How to Spend Three Days in Cape Town, South Africa

Three days in Cape Town barely scratches the surface of all the things you can do in the South African city, but if you make it count, it can be a good start for future visits. 

That’s about as much time as we had on our honeymoon visit, and I’ve been plotting a return trip ever since.

The good news is that many trips to South Africa start in Cape Town, and it’s truly an incredible introduction to a place that will meet your highest expectations.

This guide will get into everything we had planned, a few things that didn’t work out, and some alternatives to consider if you have more time on a Cape Town itinerary.

How many days are enough in Cape Town?

You need at least three days in Cape Town to see the highlights and plan a day trip outside of the city. In most cases that means four nights of Cape Town accommodations.

Expect to be pretty tired upon arrival in Cape Town. That first day may be less aggressive than you think.

With more time, you’re able to take advantage of the city as an excellent base for travels throughout the region or just linger in Cape Town itself. It was certainly one of our favorite stops on our South Africa trip.

When to Visit Cape Town

The best months to visit Cape Town are during the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November. You’ll enjoy nice weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices on accommodations and flights.

Summer in Cape Town is ideal as far as weather is concerned, but it’s also the most expensive time to visit.

If you live in North America, just think of seasons in Cape Town as the opposite of what you’re used to. Your summer is their winter, and vice versa.

The coldest month in Cape Town is July. That’s when we visited, and still had a great time. July is also the wettest month. Just prepare for rain if you choose to visit during Cape Town’s winter.

We were pretty lucky on the precipitation front, but did experience some wild winds during our visit.

What to Do With Three Days in Cape Town

You can spend three days in Cape Town like this:

• Explore the neighborhood of Bo-Kaap.
• See the views from Signal Hill/Lion’s Head and Table Mountain.
• Eat at Mama Africa.
• Relax on the Victoria and Albert Waterfront and Company’s Garden.
• Tour the Iziko South African Museum.
• Experience the coast at Boulders Beach and Cape Point.
• Plan a day trip to the Cape Winelands or Robben Island.

You can walk around some areas of Cape Town, but the city is a car-centric society. The easiest way to get around Cape Town will be to drive, use rideshare services, or use the local bus network.

Three Days in Cape Town: Day 1

I’m assuming three full days to see a minimum of what there is to see in Cape Town and its surroundings. You probably arrived in the evening on the previous day, in which case you should drink some pinotage and get some rest. 

I include Table Mountain, the jewel of the city on any Cape Town itinerary, as part of your first day. If you wake up and the forecast calls for gloomy weather and foggy skies, you can move that one around for a day with a better chance for sunny skies.

You don’t need to wait for the perfect day, though, as even under a blanket of fog it’s a sight to behold.

Stop 1: Breakfast in Bo-Kaap

Start things off in the neighborhood you’ll be exploring after breakfast, with snacks and coffee at the Rose Street Corner Café.

The highlight here is the Cape Malay koe’sister, a fried pastry not unlike a doughnut that comes sprinkled with coconut. If you’re feeling something more savory, they’re also known for their warme worsies, which are these chunky little hot pink sausages.

Stop 2: Bo-Kaap

Bo-Kaap is Cape Town’s former Malay Quarter and remains a center for Malay culture. Its name translates to “above the Cape,” as its streets of colorful homes sit above the city center.

If you’re interested in learning more, the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the neighborhood, dating back to the 18th century. The museum is small, but it gives you a taste of life for the people in Bo-Kaap back in the day.

Otherwise, spend some time strolling through the streets and snapping photos of yourself in front of the colorful facades, as I know you want to.

Stop 3: Signal Hill/Lion’s Head

Now that the morning fog has hopefully burned off, you can take in the views at Signal Hill. 

The drive up from the city is easy and scenic. Once you’re there, spend some time taking in your surroundings. From Signal Hill, you’ll have views of the ocean, city harbor, and Robben Island. 

If you want some outdoor activity on your trip, you may want to adjust some things here to budget time for the Lion’s Head Hiking Trail. Most people will complete the hike from start to finish in under two hours, with time assumed for photos at the top. 

The trail is a popular one and includes some moments where you’ll choose the easy way (meandering paths) or the harder way (ladder rungs). You’ll come upon a parking lot once you get close to the start on Signal Hill Road.

