Planning a trip to South Africa? This 3-day itinerary covers the top things to do in Cape Town, including all the must-dos—even if you’re short on time or traveling on a budget.
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Cape Town aka The Mother City had a lot to live up to.
It was recently voted the best city in the world, and we had high expectations going in.
Spoiler: it didn’t just meet them. It blew us away.
We recently spent 3 days in Cape Town during the peak summer season (January), and even then, we managed to make the trip budget-friendly without missing out on the best experiences.
From iconic hikes to coastal drives and world-class wine, this itinerary includes everything we did, what we wish we skipped, and exactly how much we spent, so you can plan smarter and save money on your own South African adventure.
Whether you’re a budget traveler, a first-time visitor, or just trying to squeeze a lot into a short trip, this 3-day Cape Town itinerary is packed with tips to help you do it all without going broke.
Cape Town Itinerary Sneak Peek:
Day 1: Bo Kaap, Camps Bay, ATV, Signal Hill
Day 2: Table Mountain Cable Car, Old Biscuit Mill, Boschendal Winery, Gold Restaurant
Day 3: Muizenberg Beach, Kalk Bay, Boulders Beach, Cape of Good Hope, V&A Waterfront
If you’re dreaming of South Africa but overwhelmed by the planning, I’ve got you covered >> Download the Explore South Africa Travel Guide
Day 1: Bo Kaap, Camps Bay, Signal Hill, Witzands Aquifier Nature Reserve, V&A Waterfront
We booked our flight to Cape Town using Virgin Atlantic points: 13.5k points plus $175 USD per person one way.
This included a 12-hour stop in London, where we left the airport to explore the city before continuing on.
From London, it was an 11-hour overnight flight to Cape Town International Airport.
We landed around 8 a.m. and picked up our rental car at the airport.
The car cost ~$100 USD for the full duration of our stay. This gives you full control of your itinerary.
You can get to popular spots before the crowds show up or linger as long as you want.
No chasing tour schedules. No shared shuttles.
Just going at your own pace and saving money in the process.
Where to Stay in Cape Town
Our accommodation was in Muizenberg, a beautiful suburb about 25 minutes from the city center.
It was quieter and more affordable than the main tourist areas, which worked well since we had our own car.
If you’re not renting a car, staying closer to the city will likely be more convenient, depending on your budget and what kind of experience you want.
How much to budget: We paid $58 USD per night for our stay in Muizenberg. For more tips on where to stay, plus a breakdown of recommended accommodations by price, check out our Explore South Africa Travel Guide.
Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap is one of the most recognizable neighborhoods in Cape Town, known for its bold, colorful houses and deep cultural roots.
Once called the Malay Quarter, this area sits on the slopes of Signal Hill just above the city center and has long been home to Cape Town’s Muslim community.
Originally, all the homes were painted white. But during Eid one year, residents decided to repaint them in vibrant colors, and the tradition stuck.
Today, the neighborhood is a striking mix of bright pinks, greens, yellows, and blues, with murals and graffiti adding even more character.
It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular photo spot, but it’s also worth taking the time to walk around and take in the history.
If you’re interested in learning more about the area’s past, stop by the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum, a small space that gives context to the neighborhood’s cultural and historical significance.
And when you’re ready to eat, head to Biesmiellah Restaurant. It’s right in the heart of Bo Kaap and serves traditional Cape Malay dishes.
Think fragrant curries, samosas, and rich spices. They usually open around 11:30 a.m., but note that they’re closed on Sundays.
How much to budget: It’s free to roam the colorful streets. The Bo Kaap Museum is about $4 USD per person. A meal at Biesmiellah is around $10 USD per person.
Camps Bay
Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s most popular beaches.
With white sand, dramatic mountain views, and a strip of restaurants and cafés just across the road, it’s a favorite hangout for both locals and tourists.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, especially during the summer (December – March), be prepared for crowds and limited parking.
You might need to park a few blocks away and walk down, but the scenery makes it worth it.
The water here is chilly year-round (the hottest it gets is 66F or 19C) and can get rough depending on the day.
If the waves are too strong, check out the tidal pools nearby for a safer swim.
