Are you wondering how to plan your Cape Town Itinerary when it is your first time travelling to Cape Town? Then you have come to the right part of the internet! Because in this 4-Day Cape Town Itinerary, I will show you how to make the most of your first time in this vibrant and extraordinary city.
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Before You Read Further
But before we dive into my Cape Town Itinerary, here are two little disclaimers. First, there are just so many things to do in and around Cape Town. It would be maddening to try and fit everything there is to see and do into just 4 days. So here, you will not find a complete list of things to do in Cape Town. Rather you will find a guide on how to experience Cape Town in a way true to its casually chic atmosphere and lifestyle.
The second disclaimer is that this Cape Town Itinerary will be filled with breathtaking sights, nice shopping recommendations and somewhat bougie restaurants. While one can criticise us for only cherry picking the nicer parts of Cape Town when overlooking or straight up ignoring the reality of the duality of this city, we made this decision deliberately. You will see both sides of this city, the rich and the poor, without having to look for it in Townships.
And however divided the city still may be, to me, even in my brief visit, I experienced Cape Town as a place of art and beauty, of community and coming together, of moving forward whilst honouring the remainders of the past. Of course, her history is one of separation, and although I couldn’t shake a feeling of guilt when eating sushi in Camps Bay Beach after having just driven past a Township – a contrast you will get used to when traveling, that isn’t contained to Cape Town – I experienced a Cape Town that felt like a place of healing and of being better.
FAQ About Exploring Cape Town as First-Time Visitors
Where to Stay in Cape Town as a First-Time Visitor?
There are many picturesque neighbourhoods in Cape Town, but for first-time visitors, I would recommend Camps Bay. When picturing Cape Town as a city before you go there, Camps Bay is what I would think of first. Nestled between a small stretch of land between Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles and the Atlantic Ocean, this neighbourhood is filled with scenic views, incredible restaurants, and the most incredible beaches you can imagine.
We opted for the Stunning Sea View Apartment – Camps Bay. It was perfect for our little travel party of four. Being there came with the most incredible view, and every amenity you could wish for. When choosing your hotel/apartment, make sure it has a nice view and a protected parking area for your rental car.
How to Get Around in Cape Town?
As a matter of your safety, it is best not to walk around on foot in most areas of Cape Town. The safest way to get around in Cape Town is, without a doubt, by Uber. With it, you have full price transparency and are very less likely to be scammed!
Day 1: Hello, Cape Town!
We arrived in Cape Town around lunch time. And with my parents having arrived the day prior, we had the best airport pick up ever. They expected us like royalty (AKA waiting with an oat latte in hand for us), and together, we made our way into the city.
What to do in Camps Bay on your very first day: the Rock Viewpoint
As it was still a bit too early to check in, we decided to hit our first sight of the day right on the way from the airport to Camps Bay. The Rock is a viewpoint where you can have one of the most fabulous views of Camps Bay, Table Mountain, and the ocean. It is an incredibly breathtaking place. And especially on a sunny day it is the perfect place to kick off your time in Cape Town for your South Africa Itinerary!
Tip: It isn’t so easy to find good parking close to the Rock Viewpoint. So we made sure that one person stayed close to the car, while the others took in the view.
Afternoon & Dinner Plans on your first day in Cape Town – Beach Walk at Camps Bay Beach
Once we checked into our arpartement, we took some time to relax after the flight. After we all felt replenished again, we got ready for a beach walk during the golden hour.
Spending time in Camps Bay and not visiting as many beaches as you can is a crime in itself. That’s why we headed to the beach as soon as we could to see the glory that is South African beaches. Camps Bay Beach is incredible, and visiting it was truly a wonder. The beach with the setting sun is perfection in itself. But from there you also get the most incredible view of Table Mountain, the 12 Apostles, and the Lion’s Head.
Dinner at the Codfather
And as our dinner plans were already settled for the evening, it took us all but a 5-minute walk to get to the restaurant for the evening: the one and only Codfather. You see, I am just like any other girl who loves sushi. And the Codfather is not only renowned for its seafood, but it also has the most incredible selection of sushi one can imagine. So, when you love seafood just as much as I do – make sure to book your table and splurge on the Codfather on your first evening in Cape Town!