From Lion’s Head, it’s only a five-minute drive up to Signal Hill if you’d like to fit in a quick stop after for more scenic views.

Stop 4: Company’s Garden

If you’re returning from your hike, you may want to skip to your lunch stop here. If you have the time, though, return back from whence you came for a visit to the Company’s Garden in the Cape Town City Centre.

This is South Africa’s oldest garden, and on a nice day, it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Stop 5: Lunch at Mama Africa

Mama Africa is a staple in the city, serving up all kinds of unique proteins (e.g. warthog, kudu, ostrich) and South African specialties. You better believe Brian was all over that game meat. 

This is where you try bobotie made of minced meat, fruit, spices, and an egg top, and finish off with a malva pudding, a sweet and spongy delight served with vanilla ice cream. Reservations are available online.  

If you love options, Kloof Street House is an atmospheric option housed in an old Victorian. They have Sunday jazz if you happen to time things right.

Need a caffeine pick-me-up? You’ll also be oh-so-close to Truth Coffee Roasting, the city’s top coffee shop. This place is right out of your steampunk dreams, and worth a visit if only to check out its interior. 

The coffee is the star here, but they also serve light brunch-type snacks like avocado toast and pastries during the daytime. They have full-on takes on local cuisine and cocktails after dark.

Stop 6: Iziko South African Museum

The Iziko South African Museum nearby is the country’s national museum, so expect to see artifacts that represent that fact. I was most enamored by the stuffed critters posing in curious ways but can decide where your curiosities take you.

Yes, our honeymoon involved taxidermy. We have diverse interests.

Alternative Stop 6: District Six Museum

I love options. If you want to take a deeper dive into the city’s apartheid past, visit the District Six Museum. 

The museum is a memorial to all those in District Six who were forcibly removed from their homes there during apartheid in the 1960s and 1970s. It’s staffed by a number of former residents of the district, and they’ll share their stories with you.

Tickets may be purchased online or at the museum.

Stop 7: Table Mountain

There are two ways to get up to Table Mountain: on your feet or in a cable car. 

No matter how you get up there, you’ll want to spend some time taking in the views and walking around the peak for the best vantage points. Head away from the main platform and explore the paths all the way around the summit.

You’ll see Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, along with Devil’s Peak. This is all part of Table Mountain National Park.

If you’re taking the Table Mountain cable car, book your cable car tickets in advance to avoid the throngs of people going up for the same views. Tickets are conveniently available online, and operating times vary, depending on the time of year. 

Keep in mind that they don’t run cable cars when winds are too aggressive or inclement weather prevents them from doing so. You probably wouldn’t want to be up there during those times anyway.

Otherwise, the first cable car goes up between 8-8:30am, and the last one goes down between 6-8:30pm. Those shorter operating times will happen from May to August, South Africa’s winter.

Sunset tickets are discounted during the summer months, making the summit a popular spot for sunset-seekers. Seeing the mountain from afar at sunset is pretty stellar, too, if you have clear skies. We weren’t so lucky.

If you live life aggressively, hiking up Table Mountain is also an option, but your best bet would be starting off one of your days doing so.

You’ll need about three to four hours for the excursion roundtrip, depending on the route you take and your overall level of fitness.

Again, be prepared for inclement weather, as the mountain is known for surprising hikers with unexpected changes in temperature and precipitation. 

Note: If you’ve run out of gas to get yourself back down the mountain, you could always hike up and take the cable car down.

Stop 8: Dinner and Drinks

If you need to freshen up back at your Cape Town accommodations, now will be the time to do so. You’ll be hitting the town in the city center. 

Cape Town’s cocktail scene rivals that of any big city. One option is The Gin Bar, which is accessed through the Honest Chocolate Café, making it that much more mysterious. The star here is gin, naturally, and the bar offers tastings and signature cocktails.

If you’re like me and think gin tastes like pinecones, Bar 48 nearby is popular not only for its cocktail scene but its vegetarian food offerings.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, you’re in the right place. Cape Town was made for foodies, and you have so much to choose from in terms of Cape Town restaurants.

Grub & Vine offers seasonal menus featuring local seafood and proteins in a bistro setting. Choices from up to five courses at varied price points.

