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 dazzling heights of Table Mountain to the sparkling blues around its impressive waterfront, Cape Town brims with attractions for nature lovers and culture buffs.

Wherever you are in Cape Town the majestic, iconic shape of Table Mountain adds one of the world’s most impressive backdrops to your view. No trip to this South African city is complete without a hike, or a more leisurely cable car ride, to the top, where the breathtaking vistas are known as some of the best in Africa.The story of Cape Town’s past is written in its architecture. The colonizing Dutch left their mark with their unique “Cape Dutch” style. You’ll recognize this style in those houses with decorative front gables. Subsequent English and Muslim inhabitants made significant contributions too. See their architectural styles as you wander around the colorful houses and periodic minarets of the Bo-Kaap district. Such a mix of nationalities makes for a rich cultural scene. Food is superb, whether you’re eating from one of the street carts in the Bo-Kaap district or enjoying freshly caught seafood in a fine-dining restaurant on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Learn about the city’s history at the Jewish Museum, Slave Lodge and the South Africa Maritime Museum. Perhaps the most poignant story is to be found on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held before the abolishment of apartheid. More than anything though, Cape Town is destination for those who love the outdoors. A wild coastline surrounds the city. The expansive Table Mountain National Park covers 75 percent of the peninsula, meaning that encounters with wildlife are common. Get face-to-face with African penguins at Boulders Beach, or keep an eye out for baboons, antelopes or whales as you hike one of the trails on the Cape of Good Hope. You can also see more cultivated natural beauty at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Though fairly small, Cape Town does not lend itself to exploring on foot. It’s better to rent a car the roads are generally easy to navigate and free flowing. Public buses run some of the major tourist routes as well. Cape Town’s climate is generally good, with the low humidity making the summer heat bearable. Winters can be quite wet.

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 Sea Point Swimming Pool 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
The price is ₩233,281 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
₩233,281
₩270,956 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & 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! (1,002 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 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 ₩155,527 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
₩155,527
₩180,645 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Lovely hotel"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 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
The price is ₩171,907 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
₩171,907
₩199,670 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & 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! (638 reviews)
"Safe, great location"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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! (514 reviews)
"Great location, wonderful staff, snacks and wine provided"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 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! (24 reviews)
Nice find in central
"Great find in Central Cape Town. Efficient check in, comms and facilities. Nice view too. Secure, safe and would return"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Urban Elephant 16 on Bree
Camps Bay Village
Camps Bay Village
3 out of 5
32 Camps Bay Drive, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Camps Bay Beach and Clifton ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (178 reviews)
"The personnel is kind and helpful!"

Reviewed on May 15, 2025

Camps Bay Village
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

Reviews of Cape Town

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
469
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
204
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
22
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Cape Town is the most beautiful place in the World

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful city with outstanding landscape and very friendly people.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We always enjoy Cape Town and the lovely hotel Cape Grace. Walking distance to many shopping/restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

One of my favorite places in this world.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Greatest city in the world

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful location with tonnes of things to do within easy driving distance! Really enjoyed it!

Cities near Cape Town