Cape Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Cape Town Travel Guide Video

With its marvellous mountain backdrop at the tip of the continent, this fascinating city belies cliché and truly melds cultures, cuisines and landscapes.

Whether taking it all in from on top of Table Mountain or visiting the historic Robben Island prison, it’s hard to ignore Cape Town’s connection to past, present and future. Visit this southern African city to create lasting memories of architectural styles, natural wonders and diverse experiences.

Things to do in Cape Town

Immerse yourself in nature at the Cape of Good Hope, an expansive area of deserted beaches, walking trails, great birdwatching and more in Table Mountain National Park. Pick up a map at the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre before starting your explorations. Look for the more than 250 species of bird that have been spotted here, take a hike or a bike ride, or hop on the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the 19th-century lighthouse and a spectacular ridgeway path to the point’s new lighthouse.

Gardeners can’t miss the world-famous Kirstenbosch Gardens. Start at the main entrance at the Newlands end of the gardens to pick up a map at the information centre and visit the conservatory. Walk the popular Tree Canopy, or Boomslang, through the trees, join a free guided tour, explore the elevated fragrance garden and sculpture garden and hike up to Skeleton Gorge or Nursery Ravine on Table Mountain. If you’re visiting Cape Town in summer, attend a weekly Summer Sunset Concert in the gardens between November and April.

For an afternoon of shopping, visit Canal Walk, Greenmarket Square or the Pan African Market, where you can browse an array of African crafts, beadwork and wood carvings reflecting the region’s diverse cultural influences.

Cape Town’s history and culture

Start your tour of Cape Town’s past at the Castle of Good Hope in the city’s Central Business District. One of South Africa’s oldest historical landmarks, the castle is also considered one of the world’s best-preserved examples of 17th-century architecture. Notice the symmetrical layout, rounded gables and thick whitewashed walls that give the castle a timeless appeal.

For an entirely different look, visit Bo-Kaap, a predominantly Muslim Cape Malay neighbourhood known for its vibrantly coloured, flat-roofed houses set along cobblestone roads. The Cape Dutch- and Georgian-style homes date back to the 1760s when the residences were built and leased to slaves and political exiles.

Cape Town’s history and culture

If you’re a history buff, take a tour of Robben Island, used as a prison as far back as the days of the Dutch East India Company and until as recently as 1996. The UNESCO World Heritage Site contains Nelson Mandela’s cell, the lime quarry where he and others worked and the house where Robert Sobukwe, leader of the Pan-Africanist Congress, was held in solitary confinement.

Make your way to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, the first-ever large-scale institution that exclusively showcases artists from the African continent and diaspora. Architecturally stunning, the museum, a former abandoned grain silo, sits on the popular V&A Waterfront. Look for art by France Goodman, Cyrus Kabiru, Julien Sinzogan and countless others, including Kehinde Wiley, who was commissioned to do Barack Obama’s presidential portrait.

Dining and nightlife in Cape Town

Shop alongside local residents at the Neighbourgoods Market on Saturdays, set in and around an old mill and offering artisan products and gourmet foods. The Oranjezicht City Farm Market is another weekend favourite, frequented by independent local farmers who sell their produce and other goods every Saturday in Granger Bay.

Savour traditional Cape Malay curry and bilton at restaurants in the Camps Bay and Woodstock neighbourhoods, sticking around for cocktails as the sun sets beyond the beach, and along Long and Kloof streets, known for their eclectic cafes. Go wine tasting in the Cape Winelands, and seek out traditional braii, the classic South African barbecue experience.

Those seeking after-dinner theatre can attend one of the numerous shows at the Artscape Theatre Centre or Baxter Theatre, cultural epicentres with everything from comedy acts to ballet. The former is within walking distance of the vibrant Rodenbosch neighbourhood, frequented by students for shopping and dining.

Getting around Cape Town

Fly into Cape Town International Airport, then use MyCiTi buses, share-ride services and rental cars to get around. While compact and navigable on foot, many of the city’s highlights lie outside its limits and there is a high crime rate, so driving or taking public transportation is suggested.

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 Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa or Cape Town Cruise Terminal 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
Default Image

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
Somerset West showing landscape views, a pond and mountains

Somerset West

Get to know Somerset West and its many features like its seaside views and seafood restaurants. You might want to explore sights like Lourensford Wine Estate and Cheetah Outreach, and you can jump on the metro at Somerset West Station or Van Der Stel Station to get around the city.

Somerset West
Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £151 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£151
31 Jul - 1 Aug
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel in a great location. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff who go out of their way to offer excellent friendly service."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

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 £97 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
£97
22 Aug - 23 Aug
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! (1,012 reviews)
"Very nice place for an airport stop"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 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 £108 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
£108
9 Aug - 10 Aug
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! (646 reviews)
"The staff is absolutely amazing. The rooftop bar and food was quaint quiet and perfect. The breakfast is simply amazing. We loved this stay. The location is on the waterfront, which is extremely safe, not extremely African, but very nice."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 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.
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! (520 reviews)
Very nice
"All staff were nice and helpful. Clean property well situated. Food was great"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
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 Cruise Terminal ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"This apartment was beautiful with a stunning city view of Cape Town. It felt like home immediately and has a washing machine in the apartment which was greatly appreciated as someone who had been traveling for 2 months through Africa! Loves everything about my stay. Would very much recommend!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Urban Elephant 16 on Bree
South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel

South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel

5 out of 5
6 Link Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (257 reviews)
"Small boutique hotel, very nice."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel
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

Cities near Cape Town