Cape Town, the “Mother City,” grew from a 17th-century Dutch refreshment station into a multicultural coastal capital pressed between the Atlantic and the jagged sandstone of Table Mountain. Its story winds through Khoisan heritage, the Cape Malay community, British colonial rule, and the struggle against apartheid—most famously tied to Robben Island and Nelson Mandela. Today, historic cobbles meet cutting-edge cuisine, world-class wine, and an outdoor playground that rewards early risers and sunset chasers alike.

Fun facts to prime your wanderlust: Table Mountain’s flat-topped summit is older than the Himalayas; African penguins waddle just an hour’s drive away; and the Cape Floral Kingdom packs more plant species into a small area than anywhere on earth. Pair that biodiversity with surf breaks, scenic drives like Chapman’s Peak, and a wine culture that rivals Europe’s—just with more sunshine and fynbos.

Practical notes: summer (Nov–Mar) brings dry heat and the famous “Cape Doctor” wind; winters are mild with occasional rain and glorious green mountainsides. Book weather-dependent activities (Table Mountain, Robben Island, boat trips) with flexibility. Uber and Bolt are widely used, MyCiTi buses serve core routes, and tap water is potable. For power cuts, many restaurants and hotels have backup—ask when booking.

Cape Town

Framed by Table Mountain and the Atlantic, Cape Town rewards curious travelers with neighborhoods that each tell a story. Colorful Bo-Kaap preserves Cape Malay flavors and culture; the V&A Waterfront hums with harbor energy and shopping; Sea Point and Camps Bay deliver breezy promenade life and beach sunsets; and Woodstock’s murals and markets showcase the city’s creative pulse.

Top sights include Table Mountain (hike or cableway), Robben Island, the Cape Point reserve and Boulders Beach penguins, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the Company’s Garden museums, and the Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch and Franschhoek). Food lovers can sample Cape Malay curries, snoek fish braais, artisanal coffee, and award-winning tasting menus.

• Where to stay (curated picks):
  • One&Only Cape Town (V&A; resort-style, mountain and marina views): Check availability
  • The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa (Between Camps Bay & Hout Bay; dramatic coastal setting): Check availability
  • Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront (Ocean-edge near the Waterfront): Check availability
  • Mojo Hotel (Sea Point; fun, social, next to a vibrant market hall): Check availability
  • The Backpack (City Bowl; ethical, design-forward hostel with pool): Check availability
  • Browse more stays on Hotels.com: Cape Town hotels or on VRBO: Cape Town vacation rentals.
• How to get here:
  • Fly into CPT. From Johannesburg ~2 hours nonstop; from London ~12 hours (seasonal nonstop or via Johannesburg/Doha); from New York ~16–20 hours with 1 stop. Compare on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com.
  • On arrival, use Uber/Bolt or hotel shuttles. MyCiTi’s A01 airport bus runs to the Civic Centre (City Bowl).

Day 1: Arrival, Waterfront Stroll, and a Sunset at Sea

Afternoon: Touch down and settle in. Shake off the flight with an easy loop of the V&A Waterfront—browse local craft design at Watershed, watch the swing bridge move for harbor boats, and grab a first sip at Origin Coffee Roasting (De Waterkant) for meticulous single-origin pours or Bootlegger (Sea Point or Waterfront) for a flat white and a pasteis de nata.

Evening: Feast on seafood at Willoughby & Co (legendary sushi bar inside the V&A; arrive early) or book window tables at Baia for grilled line fish and prawns with harbor views. Then cast off on a golden-hour cruise—Cape Town’s skyline against Table Mountain is unforgettable.

Featured experience: Sunset Champagne Cruise from Cape Town

Enjoy bubbles as you glide along the Atlantic; sunsets are especially vibrant when the “Cape Doctor” clears the sky. Bring a light jacket—it’s breezy on the water.

Day 2: Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap Colors, and City Bowl Culture

Morning: Start early for Table Mountain to beat wind and queues. If you prefer to hike, the Platteklip Gorge route is steep but direct (allow 2–3 hours up; take the cableway down if winds permit). Coffee beforehand at Truth Coffee Roasting (Victorian-steampunk decor, acclaimed beans) or a relaxed breakfast at Hemelhuijs (ethereal interiors; try the mosbolletjie toast).

Afternoon: Wander the pastel lanes of Bo-Kaap and learn about Cape Malay history. For lunch, savor Cape Malay curry or bobotie at Biesmiellah (a neighborhood classic) or grab a Gatsby (iconic overstuffed sub) at Wembley Roadhouse if you’re feeling adventurous. Then stroll the Company’s Garden—feed the squirrels, see sculptural stories of the city, and dip into a museum if you wish.

Evening: Book a contemporary South African tasting menu at FYN (Japanese precision meets Cape terroir) or share small plates and sweeping industrial views at The Pot Luck Club (Old Biscuit Mill; reserve in advance). Nightcaps at The Gin Bar (hidden behind a chocolate shop; order by “remedy”).

Day 3: Cape Peninsula Icons — Cape Point, Penguins, and Chapman’s Peak (Full Day)

Trace one of the world’s great coastal drives, looping past Hout Bay, the cliff-carved bends of Chapman’s Peak, the Cape of Good Hope, and the postcard-perfect penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Most tours include time for viewpoints, lighthouse walks, and a seaside lunch stop (Kalk Bay’s fish-and-chips is a favorite). Dress in layers; the peninsula has its own microclimates, and the wind can whistle.

Featured experience: Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point Small Group Tour

Expect a well-paced day: Hout Bay harbor, Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope sign, and Boulders’ African penguins—with local stories woven in.

