Cape Town in a Week: The Ultimate Solo Budget Itinerary

Last year, I planned a rather last-minute solo trip to Cape Town during its festive season (December-January). I knew very little about the city before I booked the trip, so I didn’t have much to go off of when crafting my own Cape Town itinerary. However, I love hiking/nature and good food and had heard great things about both in Cape Town.

The rumors were true, and I quickly fell in love with the city. After spending a few weeks there, I’ve assembled my very favorite experiences and eats into this one-week Cape Town itinerary. The itinerary encapsulates my travel style as a solo female traveler who travels on a budget but doesn’t mind an occasional splurge for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It centers on food, hiking, and being outdoors, and relies on Ubers, tours, and public transportation rather than car rentals.

Before you dive into this Cape Town itinerary, a few notes:

Budget/Cost

Cape Town is a relatively cheap city to navigate and eat in by American standards. Since this is a budget-conscious itinerary, I’ll be giving pricing details throughout. As exchange rates fluctuate, prices will generally be given in Rand (South Africa’s currency), except for things I pre-paid for in dollars. All prices are as of December 2023/January 2024

Transportation

This Cape Town itinerary does not assume that you will be renting a car. While you certainly can do so if you’d like, solo car rentals can get expensive. Uber is a fast, affordable, and safe way to get around Cape Town. Ubers are generally between $3-5 dollars to get between Greenpoint, downtown, Sea Point, the beaches, etc. outside of rush hour. 

Activity Logistics

Some of the activities in this Cape Town itinerary are offered by Never@Home. I’ll note where this is the case, and what the pricing is via the hostel. If you want to go on the hostel-led activities, you’ll need to check their current activities schedule!

Each day is planned as a thoughtful unit, with as much neighborhood coordination, walkability, and mix of activities as possible. However, I’d encourage rearranging the days based on your specific plans! Weather, tour availability, or day of the week for certain activities (such as local markets) will all come into play.

Cape Town Itinerary Sneak-Peak

Where You’ll be Staying: Never@Home Hostels

During my trip, I spent the majority of my time at the Never@Home hostels, which I wholeheartedly recommend. They are fantastic hostels for budget-conscious solo travelers, offering a social environment with plenty of organized activities, all for ~$25/night. This itinerary assumes you’ll be splitting your time between their two locations (Never@Home Greenpoint and Never@Home Kloof Street), but can be adapted no matter where you stay or how you split your time. Check out my full guide and comparison between the two Never@Home hostels here. 

What You’ll be Doing

• Chasing sunsets at Cape Town’s best sunset spots (including The Rock, Signal Hill, and Saunders’ Rocks)
• Hiking Table Mountain and Lion’s Head
• Exploring the Bo-Kaap neighborhood
• Picnicking in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
• Spending the afternoon on one of Cape Town’s fantastic beaches
• Eating & shopping at Cape Town’s top-tier markets
• Wine Tasting in Cape Town’s famous Winelands
• Visiting penguins, baboons, and ostriches on a Cape Point day trip
• Strolling through the V&A waterfront

Where You’ll be Eating

Coffee & Brunch Vibes:

• Shift Espresso Bar
• Jason Bakery
• Bootlegger Coffee
• Our Local
• Molten Toffee
• Arnold’s

Lunch & Dinner Vibes:

• Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food
• Addis in Cape
• The Poke Co
• El Burro
• Mojo Market
• Oranjezicht Market
• Neighbourgoods Market
• Kalky’s Fish & Chips
• New York Slice

Sweet Treats:

• Biesmiellah for Koeksisters (Cape Malay fried dough)
• Moro Gelato
• Unframed Ice Cream

One-Week Cape Town Itinerary: Focus on Food & Outdoors

Day 1: Arrival & Sunset at Signal Hill

• Stay: Never@Home Greenpoint
• Do: Sunset at Signal Hill (free)
• Eat:
  • Shift Espresso Bar (Juices from R50)
  • Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food (Meals from R80)

Arriving in Cape Town

Day 1 is your arrival day in Cape Town. You’ve likely had a long travel day already, and depending on when you arrive, might have limited time left in the day.

Start by getting from the airport to wherever you’re staying. Depending on the time of day, an Uber should be about R250, or under $15. 

Once you’ve settled in (and perhaps taken a quick nap), shake off the jet lag and get ready for a sunset picnic. Depending on what time of year it is, sunset time will vary, so check your weather app. Regardless of when it sets, aim to be at your sunset spot at least a half hour before the actual sunset time for peak golden hour vibes.

