Cape Town is a beautiful port city located on South Africa’s western cape. Cape Town is the country’s oldest city and is known for its incredible topography. When you arrive you’ll be greeted by a mesmerizing coastline dotted with striking mountain ranges. The city is also known for being a vibrant, modern metropolis that is home to an array of hip, upscale restaurants, bars, hotels, and boutiques.
A must-visit bucket list destination, you could spend days exploring the city of Cape Town, taking in the cultural melting pot that it is – bar hopping, dining at great restaurants, visiting art galleries, sipping cocktails and swapping stories with travelers from all over the globe. Outside the city, Cape Town offers incredible hiking trails, beautiful beaches, unique road trip destinations, and world-class wineries in the nearby Cape Winelands.
Cape Town is very affordable (by American standards) which is a huge draw for many travelers. Sun-seekers from around the world flock to Cape Town in the summer months (December – March) to enjoy the incredible weather and live like kings on a modest budget.
This was my first time visiting South Africa and I fell in love with Cape Town instantly. The city has a very special, vibrant energy and the locals are fun, welcoming, and yes – very attractive.
Based on my experience, here’s my ultimate guide to Cape Town with everything you need to know to have an unforgettable experience in South Africa’s “mother city.”
Where To Stay In Cape Town: The Best Areas, Hotels & Airbnbs
The best trips usually start with amazing accommodations. They don’t have to be expensive, but they do have to have a special “wow” factor that makes them memorable.
On my trip to Cape Town, I was spoiled with staying at some of the best hotels in the city and the Cape Winelands. I also stayed at vacation rentals, and I loved each of these accommodations for different reasons. Before I dive into the details of these, let’s talk about what areas to stay in, especially for a first-time trip to Cape Town.
The Best Areas To Stay At In Cape Town
Cape Town has an array of different neighborhoods to explore, which can also make it challenging to choose the perfect place to stay. Many of the good hotels and vacation rentals can be found along the coastline. Sea Point, Camps Bay, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Green Point, and the downtown city center are all great neighborhoods to stay in while visiting Cape Town.
Sea Point is the most centralized area, and probably the most ideal spot to stay on a first-time trip to Cape Town. I stayed here for the first two nights of my trip and loved the location.
Sea Point is a lively, affluent suburb with great beaches that offer tidal pools, kids’ playgrounds, and the Sea Point Promenade, a popular walking route that traces the coastline. Sea Point also offers an array of great restaurants, bars, and shops. During summer (December – March) they often have fun street festivals. There happened to be one going on the day I arrived which was a perfect way to start my trip!
Camps Bay is another ideal spot to stay during a trip to Cape Town. I stayed here and loved the peacefulness of feeling slightly removed from the city while having access to everything close by.
Camps Bay draws crowds to its namesake beach, known for its fine white sand, natural rock swimming pool and views of the beautiful Twelve Apostles mountains. Along the ocean, you’ll find a small promenade mall selling fashion and beachwear, and posh seafood restaurants, cute cafes, and terraced cocktail bars overlooking the ocean.
Clifton is the most affluent area of Cape Town. The small, gorgeous neighborhood offers stunning white sand beaches and sweeping views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, paired with Famed Lions Head peak as its backdrop.
Here you’ll find mansions and luxury hotels perched at the base of Lion’s Head overlooking Clifton Beach which is broken down into four beaches – 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th beach. This is a great area to stay in if you want to take in amazing views and be close to hiking and great beaches while still just a few minutes from town.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Green Point are right next to each other, situated around the port. This is a busy commercial area, so I chose not to stay here during my trip, but it is a great spot to stay if you want to have easy access to a lot of the city’s amenities. If you’re staying in this area you can easily walk to the Cape Town Stadium, the Tow Oceans Aquarium, and the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.
There are also an array of great restaurants, bars, and hotels in this area. I shared a few of the best hotels below in the hotel section. This is also a great place to go shopping at the V&A Waterfront.
The City Center is Cape Town’s vibrant business and commercial heart and is the place to stay if you want to be in the midst of the action. It offers a mix of chain stores, surf shops, fashion boutiques, parks, gardens, and tons of hotel and dining options from casual pizzerias to upscale bistros.
Cape Town locals know how to party and the city center is the place to be if you want walkable access to all the best bars and clubs where you can dance until the sun comes up.
Llandudno is a beautiful seaside suburb just outside of Cape Town. It’s only about a fifteen-minute drive to Sea Point from Llandudno but it feels like a million miles away. Llandudno has access to great hiking and gorgeous beaches, all within walking distance from the community but it doesn’t have much by way of restaurants.
