Cape Town, South Africa: The Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary
Beaches, mountain hikes, incredible scenery, wine regions and some of the best food around. Cape Town is a destination that really does have everything — and so much of it is within an hour of the city.
From hiking Devil’s Peak to watching penguins on the beach, exploring the Cape Peninsula and sipping wine among the vineyards, here’s how we’d spend 10 days making the most of Cape Town and its surroundings.
A city that really does have everything
Cape Town is one of those rare destinations where you can hike a mountain in the morning, spend the afternoon on a beautiful beach and finish the day with a glass of wine overlooking the ocean.
We spent our time exploring the city and the surrounding area, and what surprised us most was just how much there is to do within roughly an hour of Cape Town. One day you’re hiking above the city, the next you’re swimming at a beach near African penguins, and the day after that you’re tasting wine among the mountains.
This guide covers Cape Town itself, the seaside towns of the Cape Peninsula, mountain escapes and the famous wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Hermanus is included as an extra if you have more annual leave.
☀️ When to visit
December to February is summer, with long days and beach weather. March to May can be milder, while September to November brings spring landscapes and the start of whale season further along the coast.
🗺️ How long do you need?
Three or four days gives you a taste of the city. A week lets you explore the Cape Peninsula, while ten days gives you time for mountains and wine regions without rushing.
Uber in the city, a car for exploring
We found that combining Uber with a rental 4×4 was the ideal way to explore Cape Town. You don’t need a car every day, but having one for the coast, mountains and camping makes a big difference.
🚕 Uber
Uber is convenient, generally affordable compared with UK city prices, and widely used for getting between neighbourhoods, restaurants and beaches.
It’s particularly handy on hiking days, when you can arrange a drop-off near the trailhead without worrying about returning to a parked car.
You can also arrange longer journeys to Simon’s Town, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Check fares and return availability before relying on a car in rural areas.
🚙 Hire a car or 4×4
A normal rental car is ideal for the Cape Peninsula and continuing along the Garden Route. A 4×4 with a roof tent gives you more options if camping is part of your trip.
We rented through Berg 4×4, and having a roof tent was a brilliant way to explore. There are beautiful campsites around the mountains and coast.
Stay in Sea Point, explore everywhere
For a first visit, Sea Point is a great base. It’s right by the sea, has a lovely promenade and plenty of cafés and restaurants, and is often better value than Camps Bay.
🌊 Sea Point
Our recommended base. Enjoy walks along the promenade, easy access to restaurants and a neighbourhood atmosphere. Mojo Market is worth a visit for food and casual dining.
Look for a self-catering apartment or guesthouse within walking distance of the promenade and Main Road.
Mojo Market, our suggestion🏖️ Camps Bay
One of the most spectacular places to stay, with a sandy beach and mountains behind the beachfront restaurants. It’s generally pricier than Sea Point, so we’d visit for the day and enjoy the views over a drink.
Azamare guesthouse⚓ Kalk Bay & Simon’s Town
Stay overnight if you want to explore the Cape Peninsula without rushing. Kalk Bay has independent shops and restaurants, while Simon’s Town is handy for Boulders Beach and the southern coastline.
Find coastal accommodation →⛺ Mountains & vineyards
For a different experience, spend a night at a campsite, guest farm or vineyard stay. Check exact locations and facilities before booking.
Explore camping options →The Cape Town itinerary
Each day has its own colour to help you navigate the guide. Follow all ten days for a longer trip or choose your favourite experiences for a shorter break.
Hike above the city
MountainsViewsStart with the mountains that make Cape Town so distinctive. Choose your route according to your experience and the conditions.
Our favourite: Devil’s Peak
We loved Devil’s Peak for the incredible views across Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. It gives you a different perspective on the city’s famous skyline.
Lion’s Head
A popular route with panoramic views over the city and Atlantic Seaboard. There are steep sections and scrambling, so research the route before setting off.
Table Mountain
Choose a suitable hiking route, or take the cable car if you’d rather enjoy the views without a strenuous climb.
Sea Point to Camps Bay
BeachesSunsetWalk along the Sea Point promenade before exploring the Atlantic Seaboard. Stop at the beaches and cafés along the way.
Spend the afternoon in Camps Bay
White sand, blue ocean and the Twelve Apostles behind you: Camps Bay is a place to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
- Start with a stroll along the Sea Point promenade.
- Stop at Clifton or another beach along the way.
- Have lunch or an ice cream in Camps Bay.
- Stay for a sunset drink overlooking the ocean.
Camps Bay can be expensive, but you don’t need a big budget to enjoy it. A walk and a drink with that view are a pretty good way to spend an afternoon.