Picking up Dinner

From Never@Home Greenpoint, make your way to Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food. Yen’s is a cute and budget-friendly Vietnamese food that offers both dine-in and take-out. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the hostel, which will feel good after many hours on a plane. On your way, stop by Shift Espresso Bar for a pick-me-up. If you need caffeine they’ve certainly got you covered. Otherwise, if you’re trying to fit in with your new time zone, opt for a fresh juice (~R50) or tasty smoothie (~R65) to kick off your Cape Town cheap eats.

Once you’ve made it up the hill to Yen’s, take your pick of their tasty offerings. Some favorites which also happen to be easy to take on the go include their fresh rice paper rolls (3 for R105), their Banh Mi sandwiches (R80), and their rice noodle salads (R110). If you want an indulgent drink to go with dinner, stop by Susu Bubble Tea right next door.

Sunset at Signal Hill

Now that you’ve got your dinner (and perhaps a drink), it’s sunset time. It’s Day 1 so if you want to take it easy, grab an Uber to Signal Hill. Signal Hill is a fantastic panoramic spot that you can drive right to the top of. If you still want to stretch your legs or are craving a beachside sunset, don’t worry – check out my full guide to Cape Town’s best sunset spots. We’ll get to a few more of them later in this Cape Town itinerary. Once you’ve made it to Signal Hill, stretch out, relax, and enjoy your takeout as you watch the sun set from every angle. 

Day 2: Lion’s Head & Bo Kaap

• Stay: Never@Home Greenpoint
• Do:
  • Hike Lion’s Head (free)
  • Bo-Kaap Walking Tour (free, R100 tip encouraged)
  • The Company’s Garden (free)
  • Sunset at The Rock (free)
• Eat:
  • Jason Bakery (Breakfast + drink from R150)
  • Addis in Cape (lunch tasting platter from R150)
  • Snag a Bo Kaap Koeksister (<R10)
  • The Poke Co (Bowls from R120)

Breakfast at Jason Bakery

Start off bright and early with a hearty breakfast at Jason Bakery, right down the street from Never@Home Greenpoint. If you’re willing to give the caffeine a break, try a red cappuccino (~R40, $2), a South African specialty. A red cap is a delicious caffeine-free beverage made from rooibos tea extract and frothy milk, generally topped with cinnamon and served alongside honey. I started nearly every day in Cape Town with a red cap, and miss them dearly!

I had an absolutely delectable egg sandwich at Jason’s which set me back about $5.50, and was one of my favorite breakfasts in Cape Town. Other diners seemed captivated by the fancy pancakes and baked-in-house pastries, so you’ll have your pick.

Hike Lion’s Head

With a good breakfast under your belt, it’s time to tackle Lion’s Head. Lion’s Head is the second most famous hike in Cape Town, and the titular peak can be seen from many angles throughout town. It’s a relatively short hike (under 3 miles round-trip), but is fairly steep and gets a bit technical at points. Be ready to use all four limbs, as you’ll encounter ladders and rungs along the way – all part of the fun!

Lion’s Head can get hot and crowded during the summer months, so the earlier you can hit the trail, the better. Depending on your fitness level and how long you spend at the top, the full hike can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours. 

If you’re staying with Never@Home, they host weekly Lion’s Head guided hikes for R150. The price includes transport, water, and a drink at the bar after the hike. If their hike aligns with your schedule, it’s a great way to do the hike with a built-in group.

Lunch at Addis in Cape

After Lion’s Head, head downtown to Addis in Cape, a fantastic Ethiopian restaurant. This spot has a beautiful interior and was one of my Cape Town culinary highlights. While this spot is slightly more expensive than my typical budget recommendation, its lunch specials are cheaper than dinner and are perfect for solo travelers. Check out their Vegan platter (R150) or non-vegan platter (R155) which let you taste portions of five main courses. The upgrade to Teff injera (the large flatbread the food is served on) is well worth the extra R30.

Bo-Kaap Walking Tour

You’re already downtown, so you’re in a perfect position to check out a Bo-Kaap walking tour. I did a tour with Free Walking Tours Cape Town which was a great way to learn a little more about the neighborhood, rather than just snapping pics of the Instagram-famous colorful houses. Check out their website for the latest times – as of 2024, the Bo-Kaap tour departs at 2 pm and 4:20 pm. Whether you raced up and down Lion’s Head or got a leisurely start, one of these times should work for you. While these tours are free, the guides work for tips. So, if you like your tour, an R100 tip is an appropriate thank you!

