Last Updated on December 17, 2025 by Hannah Stephenson
If you’re looking to get the absolute MOST out of your 3 days in Cape Town, then you’ve come to the right place.
After living here for 3 years, I’ve devised an itinerary that will enable you to see and do as much as possible in just a few days, and get an idea of what the Mother City is all about.
Basically, this is what I would do if I only had 3 days to enjoy this glorious city. I’ve designed this itinerary to ensure that you see the very best attractions and use your time in the most efficient way possible
Let’s get into it!
Is 3 Days Enough Time in Cape Town?
Honestly, no.
Partly because no amount of time in Cape Town is EVER enough for me, and partly because there really is just so much to do here.
However, three days is enough time to enjoy several of the city’s best attractions and get a feel for what Cape Town is all about. I’ve also given two options for what to do on day 3, so you can tailor this itinerary to suit you.
And I guarantee, you will fall so deeply in love with this place that you will DEFINITELY want to come back.
Getting Around Cape Town
If you’re only in Cape Town for 3 days, I don’t think that it’s worth hiring a car.
Ubering around the city is super cheap, and so hiring a car will probably work out to be more expensive, especially once you factor in petrol and insurance.
Renting a car is only really worth it if you’re here for a few weeks and plan on taking lots of day trips out of the city!
For the sake of this 3-day itinerary, I suggest using Uber to get around the city itself. Then, on day 3 (aka our “day trip day”), you can book a very reasonably priced tour, which will include all of your transport.
Day 1
Morning – Table Mountain
Of course, I just had to kick off this 3-day itinerary with a trip up Table Mountain! It’s Cape Town’s most iconic attraction, after all.
Now, if you flew into Cape Town yesterday the chances are you’ll probably want to relax on the cable car this morning rather than hiking up. However, if you are keen to climb up you can always check out this guide!
If not, I recommend booking this guided tour for 9 am. It includes your cable car tickets and hotel pickup and drop-off, which means you won’t have to worry about a thing! And if you get there are the queues are looking lengthy, your guide will help you to upgrade to a skip-the-line ticket so you can be up, up, and anyway in a matter of minutes!
Plus, being with a knowledgable local guide who can teach you all about the mountain’s history and wildlife makes the experience so much richer in my opinion. Your guide will also help you get the most out of the things to do at the top of the mountain, whether you fancy a quick walk along one of the trails or want to see the most unique flora.
You can book this guided tour of Table Mountain here, before it sells out!
Lunch – Kloof Street House
Kloof Street House is one of Cape Town’s best loved restaurants. It’s set in a Victorian mansion and oozes old-school glamour. The food here is fantastic, so you can’t miss it while you’re in town!
Also, Kloof Street is a very popular place to stay and just a short drive from Table Mountain, so you can just ask your guide to drop you here after the tour. The tour will wrap up at around 11 am, so I recommend taking some time to explore Kloof Street before sitting down for lunch. There are lots of shops to check out here and nice spots for coffee if you need a pick-me-up.
Then, when you’re ready, mosey on over to Kloof Street House to take advantage of their fantastic lunch special. Currently, it costs R250 for two courses or R295 for three. I always go for the ostrich fillet open sandwich here when it’s available, but there are always tons of yummy options including fresh salads, fish, and sliders.
They also offer wine pairings if you’d like. Well, when in Cape Town…
Bookings aren’t essential at lunchtime but I always make a reservation just in case! For this itinerary, I’d suggest booking for around 12:30 pm.
Afternoon – Clifton Beach
Getting in some beach time is a must while you’re in Cape Town, and the Clifton Beaches are my favourite!
They’re a series of 4 gorgeous, white-sand beaches, where locals and tourists alike flock to on a sunny day. There’s no admission fee, although there are sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent if you fancy.
The first three beaches have a lot of steps to get down to the sand, so be prepared for a bit of a trek. Clifton 4th has far fewer steps, and it’s the most popular of the four beaches.
This does mean that it’s always the busiest, but it’s also by far the best for swimming. It’s waters are more sheltered, and thus way less choppy.
Evening – Hike Kloof Corner at Sunset
My personal favourite hike in Cape Town is the one up to Kloof Corner. It’s a stunning viewpoint and sunsets here really are next-level.
You can see the City Bowl, Lion’s Head, the beaches, and the 12 Apostles, so you really get a sense of just how varied and beautiful Cape Town’s landscape is.
It’s also super easy to get up here! The trailhead is well-signposted and it’s just a 20-minute walk up some steps. They do get a little steep towards the end, but I promise, the views are well worth it.
I recommend heading up about an hour before sunset, and maybe bringing some snacks to enjoy. It’s safe to walk back down in the dark, but do make sure you bring a torch.
