Simon's Town Travel Guide

Cape Town

A coastal town with a marina, boats, and a beach.
A coastal town with a marina, houses with red roofs, and a mountain in the background.
A coastal town with a prominent mountain in the background.
A coastal town with boats docked in the water, a mountain in the background, and buildings along the shoreline.
A penguin standing on a beach with a sunset in the background.

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.


Stay near popular Simon's Town attractions

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! (54 reviews)
"Great location to the penguins, very accommodating and friendly host. My wife and I have traveled over 50 countries and this guesthouse was one of our favorite place."

Reviewed on 28 Aug 2026

Penguins View Guesthouse
Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street Cape Town Western Cape
The price is £131 per night from 19 Sept to 20 Sept
£131
19 Sept - 20 Sept
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"A top class experience all round, I have stayed at the Taj Cape Town on a couple of occasions and they always manage to exceed my expectations. All of the staff are both attentive and friendly and the facilities are excellent. Breakfast is a joy with a huge amount of choice and the Spa is ..."

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2026

Taj Cape Town
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 £139 per night from 26 Sept to 27 Sept
£139
26 Sept - 27 Sept
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! (1,007 reviews)
"A very good airport hotel which is about 30mins taxi from the center of Cape Town. The buffet breakfast offers a good range of hot and cold items. No noise from the airport could be heard in our bedroom. The hotel provides an airport shuttle service."

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2026

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
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 £45 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
£45
21 Sept - 22 Sept
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 ...
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
ONOMO Hotel Waterfront

ONOMO Hotel Waterfront

3.5 out of 5
24 Alfred Street, V& A Waterfront Cape Town Western Cape
The price is £55 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
£55
10 Sept - 11 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (413 reviews)
"Location ,great staff"

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2026

ONOMO Hotel Waterfront
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront

4 out of 5
Dockrail Road, Foreshore Cape Town Western Cape
The price is £164 per night from 18 Sept to 19 Sept
£164
18 Sept - 19 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
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.

Where to stay in Simon's Town

Find the best Simon's Town areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Simon's Town
Learn more about Simon's Town

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.

Camps Bay

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.

Sea Point

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Sea Point. A stop by Milton Beach or Sea Point Pavillion might round out your trip.

Cape Town City Centre

Known for its majestic mountain landscape and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Cape Town City Centre. Check out top attractions like Castle of Good Hope and South African National Gallery, and jump on the metro at Woodstock Station or Esplanade Station to see more of the city.

Green Point

Travellers like the cocktail bars in Green Point, and Greenpoint Market is a top attraction you might want to visit.



Simon's Town Travel Guide

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