Cape Town combines a vibrant city with spectacular nature: mountains, beaches, penguins and world-class wine just outside town. Plan five days or more, ideally with a rental car.
Top things to do in Cape Town
- Table Mountain — take the cable car or hike up on a clear day — check the wind forecast.
- Cape Peninsula drive — Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope.
- Boulders Beach — swim near a colony of African penguins.
- V&A Waterfront — restaurants, markets and boats to Robben Island.
- Stellenbosch & Franschhoek — beautiful wine farms an hour from the city.
- Bo-Kaap — colourful houses and Cape Malay food.
The most popular sights sell out in high season, so check skip-the-line tickets and guided tours in Cape Town a few days before you go — most can be cancelled for free.
Where to stay in Cape Town
Choosing the right area makes a big difference. Here are our favourite neighbourhoods — whatever your budget, compare hotel prices in Cape Town and pick a room with free cancellation.
- V&A Waterfront — safe, central and full of restaurants.
- City Bowl / Gardens — close to Table Mountain and good cafés.
- Sea Point — seafront promenade and great value.
- Camps Bay — beach, sunsets and upmarket hotels.
Getting around
A car is the easiest way to explore the peninsula and winelands. In the city, use Uber or Bolt, especially at night. The MyCiTi bus connects the airport, centre and Atlantic seaboard.
Want to explore the surroundings at your own pace? Compare car rental prices in Cape Town — booking ahead is usually much cheaper than at the counter.
Before you go
- Flights: prices usually rise as the date gets closer — compare flights to Cape Town and use the whole-month view to find the cheapest days.
- Insurance: medical care abroad can be very expensive, so get travel insurance before you leave.
- Internet: install an eSIM for South Africa before you fly to be online as soon as you land, without roaming fees.
Practical tips
- Do not walk alone at night; use ride-hailing apps instead.
- Do not leave valuables visible in your car.
- The ocean is cold, even in summer.
- Check if power cuts (“load shedding”) are announced during your stay.
Plan your trip to Cape Town
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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