Camps Bay Pool is located on the southern end of the beach, while Maiden’s Cove Pool is a bit further north.
Both are natural ocean pools that offer a calmer experience without sacrificing the views.
And speaking of views… the backdrop of the Twelve Apostles, part of the larger Table Mountain range, adds a stunning contrast to the coastline and stretches all the way toward Hout Bay.
How much to budget: Free to enjoy the beach and tidal pools.
ATV Riding at the Sand Dunes
About an hour outside the city, you’ll find rolling sand dunes that feel like a whole different world in Witzands Aquifier Nature Reserve.
The ATV tours are single-rider only, and the trails take you up and down sand dunes.
If you’re up for even more adventure, sandboarding is another option they offer.
This was one of the highlights of our time in Cape Town, especially for getting our adrenaline going after the long travel day.
How much to budget: Tours start around $35 USD per person depending on the company you go with. Check prices or book a tour here.
Signal Hill Sunset
Cape Town knows how to put on a show when the sun starts to set, and Signal Hill is one of the best places to watch it.
From the top, you get panoramic views of Table Mountain, the city skyline, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Expect a line of cars along the road as everyone pulls over to catch the view.
Get there a little early before sunset if you want to grab a spot and enjoy the golden hour light.
How much to budget: Free.
Dinner at Gigi Rooftop
After sunset, head into town for dinner at Gigi Rooftop, located on top of Gorgeous George Hotel.
The poolside space is beautifully designed and has a relaxed but upscale feel.
I started with the Korean fried cauliflower, which was spicier than expected and easily my favorite dish of the day.
For my main, I had the gnocchi with broccoli and spinach, one of their vegetarian options. Vegan options are also available.
My husband had the wagyu beef burger and a bottle of water.
They close around 8 pm, so plan to head there straight from Signal Hill.
How much to budget: We spent ~$29 USD total, so about $15 USD per person.
Day 2: Table Mountain, Old Biscuit Mill, Boschendal Winery, Gold Restaurant
This was my golden day in Cape Town.
The kind of day where everything just lines up—sunrise, weather, timing, and food.
We started the morning with a quiet sunrise right from our accommodation, with views of the water and Table Mountain.
Peaceful, calm, and the perfect way to ease into a big day ahead.
Breakfast at New York Bagels
We had an early start since we were planning to head up Table Mountain first thing.
We didn’t have a breakfast spot in mind, but New York Bagels popped up nearby and we figured… why not?
Normally, we’d skip a place named after our own hometown, especially when traveling abroad.
We try to eat local when we can, and we’ve got pretty high bagel standards.
But this one genuinely surprised us. The bagels were fresh, the flavors were great, and it actually felt like a taste of home done right.
I had the hummus and grilled vegetable bagel, which was flavorful and very filling.
My husband went for a bacon egg and cheese on an everything bagel, and it hit the spot.
It’s a simple place with outdoor seating, cozy vibes inside, and prices that didn’t hurt our budget.
How much to budget: Around $4–6 USD per person.
Table Mountain
As one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Table Mountain lives up to the title.
We’ve been to a lot of observation decks in different countries, and honestly, most are overhyped.
But this? This was on a different level.
The views from the top are incredible.
Panoramic city, ocean, and mountain views in every direction.
And it’s not overly crowded once you’re up there. There’s plenty of space to walk around, explore the trails, or just take it all in at your own pace.
If you’re up for it, you can hike to the top, but we opted for the cable car. It was completely worth it.
The floor rotates as you go up, so no matter where you stand in the cable car, you’ll get the full view.
Just try to go on a clear day so you’re not staring into fog.
How much to budget: We paid around $22 USD per person for the cable car. You can save a bit by going in the afternoon, and booking online on the official website is usually cheaper than buying at the gate.
Old Biscuit Mill Market
If you’re in Cape Town on a weekend, make time for the Old Biscuit Mill.
The space itself is cool any day of the week, with shops, cafés, and local vendors, but on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm, the Neighbourgoods Market brings the whole place to life.
It’s an open-air food and artisan market that feels more like a community hangout than a tourist attraction.
We went on a Saturday, and the energy was great.
