Let's Go to Cape Town: 1 Week Itinerary
I’ve traveled to over 35 countries, on 5 continents and South Africa is easily in my top 3! Cape Town, specifically, has captured my heart 3 times over, and I love sharing my experiences with anyone that’s interested! This city is beautiful, easy to navigate, safe, budget friendly and filled with endless things to do. I recently traveled to Cape Town for 1 week in December/January and baby, a time was had! I got to experience so many events, restaurants and festivities around this time that I hadn’t before. I could go on and on but I’ll keep my intro brief!
Here’s a 1-week itinerary for a summer trip to Cape Town tailored to your interests. This itinerary balances Cape Town's vibrant social scene, world-class dining, sites to explore, history, and art, while highlighting aesthetically pleasing and unique experiences. I’ve got you covered with details, pictures, links, and video! You’re welcome lol. If you want broader suggestions on dining, things to do, and so on, visit my previous post, Cool Kids in Cape Town! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, share, and comment!
SATURDAY
Arrival (Johannesburg)
I flew non-stop from Newark (EWR) into Joburg (JNB) for the night of the birthday to enjoy the city before heading into Cape Town (CPT). I didn’t want to spend my entire birthday on planes so this was a nice break between cities.
I checked into Seven Villa Hotel & Spa in Sandton. The hotel is cute, tucked away from the main street. The staff was lovely, I received a free room upgrade and they even sent me a little something special for my birthday (the cupcake, not the Moet). I’d recommend staying in Rosebank or Sandton for your first visit, they’re safe neighborhoods, with lots of options for places to go.
I had dinner plans at Marble but missed my reservations, sadly. Ended up at Opera for a quick bite and vibes, and then headed to Saint to meet up with friends for drinks. We ended the night at the club.
*Do not go to the club before 12am, unless you want to open the club!
I would definitely recommend spending a few days in Joburg! There’s so much to do from historical tours in Soweto, to safaris near by, excellent dining options and of course, vibes. Joburg deserves it’s own post, so soon come!
After Christmas, the city may be a little quiet, as most people are in or heading to Cape Town for holiday.
SATURDAY
Arrival (Cape Town)
There are multiple, hourly flights options between JNB-CPT. I snagged a midday flight to CPT, which is only 2hrs. Landed, got my luggage and headed straight to the city to pick up a quick bite at KFC (there will be no KFC slander here) and some libations for the airbnb.
Our Airbnb was a gorgeous triplex, located in the Green Point neighborhood. Most of the houses in Cape Town are built up, rather than wide like we’re used to in the U.S. We had beautiful views of the Cape Town stadium and bay near by.
Today was spent settling in and unpacking but there was a rugby game going on at the Cape Town stadium, which would’ve been a cool thing to partake in.
For dinner, I went to the coolest speakeasy I’ve been to abroad, The Art of Duplicity (pics below). Can’t tell you where it is or how to get there but just know it’s a cool, prohibition style bar and lounge, with great craft drinks, good food and live music.
sunday
One of my favorite things to do in Cape Town is head to the Old Biscuit Mill for the Neighbourgood’s Market (10am-6pm). There are multiple local food vendors with cuisines varying from East African to Korean to traditional Braai (South African grilled meat). You can shop packaged goods, crafts, jewelry, vintage and clothing venders. There’s always a DJ spinning and a bar if you want to take it up a notch!
Later that day, I headed to Strictly Soul day party. It’s a monthly day party series in Cape Town. I’d been stalking their instagram for weeks for tickets and happy I got to experience it! This is a great event to meet local Capetonians.
For dinner, I went to Tang at Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront. The food was phenomenal! From the starters to dessert, and I even got a small birthday surprise.
The clubs are open nightly, and are pretty much always packed so be prepared to get a section or finesse a section. Ended up at Enzo this night and sections were finessed lol!
Monday
Eased into the morning, the 7hr time difference took a little adjusting. I have previously been to safaris throughout Southern Africa but if I hadn't, I would visit Aquila Safari for a half day game drive. Aquila also has a luxurious spa and resort that you can access, but if you book a game drive or stay on the property.
Headed out to Utopia, downtown for brunch. This is where you want to go for a view! The clear glass windows and terrace provides a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city. Get the seafood platter, it was the best!
During New Year’s there are a bunch of private parties throughout the city, in the best, most elite neighborhoods. If you happen to get an invite, definitely go. I ended up going to the Goats Only party, previously held in Accra. Ended up at Souk after because that’s what you do during this time of year!
If I didn’t go there, I would’ve gone into the city and had dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants.