For a full guide to hiking Kloof Corner, check out this post!
Dinner – Club Kloof
Club Kloof is my new favourite restaurant in Cape Town! It’s so cute and quirky.
This self-proclaimed Italian-ish restaurant does yummy small plates, so it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a huge appetite tonight after a big lunch at Kloof Street House earlier. You can order as few or as many as you’d like.
I came here recently for a friend’s birthday and we had such an amazing meal. The woodfired beat salad was my favourite. Oh, and I LOVED the Ferno cockail.
I definitely recommend making a reservation as this place has become really popular.
Day 2
Morning – Explore Bo Kaap with a Local
Bo Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most vibrant and historic areas. In fact, I’m sure you’ve probably seen photos of the neighbourhood’s brightly painted houses on Google or Instagram!
The best way to explore Bo Kaap is with a local who grew up here, which is why I recommend this guided tour. It’s a fascinating look not only into the area’s history, but what it’s like to actually live here. This is an iconic part of Cape Town to explore, but not many visitors get such a deep and valuable insight into its soul.
I suggest booking this tour for 9 am. It’s nice to explore before the midday heat kicks in, and the area is generally quieter in the morning as the big tours tend to visit in the afternoon.
The tour lasts for an hour, and during that time you’ll hear so many personal anecdotes, as well as insights into the area’s current socioeconomic problems and how they’re affecting local families. On that note, booking this tour is actually a great way to support Bo Kaap locals!
Plus, Bo Kaap is one of the areas of central Cape Town where you’re most likely to encounter petty crime. Scams are common here and pickpockets are in operation. Going with a local guide will help you to stay safe and just focus on learning about the area rather than worrying about your belongings or where you’re going.
Read the glowing reviews and book this local-led Bo Kaap tour here!
Late Morning – Light Breakfast and a Stroll in De Waterkant
After exploring Bo Kaap with a local guide, we’re going to walk over to another of Cape Town’s colourful neighbourhoods: De Waterkant! It’s right next to Bo Kaap but I find that it has a very different feel.
If I’m being honest, De Waterkant is posher! A lot of streets here have private security guards patrolling 24/7, so the area is super safe. I lived here for a year and I absolutely loved it.
The cottages here are mostly two-storied and they’re painted in an array of pastel colours rather than bright hues. Plus, as you walk around you’ll see cobbled streets and tons of bougainvillea, so the whole place feels very charming. It’s not as famous as Bo Kaap but I think it’s a must-visit part of the city!
Best of all, De Waterkant has a ton of cute, independent cafes to check out so it’s the perfect place for a light breakfast after this morning’s tour. And I do recommend keeping it light, as we’ve got a food tour coming up at midday!
Of course, if you had breakfast at your hotel before the tour, you can just grab a coffee instead. They sure know how to do it around here! Some of my favourite spots include Ground Art Caffe, which is a small coffee shop slash gallery where they display a lot of local art. I also like The Village Cafe for its bright and friendly feel (and its yummy avo toast!)
Afternoon – Food Tour
After a couple of relaxed hours in De Waterkant, head back over the road to Bo Kaap where this afternoon’s epic food tour meets! I’ve always said that the best way to get to know a place is through its stomach, and this tour does an amazing job of showcasing the multitude of cuisines that co-exist in Cape Town.
The tour kicks off at 12 pm, and you’ll start with some Cape Malay classics in Bo Kaap before heading out to other local foodie hotspots all over the city! I can’t tell you exactly what you’ll eat because the itinerary changes regularly to keep things fresh, but if the 450+ 5-star reviews are anything to go by, I’d say you’re in for a treat.
The tour often visits one of Cape Town’s oldest and most beloved pubs, which a lot of vistors miss as it’s tucked away down an inconspicuous side street. You’ll also get to try a lot of classic South African dishes, which might involve ostrich and game, and of course there’s wine involved!
This is a small group tour with a maximum of 12 participants, so it feels really personal and friendly. My friend and former housemate, Marianne, is one of the guides and let me tell you, she’s just amazing. If she ends up leading your tour, please tell her I say “hi!”
Since this is a small group tour, it does tend to fill up pretty quickly, especially during the summer. I recommend taking advantage of the free cancellation policy and booking it at least a few weeks in advance.
The tour lasts for 4 hours, so you’ll see (and eat!) a lot during that time. Dinner is a bit late tonight, so you’ll have plenty of time to let it all digest before your next meal.
Book this top-rated food tour here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!
Late Afternoon – Down Time
After the food tour ends, you’ll probably be feeling pretty full and perhaps in need of a rest! The tour ends at 4 pm and our next activity doesn’t begin until 7 pm, so I suggest taking this time to head back to your hotel for a quick rest. Who doesn’t love a holiday nap?
