Cape Town Itinerary: What To Do For 14 Incredible Days
Looking for the perfect Cape Town itinerary?
Cape Town is one of the most diverse destinations in the world, where mountains meet the ocean, penguins waddle along beaches, and world-class wine farms sit just outside the city. I mean, what more could you ask for??
This 14-day Cape Town itinerary is designed to help you experience what to do in Cape Town at a relaxed pace, mixing iconic sights with hidden gems, food experiences, and time to simply enjoy the views.
Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town & a Seafront Stroll
You’ve spent plenty hours preparing for your travels, deciding what travel essential items to pack, the time spent on a plane, jet lagged, tired, but running on adrenaline & so excited for the best things to do in Cape Town on your first day? Well, the Sea Point Promenade is the place to be.
Ease into Cape Town with a Sea Point Promenade walk, one of the city’s most scenic coastal paths.
Where to eat:
- Bootleggers Coffee Company – top notch coffee & lots of food options (think pastries, to healthy wraps to fried burgers).
- Our fave is a Latte and Americano, with bunless chicken burger and sweet potato fries.
- Newport Deli (perfect for a sit down meal or picnic takeaways at The Green Point Park, right across the road. The options are endless! Our go to’s are chocolate croissants, salmon sandwich on sourdough & a coke zero.
End the day with sushi from Sushi Box on the beach at sunset – a gentle introduction to Cape Town life.
Day 2: Table Mountain & Camps Bay
If you’re travelling to Cape Town, you of course, have to join in on one of the most Iconic Cape Town Experiences there is.
Ride the Table Mountain Cable Car early in the morning for clear views and fewer crowds. Look out on their website, as it tells you when it’s too windy and they will close the cable car for safety. Cape Town is windy – so this is your reminder to bring a wind breaker even in the summer months.
Optional: short walks or hikes at the summit. We suggest using a guided tour if you’re an avid hiker.
After all the exploring, you’re going to be hangry. There is a restaurant on top of the mountain, so you could get some food there.
If you’re keen for other options, here are some lunch spots to visit in Camps Bay, which is just around the corner:
- Mantra Café
- Tiger’s Milk
- Col’Cacchio
- Kauai
After an adventurous day, spend the afternoon beach hopping between Camps Bay, Clifton, Llandudno, and Bakoven.
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Day 3: Lion’s Head Hike & Waterfront Dining
If you hiked Table Mountain on Day 2, we suggest you swap days out so you don’t need a physio or doctor during your time in Cape Town… (If you do, contact us for referrals).
Lion’s Head is a great hike for above average fit people and not as intense as Table Mountain. If you are looking at what to do in Cape Town for Epic Views, this is the place to be.
A Lion’s Head hike at sunrise or sunset is one of the most photographed spots in Cape Town and can be very busy! We’d recommend getting to the base/peak at least 45 mins before sunrise/sunset, so you can experience the beauty while on top of the mountain.
We presume you’ll be hungry after this hike, so here are some post-hike breakfast recommendations:
- The Ladder
- Ou Meul Oranjezicht
- Kleinsky’s Sea Point
A chilled afternoon is in order after a hike, so time to chill by the pool, have a nap or just veg on the couch.
Dinner at one of the restaurants in V&A Waterfront, calls for a little retail therapy while you’re there – whatever you need to tell yourself will work. There are too many shops to choose from, so we suggest chatting to the friendly staff on where to go for what you’re looking for.
Early night in, because tomorrow is another busy, but relaxing one.
For those feeling adventurous and have more time to explore South Africa and Africa, get some inspiration from our blogs below.
Perhaps considering a 5 day trip to the Victoria Falls, or a trip up South Africa’s West Coast to Langebaan? I am sure you have heard of Churchhaven and Kraal Baai, two spectacular beaches inside the West Coast National Park. For those who are time restricted, you can base yourself in Langebaan and do day trips from there.
Day 4: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Cape Town History
Explore Cape Town’s cultural highlights via the Hop-On Hop-Off City Route.
Stops include:
- Bo-Kaap (full of culture and heritage)
- Company’s Garden (cute restaurant if you’re hungry at this stop)
- District Six Museum (learn more about South Africa)
One of our top 3 coffee shops is Origin Coffee Roasting in De Waterkant. They do not disappoint! A grab and go section or a sit down and mingle with like-minded coffee lovers from all around the world.
Day 5: Kayaking, Biking & Ocean Views
For those who are all about Active Things To Do in Cape Town, you’re going to love this one.
Kayak along the Atlantic coast with Atlantic Outlook in Sea Point. We would contact the company before booking so they can check weather conditions. Clear conditions, no wind and dolphins and /or whales = the ultimate excitement of kayaking! I hope you see lots of wildlife!
No one wants to be fighting for their life in a kayak on the windiest day in Cape Town – I have done this for a work event and can confirm, it was not fun and we had team members crying 😂 Funny now, but wasn’t at the time lol.