If you stay in Llandudno, be prepared to drive to nearby Haut Bay or Camps Bay for shops and food. You can catch Ubers from here but sometimes it can take a while to get one. I had to hitchhike once while staying here because the Uber took so long – no joke.
Hout Bay is a great area to visit for the day but a little out of the way. They do have some great restaurants. I loved Dunes Beach Restaurant & Bar which offers upscale Cape Code vibes, right on the sand with beautiful views, great drinks, and excellent food.
If you want to escape the city and have an amazing luxury experience I suggest splurging on a stay at Tintswalo Atlantic which is just a few minutes from Haut Bay and offers a unique, hidden gem, luxury experience.
Where I Stayed In Cape Town
These are the hotels and vacation rentals that I stayed at in Cape Town and loved.
Tintswalo Atlantic
Boasting an extraordinary location, just a short drive from town yet nestled within Table Mountain National Park, this luxury hideaway is arguably the best hotel in Cape Town. Tintswalo Atlantic offers a secluded getaway for guests to enjoy a private beach, an outdoor swimming pool overlooking Hout Bay, impeccable service, and excellent dining and spa offerings.
Tucked away against a hillside, down a private winding road, it’s a little bit of a trek to get to Tintswalo Atlantic and that is one of the best things about this exclusive 5-star hotel. Once you’ve arrived, you feel like you’ve arrived.
The property is intimate and magical and the staff is incredible. Each of the ten individually decorated bungalows is situated on the water’s edge and offers a private deck, an ocean-view soaking tub, and sparkling views of Hout Bay. A stay at Tintswalo Atlantic is well worth the price for the world-class service and amenities you’ll experience.
Tintswalo goes above and beyond to make guests feel pampered so it’s popular for special occasions and celebrations among both visitors and locals. During your stay you’ll enjoy sunset canapés and cocktails, a welcome bottle of wine waiting in your room, a lavish breakfast and other luxury touches.
I loved everything about my stay at Tintswalo Atlantic, especially drifting off to sleep watching moonlight dance across the sparkling bay, while listening to the sound of waves peacefully lapping against the shore. Paradise found.
La Cotte Farm
You can’t visit Cape Town without wine tasting in the Cape Winelands, and while there are many wonderful hotels to choose from, I highly suggest La Cotte Farm. Ideally located just outside the small, picturesque town of Franschhoek, La Cotte offers the rural charm of a working wine farm paired with modern-day luxury.
I spent two blissful days and nights at La Cotte and my only complaint is that it was not long enough. I’ve been all over the world and I generally prefer beach hotels, but La Cotte Farm instantly stole my heart with its unpretentious, yet glamorous style, along with the beauty and peacefulness of the property.
La Cotte exudes old world meets French countryside luxury. The design of this hotel is impeccable. Every thoughtful detail blends effortlessly together creating a sophisticated, upscale yet welcoming atmosphere.
I stayed in a pool bungalow and a private pool cottage and both were wonderful. There isn’t a bad room at La Cotte and you can not beat the gorgeous property landscaped with lush gardens, walking paths, and vineyards set against a mesmerizing mountain backdrop.
If you’re looking for a special place to have a wedding or celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion, La Cotte Farm is the perfect boutique hotel to book in the Cape Winelands.
Camps Bay Retreat
Ideally situated overlooking Camps Bay, Camps Bay Retreat is an eclectic and charming four-star hotel that offers a mix of traditional ocean-view rooms and small jungle bungalows, tucked away in the forest but still overlooking the sea.
I loved how unique this property is. It feels like you are on safari, staying in a jungle, but you are across from the ocean with sweeping ocean views. I also loved that this hotel is within walking distance to Camps Bay Promenade where you’ll find great seafood restaurants, bars, and shops.
I highly suggest booking a room with a private hot tub at Camps Bay Retreat to fully relax, unwind, and enjoy this special property.
Sea Point Airbnb
I stayed at this charming Modern 2 Bedroom Condo in the heart of Sea Point for the first two nights of my trip. You can’t beat the location of this place and it was stylish, spacious, and spotlessly clean. The check-in process was also easy and the host was very communicative and helpful. It also felt very safe with 24/7 security.
I loved that you could walk to the beach and tons of great restaurants, bars, and shops from this condo. My favorite amenity was the rooftop pool area that offers amazing views of Lions Head Mountain on one side and the city and ocean on the other. I would definitely stay here again.
