Wine & Dine in Cape Town: The Perfect 7-Day Food, Wine & Beach Escape

Settle into your hotel. I suggest staying close to the V&A Waterfront to take in the harbor views. I recommend grabbing coffee and a pastry at Origin Coffee Roasting, one of the best roasters in town and the perfect start to a long-awaited vacation.

Spend the afternoon exploring the shops, galleries, and promenade paths of the Waterfront. For a fun and low-key welcome to the city, hop on the Cape Wheel, a large Ferris wheel with beautiful views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t forget to grab a cookie ice cream sandwich from Crumbs & Cream.

In the evening, enjoy a cocktail with panoramic views at The Nines, followed by dinner at The Granary Café, just a short walk away. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, perfect for your first taste of Cape Town’s culinary scene.

Today is for wine lovers. Take a scenic 1.5-hour Uber or private transfer to Franschhoek, a storybook town tucked into the mountains of the Cape Winelands.

Once there, you’ll board the Franschhoek Wine Tram, a hop-on-hop-off line that connects you to some of the best wineries in the region via open-air tram and bus loops.

I recommend choosing the Orange Line, which includes stops at Grande Provence (modern art and gardens), Bergkelder (wine in a mountain cellar), and Haute Cabrière, where you’ll pause for lunch. Built into a mountainside, this elegant winery serves French-inspired cuisine and is known for its Chardonnay Pinot Noir blend (an icon of the region).

In the evening, you can either head back to your hotel and turn in early or catch a sunset harbor cruise. Boats leave frequently from the waterfront docks and offer unforgettable views as the city’s lights begin to glow.

Start your morning in the fresh air of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, one of the most stunning gardens in the world. You’ll find thousands of plant species here, including the protea, South Africa’s national flower and a striking symbol of the country’s biodiversity. Walk the tree canopy on the Boomslang walkway or simply relax in the dappled shade of Table Mountain’s slopes.

Next, head just 15 minutes away to Groot Constantia, the country’s oldest wine estate. Known for producing award-winning red blends and playing a key role in the history of South African wine, this is a must-visit for history buffs and wine connoisseurs alike. Take a guided cellar tour, enjoy a tasting, and learn why Napoleon himself once had barrels shipped to him in exile.

For dinner, head back into Cape Town and change before a night out. Book a table at FYN Restaurant. This architectural and culinary masterpiece offers a Japanese-African tasting menu that’s among the most celebrated in South Africa.

This morning, drive the scenic coast to Boulders Beach, home to a protected colony of endangered African penguins. These charismatic birds are one of only a few warm-weather penguin species in the world, and the wooden boardwalks let you get remarkably close without disturbing their habitat.

Continue to Kalk Bay for lunch at Harbour House, perched right over the rocks. You’ll probably see seals playing below as you enjoy freshly grilled seafood and a glass of crisp chenin blanc. After lunch, grab a scoop at The Ice Café, a beloved local favorite.

Wrap up the day in Camps Bay, where palm trees line the sand and the vibe is effortlessly chic. Grab a table at Café Caprice and order the frozen watermelon margarita (my personal favorite) while the sun sets over the Twelve Apostles.

Ease into the day at Camps Bay Beach, a long stretch of golden sand backed by dramatic mountains. Whether you’re sunbathing, taking a dip, or just walking the surf, this beach delivers beauty in every direction.

For lunch, head to Mantra Café, where ocean views meet relaxed, modern plates (get the fish tacos). If you’re in the mood for something swankier, Sandy B Private Beach Club offers day passes for a more exclusive, loungy experience right on the water.

In the evening, dine at Bilboa, a sleek, glass-walled restaurant above the promenade with Mediterranean-inspired fare, a great wine list, and some of the best seafood in the city.

Start your day with a trip to World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary in Hout Bay, where you can walk among hundreds of birds and say hello to a playful troop of squirrel monkeys. These monkeys have real personalities—several tried to escape in the pockets of my dress!

In the afternoon, return to the city for a luxurious spa experience at the One&Only Spa. Choose from massages, facials, and holistic wellness rituals, all in a serene setting on its own private island in the marina.

For dinner, walk over to COY, where you’ll dine with a fantastic wine pairing menu right at the water’s edge.

Start your final day with brunch at The Bungalow, a breezy, stylish spot near Clifton that offers beach views, bubbly, and a menu full of hits (think shakshuka, French toast, and seaside omelets).

After brunch, head to Klein Roosboom, a boutique winery in the Durbanville Wine Valley known for its cozy and laid-back charm. It’s just under an hour away and well worth the drive. Doing wine tastings in their historic caves was a true highlight of my trip.

In the evening, book a farewell dinner at La Colombe, consistently ranked one of the top restaurants in the world. Their multi-course tasting menu blends whimsical presentation with bold flavors and makes for a truly unforgettable sendoff.