Day 2: The Neighbourgoods Market, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden & V&A Waterfront
Are you ready for your first full day in Cape Town?
The Neighbourgoods Market
Still being a bit sleepy from the travel, we used the morning to fully sleep off the last remnants of exhaustion and have a much-needed cup of coffee with the wonderful view our apartment came with. After this slow and easy morning, we made our way to the first sight of the day! The Neighbourgoods Market is a food and souvenir market in Woodstock. Here you will find amazing street food, trendy brands, upcoming artists and much more.
It is one of the most vibrant and buzzing places. When visiting it, make sure not to come too late to beat the crowds. But also not too early to be not yet ready for lunch. Make sure to try as many of the food stalls as you can fit inside you and have a nice drink too!
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
After feasting on our own body weights’ worth at the market, we explored one of the most incredible sights Cape Town has to offer. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is as the name suggests the Cape Town’s Botanical Garden. And as far as I am concerned the most incredible Botanical Garden, I ever had the option to visit. Well, maybe the Singapore Botanical Garden comes close, but anyway, Kirstenbosch is a special place.
It feels less like a park at times, rather than a place where you can observe the Cape’s beauty as it would be, without the cities buildings spreading at the foot of Table Mountain. Within the grounds and in special greenhouses, you can see a variety of plants, trees and flowers that are native to the Cap region.
For those who don’t know, the Cape Area of South Africa is special in more than one way. Botanically speaking, the area marks one of only six so-called Floristic Kingdoms. It is called that because of its huge variety and diversity of endemic species, which is even greater than that of the Malaysian rainforest. The Fynbos, the shrub and bushland surrounding Cape Town, is the most prominent aspect of this Floristic Kingdom. Consisting of many delicate, amazing-smelling flowers such as the protea, the national plant of South Africa, you will find many souvenir stores selling soaps and hand creams scented like it.
We took our time wandering around the Kirstenbosch Gardens, taking everything in that this amazing place has to offer. From the tree top walk to the protea area, showcasing many different sorts of plants, we marvelled at all the natural wonders that the Kirstenbosch Gardens have to offer.
However, if you do want to make the most out of your time in Kirstenbosch, think about booking or bringing either an additional picnic or even a guided tour!
Coffee & Stroll at V&A Waterfront
After wandering the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for what felt like an eternity, given the merciless good weather, we had decided that it was time for a little refreshment. And for that, we decided to visit the V&A Waterfront. Located in the former harbour of Cape Town, it is nowadays a touristic hotspot. Here you can go shopping, attend events, see artists. Or, as we did, enjoy a nice coffee or aperitif with either a view of the ocean or Table Mountain! We had our coffee at the Den Anker, and I even indulged in a nice waffle. After our little break, we also took some more time to explore the area a bit more!
Dinner at the Bo-Vine Wine & Grill House in Camps Bay
After returning to our apartment, it was almost time to get ready for dinner. After a short rest, we got up and were ready for the Bo-Vine Wine & Grill House. Located in Camps Bay, it wasn’t far for us to get to, making it the perfect place for the evening. With its exquisite menu, consisting mostly of meat and fish dishes, it is not the ideal spot for vegetarians or vegans. However, for us, it was the perfect place, and every dish that we ordered was incredibly delicious.
Day 3: Boulders Beach, Cape of Good Hope & Dinner at Steenberg Estate
If I am being honest, Day 3 of this Cape Town Itinerary might be my favourite one! Because on this day, you will get to see one of my long-term bucket list items and the top highlights of South Africa. To get the most out of these experiences, I suggest you prepare accordingly by making sure you carry enough water and snacks for a whole day of exploring with you.
Boulders Beach
The first spot of the day has been on my bucket list for ages! Boulders Beach is famous for its colony of penguins living there. The African penguin is an endangered species of penguin. And right there, you can find a whole colony of them living in the sheltered waters between the granite boulders.
With its limited parking and rather small area to stand to observe the penguins, it is important that you get to Boulders Beach early in the day. It opens at 8:00 am, in the morning, and I would suggest not being there later than 8:30. Because soon enough, you will see the tour buses filled to the brim with other tourists arrive at Boulders Beach too.
After you watched the penguins play, we lingered in the area for a bit, opting for a nice cup of coffee at the Cormorant Cafe. Right here you can get a wonderful Flat White Latte and some nice pastries.
