Cape Town 6-day Itinerary
South Africa
Where to go and what to see in Cape Town to get the most from your trip – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.
Bucket list experience:
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Cape Town stretches out along a dramatic peninsula, fringed by the Atlantic Ocean and rising up to towering mountain peaks. A helicopter tour offers an unforgettable perspective on ‘the Fairest Cape’. Itineraries include flights over Table Mountain and the city, or out to the Winelands.
A variety of flight paths and themed tours are available, usually lasting from 15-60 minutes (flight times are dictated by the route).
For a memorable start (or end) to your trip, turn your flight into an airport transfer. You can alight at the V&A Waterfront, Winelands and other landing points.
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Destination Guide >There are two options for starting points: either the V&A Waterfront (best value for city flips) or Cape Town airport (best value for Winelands and Hermanus because the helipad is closer). Children are permitted, but it’s probably best for age 10 and upwards.
Flights run all year round, seven days a week, subject to favourable weather conditions. Departure times by arrangement.
Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
South Africa
Where to go and what to see in Cape Town to get the most from your trip – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.6 miles]
Art, architecture and contemporary luxury combine seamlessly at one of Africa’s most striking design hotels.
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Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.8 miles]
Glamorous multi-faceted urban resort, centrally located in the buzzing V&A Waterfront.
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Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1 miles]
Families and repeat visitors will love this breezy, resort-style seafront hotel with a superb range of rooms and facilities.
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Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[3.4 miles]
The ‘Nellie’ is the grande dame of Cape Town hotels and a much-loved local landmark, offering upscale dining and a plant-based spa.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Western Cape, South Africa
Vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art’s scene and golden beaches and outstanding gastronomy.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.6 miles]
Take a deep dive into the creative spirit of Africa at the Zeitz MOCCA, a remarkable home for Africa’s leading collection of artworks from Africa and its diaspora.
Best for ages: 13+ | £10
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[4.6 miles]
A stunning 5.5km (3.4m) hike up the iconic Lion’s Head, for spectacular views of the Cape’s dramatic Atlantic coastline.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-4 hours
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[5.9 miles]
Lace up your boots and tackle one of the myriad hiking trails going up to the summit of the iconic Table Mountain, a challenging but rewarding 2- to 3-hour scenic hike.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-3 hours
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[6.7 miles]
One of the world’s great abseils – a one-hour descent down the iconic Table Mountain. Comes with unforgettable views of the city and Atlantic coastline.
Best for ages: 13+ | £23 | 1 hour
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.6 miles]
A bustling food, wine and design market situated overlooking the ocean. Wonderful fresh produce and dozens of food stalls. Open weekends, 9am-2pm.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.7 miles]
In the V&A Waterfront, this world-class aquarium offers three large tanks for pelagic fish alongside dozens of smaller exhibits. The hands-on ‘Touch Pool’ is always a hit with kids.
Best for ages: 4+ | £10
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.8 miles]
Delve into the lived experience of forced removals at this moving small Museum, which chronicles the diversity of District Six and its later destruction by the Apartheid government.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.9 miles]
Stop by the South African Museum to see the famous Linton Panel, one of the world’s foremost examples of rock art, extracted from a shelter in the Drakensberg Mountains. Open daily.
Best for ages: 13+ | £2