Llandudno Airbnb
This small, beachside community reminds me a little bit of Malibu. It’s incredibly peaceful and beautiful and has a gorgeous white sandy beach with good waves – there was even a surf contest going on while I was there.
There are no street lights, restaurants, or shops in Llandudno but the town has some of the most expensive residential properties in South Africa. After staying here for three nights it’s easy to see why. Llandudno is magical. And while the homes here are expensive, it’s possible to find affordable vacation rentals.
I stayed at the Tranquil Beach Sunset Retreat which is a little studio that rents for around $100 a night in high season, and I loved it. The studio itself is not fancy but it has sweeping ocean views. I spent days here just staring at the sea being reminded that every day we get to be alive is a gift and how lucky we are to have so many beautiful places like this around the world to discover during our lives.
The Best Hotels In Cape Town
These are 14 of the best hotels in Cape Town. I’ve organized them by luxury, mid-range and budget to help you choose the best hotel for you and your group.
Best Luxury Cape Town Hotels
- Tintswalo Atlantic – Located just a short drive from Hout Bay Beach and Chapmans Peak, this luxury hideaway is arguably the best hotel in Cape Town offering a secluded getaway for guests to enjoy a private beach, an outdoor swimming pool overlooking Hout Bay and world-class service, dining, spa offerings.
- La Cotte Farm – Centrally located in the picturesque town of Franschhoek, La Cotte Farm is an ideal place to stay when visiting the Cape Winelands. I spent two blissful nights here during my trip and it quickly became one of my favorite hotels. La Cotte Farm excuses unpretentious old-world glamour and charm in an incredibly beautiful, peaceful setting. My only complaint is that two nights here were not enough.
- Camps Bay Retreat – Ideally situated overlooking Camps Bay, Camps Bay Retreat is an eclectic and charming four-star hotel that offers a mix of traditional ocean-view rooms and small jungle bungalows and bungalows, tucked away in the forest but still overlooking the sea. I stayed here during my trip and loved it. I suggest booking a room with a hot tub to fully enjoy the views from this amazing property.
- Gorgeous George – This chic boutique hotel is located in the city center and offers a small but popular rooftop pool area and sunbathing deck. This is also a great spot for cocktails, brunch or lunch!
- Ellerman House – This luxury hotel is located in Bantry Bay near the beach and close to the Bo Kaap Museum and Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. The hotel has 13 individually furnished rooms with sea views and balconies. There are also two luxury villa options, which can both sleep up to six people.
- Silo Hotel – With 28 individually furnished rooms, this luxury resort situated on the V&A Waterfront has unique room options, including a royal suite that can sleep four with large windows, a penthouse one-bedroom apartment, and rooms with bay views.
- Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa – This family-friendly hotel in Oudekraal is close to Camps Bay Beach and Table Mountain. The hotel has 70 rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, an onsite spa and two onsite restaurants.
- Belmond Mount Nelson – Located just a two-minute walk from Kloof Street in downtown Cape Town, this highly-rated hotel offers guests a complimentary breakfast, two outdoor swimming pools, a poolside bar, and four onsite restaurants.
- One&Only Cape Town – Family-friendly, 5-Star Resort located on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Mid-Range Cape Town Hotels
- More Quarters Hotel – This hotel offers guests the choice of a one or two-bedroom apartment. The one-bedroom apartment can sleep up to two people, and the two-bedroom apartment has space for four. The aparthotel has a fitness center, a bar and a full breakfast option.
- Victoria and Alfred Hotel – Located near the cruise terminal, this waterfront hotel is just a short walk from the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Cape Town Stadium.
- Pod Camps Bay – Complete with mountain and ocean views, the hotel has 17 rooms, with premium comforts such as bedding and heated floors. The hotel is located close to Camps Bay Beach and Clifton Bay Beach.
Budget Cape Town Hotels
- Once In Cape Town – This hotel offers guests the choice of two restaurants, including brunch and happy hour options. The hotel also has a garden and terrace area.
- Radisson Red Hotel – This eco-certified hotel is close to the Cape Town Cruise Terminal and Cape Town Convention Center. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and a rooftop terrace.
- Ace Hotel – Located on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with beautiful views of Lions Head.
Top Things To Do In Cape Town
With everything from historical sites, incredible hikes, a thriving nightlife scene and wonderful beaches, Cape Town has something for everyone. Here are 11 of the best things to do in Cape Town.
1) Explore Off The Beaten Path
When you’re visiting Cape Town for the first time you should of course some of the popular tourist attractions; They’re popular for a reason. But there is so much to do in Cape Town that is off the beaten path.