There was the local DJ playing, people lounging at picnic tables, and food stalls everywhere.
You’ll find everything from Cape Malay to Middle Eastern to vegan street food, and most of it is affordable enough to try a couple things.
How much to budget: Free to enter. We spent about $10 USD per person on snacks and food from multiple stalls. Definitely worth going hungry.
Wine Tasting at Boschendal
It’d feel wrong to leave Cape Town without visiting at least one winery.
South Africa’s wine scene is world-renowned, and while many people book full-day wine tours, we went the DIY route and chose just one: Boschendal.
It was voted the most beautiful winery in the world, and after seeing it in person, we understand why.
Boschendal isn’t your average vineyard.
The grounds are stunning with their expansive lawns, shaded picnic spots, manicured gardens, and even a small farmers market.
You don’t need to bring anything with you; the estate has a restaurant, a deli, and plenty of scenic space to enjoy the views.
We did the wine and cheese pairing, which cost about $26 USD per person. No reservation needed.
We just added our name to the list and waited around 40 minutes, which gave us time to explore the grounds.
If you’re visiting earlier in the day, they also offer brunch options.
And if you’re looking to support a Black-owned winery, Klein Goederust in Franschhoek is a great alternative to consider.
How much to budget: ~$26 USD per person for a wine and cheese pairing at Boschendal. Meals and picnic setups vary depending on what you order. Check prices and consider booking a hop on hop off wine tram tour.
Dinner at GOLD Restaurant
We ended the day with one of the most memorable meals of the trip: a 14-course dinner at GOLD Restaurant.
This isn’t just a place to eat. It’s a full cultural experience.
From the moment you walk in, you’re handed a djembe drum to join in with the live music.
The entertainment flows between courses with traditional singing, dancing, and interactive drumming.
The two-story restaurant ensures everyone has a great view, and performers rotate throughout the space so no table gets left out.
The food features a wide range of African flavors, and they were incredibly accommodating with dietary preferences.
I had a vegetarian version of the full tasting menu and still got to enjoy all the same spices and regional highlights.
Come hungry, because not only is every dish worth trying, but you can also request seconds of anything you loved.
How much to budget: ~$23 USD per person for the full 14-course dinner and show experience. Drinks are extra.
Day 3: Boulders Beach, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point
Today is all about exploring the coastline south of Cape Town.
We followed the classic Cape Peninsula route, hitting up the popular stops from Muizenberg down to Cape Point.
Some spots absolutely lived up to the hype, others… not so much.
We’ll break it down so you know what’s actually worth your time.
Breakfast at Hang Ten Café
Start the day at Hang Ten Café in Muizenberg.
It’s a small surf café with a great view and a chill vibe.
Think smoothies, power bowls, coffee, and crepes. Lots of vegan options, too.
It’s the kind of place where you can grab something light but satisfying and be ready for the day ahead.
How much to budget: ~$8 USD per person.
Muizenberg Beach
Just steps away from the café is Muizenberg Beach which is famous for its colorful beach huts and surf culture.
It’s the biggest beach we visited during our time in Cape Town and the one we’d recommend above all the others along this route.
The beach stretches for miles with soft white sand and big, rolling waves.
We didn’t surf, but there were a lot of windsurfers out there if that’s your thing.
Great photo ops, even better atmosphere.
How much to budget: Free.
Kalk Bay
A short drive from Muizenberg is the artsy, slightly eccentric town of Kalk Bay.
This is where you go to stroll, browse antique shops, grab seafood by the water, and see what kind of random treasures you stumble across.
There’s not one specific “must-see” here. It’s more about the experience of walking around and seeing what catches your eye.
There’s also a beach here, but from our experience we wouldn’t spend much time at this particular beach.
How much to budget: Free to wander. Meals and shopping vary depending on what you’re into.
Boulders Beach (Penguin Viewing)
This stop is famous for its colony of African penguins, and the beach itself is stunning.
The many boulders and turquoise water honestly give Seychelles energy.
That said, timing matters.
We arrived at ~8 am when the park opened, and while the beach was already filling up, the penguins weren’t quite awake yet.
They mostly huddled in the shade, not doing much.
