Cape Town, often called the ‘Mother City’, is a breathtaking destination with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Cape Town is the perfect weekend getaway, as it is only a 2-hour flight from Johannesburg. This itinerary is also ideal for international travellers who want to experience all South Africa offers and only have 3 days to spend in Cape Town. This itinerary will focus on all the most popular attractions in this beautiful city.
Cape Town has so much to offer and you’ll actually need more than 3 days to explore everything it has to offer. But here is the perfect 3-day itinerary to help you experience the most that this city has to offer.
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Here is my go-to 3-day itinerary that covers all the major attractions:
Day 1
Start your journey in Cape Town by exploring one of its iconic landmarks, (📍) Table Mountain. This is also one of the 7 wonders of the world! There are various ways to explore Table Mountain. If you are an adventurist, you can hike up Table Mountain either with the Platteklip Gorge trail or the Kasteelspoort trail. Or you can use the Cable Car to get to the top. When hiking, you can always hike to the top and then take the cable car back down. At the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, coastline, and beyond.
After descending from Table Mountain, head to the colourful (📍) Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. Wander through the vibrant streets lined with brightly painted houses and cobblestone roads. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum to learn about the area’s rich history. For lunch, savour some Cape Malay cuisine at one of the local restaurants in Bo-Kaap. Try dishes like boboties, samoosas, and koeksisters for an authentic taste of Cape Town’s diverse culinary heritage. You can also partake in a Cape Malay cooking class – BOOK HERE.
Spend the afternoon at the (📍) V&A Waterfront, a bustling hub of shops, restaurants and entertainment. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoy some shopping, and perhaps even catch a live performance at the amphitheatre. You will also find the (📍) Cape Wheel here, which is perfect to see the city from above.
For dinner, head to one of the waterfront’s many restaurants. For a memorable experience, choose a spot with a view of the harbour. Seafood is a must-try, with fresh catches straight from the ocean.
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Day 2
Take a day trip to explore one of Cape Town’s ultimate beauties – the Cape Peninsula.
Start your day with the scenic (📍) Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular coastal routes in the world. If you are feeling adventurous, consider doing the Chapman’s Peak hike that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline.
Continue your journey to Kommetjie and visit the (📍) Slangkop Lighthouse, the tallest cast-iron lighthouse in South Africa. Then grab an early lunch at (📍) Kommetjie Pizzeria, known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas and laid-back vibes.
Head to (📍) Cape Point Nature Reserve, a highlight of the Cape Peninsula. Visit the old lighthouse and don’t miss the iconic Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern point of the African continent.
On your way back, stop at (📍) Boulder’s Beach in Simon’s Town to see the famous colony of African penguins. Spend some time observing these charming creatures in their natural habitat and enjoy the beautiful beach setting.
Finish your day by watching the sunset at (📍) Muizenberg Beach, known for its colourful beach hits and great surf. Then, head to Kalk Bay for dinner at the (📍) Brass Bell, a beloved local spot with stunning sea views and delicious seafood.
Day 3
Start your final day with a sunrise hike up (📍) Lion’s Head. This popular trail offers 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Seaboard. The hike is moderately challenging but immensely rewarding, especially as the first light of day illuminates the city below. Afterwards, grab breakfast at one of the many coffee spots. If you are not up for another hike, you can always go kayaking with dolphins for sunrise at the V&A Waterfront (BOOK HERE).
After descending from Lion’s Head, make your way to (📍) Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Spend the late morning strolling through the lush gardens, marvelling at the diverse flora, and walking along the Tree Canopy Walkway, also known as the ‘Boomslang’, for a unique perspective of the gardens and mountains. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at the restaurant located at Kirstenbosch. the serene setting and fresh, locally sourced dishes make for a perfect midday break.
Conclude your Cape Town adventure with a relaxing afternoon at one of the city’s beautiful beaches. (📍) Camps Bay, with its stunning white sand and clear blue waters, is an excellent choice. Alternatively, (📍) Clifton Beaches offer more secluded spots ideal for unwinding and enjoying the sun.
Planning on staying for longer? Check out these other two itineraries:
Cape Town is a city that captures the hearts of all who visit. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder that it’s a top travel destination. This 3-day itinerary is just a glimpse into what Cape Town has to offer, but it’s sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and a desire to return for more.
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