Everyone does Lion’s Head but have you heard of the shipwreck hike from Sandy Bay Beach? Sandy Bay is located in Table Mountain National Park, just a short, pretty walk from Llandudno. From there you can hike up the dunes to be rewarded with amazing views of Sandy Bay on one side (pictured below) and Hout Bay on the other.
If you hike further along the ridge you will reach the point where you’ll see an amazing shipwreck, Ou Schip, peaking out of the sea. From there you can head down a lower path back to Sandy Bay Beach which is a beautiful, peaceful white sand beach. It’s also a nude beach so be prepared for a potential free show!
The entire hike takes less than two hours and is fairly easy so it’s a great way to get some exercise and explore off the beaten path.
2) Take The Cable Car Up To Table Mountain
A trip up the cable car to Table Mountain is a must when visiting Cape Town. The cable car scales the side of Table Mountain and offers gorgeous, sweeping views from the top.
This is a great place to watch the sunset over the city and surrounding areas.
3) Do The Iconic Lion’s Head Hike
There are endless options to escape the city, but one of the best ways is to explore the mountains and national parks. Lion’s Head is one of the most popular hikes in Cape Town.
This hike is challenging but once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a killer view.
4) Visit The Cape Winelands
You can’t visit Cape Town without going to wine tasting in the Cape Winelands District, so I suggest renting a car for a few days and spending two to three nights in Franschhoek. As I mentioned above, Franschhoek is a small, picturesque town located just a little over an hour from Cape Town.
La Cotte Farm is a wonderful place to stay during your time in the Winelands and you must go wine tasting on the Franschhoek Wine Tram. Beyond great wines, South Africa also has excellent, affordable MCC – aka champagne. The only difference between the South African MCC and Champagne is where the grapes are grown.
My favorite wineries in the Cape Winelands were La Motte (the oyster and MCC pairing are a must), Richard Branson’s winery Mont Rochelle (beautiful grounds), Klein Goederust (locally owned with amazing MCC) and Grande Provence Estate (more delicious oysters and MCC plus a very art gallery).
5) Enjoy A Scenic Helicopter Flight
One of the best ways to see Cape Town is from above! A helicopter flight over Cape Town offers stunning city and Cape views. You can take a 12-minute helicopter tour along the coast, taking in breathtaking views of the stadium, neighborhoods and natural landmarks.
6) Visit The Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden
The Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden is one of nine National Botanical Gardens administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). This garden is home to an extensive collection of African plants and has designated trails for exploring the gardens.
7) Relax On A Beach Or Cold Plunge
Cape Town has incredible beaches. Some of the best ones are Camps Bay Beach, Boulders Beach (to see the Penguins), Clifton, Long Beach, Bakhoven Beach, Simon’s Town, and Sandy Bay Beach (pictured below).
But consider yourself warned about the chill factor of the sea here. Cape Town is located on the Atlantic seaboard of the Western Cape. What does this mean for the ocean temperature? Translation – the water is freezing! I’m a surfer and a surf instructor so I pride myself on being pretty tough but the water was so cold I was only able to jump in for 10 seconds before I was scrambling out shivering.
If you like to cold plunge, this is the place to do it. Many people cold plunge daily in the natural tide pools at Saunders Beach on Bantry Bay. For the record, I think those people are nuts, but while you’re in Cape Town you might as well live on the edge and try a natural cold plunge.
8) Go On Safari
Head to the Gondwana Game Reserve, just five hours outside the city. Here, you will find ‘The Big Five,’ African lions, elephants, leopards, Cape buffalos and rhinoceros. This reserve is committed to conservation and is beautiful and has excellent guides.
9) Visit The Bo Kaap Neighbourhood
The Bo Kaap neighborhood is located at the bottom of Signal Hill. This neighborhood is filled with colorful houses dating back to the 1760s. The town has a museum in one of the oldest buildings in the city.
This is a great place to walk around and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants.
10) First Thursdays
If you’re visiting Cape Town during the first week of the month you have to check out First Thursdays. On the first Thursday of every month, they throw a giant street party across Cape Town. You can walk between the galleries, restaurants, and bars and everything is open until very late.
I visited Cape Town at the beginning of December and got to experience First Thursday. It was so fun! Cape Town knows how to party and the energy in the city for this event is intoxicating.
11) Take a Cape Point Road Trip
Cape Point is located within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and has a historical lighthouse and sweeping ocean views. The drive between Cape Point and Cape Town is incredible.