Day 4: Robben Island Reflections, Woodstock Murals, and Bree Street Bites

Morning: Sail to Robben Island for powerful oral histories and a walk through the prison—tours often include a former political prisoner’s perspective. Weather can affect departures; keep flexibility and bring sun protection.

Featured experience: Cape Town: Robben Island Tour: Pre-Booked Ticket and Transfers

Pre-booking saves you the scramble—tickets sell out in peak months.

Afternoon: Head to Woodstock to explore street art alleys and the Old Biscuit Mill precinct. Grab lunch at The Test Kitchen Origins by Luke Dale-Roberts pop-up venues rotate—if not, try Redemption Burgers or graze from food stalls (weekends are busiest). Coffee purists should stop at Espresso Lab Microroasters.

Evening: Do a casual graze along Bree and Kloof: Clarke’s for a smash burger and pickles; Bao Down for bao and Asian small plates; Kloof Street House for candlelit garden dining. Cocktails at Cause Effect (flavor-forward, botanical-driven) or live jazz nights when scheduled at Asoka.

Day 5: The Cape Winelands — Tram Through Franschhoek (Full Day)

Trade the coast for vine-striped valleys. The Franschhoek Wine Tram links storied estates via a hop-on, hop-off line—an easy, scenic way to taste without driving. Expect Cape Dutch architecture, mountain amphitheaters, and stellar pairings (think MCC sparkling with oysters, or fynbos-fed beef with Cabernet).

Featured experience: Full-Day Franschhoek Hop On Hop Off Wine Tram Tour from Cape Town

Look for estates like Boschendal (picnics under oaks), Haute Cabrière (MCC and cellar views), and Rickety Bridge across vineyards by tractor.

Back in town, dine oceanside at The Lawns at the Roundhouse (gorgeous dusk setting over Camps Bay) or keep it simple with fish tacos and crisp Sauvignon Blanc at The Strangers Club (Green Point).

Day 6: Adventure Day — Peaks, Paraglides, and Beaches

Morning: If conditions are good, try a tandem paragliding flight from Signal Hill or Lion’s Head for a bird’s-eye sweep over Sea Point and the stadium. Prefer to stay grounded? Hike the Lion’s Head spiral trail (allow 2–3 hours round-trip; bring water and grippy shoes). Brunch at Our Local (leafy courtyard, shakshuka and carrot cake) or Between Us (sisters-run spot, seasonal plates on Bree).

Afternoon: Beach-hop the Atlantic Seaboard. Clifton 2nd is wind-sheltered with soft sand; Camps Bay offers big-sky views and a lively strip. For something different, head to Muizenberg on the False Bay side—gentler waves and bright beach huts, with surf lessons available. Late lunch: Harbour House Kalk Bay for sashimi-grade line fish over pounding surf, or Codfather (Camps Bay) where you pick your fish off the counter.

Evening: Sunset at Signal Hill or the Sea Point Promenade (soft-serve in hand). For dinner, explore modern South African plates at Thali (Indian-inspired tapas by chef Liam Tomlin) or wood-fired goodness at The Yard (Silo District). Night owls can sample the speakeasy vibe at The Athletic Club & Social.

Day 7: Gardens, Constantia Sips, and Last Looks

Morning: Immerse yourself in the lush biodiversity of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Walk the Boomslang canopy walkway for treetop views and spot proteas, ericas, and restios—this is the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Afternoon: Lunch and a final tasting in the Constantia valley, the cradle of South African wine. Consider historic Groot Constantia for Cape Dutch heritage, or a contemporary terrace at Constantia Glen for Sauvignon-driven blends and charcuterie boards. Pick up last-minute gifts at the V&A or the Oranjezicht City Farm Market (weekend mornings and some evenings) before your afternoon departure.

Evening: Departure day—if time allows, a quick espresso at Deluxe Coffeeworks and a seaside farewell stroll on the promenade. Head to the airport via rideshare or taxi; allow buffer time for traffic and check-in.

Add-On Option (swap into Day 6 or 7 if you prefer wildlife):

Big Five safari day trip: For a taste of the bush within easy reach of the city, consider a full-day game reserve excursion. It’s a long but rewarding day—expect early pickup, a 2–3 hour drive, and a guided game drive with lunch. Compare dates and inclusions before you go.

Practical Tips & Neighborhood Notes

• Transport: Uber/Bolt are reliable; rent a car for flexibility on peninsula and Winelands days if not touring. Parking marshals in popular areas accept small cash tips.
• Safety: Stay street-smart: avoid deserted areas after dark, keep valuables out of sight, and use ATMs in busy, secure locations.
• Weather & booking: Table Mountain cableway, Robben Island, and boat trips are wind-dependent—book early in your stay so you have buffer days.
• Dining reservations: Top restaurants (FYN, Pot Luck Club, Thali) book out—reserve a week or more ahead in high season.

Bookable Highlights (Quick Access)

• Sunset Champagne Cruise
  

  

• Cape Point + Penguins + Table Mountain Small Group Day
  

  

• Robben Island Tour: Pre-Booked Tickets + Transfers
  

  

• Franschhoek Wine Tram Day Trip
  

  

Flights to Cape Town: compare deals on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Browse stays on Hotels.com or VRBO to lock in your base.

Trip summary: In one week you’ll summit Table Mountain, circle the Cape Peninsula to greet penguins, step into living history on Robben Island, sip through Franschhoek’s storied vineyards, and sink your toes into Camps Bay’s sunset sands. Cape Town’s mix of nature, cuisine, and culture leaves most visitors plotting a return before they’ve even left.