How would you spend 4 days in Cape Town if that’s all you had? We have Cape Town Itinerary 4 Days plan also Cape Town was on my mind for a few years now. My attention was drawn to it by incredible wildlife: the penguin colony that lives in sync with people shares the same beach and takes over local gardens. Then, an amazing opportunity to see great white sharks.
“Visit Cape Town and history is never far from your grasp. It lingers in the air, a scent on the breezy, an explanation of circumstance that shaped the Rainbow People. Stroll around the old downtown and it’s impossible not to be affected by the trials and tribulations of the struggle. But, in many ways, it is the sense of triumph in the face of such adversity that makes the experience all the more poignant.” ― Travels With Myself
How to spend 4 days in Cape Town
Finally this year, I managed to plan a trip to Cape Town combined with a safari. I had 10 full days carefully planned out just for Cape Town, but as it happens sometimes, the whole trip had to be rescheduled and we ended up with 5 days only in Cape Town. Since I like lazing around sometimes, all the activities I am listing below can be done in 4 days, but if you are like me, and like to take your time, spread it over 5 days.
Practical information
Currency: Rand (R100 = $6.35)
Prices: entrance fees and attractions in most places have different prices for South Africans, Africans of neighbouring countries and foreigners.
When to go: Summers in Cape Town are quite hot, and winters are cold, so you won’t be able to enjoy the beaches as much. The best time is spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May).
DOWNLOAD GPSMYCITY for offline use and enjoy lots of tips and walking guides to Cape Town.
Itinerary example for 4 days in Cape Town
Day 1
Take a cable car to Table Mountain (or hike)
Getting to the Table Mountain is probably one of the things you should not miss in Cape Town. If you are there in summer, I’d recommend starting early or in the evening before the sunset to avoid the heat. We went to the Table Mountain in the afternoon but took the cable train to get to the top (no judgment, please) as we had so many other things to do that day. Something we didn’t do, but I think would be amazing if we had more time, was to hike the Lion’s Head. Cable car fee: R110-390
Relax in the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens
The botanic garden is near Table Mountain, so you can combine these two. It’s a beautiful place for a peaceful walk. I quite enjoy it. This botanical garden is quite different from all I’ve been to. It somehow is a little bit wilder.
Entry fee: R210
Spend an afternoon on the waterfront
After a couple of days of staying somewhere else in the city, we moved to the Victora and Alfred Waterfront (commonly called V&A or the waterfront) and it was the best thing we could have done. The area is chill but bustling at the same time. It’s one of the most popular places with ice cream stands and street musicians. Waterfront is a vibe! When in the neighbourhood, don’t miss the two markets: the food market and another one with boutiques of local and handmade clothes, art, jewellery etc. If you are on the waterfront for the sunset, check out the Silo hotel, which has a lovely terrace with views.
Go to Robben Island
Going to Robben Island is an emotional experience and it should be. It used to be a prison island for political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, who spend there 18 of 27 years of his imprisonment before apartheid ended in South Africa. The experience lasts around 3 hours in total.
Tour fee: R600
Day 2
Head to the eastern side of the peninsula for the day. This is what you can do there in one day.
Visit penguins on Boulders beach
Tell me if I’m wrong about that number 1 reason (ok, perhaps number 2, but I wouldn’t believe if it’s any lower on the list) of your trip to Cape Town is visiting the penguin colony, where you can swim accompanied by these cute birds. It seems that not everyone knows that there are two entrances to the beach: one with a deck, from which you can see the penguins and another straight to the beach, where you can actually suntan and swim with the penguins. I loved watching the penguins so much that we went there twice.
Entry fee: R35
Pass by Simon’s Town
Just before you reach the Boulders beach, have a stop in Simons town for a stroll or a snack. It’s a picturesque little town and it makes it a perfect place for a little break. Simons Town is one of the oldest towns in South Africa, established 350 years ago. From June to November, you can take a whale watching tour from Simon’s Town.
Go to the Cape of Good Hope
Cape of Good Hope lies in a spot where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. It is a narrow peninsula entering the ocean, where you can enjoy many hiking routes. Historically, it served as a significant point for sailors travelling from Europe to Asia. Cape of Good Hope, known for its stormy waters, created many legends of ghost ships and disappearing boats. The road in the peninsula provides amazing views. Our favourite thing to do there was to stop and watch massive white waves hitting the shore. Wild nature at its best.
Entry fee: R340
End the day with sunset at Muizenberg beach
I admit that the main reason I went to this beach was the famous colourful surf huts. Sadly, most of them are now in a very bad state, but still, look pretty. I don’t know if we were lucky that day or if it’s a regular occurrence in Muizenberg, but the sunset was just simply insane! The sky changes from orange to soft pastels of pink and violet, hands down the most memorable sky at sunset in Cape Town. If you are a surfer, Muizenberg is your spot.
Day 3
Explore Winelands
Just an hour away to transport yourself to a different world, a world where the time seems to slow down. We went to Stellenbosh, but if we had more time, Franschhoek surely would find a place on the agenda. There are many wineries, from traditional family businesses to modern ones with a cool vibe and countless restaurants to try.
Day 4
Head south of Cape Town along the coast for the day. There’s plenty to see there.
Visit Camps Bay and Clifton beaches
Cape Town has so many beautiful beaches, so it seems hard to choose just one. The days were not too hot (especially for me merely 23 C does not qualify for sunbathing, not even mention putting more than my toes into the water), but it also allowed me to visit more beaches along the coast south of Cape Town. Without the temptation to just be a beach bum and spend the whole day there, we hopped between beaches, each of them having its own charm.
Drive Chapman’s Peak and end the day with the sunset
It’s a scenic drive route along the coast. If you are still not bored of beaches, make a stop at Noordhoek beach before you return. On the way back, park your car at Chapmans Peak and watch the sun go down. It’s probably one of the best sundowners places. Don’t forget snacks. Entrance fee: R50 one way
Where to stay in Cape Town
Ellerman House– a beautiful villa located in Bantry Bay. Apparently, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visited it.
The Silo Hotel– is probably one of the most luxurious and trendy hotels in Cape Town. It’s located in V&A and its beauty is topped up by amazing views from the rooms and rooftop overlooking Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Despite a whopping price, it was fully booked when we visited.
Gorgeous Gorge by Design– a beautifully designed hotel in the city centre of Cape Town with a rooftop and DJ entertainment.
Victoria &Alfred Hotel– this hotel is located in the very heart of V&A Waterfront. It has comfortable and stylish rooms with amazing staff (ask for Jason, he can make everyone’s stay super special).
Moving around Cape Town
Cape Town is much more than the city itself. In fact, most attractions are in the surrounding neighbourhoods and towns. The best way to see Cape Town is by hiring a car. Driving around is quite easy. You may use Discover Cars for the best prices as they compare local and international companies.
How to get to Cape Town
There are many frequent flights to Cape Town from Europe, Africa and the Middle East with different companies. Join Jack’s Flight Club for super cheap deals.
See also:
Visiting Jozani forest in Zanzibar
Layover in Dubai: what to see and do in 48 hours.
Top tips to make your Marrakech experience better
Happy travels.
Love, Ania
Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.
