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 artifacts, 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 Rp2.702.924 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
Rp2.702.924
Rp3.139.448 total
22 Jun - 23 Jun
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel. Excellent service. Amazing experience. The breakfast was complimentary and one of the best I’ve ever had."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Taj Cape Town
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 Rp2.014.872 per night from 27 Jun to 28 Jun
Rp2.014.872
Rp2.340.274 total
27 Jun - 28 Jun
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! (633 reviews)
"Superb hotel with amazing, friendly staff - hugely recommend!"

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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 Rp1.596.341 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
Rp1.596.341
Rp1.835.791 total
30 Jun - 1 Jul
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! (510 reviews)
"excellent service, have stayed in this property twice now."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
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 Rp1.822.888 per night from 28 Jun to 29 Jun
Rp1.822.888
Rp2.117.287 total
28 Jun - 29 Jun
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)
"Room was comfortable. Breakfast included. Just a few minutes from the Cape Town airport. The staff is extremely friendly."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
Hotel Sky Cape Town
Hotel Sky Cape Town
3.5 out of 5
Lower Long St, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is Rp1.303.741 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
Rp1.303.741
Rp1.514.295 total
22 Jun - 23 Jun
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! (259 reviews)
"Great stay at a super convenient hotel. Great breakfast options."

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

Hotel Sky Cape Town
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 Rp2.182.779 per night from 27 Jun to 28 Jun
Rp2.182.779
Rp2.535.298 total
27 Jun - 28 Jun
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! (584 reviews)
"The property was beautiful, the room was updated, clean and well stocked and the staff was outstanding"

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

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.

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 Bay Beach or Table Mountain National Park.

Clifton

Simon's Town Travel Guide