Cape Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

From the dazzling heights of Table Mountain to the sparkling blues around its impressive waterfront, Cape Town brims with attractions for nature lovers and culture buffs.

Wherever you are in Cape Town the majestic, iconic shape of Table Mountain adds one of the world’s most impressive backdrops to your view. No trip to this South African city is complete without a hike, or a more leisurely cable car ride, to the top, where the breathtaking vistas are known as some of the best in Africa.The story of Cape Town’s past is written in its architecture. The colonizing Dutch left their mark with their unique “Cape Dutch” style. You’ll recognise this style in those houses with decorative front gables. Subsequent English and Muslim inhabitants made significant contributions too. See their architectural styles as you wander around the colourful houses and periodic minarets of the Bo-Kaap district. Such a mix of nationalities makes for a rich cultural scene. Food is superb, whether you’re eating from one of the street carts in the Bo-Kaap district or enjoying freshly caught seafood in a fine-dining restaurant on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Learn about the city’s history at the Jewish Museum, Slave Lodge and the South Africa Maritime Museum. Perhaps the most poignant story is to be found on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held before the abolishment of apartheid. More than anything though, Cape Town is destination for those who love the outdoors. A wild coastline surrounds the city. The expansive Table Mountain National Park covers 75 percent of the peninsula, meaning that encounters with wildlife are common. Get face-to-face with African penguins at Boulders Beach, or keep an eye out for baboons, antelopes or whales as you hike one of the trails on the Cape of Good Hope. You can also see more cultivated natural beauty at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Though fairly small, Cape Town does not lend itself to exploring on foot. It’s better to rent a car the roads are generally easy to navigate and free flowing. Public buses run some of the major tourist routes as well. Cape Town’s climate is generally good, with the low humidity making the summer heat bearable. Winters can be quite wet.

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
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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 ฿4,941 per night from 17 Sept to 18 Sept
฿4,941
฿5,739 total
17 Sept - 18 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 Sept 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 ฿3,174 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
฿3,174
฿3,686 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
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! (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 Sept 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 ฿5,097 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
฿5,097
฿5,862 total
20 Sept - 21 Sept
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! (530 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on 9 Sept 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 Sept 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

Things to do

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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