Simon's Town Travel Guide

Cape Town

Simon\'s Town
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Simon\'s Town
Simon\'s Town
Photo provided by South African Tourism

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

Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is Rp3.166.816 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
Rp3.166.816
Rp3.678.254 total
29 Aug - 30 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! (1,002 reviews)
"Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 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 Rp2.090.808 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
Rp2.090.808
Rp2.428.473 total
26 Aug - 27 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)
"Great spot to stay if traveling in and out of Cape Town airport. Great staff. Great facility. Airport shuttle. Excellent restaurant and breakfast."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 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 Rp1.608.825 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
Rp1.608.825
Rp1.850.148 total
25 Aug - 26 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! (524 reviews)
"Our 2 bedroom apartment was very spacious with excellent furniture and all amenities including a washer even though I was told there wouldn't be one."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
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 Rp2.613.890 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
Rp2.613.890
Rp3.036.033 total
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (608 reviews)
"AC Hotel is excellent in all categories except for the location. We booked it because we thought it was close to the V&A Waterfront. However we were told repeatedly by the hotel staff that walking there is unsafe outside of busy hours of the day. Also note that Google Maps shows a circuitous walking ..."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
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 Rp2.036.486 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
Rp2.036.486
Rp2.365.379 total
30 Aug - 31 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! (661 reviews)
Wonderful Cape Town Hotel
"This hotel is in a perfect location. It is very comfortable and the staff are professional and friendly. The food options are terrific. I highly recommend it"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Hotel Sky Cape Town

Hotel Sky Cape Town

3.5 out of 5
Lower Long St, Cape Town, Western Cape
Fully refundable
The price is Rp1.389.602 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp1.389.602
Rp1.614.022 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Cape Town Cruise Terminal and Long Street are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (270 reviews)
"Close to V&A Waterfront"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Hotel Sky 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Simon's Town

Groot Constantia Winery

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 Beach which includes general coastal views, rugged coastline and a coastal town

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
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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 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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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 Bay Beach featuring a beach and a coastal town

Clifton

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Clifton. You might want to make time for a stop at Clifton 2nd Beach or Clifton Bay Beach.

Clifton

Simon's Town Travel Guide