Seals, boats and the harbour
WildlifeFoodSpend a relaxed day around the V&A Waterfront, one of the city’s main hubs for restaurants, shops, harbour walks and boat trips.
Look for the seals
Watch for Cape fur seals around the harbour and designated viewing areas. Keep your distance and never feed them.
Take a boat trip
Choose a harbour cruise or a coastal excursion. Wildlife sightings depend on the route, season and conditions, so don’t assume you’ll see whales or sharks on every trip.
Have lunch by the water
Browse the food options, look for casual sushi or fish-market meals, and enjoy the harbour atmosphere. You can also visit Zeitz MOCAA while you’re here.
History, art and stories
MuseumsHeritageRobben Island
Book ahead for the ferry and guided tour of the island and former prison, where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held during apartheid. Tours can be affected by the weather.
Official Robben Island information →
Zeitz MOCAA
A major museum of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, housed in a converted grain silo at the waterfront. The building is fascinating in its own right.
District Six Museum
A small but powerful museum documenting a community whose residents were forcibly removed under apartheid. It provides an important insight into Cape Town’s history.
Allow time to explore rather than trying to squeeze everything into a rushed afternoon.
Chapman’s Peak and Kalk Bay
Scenic driveSeaside townsDrive Chapman’s Peak
This spectacular coastal road winds between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, with dramatic cliffs and ocean viewpoints. Check road access and toll information before setting off.
Explore Kalk Bay
Browse independent shops, wander around the harbour and stop for a seafood lunch. The Brass Bell is a well-known option for food with a seaside setting.
Continue to Simon’s Town
Explore the historic town and nearby beaches. If you have time, visit Boulders Beach to see the protected African penguin colony from designated viewing areas.
A must is visiting Boulders Beach to see the protected African penguin colony. The main promenade to the main colony is overcrowded. I would recommend skipping it; instead, cross the boardwalk to the other side and head down to the beach. If you walk along the beach and swim there, there are usually always penguins there. Alternatively, head down to another section of the coast where you don’t have to pay; you can ask the car park attendants. There are a lot of car parks around, so just give the attendants some money.
Consider staying overnight instead of driving back to Cape Town in the evening.
Beaches and the Cape Peninsula
CoastNatureMake this a slower day. Enjoy breakfast in Kalk Bay, explore Simon’s Town or spend time at one of the peninsula’s beaches.
- Hout Bay: Harbour, restaurants and coastal views.
- Noordhoek: A long beach and open landscapes.
- Muizenberg: Colourful beach huts and a surfing scene.
- Fish Hoek: A sandy beach and relaxed seaside feel.
- Scarborough: A quieter coastal community.
- Cape Point: Dramatic scenery and walking routes within the reserve.
These places are spread out, so choose a few rather than attempting them all in one day. Follow local beach safety guidance and respect wildlife.
Escape into the mountains
CampingHikingSwap city life for a night surrounded by nature. If you hired a 4×4 with a roof tent, this is a great opportunity to explore at your own pace.
Ideas for your mountain stay
- Stay at a campsite or guest farm in the wider Western Cape.
- Choose a well-marked hiking route suited to your experience.
- Enjoy an evening outdoors and a slower start the next morning.
- Look for properties with mountain views or hot tubs if those facilities appeal.
Research the exact locations and current facilities of Stillwaters, Oaks Rest Vineyards, Schoongezicht, Beverlac, Menoegaa and Suikerbossie Guest Farm before including any of them in your route. Confirm access, amenities and bookings directly.
More nature or back to the city
Slow travelGardensKeep this day flexible. Stay another night in the mountains, take another hike if conditions allow or return to Cape Town for a more relaxed day.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is a beautiful place to explore South African plants and enjoy easy walks in a spectacular setting.
Alternatively, use the day to catch up on a neighbourhood, restaurant or museum you missed earlier. Not every day needs to be packed with activities.
Franschhoek and the Wine Tram
Wine tastingFoodHead into the Winelands for a day of vineyards, mountain views, long lunches and wine tasting.
Ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram
The hop-on, hop-off experience combines tram and tram-bus services, with participating estates offering tastings, food and beautiful grounds. Routes visit different vineyards, so check the current map before booking.
Where to stay
Franschhoek has guesthouses, self-catering cottages, boutique hotels and vineyard accommodation. Staying overnight gives you more time to enjoy dinner and explore the village.
If you’re camping, investigate sites in the wider Winelands and confirm their exact location and facilities before booking.
Explore Corner House Residence Explore Franschhoek Camping
Stellenbosch wine country
Wine estatesHistoric townFinish your trip in Stellenbosch, a historic university town surrounded by vineyards and mountains.
