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.
Website >
Overview >Bucket list experience:
Table Mountain
Last updated: 15 November, 2022
Cape Town’s iconic flat-topped mountain is 1,085m (3,559ft) above sea level at its highest point, Maclear’s Beacon. One of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature’, its name also derives from the thin layer of wind-blown cloud that forms over the flat summit before dropping dramatically over the edge like a tablecloth.
It’s now part of the Table Mountain National Park, set-up to protect the landmark but also the rare fynbos vegetation. The site is now a UNESCO Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site.
Ride up in the aerial cable car to enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the city, and wander the fynbos-fringed footpaths that criss-cross the serene and beautiful flat-topped summit.
If you’re reasonably fit, and a little adventurous, you can hike up to the summit rather than take the cable car. There are a number of different trails that you can do independently or with a guide. You can also abseil down from the summit.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Price from: £18
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The cable car operates every 10-15 minutes, but you can spend as long as you want at the top. Buy tickets online before you go to skip the queues at the on-site ticket office.
The Table Mountain Café at the upper cableway station offers a range of light meals, but isn’t particularly memorable. There are various snack and cold drink kiosks available.
When to do it
In summer, first car up is around 8am, last car down around 9pm. Check the website for weather updates and closures.
Avoid cloudy days due to poor visibility, and in the wind or rain, it’s exposed at the top (and rather miserable to be there). Early morning is usually crowd-free and ideal for quiet walks. Sunsets and full moon evenings are popular for sundowners and admiring the city lights sparkling below.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Table Mountain Walking Tour with Picnic, Yoga & Hike, Yoga Expert and more
Cape Town
You can expect a fantastic table mountain tour on non-tourist route with sunset picnic and a yoga unit if desired. (when else do you have th...
€94 | Rating 4.95 / 5 [22 ratings]
Website >
Tour supplied by:
Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point Small Group Tour from Cape Town
Cape Town
For travellers with limited time in Cape Town we have combined all the highlights into one day on a Scheduled Tour to Table Mountain, Boulde...
Z1,050 | Rating 4.77 / 5 [587 ratings]
Website >
Tour supplied by:
Table Mountain, Boulder's Penguins & Cape Point Private Tour from Cape Town
Cape Town
Join us on a fun-filled day and embark on a Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point private tour including the colorful houses in the Bo Kaap, cable ca...
Z2,250 | Rating 4.83 / 5 [112 ratings]
Website >
Tour supplied by:
Robben Island Tour & Table Mountain guided Tour
Cape Town
A must visit when touring Cape Town. From panoramic views and activities to where Mandela was imprisoned. Robben Island tour & Table Mountai...
Z2,500 | Rating 4.73 / 5 [15 ratings]
Website >
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Vineyard Hotel
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[3.6 miles]
A great value boutique hotel set amid expansive gardens in one of the city’s leafy suburbs, in the shadow of Table Mountain.
Official star rating:
Kensington Place
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[4.3 miles]
Stylish boutique gem at the base of Table Mountain; Cape Town’s coolest bolthole.
Official star rating:
Ocean View House
Cape Town , Western Cape, South Africa[4.5 miles]
A luxurious boutique hotel close to glamorous Camps Bay beach, boasting contemporary sea-view suites.
Official star rating:
The Marly Boutique Hotel
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[4.7 miles]
A glamorous boutique hotel perched right above the palm-lined Camps Bay beachfront.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Cape Town
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.
Website >
Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Abseil down Table Mountain
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1.4 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
Website >
Overview >
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
Cape Town, Western Province, South Africa[1.8 miles]
South Africa’s premier botanical garden is a treasure trove of flora from the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Best for ages: 13+ | £10
Hike up Table Mountain
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.2 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
Website >
Overview >
Hike up the Lion’s Head
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[4.9 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
Website >
Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
South African Museum
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[5.3 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
Website >
Overview >
Experience
Neighbourhood Goods Market
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[6.3 miles]
This Cape Town institution, set up in an Old Biscuit Factory in 2006, features food stalls from around the world, plus local artisans selling designer clothing, accessories and quality handicrafts. Live music adds to the atmospheric buzz and energy.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Website >
Overview >
Experience
Two Oceans Aquarium
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[7.5 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
Website >
Overview >
Experience
Walk or cycle the Sea Point Promenade
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[7.6 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
Website >
Overview >
Round-ups that include this experience
55 Breathtaking natural wonders of the world
Multiple countries
Former travel editor of BBC Wildlife Magazine James Fair round-ups the earth’s greatest natural wonders, which will literally take your breath away.
Website >
Overview >