While you’re wandering the streets of Bo-Kaap and learning about its fascinating history, be sure to look beyond the vibrant houses. In addition to the painted houses, I was floored by the quality and volume of street art and murals in the neighborhood. Also, don’t miss out on buying a sweet Koeksister while you’re there! Koeksisters is a traditional Cape Malay dessert where fried dough is dipped in sweet syrup and coated in coconut flakes. Our guide pointed out Biesmiellah Restaurant on our tour, and I ducked in to pick up a piping hot Koeksister for less than R10 ($0.50). They are delicious but sticky, so carry some napkins or wipes!

If you did the 2 pm Bo-Kaap tour then you’ve still got a bit of day left, so schlep your tired legs over to The Company’s Garden. This lovely and public garden area is about a 15-minute walk from the base of Bo-Kaap. It is free to enter and has plenty of benches and lawns for you to relax on. Beat the mid-day solo travel slump with a book, podcast, or playlist, and decompress in the calming greenery.

Sunset Takeout at The Rock

For the evening, we’re going to do another sunset takeout dinner to take full advantage of the Cape Town sunsets. From the Company’s Garden, there’s a fast-casual spot called The Poke Co about a 10-minute walk away. They’ve got build-your-own poke bowls (including great vegetarian options!) for around R120 ($6.50), smoothies from R65 ($3.50), and fresh juices from R45 ($2.50). 

Make your selection, and then order an Uber to The Rock (literally, type that into the Uber search bar). The Rock is a somewhat secluded (sometimes called “secret”) spot that gives you breathtaking views of the Twelve Apostles and the ocean. You definitely don’t want to miss golden hour at this spot, so get there a bit early, beat the crowds, and round out the day with some of the best views in Cape Town.

Day 3: Wine Tasting!

• Stay: Never@Home Greenpoint
• Do: Wine Tour!
• Eat:
  • Bootlegger Coffee (breakfast from R90)
  • Wineries along the way
  • El Burro (single tacos from R50)
  • Moro Gelato (a scoop from R48)

It’s wine tour day, and you’ll want a good breakfast before a day of wine. From Never@Home Greenpoint, walk around 5 minutes over to Bootlegger Coffee. Beyond coffee, juices, and smoothies, they also have a lovely all-day breakfast spread. If you like avocado toast, do yourself a favor and try their Avo Toast Reloaded for R90. The chili crisp, lemon zest, and parmesan truly elevate the classic brunch food!

Cape Town Winelands

Now that you’re properly fueled, it’s time to make your way to wine country. Just outside of Cape Town, you’ll find a few gorgeous wine regions: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Constantia are the most popular. I don’t even like wine that much and I still absolutely loved going on a wine tour, so I’d say it’s a can’t-miss activity.

For ultimate flexibility, you can certainly orchestrate your own wine tour by picking a few wineries, setting up tastings, and Ubering between them. However, this takes a lot of planning and coordination during an activity where you probably want to just sit back and relax.

If you’re staying at Never@Home, take them up on their incredible Stellenbosch Wine Tasting tour where you’ll spend a full day heading to 4 different wineries for only R1350. I did this tour and thought it was very well-planned, plus the social atmosphere with other hostel guests was perfect for solo travelers.

If you’re not staying at Never@Home or their tour doesn’t align with your schedule, there are luckily PLENTY of other wine tours to choose from. Here are some popular tours that will make sure you get your Cape Town wine fix.

Post-Wine Tacos & Gelato

Once you’re back from the wine tour, you’ll want to get a good dinner in. Luckily, there’s a lovely taco spot, El Burro, just a few minutes walk from Never@Home Greenpoint. Tacos and quesadillas start from R50, and they also have enchiladas, snacks, and drinks on offer. 

If you still have room after El Burro, walk another minute or two down the road to Moro Gelato, where a small gelato will set you back R48. Their gelato is among the best in Cape Town with both traditional and creative flavors. As a bonus, they have molten chocolate taps which they’ll dip a cone or wafer in for you alongside your scoop.