Cape of Good Hope
Once you have had your pastry and your caffeine stock refilled, it is time for the next place for the day. Next up on this Cape Town Itinerary is an almost legendary place. The Cape of Good Hope was once a beacon of hope for sailors. Once they passed it, the rougher part of their journey was behind them. Today, it is a National Park and nature reserve, open for tourists for hiking and observing the local flora and fauna.
Our first stop in the park was at the iconic sign marking the Cape of Good Hope. From there, we could not only observe a couple of ostriches but also a colony of sea lions. They are relaxing in the sun on a boulder only a few hundred meters away from the shore.
Another great thing to do when visiting the National Park is taking the Flying Dutchman Funicular up to the New Cape Point Lighthouse. Up there you can enjoy the view, visiting the toilets, and having a snack at the Two Oceans Restaurant, in case you are hungry.
Furthermore, it is also great to explore more remote regions of the park to explore all the natural beauty the park has to offer. You might just stumble upon one of the most beautiful kinds of antelopes that there are.
Steenberg Farm
After this whole day of exploring the natural wonders of South Africa it is finally time for some refreshments and a late lunch! The ideal place to taste some of that South African wine and the most delicious food to pair it with is at the Steenberg Farm. It is also the last stop of the day for us, before retreating back to our apartement for the night.
As we had such a late lunch, we also didn’t go for dinner that day and just relaxed with the ocean view that we had from the Stunning Sea View Apartment – Camps Bay.
Day 4: Bo Kaap, Signal Hill & Lions Head Hike, Maidens Cove & Dinner at The Bungalow by Kove Collection
Time for the final day on this 4-Day Cape Town Itinerary. On this last day, you will explore one of the vibrant neighbourhoods of Cape Town, see amazing ocean views and hike one of the most iconic trails of South Africa!
Bo Kaap
Bo Kaap is one of the most vibrant and colourful places in Cape Town. It is a former racially segregated area and the historical centre of Cape Malay culture in the city. Famous for its colourful houses and artists, it is perfect for a stroll and visits to the local galleries.
We only stayed there for our walk after breakfast. However if you want to learn more about Bo Kaap and the people that live there, make sure to plan a visit to the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum.
Signal Hill & Lions Head Hike
After seeking refuge from some heavy rain, we seized our chance to see Cape Town from above before leaving! We did so by driving to Signal Hill and taking in the scenic ocean views. After taking in all the perspectives of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Atlantic, we also started the hike up Lion’s Head, Cape Town’s iconic city hike.
However, as much as I wished to have been able to finish that hike, I still have to admit defeat. The views on this hike are incredible. However, I am also terrible with heights, and the Lion’s Head really challenged me in that regard. So I only made it up to its halfway point. But it was cool since my boyfriend ended up doing it alone and telling me all about the incredible views from above.
Beach Walks & Maidens Cove
Once I recovered from my shaking knees from the height, we got ready for our last dinner in Cape Town. But before dinner, we seized the sunset for some beach walks and exploring more of the coastline of Camps Bay. One place that is perfect for a little stroll is the Maiden’s Cove. With its two tidal pools, you have an extraordinary view of the Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain.
Dinner at The Bungalow by Kove Collection
From Maiden’s Cove, the restaurant du jour is only a small walk away. The Bungalow by Kove Collection is a restaurant that serves the most exceptional seafood and sushi directly next to the ocean. It is a wonderful place to enjoy the conclusion to your Cape Town Itinerary!
Further Cape Town To Do’s
When you finish reading this, you are likely wondering, „Wait, she spent 4 days in Cape Town but fails to mention Stellenbosch?“. That is because my 4-Day Cape Town Itinerary only kicked off our 2-week road trip through South Africa. And it ended with 3 more days in Stellenbosch. I plan on writing my Stellenbosch Itinerary too. But for now, let me tell you my personal highlights of Stellenbosch were its wonderful downtown and Babylonstoren.
Furthermore, if you are spending more than 4 days in Cape Town, make sure to take the Cable Car up to see Table Mountain from above. Also, there are many more beaches to explore, like Noordhoek Beach and Kalk Bay. You see, I could have spent so much more time in Cape Town!
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