Cape Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Table Mountain which includes a sunset and mountains

Cape Town Travel Guide Video

Nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, culture buffs, shopaholics, honeymooners and families will all find something in South Africa’s "mother city".

Affectionately referred to as the "mother city" of South Africa, Cape Town is one of those sophisticated tourist destinations that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. This is an inspiring and exciting city that is jam-packed with attractions and entertainment to suit every type of visitor and every kind of budget. With an impressive collection of museums, art galleries and theatres as well as a fantastic range of options for shopping and dining, this multicultural metropolis leaves other South African cities floundering in its wake. Combine this with an abundance of unique flora and fauna and stunning scenery and you have all the ingredients for a truly exceptional trip.The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront sits in the heart of Cape Town’s historic harbour and is the ultimate destination for those who seek the unusual combination of retail therapy and culture. Excellent shops, bars and restaurants sit happily alongside historic museums. From here, hop on a ferry to Robben Island where President Mandela spent decades as a prisoner. Guided tours of the prison offer a stark reminder of his struggle – sobering, but not to be missed.No visit to Cape Town is complete without making your way to the top of the iconic Table Mountain. Whether you choose to ascend in style in one of the pretty cable cars or you decide to tackle one of the tramping trails, make sure you get to the summit! From here, climbers will be rewarded with stunning views of the city and the ocean as it stretches greedily out to the horizon.For another view that is out of this world, make your way to the coastal cliffs that make up the Cape of Good Hope. This unique vantage point offers exceptional views that are awe-inspiring and humbling in equal measure.From here, make the short journey to Boulders Beach. Kick back on the blindingly white sand, build castles with the kids or float in the turquoise waters. This area is also home to a unique colony of endangered African penguins so make your way along the boardwalk to Foxy Beach and pay them a visit.Finally, if you are seeking time out from the bustle of the city, plan a trip to the magnificent Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Learn about the conservation of indigenous flora while enjoying a relaxing stroll around the perfumed gardens. This is the perfect way to recharge your batteries for round two.

Where to stay in Cape Town

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront featuring 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 which includes mountains, general coastal views and landscape views

Camps Bay

4.5/5(7 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
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Cape Town City Centre

4/5(48 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(8 area reviews)

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

Sea Point
Cape Town Stadium featuring a sunset and a city

Green Point

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

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

Green Point
Groot Constantia Winery

Constantia

5/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Constantia include the wineries and gardens. Make a stop by Groot Constantia Winery or Table Mountain National Park while you're exploring the area.

Constantia
City Lodge Hotel Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
City Lodge Hotel Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
3 out of 5
Cnr Dock And Alfred Roads, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is NZ$138 per night from 20 Jun to 21 Jun
NZ$138
per night
20 Jun - 21 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (720 reviews)
"State of the art facilities. Impressive."

Reviewed on 3 Jun. 2024

City Lodge Hotel Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
Taj Cape Town
Taj Cape Town
5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is NZ$263 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
NZ$263
per night
8 Jun - 9 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Rita and Cyril were excellent"

Reviewed on 3 Jun. 2024

Taj Cape Town
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
4 out of 5
Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is NZ$244 per night from 14 Jun to 15 Jun
NZ$244
per night
14 Jun - 15 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (415 reviews)
"Staff very nice and helpful!"

Reviewed on 2 Jun. 2024

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
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.
Neighbourgood Reserve
Neighbourgood Reserve
3.5 out of 5
130 Adderley St, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Cruise ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (12 reviews)
"Staff were friendly and rooms are clean and modern. The area around the hotel can be sketchy at night"

Reviewed on 25 May 2024

Neighbourgood Reserve
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 breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (398 reviews)
Great apartment in a great location
"The location is great, staff friendly, and the apartment spacious and well appointed."

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel
South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel
5 out of 5
6 Link Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (208 reviews)
"Outstanding value for money"

Reviewed on 29 May 2024

South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel
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

Activities

Reviews of Cape Town

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
47
" "5 - Excellent 58.02469135802469%
4 - Good
28
" "4 - Good 34.5679012345679%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 7.407407407407407%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Apr 2020

Loved Cape Town and the Surrounds It is well known world wide as one of the most beautiful cities and it definitely did not disappoint. Will definitely be back again.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Jan 2020

Will be recommending Cape Town as a holiday destination.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Jan 2020

We definitely be recommending Cape Town as a holiday destination. We are loving our visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
16 Jan 2020

We love Cape Town but we'll never use these apartments again. I recommend avoidance.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Jan 2020

Great city, would recommend to anyone.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Dec 2019

Loved our Cape Town experience

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