Cape Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Table Mountain showing a sunset and mountains
Constructed on a rich tapestry of cultures and shaped by its stunning surroundings, Cape Town’s heritage is reflected throughout the city in its houses and museums.

Nestled in the shadows of Table Mountain and close to the foaming waves of the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town is a city that’s never far from the true majesty of the wild.

Hiking along one of the many nature trails will give you the chance to see wild antelope, ostriches or even baboons. Travel a little further and you’ll find African penguins in their thousands on the sands of Boulders Beach. For a more relaxed day out, take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain and allow yourself time to marvel at one of the greatest views in the world.

On returning to the city, you can soak up the atmosphere by settling down for a picnic amongst the floral gems in the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

If you’re interested in South Africa’s complex past, historical gold can be found at the South Africa Maritime Museum, Slave Lodge or the recently opened Jewish Museum. Nelson Mandela’s long struggle for freedom will come to life before your eyes if you visit Robben Island, where he was imprisoned during the years of apartheid.

Local delicacies such as spicy Babotie or soothing Melktert are well worth a taste. Choose from delicious street food straight from the carts in the Islamic quarter or today’s catch served up by the finest restaurants around on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Many settlers have left their mark since Cape Town was first established by the Dutch East India Company. This can best be seen in the mixture of architectural styles around the city. Local Cape Dutch style houses rub shoulders with colourful Edwardian, elegant Victorian and gleaming modern architecture.

Cape Town’s warm climate is tempered by the breeze off the Atlantic, bringing down the humidity so that the heat doesn’t hit so hard. There is much to be discovered on the outskirts of the city. Pack more into your stay by hiring a car or trying out the public bus network to explore the myriad of wonders in Table Mountain National Park.

Where to stay in 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 ₹6,833 per night from 30 Sep to 1 Oct
₹6,833
per night
30 Sep - 1 Oct
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Athlone Stadium and GrandWest Casino & Entertainment ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Perfectly positioned airport hotel. Staff very friendly. Room clean and spacious and pleasant, Transfers to the airport quick and readily available. Good breakfast. Very green hotel"

Reviewed on 23 Sep 2023

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
Taj Cape Town
Taj Cape Town
5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₹10,641 per night from 28 Sep to 29 Sep
₹10,641
per night
28 Sep - 29 Sep
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Long Street and South Africa Library ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"Nothing more"

Reviewed on 13 Sep 2023

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 ₹11,291 per night from 27 Sep to 28 Sep
₹11,291
per night
27 Sep - 28 Sep
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Cape Town Cruise Terminal and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (293 reviews)
"The hotel was difficult to find. The staff was great!"

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2023

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.
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. Popular attractions Artscape Theatre Centre and Africa Centre are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (312 reviews)
"The front desk staff is wonderful we had a late flight and although they were full they accommodated as only check out truly great place"

Reviewed on 19 Sep 2023

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. Popular attractions Camps Bay Beach and Maiden's Cove ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (196 reviews)
"We had an amazing time at South Beach. Extremely helpful. The room was perfect with everything we needed. We got a few special surpises and upgrades. 10 out of 10"

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2023

South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel
Waterfront Village
Waterfront Village
4 out of 5
4 Mindpearl Building West Quay Road, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (244 reviews)
"Very secure and safe accommodation. The location and waterfront is amazing. Easy to walk everywhere and the multiple pools/ gym are great. Alot of very strict rules to follow for the bylaws."

Reviewed on 20 Sep 2023

Waterfront 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
240
" "5 - Excellent 68.18181818181819%
4 - Good
95
" "4 - Good 26.988636363636363%
3 - Okay
15
" "3 - Okay 4.261363636363637%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.5681818181818182%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
23 Mar 2020

The V&A waterfront area of Cape Town is nice and safe. The centre of town has a more edgy feel although plenty of security around.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
21 Mar 2020

didnt do much as time was very short and this was my second visit only wanted to relax

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
14 Mar 2020

Cape Town is a stunning city. Amazing food options and sights. I felt safe but you just need to be sensible ... as you should be when you visit any big city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Mar 2020

The most beautiful city by the sea

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Feb 2020

Vibrant clean city, excellent restaurants, stunning scenery, beaches, mountains, vineyards, something different to do and see every day

5/5 - Excellent

Alan
21 Feb 2020

Great city. Beautiful mountain views. Sad political and economic outlook though.

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