Tomo Restaurant is a popular Japanese restaurant among locals who want a classy bite near Greenmarket Square.

Three Days in Cape Town: Day 2

You’ll be doing some driving today. That can mean driving yourself around or hiring a driver. We had a driver booked for us through our hotel. It was quite economical, and relieved some guesswork around having to find rides at each stop.

In any case, get up and at ’em early to make the most of your day.

Stop 1: Cape Town Breakfast

Start things off by grabbing some carbs at Jason Bakery. If you’re traveling with someone who has a sweet tooth, the bakery has a long list of sweet pastries on hand, too.

This is also a great place to grab to-go sandwiches. There won’t be many food options for lunch and you’ll want to linger on your drive down the peninsula in your next few stops.

Stop 2: Boulders Beach

You’ll be spending your morning pretty adorably today, with an African penguin colony just outside of Cape Town at Boulders Beach. The drive down, which will take under an hour, is spectacular. You’ll be coming down the Cape Peninsula.

Hey, it’s closer than Antarctica!

The penguin colony itself is easy to visit. The birds are there year-round, and there are several vantage points for you to observe them. Head down the available boardwalks, as they’ll group up in different spots.

Just don’t be going off on your own off of the boardwalks. Follow the rules. These are protected areas and protected species. If you’re generally someone who likes doing that sort of thing, go away.

Stop 3: Cape Point

If you want to continue south before heading back to Cape Town to see the Cape of Good Hope, now’s the time to do so. Cape Point is just another half-hour drive from the penguin colony.

Just don’t leave your hat on, as things will be getting quite windy at this next stop.

There are a few things to do while you’re there. First of all, beware of the baboons. They are feisty and not afraid of you, and will take advantage of your weaknesses.

Weaknesses include leaving visible food out in your car and attempting selfies. Don’t do these things. Bring your packed lunch with you, and enjoy it at your leisure when the scenery is perfect for a picnic.

There are two lighthouses here, an old and a new. The Old Lighthouse is a short but steep walk up, with beautiful views all around as your reward. Watch for whales up here.

Fun fact: If you’re unable to make the climb, the Flying Dutchman Funicular will get you there for a small fee. You’ll still have some stairs to climb to get to the very top, though.

From there, you can take the Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail to the New Cape Point Lighthouse. The out-and-back trail is about a mile-and-a-half roundtrip.

You’ll see wildflowers along the way and be rewarded with beautiful views once you make it to the lighthouse, the brightest light in South Africa.

Before you leave Cape Point, don’t miss the ever-popular Cape of Good Hope sign. It’s not actually the southernmost point in Africa, as many believe. That’s actually at Cape Agulhas. I don’t know. That may come in handy for you someday.

The sign, though, labels the point as most “southwestern,” which is, in fact, accurate. 

The Cape of Good Hope is named as such because of the optimism explorers were feeling about a sea route to India and continuing eastward. This is where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, so I get that.

Stop 4: St James

On your way back up the peninsula, make a quick stop at St James, a Cape Town suburb on the False Bay known for its colorful beach huts. It’s all very old-school beach town.

If you’re there in the summertime, this is a great place for a dip. There’s a natural swimming pool there formed by rock walls, tidal pools, and a surf spot known as Danger Beach. 

That sounds precarious.

If you didn’t listen to me about bringing a sack lunch for your peninsula tour, you may be starving by now.

Live Bait Kalk Bay is just down the road from St James and a great place for fresh seafood and seaside views. Platters are well-priced for seafood, and shareable if you just need a snack.

They also have sushi, which is always welcome. Reservations are available online.

Stop 5: Victoria and Albert Waterfront

Return to Cape Town proper for a stroll along the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, often shortened to the V&A Waterfront. It’s a bit touristy, sure, but popular for a reason.

You’re surrounded by Table Bay, with Table Mountain looking down at you wherever you choose to spend your time there. 

While you’re there, don’t miss Nobel Square, named for the four bronze statues that stand there of South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize laureates. This will be your jumping-off point if you decide to go on a Robben Island tour on your trip, as well.

Stop 6: Dinner and Drinks

Depending on time or your energy levels, you may not want to do much more exploring beyond the city center. If that’s the case, you have plenty of options within walking distance of the waterfront to grab a cocktail and some dinner. 