Plus, it’s a good idea to grab a light layer for this evening’s cruise. The wind gets pretty chilly out on the water, so you’ll definitely be glad of a jacket or jumper.
And if you’re still full of energy, you can always head over to the Waterfront early to enjoy the pretty views and vibrant atmosphere. There are tons of shops to check out here, and plenty of places for a drink with a view. Life Grand Cafe is a favourite of mine or Den Anker offers Belgian beers and views of Table Mountain across the water.
Evening – Champagne Sunset Cruise at the Waterfront
If you’ve only got 3 days in Cape Town, you’ll want to squeeze the most out of every moment. So this evening, sightsee in style with a champagne sunset cruise from the Waterfront!
The cruise leaves at 7 pm during the summer, although it’s a good idea to arrive 10-15 minutes earlier to check in. Plus, if you get on the boat first you’ll be able to choose the best place to sit!
You can read my full review of the cruise here, but basically, it’s a 90-minute boat cruise that takes you from the Waterfront and up along the Atlantic coast. I loved the views of Cape Town’s dramatic skyline at sunset from out on the water.
We also got a bottle of bubbles to share between two people included in the price. There was music playing on board and it was just a really fun experience – not to mention a fantastic photo opportunity!
Now, I won’t lie to you, the wine on board is not the best you’ll drink in Cape Town. However, you get to enjoy an epic sunset and admire the city skyline from out on the water, so I still think that this is totally worth doing. I had the best time and would definitely do it again!
Grab your spot on the sunset champagne cruise here!
Dinner at the Waterfront
After the cruise, you’ll need something to soak up the bubbles. Fortunately, the Waterfront is home to a ton of great restaurants!
If you can’t decide what you want to eat, I recommend heading to the Time Out Market. They have a ton of local favourites there, from Stellenbosch’s famous De Vrije Burger, Ramenhead, and the Yard pizzas.
And if you’re a seafood lover, make a beeline for The Melting Pot stall. I’ve been to the original one in Grabouw, which is about an hour outside of Cape Town, and it was amazing.
Alternatively, the Life Grand Cafe is my go-to dining spot at the Waterfront. It’s perched right on the harbour’s edge and has delicious food, fantastic daiquiris, and really affordable wine. I always bring friends who come to visit!
Day 3 – Day Trip!
Now, for day 3, I’m giving you a choice of two iconic day trips from Cape Town.
Wine tasting is a must while you’re in Cape Town, and the Franschhoek wine tram is iconic. It’s also a ton of fun and truly one of my favourite experiences I’ve ever had in Cape Town!
However, Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope are also considered must-sees.
I have done both of these day trips and they really are both excellent. Personally, I would choose the wine tram because, as I said, it’s my favourite!
If you’re struggling to decide, I’ve got full reviews of both experiences to help you out:
Quick breakfast
Both of today’s tour options leave pretty early, so I suggest having breakfast at your hotel or grabbing some pastries or cereal in advance.
If you’re going on the wine tour you’ll DEFINITELY want to have something in your stomach before the fun begins.
Option 1 – Franschhoek Wine Tram
As I say, the Franschhoek wine tram is hands down my favourite day trip from Cape Town. Sorry not sorry if I’m repeating myself, because it really is that good!
It’s basically a series of trams and tram-buses in the Franschhoek Valley that enable you to hop between wine farms all day long.
Plus, when you book the wine tram on Viator you get return transport from Cape Town, so you don’t need to worry about getting yourself to and from Franschhoek.
The tour also includes tickets for the Navy route, which is my personal favourite!
There are eight wineries on the route and you get to choose which ones you visit. It’s possible to hit up to five, but I prefer to aim for four so I can enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the wineries.
The last time I did the wine tram, I went to:
- Plaisir
- Vrede en Lust
- Bartinney
- Le Pommier
I enjoyed them all, but I especially recommend Plaisir and Bartinney. They had the best wine, and the balcony at Bartinney had the most stunning views!
The wine tram tour includes your transport and tram tickets, and then you’ll need to pay for tastings and food on the day. I think I spent about R1,400 in total.
The wine tram truly does make for an epic day out. And as far as I know, this is the only wine tram in the world, so don’t miss your chance to ride!
Grab your spot on the Franschhoek wine tram here, with free cancellation!
Option 2 – Boulders Beach, Cape Point, and Cape of Good Hope
Boulders Beach, Cape Point, and Cape of Good Hope are on many travellers’ Cape Town bucket lists, so if you’re in that number, don’t miss this Cape Peninsula tour!
I did this tour when my friend, Liam, came to visit, as I didn’t have a car at the time. We ended up having a fantastic day, even though we didn’t get the best weather.
It has over 3,000 5-star reviews, so we’re clearly not the only ones who had a good time!
