Cape Town – Travel guide at Wikivoyage

Cape Town – Travel guide at Wikivoyage
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Africa
Southern Africa
South Africa
Western Cape
Cape Peninsula
Cape Town
Cape Town
Contents
Understand
1.1
Geography
1.2
History
1.3
Climate
1.4
Wildfire
1.5
Visitor information
Get in
2.1
By plane
2.1.1
Cape Town International Airport
2.1.1.1
Facilities
2.1.1.2
Sleep
2.2
By train
2.3
By car
2.4
By bus
2.4.1
International bus lines
2.4.2
Bus lines
2.4.3
Low cost bus lines
2.5
By boat
Get around
3.1
By foot
3.2
By bicycle
3.3
By car
3.4
By metered taxi
3.5
By ride-hailing service
3.6
By minibus taxi
3.7
By bus
3.8
By motorcycle or scooter
3.9
By train
See
4.1
Museums and galleries
4.2
Performing arts
Do
5.1
Water sports
5.2
Ball sports
5.3
Deep sea fishing
5.4
Shark cage diving
5.5
Diving
5.6
Events
5.7
Safari
5.8
Hiking
5.9
In the air
5.10
Kayaking
5.11
Sunset cruises
5.12
Townships tours
5.13
Wildlife
5.14
Wine tasting and tours
5.15
Whale watching
5.16
Cinema
Learn
6.1
Schools
6.2
Universities
6.3
Learn to sail
6.4
Learn to dance
Buy
7.1
Wine
7.2
Arts and crafts
7.3
Shopping malls
7.4
Supermarkets
Eat
8.1
Budget
8.2
Mid-range
8.3
Splurge
Drink
9.1
Clubs
10
Sleep
10.1
Budget
10.2
Mid-range
10.3
Splurge
11
Connect
11.1
Telephone
11.2
Calling Home
11.3
Internet
11.4
WiFi
12
Stay safe
12.1
Important telephone numbers
12.1.1
From a fixed line
13
Cope
13.1
Power supply
13.2
Embassies and consulates
14
Go next
14.1
Cape Peninsula
14.2
Along the south coast
14.3
Garden Route and further on
14.4
Route 62
14.5
Up north
14.6
And down south
Cape Town and Table Mountain viewed from
Bloubergstrand
across Table Bay.
Cape Town
Afrikaans
Kaapstad
Xhosa
iKapa
) is the second most populous city in
South Africa
. The capital of
Western Cape Province
, it is also the legislative capital of the nation. Cape Town is on South Africa's southwestern coast close to the Cape of Good Hope, and is the southernmost city on the African continent. It is the gateway to the globally renowned
Cape Winelands
which includes the towns of
Franschhoek
Stellenbosch
and
Paarl
Understand
edit
Cape Town is nicknamed the
Mother City
within South Africa. Compared to the more business oriented
Johannesburg
it is known for its relaxed and leisurely atmosphere. Compared to other parts of South Africa, Cape Town is also distinctly more "western".
Geography
edit
Cape Town seen from space: Most of the urban area visible in this NASA Astronaut photo is part of the greater Cape Town metropolitan area. Also visible are Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Fransch Hoek to the northeast, and Rooi-els and Pringle Bay to the southeast
The metropolis of Cape Town is spread over a wide area, from
Somerset West
and Durbanville in the east to Atlantis in the north and Cape Point in the south. The city centre is situated in a fairly small area between Table Bay and
Table Mountain
The original Dutch settlement, and the heart of the current city, is southwest of
Strand St
, "Beach street" in Afrikaans, since it followed the original waterfront during the 17th century. Since then, centuries of landfills have successively moved the shoreline some
1,200
m (3,900
ft)
northeast to its current position. The old city centre is intersected by avenues like
Long St
St Georges Mall
and
Adderley St
, and is approximately bounded by the Company Gardens in the southwest, the Castle of Good Hope in the east, and the slopes of Signal Hill in the northwest. During the 19th century, these slopes were settled by Cape Town's Malay Muslim population, creating the area
Bo-Kaap
, which translates into "Above the Cape" or "Upper Cape".