If you want to fancy things up a bit, Baia Seafood Restaurant is where you can do that with some of the freshest seafood you’ll find in Cape Town. The interior is gorgeous, but the food, a seafood focus with a Portuguese influence, is even more so. 

Try a heaping plate of fresh prawns or langoustines if they’re in season. Leave the cut-off shorts in the hotel for this one. Reservations are available via their contact form or email online.

Alternative Stop 6: Woodstock

If you’re feeling just a little bit ambitious, Woodstock is a short drive away and home to the Pot Luck Club, a tapas restaurant with views of Table Mountain. 

Their share plates are divided up by flavor profile: salty, umami, sweet, sour, and sweet ending. I like a sour ending myself, but their house sorbet is divine. 

Reservations are available on their website and a great idea. They do take a deposit on each reservation that’s refunded if you cancel with notice. Apparently, they’ve been dealing with some no-shows over there, which is lame. Just call and cancel, people.

While you’re in Woodstock, save some time to walk around the neighborhood, the heart of the City Bowl area. You’ll find some great murals, markets like the Old Biscuit Mill, art galleries, and a vibe reminiscent of San Diego’s North Park or Brooklyn. 

If you want a nightcap while you’re there, Jamaica Me Crazy has a rooftop terrace with beautiful views and fantastic cocktails. They have a full menu, as well, with all jerk everything, but their drinks are where it’s at.

Three Days in Cape Town: Day 3

You’ll be choosing your own adventure today from several easy day trips from Cape Town available to you. Here are three in no particular order, as what you consider the best day trips from Cape Town may depend on your preferences.

Option 1: Cape Town Wine Tour

If you’re in Cape Town, a day trip to the Cape Winelands will expose you to several varieties of the local pinotage. It’s a red grape variety that is the signature grape of South Africa. 

All three towns in the wine region — Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl — are worth a visit. You can also choose one to focus on and have a magical time at wine tastings nonetheless.

The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a good option if you don’t want to hire a car or book a guided experience.

The Constantia Wine Route is another option that’s on my list for next time. There’s just a lot of good wine in South Africa, especially in and around Cape Town.

Option 2: Shark Diving and/or Whale Watching

If you’re an adrenaline junkie or just like watching Shark Week as much as we do, diving with great white sharks may be right up your alley. We booked a tour through African Shark Eco-Charters, and I’d highly recommend them.

If you want some marine activity that won’t eat you, whale watching in Hermanus, about an hour and a half away from Cape Town, is another popular activity. The best time to go for prime whale activity is between June and December. 

READ MORE: Love a good wildlife adventure? You’ll want to meet the elephants of Chiang Mai.

Option 3: Robben Island

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site best known as being home to the prison where Nelson Mandela served 18 of his 27 years behind bars. 

All tours to Robben Island end with a visit to the cell where Mandela, its most famous inhabitant, was held.

Before its status as a prison, Robben Island served as a leper colony, whaling station, military base, and a general drop-off spot for the undesirables of society.

That included sex workers, the homeless, the mentally ill, and others considered unwanted on the mainland. That’s heavy stuff, but it’s a fascinating place deserving of time on your Cape Town visit.

If you don’t have the time to add visiting Robben Island to your tours around Cape Town, a visit to the Nelson Mandela Gateway may be an easier highlight to fit in. All tours to Robben Island depart from this museum complex.

More Things to Do in Cape Town

I could spend a year in Cape Town and still have more to see on visits there.

If you have time for a four-day itinerary in Cape Town, choose another day trip. We went on both a wine tour and shark diving during our trip, and have some regrets about missing Robben Island. That’d be my priority on day four.

To get there, you’ll take a ferry from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Start in the morning so you have the rest of the afternoon for more intrigue upon your return.

I’d recommend the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, more colloquially known as the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

The gardens are an easy add-on if you’re already visiting Table Mountain, as they’re basically set up at the foot of the mountain in the most lovely way. We just ran out of time (and were hungry) by the time we were done with our visit there.

