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! (53 reviews)
"The view from the honeymoon suite was spectacular. It is a beautiful stay very close by to the penguin colony (within walking distance)."

Reviewed on 17 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 Rp2.763.127 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
Rp2.763.127
Rp3.209.372 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
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 ...
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 Rp2.339.834 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
Rp2.339.834
Rp2.717.717 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Very service oriented staff, from meeting the airport shuttle to checking in and the breakfast and checking out was great. Standard king room was everything we needed for an overnight rest before continuing on our travels."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2026

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
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 Rp3.783.580 per night from 12 Sept to 13 Sept
Rp3.783.580
Rp4.394.628 total
12 Sept - 13 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
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
Fully refundable
The price is Rp1.113.644 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
Rp1.113.644
Rp1.280.691 total
30 Aug - 31 Aug
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! (1,096 reviews)
"Excellent accommodation but there is unfortunately no shuttle service from the airport. A taxi is therefore required. That can be quite expensive."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2026

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
President Hotel

President Hotel

4 out of 5
4 Alexander Road Cape Town Western Cape
The price is Rp2.460.434 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
Rp2.460.434
Rp2.854.190 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
President 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.

Where to stay in Simon's Town

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

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 Parliament of South Africa and Houses of Parliament, 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