Simon's Town Travel Guide

Cape Town

Simon's Town
Simon's Town
Simon's Town
Simon's Town
Simon's Town

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 Cape Town Western Cape
Stay at this guesthouse in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Boulders Beach and Simon's Town Country Club are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (48 reviews)
The place is a vacation paradise. If you've come for the views or the penguins, you wont be disappointed. Heather, in particular, went above and beyond her duties even after I had checked out!! Would highly recommend.

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026

Penguins View Guesthouse
Simon's Town Quayside Hotel

Simon's Town Quayside Hotel

3 out of 5
Jubilee Square St Georges Street Cape Town Western Cape
The price is £60 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
£60
29 Apr - 30 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (331 reviews)
This hotel was small and cute. Rooms were great sizes. Beds were fine too.It had what you needed. walk out the door and you could walk to restaurants, pier and little shops.... location was perfect.

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2026

Simon's Town Quayside Hotel
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 £135 per night from 1 May to 2 May
£135
1 May - 2 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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 reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
Great hotel for an overnight at CPT airport, clean nice rooms and great staff

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street Cape Town Western Cape
The price is £147 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
£147
29 Apr - 30 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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! (1,002 reviews)
Excellent staff. Very friendly. Very warm. The balcony door didn’t lock and the chain lock on main door was missing. One of the drawers in the bathroom was also off its track.

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026

Taj Cape Town
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport

3 out of 5
Adjoining BP Service & Filling Station Cape Town Western Cape
The price is £47 per night from 2 May to 3 May
£47
2 May - 3 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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! (1,084 reviews)
Very clean Friendly staff Ample parking Dinner was excellent Booked our next stay

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2026

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
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 £105 per night from 2 May to 3 May
£105
2 May - 3 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (587 reviews)
Great location easy to go arround, clean and feel safe

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026

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.

Other neighbourhoods around Simon's Town

Constantia

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

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
Bakoven

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

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
Panorama of the east side of table mountain and the forest of the botanical garden Kirstenbosch, treetop path, Cape Town, South Africa

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

Clifton

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Clifton. You might want to make time for a stop at Clifton Bay Beach or Table Mountain National Park.

Clifton


Simon's Town Travel Guide

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