If you want to see them more active—walking around, swimming, and waddling in groups—you might have better luck visiting around 3 pm.
But that time comes with even bigger crowds.
There are two main ways to experience the penguins at Boulders Beach:
- The boardwalk/viewing deck, which gives a nice panoramic view of the colony from above.
- The beach entrance, where you’re closer to the water and can sometimes get much closer views of penguins walking around between the rocks.
How much to budget: ~$12 USD per person for park entry.
Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope
As we continued down the peninsula, we entered Table Mountain National Park to visit both Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope.
This area is wild—literally.
We saw ostriches wandering by the road, baboons casually hanging out in parking lots, and even entire local families enjoying a swim in natural rock pools near the lighthouse.
There’s a real sense of life happening all around you.
At Cape Point, in the far southeastern corner, the views are unreal.
The ocean feels vast and violent. There are actually many shipwrecks in this area due to the dangerous winds and unpredictable currents.
You can hike up to the top or take a tram for ~$6 USD per person roundtrip if you want to save your energy.
Either way, the scenery is worth the effort. (even if you only make it halfway, like me)
From there, head to the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern point of the African continent.
There’s another short hike here that gives you a real sense of where you are in the world.
How much to budget: Entry into the national park is around $25 USD per person.
Simon’s Town
You’ll likely pass through Simon’s Town on your route back north.
And while it’s often listed as a “must-visit,” we’re here to tell you: skip it.
Parking is a nightmare, and the food was… genuinely bad.
We tried giving it a chance, thinking maybe we were missing something everyone else loved. But nope.
My husband still talks about the worst fish sandwich of his life (on his birthday, at that).
And I had the most bland vegetarian meal I’ve ever paid for.
When you see Simon’s Town… just keep driving and admire the scenery.
Lunch at Nando’s
Nando’s is a fast-food chain that originated in South Africa, and it did not disappoint.
We instantly understood the hype.
Their flame-grilled peri peri chicken is incredible, and you can choose your spice level (a note: “hot” really means HOT).
Even as a vegetarian, I had no problem finding options. I went with the veggie pita, which was full of flavor.
How much to budget: Around $9 USD per person.
V&A Waterfront
You’ll end the day at the V&A Waterfront, one of Cape Town’s most popular and lively areas.
This is where you can catch the ferry to Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned).
We opted not to do the tour, but if it’s on your list, this is the place to book it.
Even without the tour, the waterfront is absolutely worth visiting.
It’s full of energy: shops, restaurants, and sculptures—including life-sized ones of South African icons like Mandela.
There’s also a huge yellow picture frame where you can snap a perfect sunset photo of Table Mountain in the background.
How much to budget: Several paid parking garages are available around V&A Waterfront. Costs ~$7 USD for 24 hours of parking.
Dinner at Saray Turkish Restaurant
Your final Cape Town dinner will be at Saray, a cozy Turkish spot right on the waterfront.
The food is flavorful. The portions are generous. And the setting feels like a perfect way to wrap up the day.
How much to budget: Around $20 USD per person.
That’s the end of our 3-day Cape Town itinerary.
It was a packed few days—from coastal drives and penguin sightings to sunset dinners and wine tastings. But every moment felt worth it.
If you’re planning your own trip, use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Swap things in and out depending on your pace, and make it your own 🙂
Is three days enough in Cape Town?
Three days is the bare minimum to really experience what Cape Town has to offer.
If you’re reading through this and thinking, there’s no way I’m squeezing all that in, you’re not alone.
We move fast when we travel, and even then, we wished we had more time.
If your schedule allows, adding another day or two will give you space to slow down and enjoy things a bit more.
But if three days is all you’ve got, this itinerary will help you make the most of it.
Explore South Africa Travel Guide
This blog post gives you a solid foundation. But honestly, it’s just the beginning.
If you want even more curated recommendations, local insights, and money-saving tips (plus details on safaris, Johannesburg, and beyond), check out our Explore South Africa Travel Guide.
We’ve done the work so you don’t have to.
No endless tabs, no decision fatigue. Just the best of South Africa in one place.
👉🏽Download the Explore South Africa Travel Guide today.