On the drive, you’ll see Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach, Sentinel Peak, and Champman’s Peak Road.
Best Tours To Take In Cape Town
- Embark on a round-trip journey aboard the Table Mountain Cable Car from Cape Town to the summit of Table Mountain.
- Experience the beauty of Cape Town with a 12-minute helicopter tour along the coast, featuring stunning views of the stadium, neighborhoods and natural landmarks.
- Discover Cape Town’s history and culture on a guided bike tour. See the colorful homes in Bo-Kaap and the iconic Green Point Stadium, and learn from an expert guide.
- Experience breathtaking views of Cape Town’s Atlantic coastline, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, and Camps Bay during a guided tandem paragliding flight.
- Explore the breathtaking scenery of Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve with a guided quad biking adventure just outside of Cape Town.
Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Cape Town
With farm-to-table and sea-to-table as the norm in Cape Town, there are plenty of incredible restaurant options. I was very impressed by how good the food is. I did not have one bad meal the entire 10 days I was in Cape Town.
The city is a global melting pot, so every type of food is available an affordable price. Here are 10 of the best fine dining options in Cape Town.
- La Petite Colombe – With a series of tasting menus, this restaurant has several options, including a reduced menu, vegetarian, chefs’ experience, and a vegetarian chefs’ experience menu. The restaurant is located in Franschhoek.
- Belly of the Beast – With just a 30-seater restaurant, Belly of the Beast offers an incredible tasting menu with ingredients sourced from local sustainable producers. There is no menu or set number of courses; you must show up and trust that you will be served incredible dishes.
- Chefs Warehouse – Maison – This restaurant has a relaxed contemporary country feel, serving farm-to-table food while supporting local suppliers and serving a seasonal menu.
- Galjoen – Serving just 24 people at a time, this exclusive restaurant serves South African sustainably sourced seafood. They have a tasting menu and are open for lunch and dinner.
- The Pot Luck Club – Located on the top floor of the Silo of The Old Biscuit Mill, this restaurant offers an innovative menu and an incredible brunch on Sunday.
- Chefs Warehouse – Tintswalo Atlantic – Set at the water’s edge, this restaurant sources local farm to table ingredients and freshly caught local fish. They serve a five-course menu of small plates with plenty of seafood dishes. I ate dinner here during my stay and loved everything!
- Salsify – With sweeping Atlantic Ocean views, this restaurant is inspired by nature, and the menu is driven by the season with a seasonal inspired menu. This restaurant is also unique because it is located within a restored national monument.
- Fyn – One of the city’s most popular dining establishments, this restaurant offers a unique take on Japanese African cuisine. The menu provides a dining experience and has a plant-based menu option and a pescatarian lunch menu.
- Kloof Street House – This restaurant is in a Victorian House on Kloof Street. This hotel is a great dining spot for Sunday lunch, live jazz sessions, or cocktails in the garden.
- Chefs Warehouse – Beau Constantia – Located in wine country, this restaurant offers incredible views of terraced vineyards and a four-course set menu.
Best Breakfast and Lunch Spots In Cape Town
Cape Town offers a great breakfast culture, with many hip cafes and coffee shops. Here are ten of the city’s best coffee shops, and breakfast and lunch spots.
- Dunes Beach Restaurant & Bar – Upscale Cape Code vibes, right on the sand in Hout Bay with beautiful views, great drinks, excellent food (see photo below), and good service.
- Truth Coffee – This coffee shop specializes in selecting the world’s most exclusive coffees and has won many awards for its coffee shop. Along with offering some incredible coffee, this cafe has a bakery with bread made from locally sourced ingredients.
- Tribe Coffee – Located in the heart of Cape Town, this cafe is just a short walk from the Woodstock train station and offers incredible coffee.
- Jason’s Bakery – This cafe in Green Point offers fresh baked goods daily.
- The Pot Luck Club – Located on the top floor of the Silo of The Old Biscuit Mill, this restaurant offers an innovative menu and an incredible brunch on Sunday.
- Hesheng – This Chinese restaurant offers authentic cuisine with a great price tag. This family-run and freshly made Chinese dishes make for a great lunch option.
- Obi – Located on Long Street, this restaurant offers some of the city’s best ramen and sushi.
- Bo-Kaap Deli – Located within the brightly colored Bo-Kapp neighborhood, this cafe offers sweet and bakery items.
- Una Mas – This modern Mexican restaurant in Sea Point is perfect for brunch and cocktails. Of course, they also serve tequila and authentic Mexican food.