On a five-day Cape Town itinerary, explore Cape Town spots you didn’t get to or return to viewpoints affected by garbage weather. Here are some ideas to fill in some gaps:

• Spend more time in and around central Cape Town. Wander the main thoroughfares, like Kloof Street and Long Street. Visit Greenmarket Square, a popular outdoor market, while you’re there.
• Visit The Slave Lodge. If you’re already visiting the Company’s Garden, this museum is where the Dutch East India Company housed their slaves until the 1800s. It’s also one of Cape Town’s oldest buildings.
• Explore De Waterkant. This trendy area of Cape Town is also the city’s most LGBT-friendly neighborhood. Find numerous boutiques and yummy eateries in this vibrant part of the city.
• Take a tour of Parliament. If you’re visiting Cape Town on a weekday, you can plan a tour of Parliament to see how their politics get down to business. Book at least a week in advance if you’re interested in a free tour.
• Go to the beach. We visited during the winter, so we didn’t include beach time in our own Cape Town itinerary. If you visit during the summer season, you should hit the beach. The Clifton Beaches and Camps Bay are the most popular.
• Hit the ‘burbs in Hout Bay. This seaside suburb is a blend of natural beauty with its stunning coastline and a hub for some of the region’s best seafood. Hit the water or eat your weight in shellfish. You do you.

How to Get to Cape Town

Most itineraries will take you to Johannesburg’s O. R. Tambo International Airport first. If you’re traveling from the United States, you’ll most likely have a layover in Europe.

These are often long layovers, too. Make sure you consider that as part of your complete South Africa itinerary.

READ MORE: Our trip to South Africa started with a long layover in Frankfurt. Check out my holiday guide if you’re there for Christmas!

The exceptions are New York City — there are three non-stop flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Johannesburg weekly — and Newark. United offers non-stop service from Newark International Airport to Cape Town.

Multiple European carriers will get you to both Johannesburg and Cape Town non-stop from London: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and South African Airways. 

Once you’re in South Africa, you can connect to domestic flights to Cape Town using airlines like South African Airways.

Fun fact: Connections closer to Kruger National Park or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport are pretty breezy from Cape Town, too.

How to Get Around Cape Town

If you’re planning to drive yourself around Cape Town, it’ll be no more aggressive than traffic in big cities in the United States. You’ll want to have some maps preloaded into your phone before setting out for the day.

Note: Signage throughout the city can be confusing, and I haven’t used a paper map since the 1990s. 

If you prefer to be driven around, you have a few options. You can use taxis or rideshare services throughout your stay. Taxis are plentiful but will be more expensive than an Uber or Cape Town’s Rikkis taxis. 

The Rikkis taxis will pick up additional passengers on your trip, which is what makes them cheaper. You can reserve them in advance, though, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying ahead of time. You can also hire a car and driver.

Cape Town’s Metrorail operates within the areas of Gauteng, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. Make sure you’re only buying tickets from the station ticket office or machines at the stations.

There have been cases where people try to sell fake tickets to tourists outside of Metrorail stations, as there’s a fool born every minute. 

What you’ll pay will depend on how far you’re going. Cape Town also has a network of buses, operated by Golden Arrow Bus Services. I haven’t used them so can’t speak to their efficiency, but there have been safety concerns reported over the years.

Safety in Cape Town

Cape Town is generally safe for tourists, but commonsense advice applies. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone, especially at night. Popular spots like the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain are relatively secure but petty theft happens.

Use reputable transport services like registered taxis or rideshares. Avoid displaying valuables like jewelry or electronics and use hotel safes for passports and cash.

Stick to tours with locals if you’re interested in visiting the city’s townships, but be mindful of any experiences that resemble poverty tourism. On that note, local advice is invaluable. The folks at our accommodations were our best resources.

Where to Stay in Cape Town

You have loads of options on where to stay while in Cape Town. We stayed at the Welgelelen House, and I’d highly recommend it. It’s a centrally-located boutique hotel with some of the best customer service I’ve ever experienced.

If you’d like more options, check these the map below:

Is Cape Town worth visiting?

Cape Town is worth visiting for its natural beauty, iconic landmarks like Table Mountain, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. It’s one of the most important cities in the country as the legislative capital of the South African government.

I also found it to be one of the most welcoming cities I’ve traveled to, which only made me wish we had more time to spend there.

I know I’ll be back, especially during a warmer season for a holiday in Cape Town by the beach.

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