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About this guide
Cape Town is an enriching destination city that marries history and adventure. As the legislative capital of South Africa and its second-largest metropolis, Cape Town has stunning vistas from the iconic Table Mountain to the azure shores of Table Bay. The adventure capital beckons travelers from around the world to book thrilling experiences, relax on pristine beaches, and indulge in cultural richness that extends far beyond its picturesque scenery.
- Best time to travel: December to February (peak season), June to August (off-season), March to May and September to November (shoulder season)
- Time zone: South African Standard Time (SAST)
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR or R)
- Language: Afrikaans, Xhosa, and English
- Noteworthy: Cape Town International Jazz Festival (March), AfrikaBurn (April/May), Open Book Festival (September), Hermanus Whale Festival (September), Cape Town International Kite Festival (October)
- Best for: African Art, Culture, & History, Food and Wine Connoisseurs, Environmental Enthusiasts, Romantic Getaways
Get Away: Getting To and Around Cape Town, South Africa
By Air
The best way to reach Cape Town is by flying into Cape Town International Airport directly from major international hubs. Most major airlines offer non-stop flights to the airport, making it a convenient and time-efficient option for most travelers worldwide.
By Car
Exploring Cape Town by renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to navigate the city and visit various attractions, including the Cape Peninsula and wine regions. Be mindful of traffic and parking, especially in the city center during peak traffic times.
By Public Transit
The MyCiTi Bus Rapid Transit system and Metrorail offer extensive coverage, connecting major attractions and suburbs. The "MyConnect" card gives easy access to buses and trains. Minibus taxis are also a common mode of transport around Cape Town.
Explore Cape Town, South Africa on Foot
Cape Town’s pedestrian-friendly areas, like the V&A Waterfront and Cape Town's historic center, should be experienced on foot when possible. The walkable areas in the city have so many scenic views, vibrant art, and shops to find.
Quick facts
South African Standard Time (SAST)
South African Rand (ZAR or R)
Afrikaans, Xhosa, and English
Good For
African Art, Culture, & History
Environmental Enthusiasts
Food and Wine Connoisseurs
Romantic Getaways
Keep in mind
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places to Eat In Cape Town, South Africa
Tapi Tapi is more than just a place for ice cream, cocktails, or deli products—it celebrates African diversity. The menu includes Zimbabwe Mweya with rooibos and imphepho smoke, and vegan West African Thiakry with millet couscous.
The traditional Zimbabwean food at Pahari African Restaurant creates unique delicacies, like Matemba crispy baby fish and beef braai. They also offer an authentic African cooking class for a fully immersive cultural experience.
Located inside a cool bicycle rental space, Pang Specialty Coffee is a local gem in Cape Town. The creative hub is a great place for digital nomads to work while enjoying innovative hot or iced coffee brews and classic pastries.
The multi-award-winning ultimate seafood restaurant Utopia Cape Town serves bistro-style Mediterranean-influenced dishes with fresh local ingredients. The menu variety includes an affordable 5-course tasting, and local wines complement the breathtaking views from the 15th floor.
From delectable kotas to sizzling braai platters, Pitso’s Kitchen at the V&A Waterfront serves South Africa's culinary heritage. Guests can enjoy traditional African dishes in indoor and outdoor seating areas.
The owners of Mofire African Cuisine created their signature Mofire soup inspired by their reality show experience in the Drakensberg Mountains. This love for South African foods expands in their menu including game meat, wild fruits, and organic vegetables.
Stay
Stay: Places to Stay In Cape Town, South Africa
The Curiocity Green Point Hotel is a centrally located, modernist three-story building, handcrafted with local designer collaborations. The space includes premium rooms, family apartments, a pool, and on-site café-restaurant for convenience.
Located in the city center, this industrial loft has rustic charm and high-end finishes, coupled with panoramic Signal Hill views. Guests will enjoy reliable Wi-Fi, backup power, and walking access to trendy eateries and stores nearby.
This one-bedroom beachside apartment is the place to indulge in South Africa’s ocean views minutes away from Camps Bay Beach. There’s also a private sun deck and an open layout with tasteful finishes and natural decor.
Operating for over 120 years, The Grand Daddy Hotel in Cape Town with traditional boutique rooms and modern rooftop airstreams. Fusing exceptional service with quintessential South African design, this gorgeously designed accommodation proudly showcases Capetonian hospitality.
The Black Brick Hotel is a global network of culture-led apartment hotels for anyone from digital nomads to business travelers. Guests can enjoy rooftop breakfasts, a boardroom, workspaces, a gym and yoga studio, a screening room, and an on-site library.
Known as a home away from home in Dunkley Square, iKhaya Lodge has a welcoming calm and warmth. With a team reflecting Pan-African pride, guests can sit back and enjoy African heritage in vibrant color and authentic decor.
Play
Play: Things To Do In Cape Town, South Africa
For wine aficionados, this 7-day wine experience educates visitors about the city's history while savoring award-winning wines. Zuri Wine Tasting founder Tuanni Price created this to make the world of South African wine accessible to Black travelers.
This sunrise and sunset hike has breathtaking vistas of Cape Town’s natural beauty like the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Expert guides provide safety headlamps, snacks, and a memorable photo-op in Table Mountain National Park.
A local guide sharing the city’s rich history and foodie culture on this essential food tour in Cape Town. Guests enjoy at least five food tastings and alcohol samplings in this small-group experience.
This heart-pounding shark cage diving adventure in Cape Town is an up-close encounter with great white sharks near Dyer Island. An onboard marine biologist provides safety insights with organizers providing hotel pick-up, a complimentary breakfast, and diving gear.
The Aquila Game Reserve Wildlife Safari in Cape Town is a guided tour with the "Big Five" game animals and Verreaux's eagle. With included transportation, lunch, and hotel pickup, this is an educational hassle-free adventure in the heart of Cape Town.
Nestled against Table Mountain, the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a stunning setting and dedication to biodiversity. This is a must-visit destination to see South Africa's rich plant life and the sustainable development of SANBI's vital work.
This all-inclusive peninsula tour in Cape Town is a guided hike to Good Hope with a hotel pickup and a delicious picnic lunch. For a budget-friendly adventure, visitors can book a Seal Island boat cruise and see the African penguin encounter at Boulders Beach.
Sailing from V&A Waterfront to the Green Point lighthouse and back, the Coastal Catamaran Cruise has stunning views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. With morning or afternoon departures, it's the ideal way to explore the coastline without having a lengthy time commitment.
For travelers dreaming of kayaking with dolphins, this excursion starts from the serene V&A Waterfront to the vibrant Atlantic Ocean. Visitors will see stunning local landmarks and end with a photo in the Table Mountain panorama.