Cape Town

Travel Guide

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront which includes a lake or waterhole
Table Mountain showing a sunset and mountains
Simon\'s Town
Cape Town
Cape Town

Cape Town Travel Guide Video

From the heights of Table Mountain to the unique “Cape Dutch” architecture and sparkling blue waterfront, Cape Town is known for its natural and cultural attractions.

Wherever you are in Cape Town the iconic Table Mountain adds one of the world’s most impressive backdrops to your view. No trip to this South African port city is complete without a hike or leisurely cable car ride to the top, where the breathtaking vistas are known as some of the best in Africa.

Cape Town, known as “Kaapstad” in Afrikaans, is the seat of the National Parliament and the second most-populated city after Johannesburg. More tourists visit Cape Town than anywhere else in South Africa.

The story of the city’s past is written in its architecture. The colonizing Dutch left their mark with their unique “Cape Dutch” style. Look for houses with decorative front gables. See Malaysian influences in the colorful houses and periodic minarets of the Bo-Kaap district.

The mix of nationalities makes for a rich cultural scene and some of the best food in the country. Eat local dishes from the street carts in the Bo-Kaap district, including Babotie, a spicy-meat dish. Try freshly caught seafood in fine-dining restaurants at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

Low humidity makes the summer heat bearable, while winters can be quite wet. Escape the rain and learn about the city’s history at the Jewish Museum, Slave Lodge and the South African Maritime Museum. Hear stories from former prisoners at nearby Robben Island, where former president Nelson Mandela was held before the abolishment of apartheid.

A wild coastline surrounds the city and peninsula. Unwind at picturesque St. James, admire the Twelve Apostles mountain range from Camps Bay Beach and enjoy scenic drives around Hout Bay. Table Mountain National Park covers 75 percent of the peninsula. Get face-to-face with African penguins at Boulders Beach or spot baboons, antelopes and whales as you hike the trails at the Cape of Good Hope.

Cape Town lies on the southwest coast of South Africa. The city and surrounding countryside is best explored by car. Note that due to extreme poverty in some townships, safety is a concern. The city is relatively safe by South African standards but take necessary precautions: don’t carry valuables, lock your doors while driving and stick to tourist areas that are generally well guarded.

Where to stay in Cape Town

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront featuring a marina

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

Explore the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, offering shopping, dining, and attractions like Battery Park, the 1882 clock tower, and Zeitz MOCAA contemporary art museum.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Camps Bay which includes a coastal town, landscape views and mountains

Camps Bay

4.5/5(61 area reviews)

Affluent suburb with a picturesque bay, Camps Bay offers a variety of beaches, including the popular Camps Bay Beach and Glen Beach for surfing. Explore the open-air curio market at Koeël Bay and enjoy picnics at Oudekraal, all near hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Camps Bay
Cape Town City Centre

Cape Town City Centre

4/5(484 area reviews)

Known for its majestic mountain landscape and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Cape Town City Centre. Check out top attractions like District Six Museum and Cape Town City Hall, and jump on the metro at Woodstock Station or Esplanade Station to see more of the city.

Cape Town City Centre
Sea Point

Sea Point

4.5/5(72 area reviews)

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Sea Point. A stop by Milton Beach or Table Mountain National Park might round out your trip.

Sea Point
Cape Town Stadium which includes a city and a sunset

Green Point

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

Travelers like the cocktail bars in Green Point, and Greenpoint Market is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Green Point
Somerset West showing landscape views, golf and mountains

Somerset West

Nestled between Hottentots-Holland mountains and Cape Winelands, this area boasts attractions like Vergelegen Wine Estate and Helderberg Nature Reserve. Enjoy shopping at Somerset Mall and convenient transport via Golden Arrow buses.

Somerset West
Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
$135 nightly
The price is $157 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$157 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"Cleanliness and staff superb. I liked the fact that the tv had all the sport channels. Lovely breakfast buffet"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Taj Cape Town
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

4 out of 5
15 Michigan Street, Airport Industria, Cape Town, Western Cape
$108 nightly
The price is $124 total per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
$124 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)
"The hotel was clean and the staff were amazing."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

3.5 out of 5
Silo 6, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape
$126 nightly
The price is $145 total per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
$145 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (646 reviews)
"The staff is absolutely amazing. The rooftop bar and food was quaint quiet and perfect. The breakfast is simply amazing. We loved this stay. The location is on the waterfront, which is extremely safe, not extremely African, but very nice."

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

4 out of 5
57 Heerengracht Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (519 reviews)
Very nice
"All staff were nice and helpful. Clean property well situated. Food was great"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
Urban Elephant 16 on Bree

Urban Elephant 16 on Bree

4 out of 5
16 Bree St, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Cruise Terminal ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"This apartment was beautiful with a stunning city view of Cape Town. It felt like home immediately and has a washing machine in the apartment which was greatly appreciated as someone who had been traveling for 2 months through Africa! Loves everything about my stay. Would very much recommend!"

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Urban Elephant 16 on Bree
Kayleeway Apartments

Kayleeway Apartments

4 out of 5
26A Queens Road, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Clifton Bay Beach and Camps Bay Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"This was a great place for our family to stay. The apartment was clean and secure. We arrived in the afternoon and check-in was easy, the management friendly. Accommodations were very nice. We were close enough to walk down to several grocery stores. Also not far from Mojo's, a large food court with ..."

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Kayleeway Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Cape Town

The best way to get around in Cape Town is to rent your own car, as this will help you get to outlying natural attractions such as Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope. There is a public train system, although this is generally of more use to commuters, connecting the city center with the suburbs. Taxis are plentiful, but be sure to take one which is running on a meter or arrange a price beforehand. Visit the Department of Transport Opens in a new window website.Browse Cape Town rental cars.

Best time to visit

Summers in Cape Town are warm and dry, with average highs in January in the low 80s F (high 20s C). This is a great time of year to visit, but is also the busiest and most expensive period. Between June and August, it’s chillier and it rains a lot more, but the weather is by no means extreme, and it’s quieter and prices are lower at this time; this is also the time of year to go whale watching.

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