This article is contributed by Emma Neely, a fresh Michigan State graduate who once held the role of STA Travel Student Ambassador. Last summer, Emma secured first place in GoAbroad.com's "Win the World" competition and traveled across South Africa through various programs. Below she outlines recommendations from her journey and explains how travelers can fully enjoy seven days in Cape Town.
Ranging from shoreline escapes to braai gatherings (South Africa's signature barbecue, just so you know), here is a lineup of Cape Town's standout tourist hotspots and local favorites that deserve a place on any week-long Mother City itinerary.
Sunday
Greet your temporary home, Cape Town, with a friendly "Molo" or "Sawubona" as you kick off the week. Board the hop-on-hop-off peninsula bus route and orient yourself with the surroundings. Disembark at the World of Birds Park for an up-close encounter with monkeys. Kirstenbosch Gardens also offers a wonderful stroll, complete with complimentary guided tours running several times daily. Reward yourself afterward with a glass of wine at Groot Constantia.
Monday
Set off early to tackle the magnificent Table Mountain. For those feeling adventurous, Skeleton Gorge presents a 4-5 hour picturesque trek, and remarkably it's the gentlest route despite ascending past numerous waterfalls. Platteklip Gorge clocks in as the briefest option at roughly two and a half hours, though it demands plenty of boulder scrambling under direct sun exposure. India Venster, meanwhile, caters to experienced rock climbers. Should Table Mountain feel overwhelming, plenty of visitors opt for Lion's Head or Devil's Peak and still enjoy spectacular panoramas. Once you've finished, ride the cableway back down; it's a genuinely memorable ride and far faster than descending on foot! Following a day on the mountain, make your way to Camps Bay and Café Caprice for a flat white while watching the sun melt into the sea.
Tuesday
Reserve Tuesday for adventure and venture to Stellenbosch for the day to indulge in wine country. Tasting flights range from five to seven pours, paired with hearty samples at each estate, costing roughly 20-50 rand per venue.
Wednesday
Rise and make your way to the fashionable Bree Street or Loop Street for a mouthwatering breakfast. Popular picks include Folk Coffee, Hard Pressed, Smak, and House of the Machine—each dishing up tasty fare alongside freshly brewed coffee. Curious about a regional beverage? Sample rooibos tea or a red cappuccino. Once you've eaten, wander over to Green Market Square, an African crafts bazaar perfect for souvenir hunting—just brace yourself to bargain!
Leaving Green Market Square behind, drop into the District 6 Museum to discover the story of apartheid-era South Africa. Then proceed to Bo-Kaap to admire the colorful Malay Quarter. This neighborhood is home to Cape Town's oldest mosque. In Bo-Kaap, you'll capture vibrant shots of brightly painted homes, taste the syrupy pastry known as koesisters, and savor traditional Cape Malay dishes like bobotie—the same meal served at Nelson Mandela's Nobel Peace Prize banquet.
Once you've immersed yourself in Cape Town's cultural legacy, pop into Honest Chocolate to sample rich treats and then slip into their hidden gin bar, where every cocktail is presented as a medicinal prescription. This nods to gin's historical role as a remedy. For supper, head to Bombay Bicycle Club, a beloved local haunt. Be sure to reserve the swing table in advance, which accommodates up to five guests.
Thursday
Spend some quality time with the penguins at Boulders Beach—you can literally plop down on the sand and snap a selfie with your adorable new companions!
Continue further south toward the Cape of Good Hope, the southwestern tip of the African continent. The area offers ample hiking trails, and with any luck, you might spot wildlife! Baboons frequently appear along the road leading to the Cape of Good Hope—if you encounter one, keep your car windows shut, as they're known to hop in searching for snacks.
Should your Cape Town visit fall during the opening week of the month, the city center transforms into a lively celebration brimming with art, cuisine, and shopping. Dance the night away and toast surrounded by creative works. Bars and stores keep late hours, and you'll discover vintage bazaars plus street sellers tucked into parking lots. This cultural happening, dubbed "First Thursdays," centers on Loop and Bree Streets. Following that, explore Cape Town's legendary bar culture along Long Street, where younger crowds gather and DJs spin until sunrise.
Friday
Unless you're already based at the V&A Waterfront, carve out time to explore this lively district, which features excellent shopping, top-notch eateries, a Ferris wheel, and gorgeous vistas. From the V&A Waterfront, catch the ferry across to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned. Booking ahead is essential, as tickets tend to sell out.
Afterward, journey south to Hout Bay for the weekly Harbor Bay Market, where you can browse handcrafted goods, boutique stalls, live music, beverages, and—most crucially—exceptional food on a Friday evening. You'll walk away impressed. Cape Town is a city that takes great pride in its culinary scene.
Saturday
If Harbor Bay Market won you over, the Old Biscuit Mill will absolutely delight you. Plan to dedicate your entire morning here, sampling even more delicious food, drinks, and continuing your shopping spree! While visiting, make a point to try biltong—South Africa's answer to beef jerky.
Next, head to Muizenberg for a surfing session! Surfboard and wetsuit rentals are affordable, and the shopping plus food options in Muizenberg and neighboring Kalk Bay are fantastic. If surfing isn't your style, several other neighborhoods near the Old Biscuit Mill merit exploration. Woodstock and Salt River serve as the creative quarters, while Observatory—affectionately called Obz—is the student hangout.
Following an action-packed day, travel north of the city to Bloubergstrand (we suggest Dolphin Beach, situated beside a wonderful seafood restaurant) for picture-perfect scenery. This ranks among the most iconic photo opportunities Cape Town has to offer.
Sunday
Should your flight depart later in the day, make your way to Mzoli's or sign up for a guided township excursion. It's an absolute must-see, featuring incredible meats to sample. Mzoli's is best visited on Sundays, and while it requires some travel, it's highly praised and absolutely worthwhile! Regrettably, it's time to bid this gorgeous country "totsiens," though a return trip is a must!
If your Cape Town stay stretches beyond seven days, I'd suggest embarking on the Garden Route adventure. I had a fantastic time with Hotspots2c. Numerous tour operators run comparable itineraries with adjustments based on trip length, featuring activities like caving, elephant encounters, safari drives, bungee jumping from the world's highest bridge, kayaking, wine sampling, and additional thrills.
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