Atlantic Outlook also has tandem bicycles to hire for a cycle on the promenade and enjoy sunset drinks at oceanfront bars.
Day 6: Penguins at Boulders Beach
This is a Cape Town Wildlife Experience of your life. To see African penguins in their natural habitat and swim at the same beach as them – so special!
Remember, they are wild, endangered animals, so keep a distance from them.
If you’ve hired a car, this is a very scenic, stunning route to take. Summers are very busy, so leave very early if you are wanting to visit during peak season (Dec – Jan). Boulders Beach has a limit and doesn’t allow people in after that limit is reached. If you’re going with a tour guide, plan with them to leave early before the bigger crowds arrive.
The water on this coast is much warmer than the Atlantic Seaboard, so make the most of it! There are a lot of other beaches to visit around this area too.
If you loved the penguins as much as we do and everyone else does, then I’m sure the penguins would love your support by adopting them at Sanccob in Table View. Sanccob rescue and rehabilitate ill, injured or oiled seabirds. By adopting a penguin, you can pay towards their daily needs and be a part of preventing these special animals from becoming extinct.
Kalky’s in Kalk Bay for fish and chips is a must for locals and tourists visiting the deep south – the nickname for this area, because it is way past the Southern Suburbs.
Muizenberg or Simon’s Town are other recommendations to visit while you are in the area.
**Our suggestion: Stay over at an Air bnb for the night to continue sightseeing Cape Point on Day 7.
**If you prefer not to stay over in the deep south and return to your accommodation in the city, Chapmans Peak Drive is a Day 7 option for you.
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Day 7: Cape Point & Chapman’s Peak Drive
Thinking of a scenic Cape Town Road Trip, we’ve got you.
Explore Cape Point Nature Reserve – views out of this world, a fun funicular experience, a meal at The Two Oceans Restaurant or takeaways from The Food Shop and Retail Stores for souvenirs to take home.
There are walkways to beaches which are secluded (please be cautious with the strong currents in this area). Short coastal hikes make this one of the most scenic days in your Cape Town itinerary.
If a tidal pool is more up your alley, there are plenty in the area. Early morning dips in the tidal pools / ocean, is a very popular thing for locals to do. A lovely picnic spot – to visit Cape of Good Hope, just around the corner.
A drive back to Cape Town via Chapmans Peak is a must for its natural beauty.
If you decided not to stay over on Day 6, a scenic ocean drive from Sea Point to Chapman’s Peak is a must. There are plenty of places to stop along the way – The Pottery in Camps Bay or Clay Cafe in Hout Bay. There is a Bootleggers in Hout Bay too!
Day 8: Stellenbosch & Franschhoek Wine Route
If you’re visiting Cape Town, there is more to see than just the coast line. Our wine farms are world class and a must do activity!
It’s probably best to not drive today, so the Wine Route Hop-On Hop-Off Bus for tastings in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek is what’s happening. There are at least 3 different options to choose from.
Uber from your accommodation to the Bus Terminal, travel via bus to the wine farms, and travel back to Cape Town via the bus. I can already picture how much fun this is going to be! (Not me wanting to join in on this outing…)
If you are visiting Cape Town during the summer months, note that it is a lot hotter in Stellenbosch / Franschoek, so plan to wear flowy outfits (some days can get up to 40 Degrees Celcius). I’m thinking a cute flowing dress, with open sandals, sunnies, a floppy Bali hat – you get my vibe – you are going to want to take all the content you can get.
PS: The “setup” is great for photoshoots, I mean, you might just get proposed to on this trip, who knows 😂If not, you’ll get hot piccies which is a win too!
Day 9: Stellenbosch Wine Farms & Town Walks
I bet you loved being in the wine route, that you wanted to go back right? You can arrange a transfer so everyone can have a jolly time sipping on South Africans finest wines, or if one person isn’t keen to drink, then hire the car and hit the road to Stellies.
Stellenbosch is a student town & surrounded by winelands. There are the Wine Tractor tours which are so much fun – the tractor takes you along the farms to wine farms. Our fave place to eat is Peter Falke – we advise you to book a lunch spot beforehand. The restaurants are very busy in peak season.
Hiring a tour guide in Stellenbosch and doing a historic town walk is also lovely for those who want to learn more about the town. It’s best to use a guide for safety.
Other wine farm options if you are wanting to do your own thing:
- Stellenbosch – Jordan (one of our faves), Warwick, Vergenoegd, Spier
- Paarl – Spice Route, Fairview, Rhebokskloof Estate, Laborie
- Franschhoek – Boschendal (our fave! And they have a night market on Friday nights during summer months – book online), Haute Cabrière, Leopards Leap, Rickety Bridge
- Durbanville – Maastricht, Durbanville Hills, Klein Roosboom, Signal Gun (to name a few). There is also a Durbanville Wine Safari that is lots of fun and can meet new people on the tour.
These are our opinions and suggestions to name the farms familiar to us. Let us know which wine farm you think we should visit and add to the list!
