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

From the dazzling heights of Table Mountain to the sparkling blues around its impressive waterfront, Cape Town brims with attractions for nature lovers and culture buffs.

Wherever you are in Cape Town the majestic, iconic shape of Table Mountain adds one of the world’s most impressive backdrops to your view. No trip to this South African city is complete without a hike, or a more leisurely cable car ride, to the top, where the breathtaking vistas are known as some of the best in Africa.

The story of Cape Town’s past is written in its architecture. The colonizing Dutch left their mark with their unique “Cape Dutch” style. You’ll recognise this style in those houses with decorative front gables. Subsequent English and Muslim inhabitants made significant contributions too. See their architectural styles as you wander around the colourful houses and periodic minarets of the Bo-Kaap district.

Such a mix of nationalities makes for a rich cultural scene. Food is superb, whether you’re eating from one of the street carts in the Bo-Kaap district or enjoying freshly caught seafood in a fine-dining restaurant on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

Learn about the city’s history at the Jewish Museum, Slave Lodge and the South Africa Maritime Museum. Perhaps the most poignant story is to be found on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held before the abolishment of apartheid.

More than anything though, Cape Town is destination for those who love the outdoors. A wild coastline surrounds the city. The expansive Table Mountain National Park covers 75 percent of the peninsula, meaning that encounters with wildlife are common. Get face-to-face with African penguins at Boulders Beach, or keep an eye out for baboons, antelopes or whales as you hike one of the trails on the Cape of Good Hope. You can also see more cultivated natural beauty at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Though fairly small, Cape Town does not lend itself to exploring on foot. It’s better to rent a car the roads are generally easy to navigate and free flowing. Public buses run some of the major tourist routes as well.

Cape Town’s climate is generally good, with the low humidity making the summer heat bearable. Winters can be quite wet.

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
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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
The price is Rp3.116.808 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
Rp3.116.808
Rp3.620.170 total
4 Aug - 5 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! (1,001 reviews)
Great hotel, excellent service.
"Great hotel, excellent service, personalised check in… upgraded my room (first time ever anywhere!) … massive spacious spotless suite. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 29 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 Rp2.057.791 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
Rp2.057.791
Rp2.390.125 total
6 Aug - 7 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Did not see the property around the hotel was only there one night and it was raining! The breakfast bar was loose and fell down, and the toilet would not flush properly but otherwise the room was great!"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Hotel Verde Cape Town 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 Rp1.583.419 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp1.583.419
Rp1.820.932 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (522 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
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! (522 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (29 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
One Thibault Residence

One Thibault Residence

17 Hans Strijdom Ave, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Cruise Terminal ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (97 reviews)
One Thinalt
"It was a good stay. The only issue is the parking. They want me to pay for it as a resident and the price is too high."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

One Thibault Residence
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.

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