- La Motte – Located in the Franschhoek Valley, this restaurant has fine wines and is in a picturesque setting. It also has a fantastic bakery with freshly baked products and freshly brewed coffee.
- Gorgeous George – This boutique hotel in downtown Cape Town is a swanky spot for brunch or lunch.
- Clarke’s – Everything served in this establishment is made from the bakery items to produce. They offer a superb all-day breakfast complete with croissants and ample breakfast options.
Best Bars In Cape Town
Cape Town offers plenty of great bar options. Whether you are looking for a casual drink or you to experience the city’s best nightlife, here are ten of the best bars in Cape Town.
- Power and The Glory – This cozy hangout is in Tamboerskloof and has a relaxed atmosphere with a large selection of drinks.
- Dark Horse – Complete with cocktails, including a Pimms cocktail and Amaretto Sour, and an extensive wine and beer menu.
- The Drinkery – This contemporary speakeasy offers classic cocktails, a unique craft beer menu, and skilled and friendly bartenders.
- Tommy’s Chop Shop – Located on Canterbury Street, this bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and superb drinks.
- Only Fools – Fun local hang in Sea Point, serving good burgers and beer plus cocktails. They also have a fun ladies’ restroom wallpapered entirely with Britney Spears’ photos (see below).
- Chinchilla Camps Bay – Set right above the beach on the Camps Bay strip, this bar is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset.
- The Waiting Room – Situated in the CBD, this bar hosts regular events on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This is also an after-work favorite for local workers.
- The Village Idiot – This is where locals like to enjoy a drink or two. This vintage bar is open-air with a balcony and significant events in the summer. Open from Wednesday to Saturday with a daily happy hour, this bar is excellent for a drink with your friends or family.
- The Stack – Located in the center of the Gardens, this bar has an extensive cocktail and drinks menu.
- The Silo Hotel Bar – This bar has one of the best rooftops in the city, which is perfect for watching the sunset with a cocktail.
- Gorgeous George – This chic boutique hotel is located in the city center and is a great spot for cocktails.
How To Get Around Cape Town
The best way to get around Cape Town is via Uber, car, or scooter. You can also use the My CitiBus service. The bus service has an app; you can purchase a transport code from any station, which can be topped up.
Cape Town is also quite walkable. If you’re staying in Sea Point, for example, you can walk to an array of restaurants, bars, and shops as well as the promenade, beach, and other nearby areas such as Bantry Bay.
Language, Currency, Safety, Style & Load Shedding
Here are the basics of what you need to know when you are visiting Cape Town for the first time.
Cape Town is a stylish city. I’d compare the style to what people wear in West Los Angeles – hip beach attire during the day. At night people dress up if they are going out to a nice dinner or a club, just like people do in LA.
How To Get To Cape Town
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the only airport serving the city and the second busiest airport in South Africa after Johannesburg. The airport has direct interantional flights from London, Dubai, Amsterdam, Doha, Singapore, Newark and Washington-Dulles. The Cape Town airport is just 12 miles from the city center and Ubers are easy to get into town.
The Cape Town Airport is a fairly small, clean, nice airport. From my experience, there can be long delays at check-in so when you are returning home be sure to arrive early.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Cape Town
During the winter in South Africa (June – September), Cape Town tends to be rainy and windy, with southeast winds blowing in from the ocean.
The best time to visit Cape Town is summertime (December – March). While not as warm, shoulder seasons can also be nice in Cape Town. Early autumn (April- May) and late spring (October -November) are good times to visit as well.
Ultimate Guide To Cape Town Wrap Up
I visited Cape Town at the beginning of December and fell in love with it the moment I arrived. It’s a bold claim but after such an amazing experience there, Cape Town has quickly become one of my favorite cities in the world. Cape Town is beautiful, the people are beautiful, there is so much to do and see, it has an amazing energy, plus it’s very affordable.
I’m officially hooked and will be planning another trip to Cape Town soon. I hope my article has inspired you to book a trip to CT as well!
If you’re interested in visiting other areas in this beautiful country, you can check out all our South Africa articles for inspiration, or our 2024 Girls Getaway Destinations for other destination ideas.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Cape Town. If you have questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave them in the comments below.
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Read More About South Africa
- Meet a Quieter Side of South Africa: The Garden Route
- South African Road Trip
- 10 Awesome Things To Do In Cape Town
- Discovering Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Safari In The Karoo, Eastern Cape
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We Are Travel Girls Co-Founder Vanessa Rivers
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