market.Tip: A historic cobblestone square turned craft market — good for local goods, with genuine bargaining expected.

Lunch nearby: Company's Garden Restaurant or Biesmiellah

Dinner: Company's Garden Restaurant or Biesmiellah

2Table Mountain and the Bo-Kaap

  • MorningTable Mountain CablewayIconic flat-topped mountain.Tip: Take the cable car rather than hiking alone; go early on the first clear, calm day — it closes in high wind, and the tablecloth of cloud rolls in fast.
  • AfternoonBo-KaapColorful historic district.Tip: A genuinely colorful historic Cape Malay neighborhood — respectful photography is appreciated given it's a real, lived-in residential area.
  • If you have timeCompany's GardenThe city’s oldest garden, with the South African Museum and the old parliament around it.Tip: The South African Museum at the top has San rock art and a whale well.

Lunch nearby: Biesmiellah or Bo-Kaap Kombuis

Dinner: Company's Garden Restaurant or Biesmiellah

3Penguins and Cape PointDay trip to Cape Peninsula

  • MorningBoulders BeachPenguin colony beach.Tip: Home to a genuine colony of African penguins — a boardwalk keeps a respectful distance while still offering close views.
  • AfternoonCape PointDramatic coastal cliffs.Tip: Offers dramatic views where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans are popularly said to meet (though the actual meeting point is debated) — a funicular offers an easier alternative to the walk up.

Lunch nearby: Boulders Beach Lodge Restaurant or Seaforth Restaurant

Dinner: Company's Garden Restaurant or Biesmiellah

4Kirstenbosch and the Constantia Wine Route

  • MorningKirstenbosch GardensBotanical gardens.Tip: One of the most beautifully situated botanical gardens in the world, genuinely showcasing South Africa's unique fynbos plant diversity.
  • AfternoonGroot ConstantiaSouth Africa’s oldest wine estate, founded in 1685, with Cape Dutch buildings and tastings.Tip: The manor-house museum is free; book lunch at Jonkershuis.
  • If you have timeBuitenverwachtingA beautiful Constantia estate of oak avenues and mountain views, with a tasting room and picnics.Tip: Picnic baskets on the lawn in summer; book ahead.

Lunch nearby: Jonkershuis or Simon's at Groot Constantia

Dinner: Jonkershuis or Simon's at Groot Constantia

5Lion’s Head and Sea Point

  • MorningLion’s HeadPopular hiking peak.Tip: Go with a guide or a group, never alone, and stick to the busy main trail — the Foreign Office warns of muggings here. The chains near the top need a head for heights.
  • AfternoonSea Point PromenadeOceanfront walkway.Tip: A relaxed coastal path popular with locals for walking and running — good sunset views along the Atlantic side of the city.
  • EveningMojo MarketA Sea Point food hall of stalls and live music.Tip: Live music most evenings.

Lunch nearby: La Bohème or Posticino

Dinner: Posticino or La Bohème

6V&A WaterfrontLast morning

  • Before you leaveV&A WaterfrontShops, food, harbor views.Tip: Cape Town's genuinely popular harborside shopping and dining district — good for a relaxed evening with Table Mountain views.

Lunch nearby: Den Anker or Time Out Market Cape Town

Dinner: Den Anker or Time Out Market Cape Town

Where to stay

City Bowl & De Waterkant

The centre below Table Mountain, with Bree Street’s restaurants and the Bo-Kaap.

MyCiTi buses; short taxi rides to the cableway and beaches.

V&A Waterfront

The working harbour of shops, restaurants and hotels, with security and Robben Island ferries.

MyCiTi buses to the city and airport; taxis and ride-hailing from the ranks.

Camps Bay & Clifton

The palm-lined Atlantic beaches below the Twelve Apostles.

Taxis and ride-hailing; about 15 minutes to the city.

Everything in the plan is ready to book

The full plan has a map of each day, directions between stops, opening hours, restaurant choices, hotels in these areas and tickets, tours and trains linked to book with the provider you choose.

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