Day 4: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens & Beach Day

• Stay: Never@Home Kloof St
• Do:
  • Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (R220)
  • Cape Town Beaches: Clifton or Bakoven (free)
• Eat:
  • Our Local (breakfast dishes from R80)
  • Woolworths Picnic
  • Mojo Market (varies by vendor; plenty of budget options available)

Grabbing Brunch on Kloof Street

If you’re splitting your time between the two Never@Home hostels then it’s moving day. You’ll be spending the rest of your time at Never@Home Kloof Street! Check out of Greenpoint and drop your bags at Kloof. Make sure to put a book/journal/or some other activity, a towel, and a swimsuit in your bag for the day. You’ve got both a botanical garden and beach time to look forward to! 

Since you’re already on Kloof Street, head up the hill to Our Local. Our Local is a beautiful brunch spot which is a 6-minute walk from Never@Home Kloof. It has a greenhouse-like interior with a massive communal table and plenty of smaller ones as well. The menu rotates, so check out their website for the most up-to-date options. Though many of their items are on the budget traveler’s pricier side, there are some cheaper options, such as the Egg Mayo Slice for R70 or the Creme Brulee French Toast for R85. On my way out I picked up one of their Ooey-Gooey Chocolate Brownies (yes, they literally call it that) for R55 and it lived up to its name deliciously.

Once you’ve got your brunch fix, head back towards the hostel and hit up the Woolworths across the street. Our next activity is the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens which makes an excellent picnic spot. At Woolworths, grab a selection of your favorite picnic fixings. I got strawberries, an individual-sized sundried tomato and basil soft cheese, some crackers, and kombucha, and then I raided the mini items in the checkout line for some roasted nuts and chips. 

Exploring Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch is a bit outside the city so between the Uber and the entrance fee (R220), it’s a bit of a splurge. However, the gardens are truly magnificent. Don’t miss the Tree Canopy Walkway, an elevated walkway winding its way through the tops of trees. Keep an eye out as well for interesting birds – I saw a pair of owls while I was there! Once in the gardens, find a nice spot on the grass to enjoy your picnic, and soak in the serene energy.

If you’re looking for a bit more of an adventurous outing, there are plenty of trails that head up into Table Mountain Park from the Kirstenbosch Gardens. I wandered up and made my way along the Contour Path for a bit, and the views of the gardens were breathtaking.

Beach Afternoon

Once you’ve had the fill of Kirstenbosch Gardens (if that’s even possible), it’s time to head to the beach. Cape Town has plenty of beaches to explore, and the right one for you will depend on what you’re looking for. One solid candidate for today is one of the Clifton beaches. These are the most popular beaches close to Cape Town, and you’ll find plenty of fellow beachgoers along with vendors, umbrellas, and sunbeds for rent if you desire. If you want something a bit quieter, try Bakoven or Beta beaches, a bit further down the coast. There are no formal amenities at these beaches, but they’re tucked away and feel a bit more intimate than the Clifton beaches.

Once the sun starts to set and the beach gets chilly, it’s dinner time! Grab an Uber to Mojo Market in the nearby Sea Point neighborhood, a strip that has exploded in recent years. Mojo Market is a food hall with 30+ food vendors as well as several bars to suit anyone’s taste. They also host live music and events, including free karaoke and Salsa dance nights!

Day 5: Table Mountain & Cape Town Markets

• Stay: Never@Home Kloof
• Do:
  • Table Mountain Hike (free)
  • Oranjezicht Market (free)
  • Neighbourgoods Market (free)
  • Saunders’ Rocks Beach (free)
• Eat:
  • Molten Toffee (bagels from R60, toasties from R80)
  • Cape Town markets (varies by vendor, plenty of budget options available)

*Note: Plan to complete this day’s itinerary on a weekend as that’s when the majority of the local markets are held!

Today is Table Mountain day, but before you start your hike, head to Molten Toffee for breakfast. Molten Toffee is a coffee shop with a small food menu which is just a 2-minute walk from Never@Home Kloof. Food-wise, they’ve got omelets, bagels, wraps, and toasties, along with a pastry display. I got an avo pesto toastie on sourdough for R83, and it was massive – could easily be split between two people for a great value breakfast.

Table Mountain Trek

Next up, Table Mountain: the most infamous landmark in Cape Town! Hiking is one of my favorite activities, so there was no question that I wanted to hike Table Mountain rather than take the cable car up. However, if you still want to appreciate Table Mountain without the trek, you can buy tickets for the cable car from R240 one way, or R420 round trip. If you want to ride the cable car, it’s worth buying tickets in advance – they sometimes sell out during high season.