History
edit
Before the European colonial era what is now the Western Cape was inhabited by Khoikhoi and San groups, whom the Dutch called "Hottentots", "Strandlopers" and "Bushmen" (terms that are now considered racist and offensive). From the late 15th century, European ships (primarily Portuguese) started to visit the area, firstly for fresh food and water, then later for whaling and trading with the locals. Cape Town's colonial history started in 1652, when founder Jan van Riebeeck established a trading post there for the
Dutch East Indies Company
(VOC), as a stopping point on the
Cape Route
. Even though South Africa is the part of Africa located furthest from Europe, it was the first, and up until the
19th century
, only place which was substantially colonized by Europeans since the
Roman Empire
in North Africa. The reason is that the Cape, while being furthest from Europe, also is relatively far from the equator. The Europeans therefore found the climate temperate enough to grow European crops, and the Cape was in a strategically important position for intercontinental trade.
The earliest European settlers were predominantly Dutch along with some Protestant Huguenots from northern France fleeing from being persecuted by the Catholics. These settlers over time explored the adjacent hinterland and founded the cities of Paarl and Stellenbosch in what is today the Cape Winelands. They were known as Voortrekkers ("Pioneers") when they ventured from the Cape region to explore, conquer and settle other parts of Southern Africa. The first people from Asia to arrive in Cape Town were the Malays from Java and other islands of the Dutch East Indies, brought in by the Dutch as slaves in 1654. Their descendants are today known as the Cape Malays. Soon the various ethnic groups intermingled leading to the emergence of the unique, mixed-race Cape Coloured community.
Political control of Cape Town ping ponged between the Dutch and British during the late 18th and early 19th centuries until 1814 when it was ceded to the British. South Africa became a self-governing dominion of the British Empire (as the Union of South Africa) in 1910, and became a republic in 1961.
Cape Town, as the seat of parliament, is South Africa's legislative capital. The city was ahead of its time as it developed into a global, multicultural metropolis much earlier than most other major cities of the world. Cape Town has many fascinating points of interest, a thriving nightlife, and a sizable LGBT presence.
Climate
edit
Cape Town
Climate chart (
explanation
9.4
27
17
9.6
27
17
13
26
15
40
24
12
61
21
10
92
18
85
18
72
18
44
20
28
22
12
25
24
13
13
26
16
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation
Snow
totals in mm
Source:
w:Cape_Town#Climate
Imperial conversion
0.4
81
62
0.4
81
62
0.5
79
59
1.6
74
54
2.4
69
50
3.6
65
47
3.3
64
45
2.9
64
46
1.7
67
49
1.1
72
53
75
56
0.5
78
60
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation
Snow
totals in inches
The months of summer are from December to February. The days are mostly hot but low in humidity, so you shouldn't feel uncomfortable. Stay indoors or at least in the shade during the midday heat and use adequate sunblock. International tourists jostle for space on the beach with the domestic beach-goers around the peak holiday period (16 December - 16 January). However, it is still an exciting and eventful time to be in Cape Town.
The months of winter from June to August are rather wet. It does not rain every single day though it can sometimes rain for two weeks straight. It can also get very chilly at night, with the mercury dropping to as low as
2–3
°C (36–37
°F)
(this temperature is colder than the sea so it should not get any colder unless you head inland) but
5–7
°C (41–45
°F)
is more typical. It warms during the day, with typical temperatures between
9–15
°C (48–59
°F)
. The winters tend to be overcast with not as much sunshine. Daylight hours run from 07:45 to 17:45.
The ideal times to see the city are:
October and November: Winter is over and the temperature is warming up. Spring has arrived, but it is not yet as warm as the middle of summer. This period is often windy too. The Southeaster is also called the Cape Doctor because a significant amount of air pollution gets blown away.
December to February: These are the prime summer months with long, sunny and hot days. The sun rises around 05:30 and sets late in the evening (about 20:00 in late December) with a lot usually happening. February is the most reliable month for weather, with day after day of warmth and sunshine.
March to May: While this varies every year, it generally starts raining during April or May and the temperature starts to become cooler. March is often still quite warm. The number of tourists around the city drops, giving you an opportunity to get great deals on travel services, including accommodation, activities and food.