Restaurants to try: Therapy (Black owned), Salon, Nikkei, FYN, The Potluck Club
Tuesday
This day started at 3am! Yes, 3 in the morning, to head to Lion’s Head for a sunrise hike. If you’re able to, I highly recommend this activity! It’s not easy, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise but it’s doable and you’ll feel more than accomplished after completing it. It takes about 3.5 hrs and it’s a mix of hiking and rock climbing. The views on the way up were both exhilarating and terrifying. My group made it to the top, right before sunrise and it was the most amazing feeling of completion. Now, the way down, was terrible, worst than going up!
After the hike, it was imperative that I got a massage! A spa day at One & Only, 12 Apostles or The Grotto would be my choices but my friends and I opted for in-home massages.
I ended up exploring Camps Bay later in the day, and had an early dinner at Mantra Cafe. It was prefixed 4 course menu with a complimentary glass of champagne.
I brought in the New Year at an art gallery, with Strictly Soul! The music was heavy on the R&B and 2000’s, and the crowd was definitely vibing.
Ended up at The Afties, which saved the night for me with Afrobeats & Amapiano! We had a time and the sun definitely beat us home!
Wednesday
If I wasn’t so tired, I would’ve went to Camps Bay or Clifton to enjoy the beach. I like my ocean warm and the water here isn’t, it’s actually quite cold, but on a hot day, it can be refreshing. Another alternative could be visiting tourist sites in and around Cape Town, which I've explored on previous trips to Cape Town:
See the penguins at Boulders Beach
Take the cable car up Table Mountain
Visit Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point
Tour the colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap
Visit an art museum, Zeitz Museum
Then head to V&A Waterfront to Sevruga for lunch.
Stopped by Rooftop on Bree for Fine Wine, a wine lover’s event started in NYC. Another place to catch beautiful views of the city, especially at sunset.
The night ended at Jerk & Jollof festival (pics below) with sets from Uncle Waffles and Spinall and a performance from Odeal! I had a VIP ticket which allowed me access back stage, with access to a VIP bar and restroom area.
Thursday
Winery tour in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch (full day tour)
This was one of the highlights for me on the trip! South African wine country is beautiful, full stop. I could not believe how scenic the wineries were. This full day tour included round trip transportation from Cape Town to Franschhoek, with 2 vineyard tastings and lunch. The first stop was to Klein Goederust Winery (the only black owned winery in Franschhoek). One of the owners began his journey as a farmer at the winery, then studied and mastered the art of wine making. During the tasting, I had at least 7 glasses, ranging from a sparkling white to a sultry red. Just started the day, and I was to’ up already!
The second stop was to Dieu Donne Vineyard, which had the most stunning backdrop of mountains and grape vines that I've ever seen. This vineyard staff didn’t really go into great detail about the wines during the tastings, which I didn’t particularly like but it was still a pleasant tasting.
Dinner at Kloof Street House
This is one of those restaurants that everyone recommends when visiting Cape Town. The ambience is stunning and vibey, and the food and drinks are solid! I tried ostrich here for the first time aaand hated it lol but my friends enjoyed it so give it a try!
Friday
My mission this trip was to get on a yacht…mission accomplished! Through a friend of a friend, my yacht party dreams become reality and I had a ball! Met some pretty cool people from London, Nigeria, Ghana and Sweden.
Dinner at Therapy is a must! One of the few black owned restaurants in Cape Town and it came highly recommended by both travelers and locals!
Detty december attracts different brands and promoters from near and abroad, and hosts events in cities all over the continent. PVO (Positive Vibes Only) is a NY based events and lifestyle brand that hosts events across the U.S. and in Accra. This past December, they brought their talents to Cape Town.
Saturday
You HAVE to shop in Cape Town! Shopping at V&A waterfront will give you a great mix of local and brand name companies in the mall and outside. I got the most sickening necklace I have ever bought here! You can find everything from clothing, to jewelry to home decor pieces at many of the shops. Another good place to shop local is at the Old Biscuit Mill, mentioned earlier in the post, on Saturdays & Sundays.
Enjoy a sunset dinner at The Bungalow. Now, if there’s one catfish out of the bunch, it’s definitely here! The pictures make the scenery around the restaurant look way better than real life! However, the food was amazing! Pricier than most meals you’ll pay for but very good. This place is very popular and outdoor seating is limited, so make sure you make a reservation.
Day party at Rands (5pm-11pm)
Now THIS was the best event of the entire trip! If you want an authentic South African vibe, RANDS is it! RANDS is an outdoor day party, with a DJ, braai and others grilled foods and drinks. It’s located in Khayelitsha, a township about an hour outside of Cape Town. A lot of people will try to scare you into not going because of the dangers associated around townships. Take whatever precautions you need to feel safe, for me and my group we hired a local company that offered a VIP experience (transportation, tickets, food, drinks and hookah).
Sunday
Departure
That’s all folks!