How to spend 4 days in Cape Town: a perfect itinerary.

How would you spend 4 days in Cape Town if that’s all you had? We have a Cape Town itinerary 4 days plan ready for you. Cape Town was on my mind for a few years now. My attention was drawn to it by the incredible wildlife: the penguin colony that lives in sync with people, sharing the same beach and even taking over local gardens. On top of that, the city’s dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and stunning coastline promised a trip full of adventure and unforgettable experiences.

“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.” ― Tahir Shah, Travels With Mysel

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 for 4 days in cape town

Before you start planning your Cape Town itinerary, here are a few helpful things to know.

Currency:
South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR). For a quick reference, R100 is roughly $6.35, so it’s easy to keep track of your spending while exploring.

Prices:
Many attractions in Cape Town have tiered pricing, with different entrance fees for South Africans, visitors from neighbouring African countries, and international tourists. Don’t be surprised if you see multiple rates listed—it’s completely normal.

When to Go:
Timing can really shape your experience. Summers in Cape Town are hot and vibrant, but they can also be windy and busy. Winters are cooler and not ideal for long beach days. If you’re planning 4 days in Cape Town, the sweet spots are spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May)—comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and perfect for sightseeing.

DOWNLOAD GPSMYCITY for offline use and enjoy lots of tips and walking guides to Cape Town.

4 days in Cape Town itinerary

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

Kirstenbosch is tucked right at the foot of Table Mountain, which makes it easy to combine both in one day—perfect for a relaxed break in your Cape Town itinerary. The gardens are absolutely beautiful, and if you love peaceful walks surrounded by nature, you’ll adore this place as much as I do. Unlike many manicured botanical gardens, Kirstenbosch feels a little wilder and more natural, almost like stepping into a serene pocket of untouched forest.

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

Visiting Robben Island is an emotional experience—and it should be. This small island once served as a prison for political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment there before apartheid ended in South Africa. The guided tour, which lasts about three hours, gives you a powerful insight into the country’s history and the incredible resilience of those who fought for freedom. It’s one of the most meaningful stops on any Cape Town itinerary and a truly unforgettable experience.

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
How to get there: To see the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach, the easiest way is to go by car, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace and even combine it with a trip to nearby Simon’s Town. If driving isn’t your thing, don’t worry—there are plenty of great excursions that include transport, often at very reasonable prices, so you can enjoy the penguins without any stress. Either way, visiting these charming little birds is an absolute must on your Cape Town itinerary!

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 have to admit—the main reason I wanted to visit Muizenberg Beach was those famous colourful surf huts. While many of them are now a bit worn down, they still add a charming, iconic touch to the beach. But what really blew me away that day was the sunset. Whether we were lucky or it’s just typical for Muizenberg, the sky transformed from fiery orange to soft pastels of pink and violet—it was honestly one of the most unforgettable sunsets I’ve seen in Cape Town. And if you’re a surfer, this beach is an absolute must-visit, with waves that draw riders from near and far.

Day 3

Explore Winelands

Just an hour away from Cape Town, you can explore Winelands and transport yourself to a completely different world—a place where time seems to slow down and the scenery takes your breath away. We spent our time in Stellenbosch, wandering through its charming streets and visiting a few beautiful wineries, but if we had more time, Franschhoek would surely have made it onto our agenda. The region is full of wineries, ranging from traditional family-run estates to modern, stylish vineyards with a cool vibe. Each one has something special to offer, from wine tastings and cellar tours to incredible restaurants serving local dishes that perfectly complement the wine. Spending a day or two in the Winelands is the perfect addition to any Cape Town itinerary, giving you a mix of relaxation, gastronomy, and stunning landscapes.

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 is full of stunning beaches, so picking just one can feel impossible. During our 4 days in Cape Town, the days weren’t too hot (for me, a mere 23°C doesn’t really count for sunbathing—let alone dipping more than my toes into the water). But that turned out to be a blessing, as it gave us the chance to explore several beaches along the coast south of the city. Without the temptation to lounge all day in one spot, we hopped from beach to beach, each with its own unique charm—from the lively vibe of Camps Bay to the more secluded, peaceful feel of Clifton.

Drive Chapman’s Peak and end the day with the sunset

Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most scenic coastal routes you’ll ever experience. If you still have some energy after a day at the beaches, make a stop at Noordhoek Beach along the way—it’s perfect for a quiet walk or just taking in the view. Before heading back, park at Chapman’s Peak and watch the sun dip below the horizon. It’s hands down one of the best spots for a sundowner on your Cape Town itinerary. Don’t forget to pack some snacks and drinks!

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

If you’re planning 4 days in Cape Town, it’s worth knowing that the city is much more than the centre itself. Many of the iconic attractions—like the Cape Peninsula, Constantia’s wineries, Hout Bay, Muizenberg, and of course Boulders Beach—are spread across surrounding neighbourhoods and coastal towns. Public transport doesn’t connect these spots well, so the best way to get around on your Cape Town itinerary is by hiring a car.

Driving here is relatively easy, with well-maintained roads and spectacular views along the coastal routes. Just remember that South Africans drive on the left, and distances can sometimes be longer than they appear on the map. Parking is usually straightforward, though busy areas like the V&A Waterfront or Camps Bay may require a bit of patience.

I usually recommend using platforms like Discover Cars to compare local and international rental companies—you’ll often find better prices and more flexible options than booking directly. Renting a car also gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop for photos whenever inspiration strikes, and squeeze in those side trips that make 4 days in Cape Town truly unforgettable.

If driving isn’t your thing, there are also excellent tours that combine stops at the penguins on Boulders Beach and the colourful huts of Muizenberg Beach—perfect for those who want a hassle-free way to see the highlights on a Cape Town itinerary.

How to get to Cape Town

Getting to Cape Town is surprisingly easy, making it the perfect starting point for anyone planning to spend 4 days in Cape Town exploring the city and beyond—including a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach. Cape Town International Airport is one of the busiest in Africa, with direct flights from major European hubs like London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Paris, as well as connections from the Middle East and other parts of Africa. If you’re coming from further afield, most flights connect through Johannesburg before heading to the coast.

Once you land, the airport is just 20–25 minutes from the city centre. From there, you can take a taxi, arrange a private transfer, or pick up a rental car right at the terminal. Since many of Cape Town’s highlights are spread along the coastline, having a car makes exploring so much easier—especially if your 4 days in Cape Town include a trip to Boulders Beach to meet its adorable penguin residents.

See also:

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.

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
AirHelp helps to get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights.
Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
WeGoTrip sends you audio guides to your mobile, so you can visit places while learning history and interesting facts easily and for little money.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
Airalo is my eSim choice for alternative data abroad.

Did you like the post? Pin it for later:

How to spend 4 days in Cape Town: a perfect itinerary.

How to spend 4 days in Cape Town

Practical information for 4 days in cape town