PS: Ask us if you need some help with all the stunning choices!
Day 10: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
After a hectic few days, we’d also want to find some relaxing things to do in Cape Town, so Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is on the cards for today.
Take a stroll through Kirstenbosch Gardens, including the Tree Canopy Walkway.
If you’re one for picnics, take a blanket and picnic basket with your snacks and enjoy being in nature. There are plenty of spaces for children to run freely and play in the waterways (weather dependent). For me, there’s nothing better than finding a large shady tree and reading a good book. There is a restaurant located in the Gardens if you prefer eating out.
Optional seasonal extras:
- Summer concerts – so much fun! Matthew Mole and Jeremey Loops
- Galileo Open – Air Cinema (we’ve never watched a Galileo movie here, but can imagine how dreamy it must be!)
Day 11: Cape Town Food & Coffee Guide
Do a Cape Town coffee crawl and explore local food markets.
Stops include:
- Origin Coffee (you’d want to go here again!)
- Bootleggers (try something different on their menu)
- Time Out Market (local, yummy foods and drinks – a good vibe)
- Neighbourgoods Market (weekends)
- Mojo Market (local, yummy foods and drinks – a good vibe)
- O market (local, yummy foods and drinks – a good vibe)
Day 12: Clifton or Camps Bay Beach Day
Just because we are born and bred in Cape Town, we’re not just saying this, but most people come here because we have the best beaches in Cape Town!
Spend the day relaxing at Clifton, Camps Bay, Bakhoven, Glen Beach, with optional paddleboarding and/ or a sunset beach picnic.
We’ve learnt to read the wind – if the Atlantic seaboard is windy, then check out the dirty south or Western seaboard and vice versa. Beaches such as Blouberg Beach, have the most stunning views of the ocean and Table Mountain. Don’t stay away from this side of the world! If you go here, we’d recommend a Jerries Burger or pizzas from Melkbos Kitchen.
If you would like to enjoy a 5 star hotel experience in Cape Town, we would highly recommend booking and staying at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa.
Day 13: Adventure or Relaxation Day
Time to unwind and choose your Cape Town style.
Options include:
- Seal Snorkeling in Hout Bay
- Paragliding from Signal Hill
- Spa day (One and Only Spa) or beach hopping
Day 14: Final Day at V&A Waterfront
Ending a beautiful Cape Town trip and itinerary with whatever your heart desires.
Last minute shopping (if you’ve forgotten souvenirs), a boat cruise, sunset dinner at your favourite restaurant. I can say after being overseas, I couldn’t wait for a decent meal back home. The day we landed, we went straight to our favourite sushi restaurant. Best sushi for us in the Waterfront – Sevruga Restaurant and Willoughby & Co.
Is 14 Days Enough in Cape Town?
If you can stay longer, do it! We have many tourists falling in love with Cape Town and deciding to extend their stays!
However, if work is calling back home, 14 days is the ideal length for a Cape Town itinerary. Perfect for experiencing Cape Town without rushing.
From iconic sunrise / sunset hikes, beaches, wine farms, food markets, people and the vibe, Cape Town is a destination you’ll want to return to again and again. So see you soon!
**Please tag us (@offtwowander) in your posts on Social Media. We’d love to follow along your journey and are so glad we could help you make core memories to share with your loved ones.
FAQ
Is 14 days enough in Cape Town?
Yes, 14 days is perfect for exploring Cape Town at a relaxed pace without rushing. You might want to consider longer than 14 days should you wish to see other parts of South Africa.
Is Cape Town safe for tourists?
Yes, when staying in tourist areas. Always be vigilant when walking around with your cellphone out, and wear less flashy jewellery. We would consider hiring a tour guide for certain tourist activities as the locals know best.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
November to March offers the best weather for beaches, outdoor activities, and sightseeing. December and January areas are very populated so it really depends on what kind of traveller you are.
Is this itinerary family-friendly?
Yes, the itinerary can be easily adjusted for families and slower travel.
Do I need a car in Cape Town?
We would suggest hiring a car for flexibility, especially for areas like Cape Point and visiting the wine routes. Public transport is not always an option and using Uber can become costly.
What should I pack for Cape Town?
Summer dresses for the ladies, shorts and t-shirts for the guys. Bring layers, comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and a light jacket.
off two wander
Lauren and Julia are twin sisters from Cape Town, South Africa, sharing their travel adventures & showcasing what South Africa and other countries have to offer. They are passionate about travel, wildlife, conservation, being surrounded by nature & holistic well-being. They are both currently working fully remotely - Lauren is a travel guru - her previous industry, before moving over to digital marketing. Julia is a qualified teacher and is currently working for a digital agency too! Lauren does the travel logistics and web development, where Julia does the travel blogging & finances (if it wasn’t for Julia, Lauren would be on holiday all the time). Their travel blog covers anything from travel tips, guides & to do’s, wine farm spots & them visiting their favourite coffee shops (they are both creatures of habit, so you’ll find them obsessing over the good coffee cafes).
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