3 Days in Cape Town: A Perfect Itinerary

Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, is a vibrant metropolis located between towering mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. With its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder that it is a top destination for travelers worldwide. If you only have 3 days in Cape Town to explore this incredible city, fear not, as this three-day Cape Town itinerary will help you make the most of your time.

I have traveled all over the world and this has been my #1 trip of all the places I have been so far. I absolutely loved the two weeks I spent visiting South Africa. There are many things to do alone in Cape Town. Below is just a piece of my experience. I hope you find useful information for planning your bucket list trip!

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Day 1: City Exploration

Start your day by conquering Table Mountain, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Take the cable car to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. Make sure you book this in advance as it is very weather-dependent. If it is too windy or bad weather, it may be canceled. Plan this for your first day, so you can book another day if the weather causes a cancellation.

After descending from Table Mountain, explore the vibrant Greenmarket Square, a bustling market filled with local crafts, souvenirs, and delicious street food.

Continue your journey through the heart of Cape Town by strolling down Long Street, a vibrant road with trendy shops, restaurants, and bars. End your day at the V&A Waterfront, a harbor area with a variety of attractions, including the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Maritime Museum, and numerous shopping and dining options. You could literally spend the day here people-watching and enjoying the many things to see and do.

Day 2: Cape Peninsula Adventure

It’s a day of getting out of the city. If you do not have a car, then you can take this Cape Point Full Day Tour, which includes the below stops. This is worth it so you can enjoy the sights and don’t have to worry about driving.

If you have a car, then you can embark on a scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula, a stunning coastal region famous for its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. Stop at Boulders Beach to experience a colony of the adorable African penguins, and take a leisurely walk along the beach. This was one of my bucket list things to see when I visited Cape Town.

Continue your journey through Simons Town, a charming historical town with a naval base and picturesque harbor. You can enjoy a wonderful meal at one of the many seafood restaurants located here.

Visit the Cape of Good Hope and enjoy stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.

Your next stop should be Cape Point, situated at the southwestern tip of Africa, where you will find some of the most beautiful views of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Hike to the lighthouse for panoramic vistas, or take the funicular for a more leisurely ascent.

The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is a protected area with diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy a guided hike or drive through the reserve to spot various bird species, antelopes, and baboons. 

Day 3: Explore Some More

Spend the last day of your 3 days in Cape Town by starting with a leisurely breakfast at one of Cape Town’s many charming cafes. Head to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, as it is renowned as one of the world’s premier botanical gardens. Set along the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, its breathtaking setting is unmatched by a few other gardens. A ticket is required for entry into the gardens.

You can walk around the gardens for hours and explore. If you are into birdwatching, then you may find some special birds here, especially the Cape Sugarbird. There’s even a spotted eagle owl that nests in the gardens. I hired a birding guide through the gardens which was a great way to find some of the birds you can find there. There are also some wonderful birding tours in Cape Town,

For a unique experience, join a Kiff Kombi Urban Safari Tour, which was one of the best tours that I did when I was visiting Cape Town. The tour includes visits to Bo-Kaap and District Six, a brewery for lunch and sampling, the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Point Vineyards, and ends at a special location overlooking Clifton Beach which was a highlight of this tour.

You can visit most of these stops on their own – but this tour is quite the experience!

 The colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood is known for its brightly painted houses and rich history and amazing cuisine. Visit the Auwal Mosque and the Bo-Kaap Museum to learn more about the Cape Malay heritage.

Continue your exploration by visiting District Six, a historic area that was forcibly demolished during apartheid. The District Six Museum commemorates the forced removals and the resilience of the community.

Additional Activities:

Cape Town was my base when I visited South Africa – as I did trips that started and ended here. I spent more than 3 days in Cape Town area. Here are a few other things you can plan to include in your visit:

Hiking Lion’s Head

If you are into hiking then head to Lion’s Head for a more challenging hike with stunning views at sunset or sunrise. It’s best to take a guided hike and ensure you are safe and enjoy the experience.

Garden Route

Head east on an amazing 6-day tour of the Garden Route. On this tour, you will take in the amazing coastline, interact with penguins, explore forests and charming little towns. I truly loved this tour and met some amazing people!

Visit Johannesburg

When you are done exploring Cape Town, head north to Johannesburg and spend a couple of days exploring South Africa’s history and culture.

Safari

A trip to South Africa would not be complete without partaking in a safari. You must factor in this extra time! Embark on a truly amazing safari adventure in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve to spot the Big Five and many more animals and birds.

Where to Stay in Cape Town

Cape Town offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re seeking a cozy guesthouse, a stylish boutique hotel, or a luxurious resort, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home during your stay.

Guesthouses and bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodations are a popular choice in Cape Town, offering a more intimate and personalized experience than larger hotels. These charming establishments often feature beautiful gardens, comfortable rooms, and friendly hosts who can provide valuable local insights. This is definitely the more affordable option.

I had the pleasure of staying at two fantastic guesthouses: Huijs Haerlem and Villa Rose Guesthouse. Huijs Haerlem is located in the Sea Point part of Cape Town, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options, while Villa Rose Guesthouse boasts stunning views and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

For those seeking a more luxurious high-end experience, Cape Town offers a selection of options to choose from. Here are a couple of recommendations:

The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is a luxurious hotel situated in a prime location overlooking the Twelve Apostles mountain range and offers world-class amenities, including a spa, swimming pool, and gourmet dining.

The Westin Cape Town is located in the V&A Waterfront, The Westin Cape Town provides modern accommodations, a fitness center, and easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions.

FAQ on 3 days in Cape Town

With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and friendly people, spending 3 days in Cape Town can be full of many wonderful things to do. Cape Town is a destination that will leave a lasting impression. By following this itinerary, you’ll be able to experience the best of what this incredible city has to offer.

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