South Africa · Trip plan
6 days in Cape Town
Table Mountain, penguins and winelands in the southern summer.
- Best time
- Nov – Mar
- Ideal length
- 6 days
- A day, mid-range
- $180 per person
- Trip for two
- about $2,160
Planning a 6-day trip to Cape Town? Here's a day-by-day Cape Town itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
November to March is summer in the Cape: long sunny days, beach weather and the winelands at their best.
Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities, set between mountains and two oceans, with great food, wine and wildlife on its doorstep.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
November to March: 20–28°C, sunny, often windy.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Cape Town
- 01
Table Mountain
A cable car or hike up the flat-topped mountain.
- 02
Cape Peninsula
Chapman's Peak Drive, Boulders Beach penguins and Cape Point.
- 03
Winelands
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine estates.
- 04
Robben Island
Where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.
Day by day
Cape Town itinerary for 6 days
- D1
Day 1: City and waterfront
- Morning
- Wander the colourful houses of the Bo-Kaap and learn about Cape Malay culture at the Bo-Kaap Museum.
- Afternoon
- Visit the V&A Waterfront and the Zeitz MOCAA, a contemporary African art museum in a converted grain silo.
- Evening
- Watch the sunset from Signal Hill with the city lights coming on below.
The 'Cape Doctor' wind can be strong; bring a jacket.
- D2
Day 2: Table Mountain
- Morning
- Take the cable car up Table Mountain early before clouds form, or hike up via Platteklip Gorge (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon
- Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and walk its 'Boomslang' canopy walkway.
- Evening
- Dinner in Camps Bay with the Twelve Apostles mountains behind.
The cable car closes in high winds; check its status.
- D3
Day 3: Cape Peninsula
- Morning
- Drive the cliff-hugging Chapman's Peak to Hout Bay.
- Afternoon
- See African penguins at Boulders Beach, then walk to the lighthouse at Cape Point.
- Evening
- Seafood dinner in the fishing village of Kalk Bay.
Allow a full day for the peninsula loop.
- D4
Day 4: Winelands
- Morning
- Drive about an hour to Stellenbosch, with Cape Dutch architecture and world-class wineries.
- Afternoon
- Ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram between tasting estates.
- Evening
- Dinner at a wine estate restaurant.
Arrange a driver if you're tasting.
- D5
Day 5: Robben Island
- Morning
- Ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; tours are led by former political prisoners.
- Afternoon
- Lunch at the Waterfront.
- Evening
- Free evening on Clifton's beaches at sunset.
Book Robben Island tickets well ahead.
- D6
Day 6: Home
- Morning
- A last beach morning at Clifton or Muizenberg.
- Afternoon
- Lunch and souvenirs.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Allow 45 minutes to the airport.
Shorter or longer
Cape Town in 5, 6 or 8 days
5 days in Cape Town
Follow days 1 to 5 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
8 days in Cape Town
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
Cape Town trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 6 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $90 | $1,080 |
| Mid-range | $180 | $2,160 |
| Luxury | $450+ | $5,400 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Cape Town is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Cape Town for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Cape Town
Cape Malay curry
Fragrant curries from the Bo-Kaap.
Braai
South African barbecue.
Bobotie
Spiced minced meat baked with egg custard.
Getting there
How to reach Cape Town
- Travel
- Cape Town International, 20 minutes from the city; direct flights from Europe and the US.
- Getting around
- Uber is easiest; rent a car for the peninsula and winelands.
- Book Robben Island and the cable car online.
- Use Uber at night.
Before you go
What to pack for Cape Town
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- Binoculars
- Muted, earth-coloured clothes
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
Good questions
Cape Town trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Cape Town?
6 days are enough to see the highlights: Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, Winelands. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 6-day Cape Town trip cost?
Roughly $90 a day per person on a budget, $180 mid-range and $450+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,160 for 6 days.
What is the best time to visit Cape Town?
Nov – Mar. November to March is summer in the Cape: long sunny days, beach weather and the winelands at their best.
Where should I stay in Cape Town?
Budget: The Backpack (City Bowl), from about $60 a night. Mid-range: The Silo area boutique hotels (V&A Waterfront), from about $250 a night. Luxury: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel (Gardens), from about $600 a night.
How do I reach Cape Town?
Cape Town International, 20 minutes from the city; direct flights from Europe and the US.
Is 5 days enough for Cape Town?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 5 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 6 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Cape Town?
November to March: 20–28°C, sunny, often windy.
What food should I try in Cape Town?
Cape Malay curry: Fragrant curries from the Bo-Kaap. Braai: South African barbecue. Bobotie: Spiced minced meat baked with egg custard.
How do I get around Cape Town?
Uber is easiest; rent a car for the peninsula and winelands.
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