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
For the best views of the Cape’s dramatic Atlantic coastline, climb the iconic ‘Lion’s Head’.
This 669m peak is a rewarding walk for nature lovers – within minutes of setting off, the Cape’s classic mountain and seascapes envelop you.
The somewhat challenging hike up is beautiful at dawn, popular at sunset, but best known for daring, full-moon walks. The route involves exposure to heights and climbing metal ladders. Vertigo-sufferers be warned!
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Destination Guide >A number of tour operators offer guided walks, but it’s fairly easy to do independently.
Park on Signal Hill Road (don’t leave valuables in the car due to petty crime) and start walking along the well-marked gravel track. The path loops around the base of the mountain, and the walk to the top takes between one and three hours.
A degree of fitness is required to get to the top, where chains and metal ladders are used for the last part of the ascent. Young children will only manage the lower part of the walk.
The trail is accessible all year round. The most popular time to ascend is to witness the rising of the full moon. You’ll need a head torch, and don’t bother unless the weather is fine.
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[1 miles]
Stylish boutique gem at the base of Table Mountain; Cape Town’s coolest bolthole.
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Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1.4 miles]
Central, romantic and boho-cool guesthouse, inspired by the decadence of Oscar Wilde.
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Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1.7 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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Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1.7 miles]
Hidden away in a private garden, this boutique hotel offers contemporary style and easy access to the popular Camps Bay strip.
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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[2.8 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[3.7 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
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[4.1 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]
Take to the skies for unrivalled views of Cape Town’s dramatic coastline, and to fly over the iconic Table Mountain.
Best for ages: 10+ | £80 | 15-30 mins
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.1 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
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.8 miles]
Join locals on ‘The Prom’ for a leisurely 5km seaside ramble, cycle or skate as you enjoy the city’s best sunset views. There are pavement cafes if you need a break, and play parks for kids.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 1-2 hours
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[3.9 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