Cape Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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

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 Two Oceans Aquarium or Nelson Mandela Gateway 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(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 featuring 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 which includes 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 ₹13,638 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
₹13,638
per night
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"Very friendly staff, comfortable rooms and central location"

Reviewed on 9 Sep 2025

Taj Cape Town
Hotel Sky Cape Town

Hotel Sky Cape Town

3.5 out of 5
Lower Long St, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₹6,907 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
₹6,907
per night
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Stadium are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (273 reviews)
"Best hotel to stay attending a Congress at the CTICC within walking distance and had a great stay Already booked for the next Congress later in the month"

Reviewed on 10 Sep 2025

Hotel Sky Cape Town
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 ₹11,760 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
₹11,760
per night
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (530 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on 9 Sep 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (530 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on 9 Sep 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Stadium are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (98 reviews)
"Nice breakfast. Really nice, I really enjoy. Thank you."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

One Thibault Hotel by ITC Hospitality
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Stadium are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
"Pretty awesome place for the price. Clean afforble. And the employees are really nice."

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2025

Urban Elephant 16 on Bree
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%
4 - Good
95
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
15
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

The most beautiful city by the sea

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Alan

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

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