Simon's Town Travel Guide

Cape Town

Simon\'s Town
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Simon\'s Town
Simon\'s Town
Photo provided by South African Tourism

Located on the striking shores of False Bay, this coastal town has sandy beaches, shark and fishing charters and the South African Naval Museum.

Simon’s Town has been an important naval base and harbour for over three centuries. Located near Cape Town, the charming village sits on a steep incline near the water’s edge. Visit the pretty beaches and discover the colony of free-roaming penguins. Take a shark charter or relax in the scenic old village.

The coastal town is known for its spectacular views and some of the most beautiful recreation sites on the Cape Peninsula. Simon’s Town is a great spot for water activities, historical tours and relaxation in the Western Cape area. Explore the deep seas with a game fishing or shark-viewing charter. Stop at the museum, as this enchanting village is steeped in nautical history.

In South African Naval Museum discover a life-size ship’s bridge, submarine operations room and submarine control room. The museum prides itself on its constantly growing collection of nautical and historical artefacts, including naval uniforms, diving equipment and sea mines.

Book a shark cage dive or charter, where you will find one of the finest great white shark experiences in South Africa. Head to Seal Island and encounter the natural predator known for its frightening size. Alternatively try deep-sea big game, inshore and reef fishing with a range of fishing charters.

Discover the free-roaming colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach. Wander the boardwalks or swim at this sandy public beach. Book a Cape Peninsula Tour or relax in a day spa in the Old Village. Dine in one of the town’s outstanding fresh seafood restaurants.

Simon’s Town is only a 25-mile (40-kilometre) drive from Cape Town. Alternatively, catch the train south from the central business district of Cape Town to the Simon’s Town Railway Station. With a range of accommodation available, be sure to stay long enough to experience all this coastal treasure has available.

Rent a bicycle or a moped as an inexpensive way of exploring Simon’s Town and its surrounding areas.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Simon's Town

Penguins View Guesthouse

Penguins View Guesthouse

4 out of 5
1 Bellevue Road, Simons Town, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star guesthouse in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Boulders Beach and Simon's Town Country Club are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
Great view in a lovely area
Lovely stay in a lovely place, without doubt one of the best views we have enjoyed in accommodation anywhere. Hosts are very hands off and that was fine as we didn't need anything. There is no lift to the property which might be an issue for an older or weaker peron but I am sure they would have ...

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Penguins View Guesthouse
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport

3 out of 5
Adjoining BP Service & Filling Station, at Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ฿1,973 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
฿1,973
฿2,269 total
8 Nov - 9 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,048 reviews)
We checked in quite late after a flight. The evening staff were amazing. So friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back.

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2025

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Hotel Sky Cape Town

Hotel Sky Cape Town

3.5 out of 5
Lower Long St, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ฿3,731 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
฿3,731
฿4,333 total
2 Dec - 3 Dec
includes taxes & fees
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! (293 reviews)
This property was a nice location to stay.

Reviewed on 22 Oct 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 ฿7,283 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿7,283
฿8,375 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (538 reviews)
Overall, I truly enjoyed my time at this property. The staff was friendly, attentive, and very helpful. They always made me feel welcomed and were very helpful. The room was phenomenal too - especially my view of table mountain. This place was well worth the money!

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
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 ฿5,979 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
฿5,979
฿6,944 total
2 Dec - 3 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,020 reviews)
Everything worked well

Reviewed on 26 Oct 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 ฿5,880 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
฿5,880
฿6,829 total
8 Nov - 9 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (694 reviews)
Proximity to Tours,shops,food. No negatives

Reviewed on 13 Oct 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Simon's Town

Groot Constantia Winery

Constantia

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

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

Constantia
Hout Bay Beach which includes general coastal views, rugged coastline and a coastal town

Hout Bay

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Seafood restaurants, seaside views and waterfront views highlight some of the noteworthy features of Hout Bay. Make a stop by Llandudno Beach or Hout Bay Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Hout Bay
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Bakoven

Bakoven is popular for its beautiful seaside views, and you might make a stop by Table Mountain National Park, a top place to visit in the area.

Bakoven
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
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Gardens

The picture-perfect mountain views and lively bars are top of the list for many visitors to Gardens. A stop by Kloof Street or Bree Street might round out your trip.

Gardens
Clifton Bay Beach featuring a beach and a coastal town

Clifton

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Clifton. You might want to make time for a stop at Clifton 2nd Beach or Clifton Bay Beach.

Clifton


Simon's Town Travel Guide