Boulders Beach offers the chance to see cute little African penguins on a pristine beach – need I say more?
Meanwhile, Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope are rocky headlands, and they’re renowned for their beautiful scenery.
On the tour, we went up to the Cape Point lighthouse to enjoy views of the area, and we had the option to hike from there to Cape of Good Hope.
It was pouring with rain when we went, so we opted for the warmth of the tour bus, but I would love to do this hike on a sunny day!
The tour itself costs R495, but it doesn’t include any entry fees. They are as follows:
- R245 for Boulders Beach
- R515 for the Cape Point Nature Reserve
This tour is a fantastic way to get an overview of the Cape Peninsula and we really loved our guide, Michael. I would definitely recommend this tour if you’re more into nature than wine!
You can grab your spot on the Cape Point tour here, with free cancellation!
Dinner – Cousins Trattoria
Toast your last night in Cape Town with a special meal at the Cousins Trattoria.
This is an authentic Italian restaurant nestled down a slightly sketchy looking street but it blew up on social media thanks to its epic cheese wheel pasta.
Of course, I had to come and try it for myself and I can confirm it’s worth the hype. And if you fancy dessert, their beignets are absolutely delicious.
This place feels like a hidden gem but it’s actually very popular, so you’ll need to book a table in advance!
I suggest booking for 7 pm, or 8 pm if you’d like some time to freshen up after your tour.
Drinks – The Nines
The Nines is a stunning bar-slash-restaurant in Sea Point. If you’ve still got some energy left, I suggest coming here for a drink to celebrate the end of an epic trip.
It’s popular, so I suggest booking in advance!
I won’t lie, the food here is a bit overpriced, hence why I chose a different spot for dinner but it’s such a beautiful bar! Plus, it’s in the heart of Sea Point, a super cool area that we haven’t had much time to explore so far.
So after you’ve enjoyed a glass of wine (or two) at The Nines, you’re also in a prime spot to head out and explore some of the area’s awesome bars if you feel like it. I like Only Fools and Una Más!
Where to Stay in Cape Town
Okay, now that you’ve got the perfect 3 days in Cape Town planned, you just need to figure out where to stay!
I don’t know about you, but I often find it difficult to try and work out where the best place to stay is when I’m visiting a new city. So, I’ve made it easy for you!
For the sake of this itinerary, I suggest staying in the Tamboerskloof/Gardens area. This part of the city is super central, close to all of the top attractions, and just a 10-15 minute drive from the beaches.
I’ve selected three top hotels in Tamboerskloof and Gardens which should work for a range of budgets. Oh, and there’s a bonus option for solo travellers, too!
Luxury – The Mount Nelson Hotel
The Mount Nelson Hotel is truly the grand dame of Cape Town’s hotels. This historic pink property has sat beneath Table Mountain since 1899, and it has played host to innumerable celebrities, including Winston Churchill and Jon Bon Jovi – how’s that for range?
This hotel is just off of Kloof Street in Gardens, so it’s super central. Having said that, given that it boasts two pools, a tennis court, and an iconic afternoon tea experience, you may never want to leave.
Rooms at The Mount Nelson typically start between R20,000 and R24,000 per night. Check all prices and room categories here!
Mid-range – Derwent House
If you want luxury for less, then Derwent House is the perfect pick! This beautiful boutique hotel is just steps away from Kloof Street, so it really couldn’t be better in terms of location. It also boasts a pool and an outdoor jacuzzi, and it’s solar-powered so you’ll never have to worry about load shedding.
Prices at Derwent House range between R3,400 and R4,700 per night, with breakfast included. Check out all the details and book your stay here!
Budget – Number5 Guesthosue
If you’re looking for a budget stay, then the Number5 Guest House is situated just off of Kloof Street. It offers modern, en-suite rooms that include breakfast – what’s not to love about that? It’s a comfortable and affordable base for exploring the Mother City.
Rooms here start at R1,800 per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
BONUS for solo travelers – Radium Hall Guest House
My oh my! Radium Hall Guest House offers insane value for money. Situated in a modern house in Tamboerskloof, its private, en-suite rooms offer epic views of Table Mountain. With lovely owners and lots of glowing reviews, I really don’t think you can go wrong with staying here!
Solo travelers pay less per night here, so this is an amazing place to stay if you’re traveling by yourself. I often travel solo but that means paying the dreaded “single tax” if you have no-one to share with, so this guest house offers the ideal solution to that problem.
Prices at Radium Hall Guest House start at R1,300 per night for solo travelers. Book your stay here!
Thanks so much for reading this blog post!
I hope it delivers you with a perfect 3 days in Cape Town! I have TONS of resources about what to get up to in the city, so why not check out some more of my posts?