If you choose to hike, you have several options in terms of the trail that you take. I chose to join Never@Home on their guided Table Mountain hike as muggings were frequent while I was there, and hiking in a group was highly recommended. For R150, they provided transport, water, a guide, and a drink at the bar afterward – the same deal as the Lion’s Head hike. We took the Platteklip Gorge route, the most direct way up. While the trail is only about 4 miles round-trip, it is steep and demanding – don’t underestimate it if you haven’t been hiking in a while! 

Also, be mindful of the weather conditions. If you’re hiking during the summer, the hike can be hot and exposed, so the earlier you start, the better. Also. be aware that the cable car doesn’t run during high winds (which are common in Cape Town). If you hike on a windy day like I did, there will be no Cable Car to take you back down if you are exhausted after the hike up.

Cape Town’s Markets

After your Table Mountain adventure, it’s time to explore some of Cape Town’s markets. Two of the best markets close to the city are the Oranjezicht City Farm Market on the Waterfront and the Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock. 

Oranjezicht City Farm Market

Oranjezicht City Farm Market operates on Saturdays and Sundays until 2 pm, with a bonus Wednesday night market from 5-9 pm during the summer season. This market is hands-down the most aesthetically pleasing market I’ve ever been to. It has a vendor area where you can buy crafts and gifts, a food tent with plenty of restaurant stalls, a fresh farm goods area with fruits and veggies, as well as an edible goods area where you can find bread, spreads, cured meats, nuts, and all manner of tasty treats to take away.

With surprisingly reasonable prices, it won’t be hard to find a snack and settle in at one of the picnic tables to enjoy the vibes. On my trip to Oranjezicht, I picked up the best green juice I had ever tried in my life for ~R50 from the food tent, so don’t miss it!

Neighbourgoods Market

The Neighbourgoods Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays (rain or shine!) until 6 pm. Neighbourgoods also has a robust food hall area, where you’ll find all manner of sweet and savory treats to satisfy your appetite. I was craving some veggies so I found a stall that let me make a variety plate from their many available salads, and it was exactly what I needed. I also picked up a refreshing iced rooibos + lemonade drink. When in South Africa, gotta get my rooibos fill!

Beyond the food tent, Neighborhoods also has a large open-air clothing market area, with a variety of small local vendors displaying their wares. The area also has a large variety of more permanent small shops and stalls with clothes, home goods, and more food to check out.

Sunset at Saunders’ Rocks

Once you’re marketed out, the final stop on today’s Cape Town itinerary is Saunders’ Rocks. Saunders’ Rocks is an easily accessible rocky beach area near Sea Point. If it’s a windy day in Cape Town, Saunders’ Rocks is protected enough that you’ll barely feel the gale – a welcome reprieve in a windy city! Saunders’ is a great place to rest your tired legs. Plus, if you’re looking for some cold therapy, there is a protected tidal pool which is perfect for a cold plunge! Stay for sunset, where the golden light will magically illuminate the majestic Lion’s Head behind you.

Day 6: Cape Point Day Trip

• Stay: Never@Home Kloof
• Do: Cape Point Day Trip
• Eat:
  • Arnold’s (Early bird breakfast from R44)
  • Kalky’s (fish and chips from R95)
  • NY Slice Pizza (slices from R29)
  • Unframed Ice Cream (scoops from R44)

Prepping for a Cape Point Trip

Start your day bright and early at Arnolds, a block up from Never@Home Kloof. Arnolds is a classic and beloved spot with all-day traditional breakfasts. Their classic “Arnold’s” egg-based spread costs R79, but they’ve got an “early bird” special for R44 if you make it in before 9 am, which you’ll surely need to do in order to make it to your next activity.

No Cape Town itinerary would be complete without a trip out to Cape Point, so spend your final full day in Cape Town exploring a bit beyond the city itself. Unless you have rented a car (which this Cape Town itinerary does not assume), you’ll probably want to find a tour that covers the key points of interest.

If you’re staying at Never@Home, they offer a full-day Cape Point tour for R1650 (~$90 USD) which I heard great things about from those who went. Their tour didn’t work for my schedule, unfortunately, so I went on this small-group Cape Point tour for $120. I had a great experience on my tour and would wholeheartedly recommend it. Our guide was fantastic, and the small-group setting felt more personalized and friendly than a big bus tour.

