Cape Town

Travel Guide

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront featuring a lake or waterhole
Cape Town
Simon\'s Town
Cape Town
Cape Town

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 colourful 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 showing a marina

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

The picture-perfect mountain views and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. A stop by Cape Town Cruise Terminal or Two Oceans Aquarium might round out your trip.

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

Camps Bay

4.5/5(51 area reviews)

The beaches and picture-perfect mountain views are top of the list for many visitors to Camps Bay. A stop by Camps Bay Beach or Table Mountain National Park might round out your trip.

Camps Bay
Default Image

Cape Town City Centre

4/5(237 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(39 area reviews)

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

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

Green Point

4.5/5(29 area reviews)

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

Green Point
Cape Town showing a city and night scenes

City Bowl

The majestic mountain landscape and popular shops are just a few highlights of City Bowl. Make a stop by South African National Gallery or Kloof Street while you're exploring the area.

City Bowl
Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is €194 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
€194
per night
22 Aug - 23 Aug
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 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
The price is €128 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
€128
per night
22 Aug - 23 Aug
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Great location close to airport"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

4 out of 5
57 Heerengracht Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is €98 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€98
per night
26 Aug - 27 Aug
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! (524 reviews)
"Our 2 bedroom apartment was very spacious with excellent furniture and all amenities including a washer even though I was told there wouldn't be one."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
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! (524 reviews)
"Our 2 bedroom apartment was very spacious with excellent furniture and all amenities including a washer even though I was told there wouldn't be one."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
To be recommended
"Extremely well equipped and very comfortable, friendly staff, bad was fantastic, and price was very good Convenient location Improvements needed: Lighting over working desk is a problem"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Urban Elephant 16 on Bree
One Thibault Hotel by ITC Hospitality

One Thibault Hotel by ITC Hospitality

17 Hans Strijdom Ave, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Cruise Terminal ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (96 reviews)
One Thinalt
"It was a good stay. The only issue is the parking. They want me to pay for it as a resident and the price is too high."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

One Thibault Hotel by ITC Hospitality
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do