Explore the town
Walk through the centre, look out for Cape Dutch architecture and stop at a café or independent shop.
Choose a few wine estates
Some focus on food pairings and long lunches; others offer informal tastings and scenic gardens. Choose two or three that appeal to you rather than rushing through as many as possible.
Arrange transport
Use an organised tour, suitable shuttle or designated driver. Uber may be available for individual journeys, but confirm return transport before you start tasting.
Stay in the town centre if you want to walk to dinner, or choose a vineyard property for a quieter countryside experience.
Hermanus: a whale-watching escape
Hermanus is further from Cape Town than the other places in this guide, so allow extra driving time. It’s particularly well known for southern right whale watching, with the main season generally running through winter and spring.
September can be an excellent time to visit, although sightings depend on the whales and conditions. Look for whales from the coast or book a boat-based trip with a reputable operator.
It’s also a lovely place for coastal walks, restaurants and an overnight stay. Check current tour availability before travelling, and remember that sightings are never guaranteed.
Where to eat and drink in Cape Town
Markets, bagels, cocktails, seafood and excellent coffee. These are some of the places to investigate while exploring the city. Check current opening hours and menus before visiting.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Saturday 08:00 – 14:30
Sunday 08:30 – 14:30
Wednesday Night Market 16:00 – 21:30
A lively food market with plenty of stalls and delicious things to try. Go early at busy times if you want a seat.
Kleinsky’s Delicatessen
A long-established local favourite for bagels and deli-style food.
Coco Safar
Brunch, excellent coffee and pastries. A good café stop.
Duchess of Wisbeach
A restaurant with a theatrical atmosphere. Check whether its Thursday entertainment is currently running.
The Bailey
A stylish option for cocktails and an evening out.
Clarke’s Bar and Dining Room
A smart spot for cocktails or a pre-dinner drink, with food also worth exploring.
Hacienda
A fun Mexican restaurant for a lively dinner with friends.
Open Wine
A relaxed place to discover alternative and less conventional wine brands.
Fable
Another cocktail-bar option to research for an evening in the city.
Blondie
A casual bar and café-style option for snacks and drinks.
Codfather, Camps Bay
A well-known seafood restaurant to consider while exploring Camps Bay. Check current menus and prices.
The Brass Bell, Kalk Bay
A popular seaside restaurant and bar, particularly appealing when you want to eat with views over the water.
Cape Town safety tips
Cape Town is an incredible destination, but sensible precautions matter. Conditions vary between neighbourhoods, so ask your accommodation host for current local advice.
01 · Keep valuables discreet
Avoid conspicuous jewellery and displaying expensive electronics unnecessarily. Keep bags and phones secure.
02 · Choose transport thoughtfully
Sea Point’s promenade and busy local areas can be lovely to explore on foot during the day. For unfamiliar routes between neighbourhoods, consider Uber or another reputable transport option.
03 · Plan evenings
Avoid deserted or poorly lit areas at night. Plan how you’ll get home and follow local advice about where walking is appropriate.
04 · Never hike alone
Go with other people, stay on established trails, check the weather and carry water, warm layers and a charged phone.
05 · Be careful when driving
Keep doors locked, don’t leave bags visible in parked vehicles and use established parking areas.
06 · Respect the sea and wildlife
Follow lifeguard advice, observe warning signs and never approach or feed wild animals.
Useful resources: City of Cape Town visitor safety guidance and SANParks hiking safety information.
For further blogs on South Africa look at;
- Top Stops Along the Garden Route You Must Visit
- 🌍 Skiing & Safari in Africa: The Ultimate 2 Week Annual Leave Adventure
How to maximise your annual leave in Cape Town
How much time do you actually need? Here are three ways to build Cape Town into your annual leave calendar.
3–4 days
Base yourself in Sea Point. Hike a mountain, walk the coast to Camps Bay, explore the waterfront and fit in a cultural attraction.
7 days
Add the Cape Peninsula, Chapman’s Peak, Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach.
10+ days
Add mountain camping, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. If you have extra time, continue to Hermanus or along the Garden Route.
Our biggest tip is to choose a few well-placed bases rather than changing accommodation every night. You’ll spend less time travelling and more time enjoying the places you’ve come to see.
Is Cape Town worth visiting?
Cape Town is one of those destinations that can be whatever you want it to be. Mountains, beaches, history, food, wine and coastal road trips are all within reach, and you can combine them without travelling huge distances.
We’d recommend at least a few days in the city, with extra time for the Cape Peninsula and Winelands if you can manage it. Ten days lets you explore at a more relaxed pace — and leaves room for the unexpected moments that often become your favourite memories.
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