While the tours above can seem a bit pricy, they include entry at all of the stops along the way (including penguin spotting at Boulders Beach and the park entry fee at Cape Point). These fees can add up quickly, so when you’re hunting for a tour, be aware that many of the cheaper tours are transportation-only, and do not include any of the entry fees.

Can’t-Miss Stops on a Cape Point Trip:

• Muizenberg Beach: People love to take photos of the colorful beach huts at the seaside in Muizenberg. Beyond the photo op, I wasn’t overly impressed with this stop, but luckily our group only stopped for about 15 minutes
• Kalk Bay: Kalk Bay is a small town with a quirky and cute strip of shops perfect for wandering. If you stop in Kalk Bay, don’t miss the Pastel de Nata at the True Love coffee stand. Many tours stop in Kalk Bay to visit the famous Kalky’s Fish and Chips, which truly does have incredible fried and battered fish. For R95 you can get a fresh hot order of fish & chips, but be aware that there may be a bit of a wait – it’s popular!
• Boulder’s Beach Penguins: For me, the penguins were the motivating factor for this entire outing. Boulder’s Beach hosts a colony of African Penguins which are just as adorable as you’d expect. Depending on the time of year the population fluctuates, and you might even catch them nesting!
• Cape Point: The Cape Point scenic area includes a short walk to stunning lighthouse views, as well as a small cafe. If you don’t want to walk up to the lighthouse, you can also take a funicular. On your drive out to Cape Point, you might spot some baboons and ostriches, so keep your eyes peeled!
• Cape of Good Hope: The Cape of Good Hope is the most southwestern point of the African continent, and it has a great photo op sign to prove it! Enjoy the rugged coastline and waves at the Cape of Good Hope, but be aware that if it’s a windy day, this might be your windiest spot yet!
• Chapman’s Peak Drive: On your way back to Cape Town (or on your way out to the Cape, depending on the loop you take), you’ll find yourself on Chapman’s Peak Drive. This stunning stretch of road has many scenic overlook pullouts, and it’s worth making a quick stop. The views over Cape Town and the surrounding area are unparalleled.

Post-Point Pizza & Ice Cream

A Cape Point tour will take up the full day, so once you make your way back to Cape Town, head to NY Slice Pizza, which is just a few doors down from Never@Home Kloof. With New York-style slices starting at R29, it’s an easy bite after an all-day tour. There are a few seats in the tiny interior, but if you need to take it to go, head back to the Never@Home courtyard where you can relax with your slice. 

For a sweet treat to cap off the night, walk just beyond NY Slice to Unframed Ice Cream. They’ve got unconventional and creative flavors, including solid non-dairy options. One scoop will set you back R44, or if you really can’t decide, you can get a tasting flight of 5 flavors for R95.

Day 7: Waterfront Souveniers & Departure

• Stay: Check out of Never@ Home Kloof
• Do: Explore the V&A Waterfront (free)
• Eat: Take your pick at the Waterfront – plenty of options available

After a solid week in Cape Town, it’s departure day! 

If you’ve got a later flight with some wiggle room on the final day in your Cape Town itinerary, head to the V&A Waterfront for some last-minute shopping (window or otherwise). If you only have time for one stop, make it the Watershed, an upscale souvenir and crafts market open every day. I generally have low expectations for touristy souvenir stops, but I enjoyed this one so much that I came back twice. There are a plethora of vendors selling clothing, crafts, jewelry, cosmetics, and other made-in-Cape-Town items. There are also a few food vendors, so you can easily grab a pre-flight bite.

With any extra time, take a stroll around the waterfront. You can check out the massive waterfront shopping center, cross the swinging Clocktower pedestrian bridge, and even hop on a quick harbor tour if you’ve really got time to kill. With abundant food and shopping options, the waterfront is a great spot to spend your final hours and pick up some treasures to remember the city by.

Wrapping up the Cape Town Itinerary

Cape Town is a stunning city that offers mountains, beaches, good food, and a vibrant city all for a low price point. This Cape Town itinerary offers you the best of the city over the course of a week, even taking you outside of the city for a wine tour and a Cape Point day. There is plenty more to do in Cape Town of course – this is just modeled after my favorites based on my few weeks in the city. I hope you have a fantastic time in the city, and comment below with any questions or suggestions for this Cape Town itinerary!