Wildfire
edit
During the dry summer months, especially when the winds are strong, wildfires pose a grave threat to the animals and vegetation of the Cape region. In particular, the fynbos in the national parks can become very dry and burn rapidly. Wildfires are a serious concern, and previous fires have damaged the slopes of Table Mountain. If you notice any fires in the Cape area please report them to the Western Cape Umbrella Fire Protection Association on
+27 21 6897438
, or the after-hours emergency hotline on
+27 21 9574700
Visitor information
edit
capetown.travel
Get in
edit
By plane
edit
Cape Town International Airport
edit
Central Terminal Building at Cape Town International Airport
-33.96
18.6
Cape Town International Airport
CPT
IATA
),
Matroosfontein
+27 21 937-1200
customercare@airports.co.za
This is South Africa's second biggest airport (O.R. Tambo International Airport in
Johannesburg
being the biggest) and the third busiest in Africa. About 20
km east of the city centre, it is easily accessible via all national roads and is situated directly at the N2 near Bellville.
There is no longer public transit serving this airport.
People in
Official Airport Taxi
vests are waiting as you exit the customs. They are
not official
, and they are more expensive than a taxi requested via an app. They are unmetered, so if you choose to use them, make sure to ask for the rate
before
you get in the car, otherwise, you risk paying considerably more than the fair price.
Using the
ride hailing services
Bolt and Uber are recommended for getting across Cape Town; a journey from the airport to the city centre costs only
R150
There are several daily direct flights to
Johannesburg
Durban
and all other major South African cities, as well as
Windhoek
and
Walvis Bay
in
Namibia
, and
Gaborone
and
Maun
in
Botswana
The main airlines locally and internationally as of 2022 are
South African Airways
(albeit with a diminshed network),
Airlink
(now the largest regional airline), and
FlySafair
International airlines operating routes to Cape Town include:
Air Botswana -
Gaborone
Kasane
and
Maun
Air France -
Paris Charles de Gaulle
(seasonal)
Airlink -
Gaborone
Harare
Maputo
Maun
Saint Helena
(seasonal),
Victoria Falls
Walvis Bay
and
Windhoek
Air Mauritius -
Mauritius
(direct)
British Airways -
London-Heathrow
and
London-Gatwick
(seasonal)
Condor -
Frankfurt
(seasonal)
Delta Air Lines -
Atlanta
(sometimes may stop in
Johannesburg
Edelweiss Air -
Zurich
(seasonal)
Emirates -
Dubai
Eswatini Air - Lubombo
Ethiopian Airlines -
Addis Ababa
FlyNamibia -
Walvis Bay
and
Windhoek
FlySafair -
Windhoek
Kenya Airways -
Nairobi
via
Livingstone
and
Victoria Falls
KLM -
Amsterdam
LAM Mozambique Airlines -
Maputo
Lufthansa -
Munich
(seasonal) and
Frankfurt
Norse Atlantic Airways -
London–Gatwick
(seasonal)
Proflight Zambia -
Lusaka
via
Livingstone
Qatar Airways -
Doha
Singapore Airlines -
Singapore
via
Johannesburg
South African Airways -
São Paulo
TAAG Angola Airlines -
Luanda
Turkish Airlines -
Istanbul
United Airlines -
Newark
and
Washington-Dulles
Virgin Atlantic -
London-Heathrow
(seasonal)
From October to March, many charter airlines fly directly from all across Europe to Cape Town. Many airlines sell spare seats at discounted rates though during the summer holiday period prices rise significantly.
Facilities
edit
ATMs
In all terminals
).
All ATMs in South Africa have a
R50
withdrawal fee for overseas bank cards.
Baggage storage
In the Domestic Arrivals terminal
),
+27 21 936-2884
R15
per bag per day
Clinic
Southern Office Block
),
+27 21 936-2277
Foreign exchange
Located in International Arrivals and Departure Terminals
).
Master Currency and ABSA
VAT Refunds
International Departures, between passport control and the gates
),
+27 21 934-8675
info@taxrefunds.co.za
Sleep
edit
City Lodge
Right next to the airport
),
+27 21 934-7303
R680
per room
updated Jul 2018
By train
edit
The
Muizenberg
to
Simon's Town
Metrorail tracks run right along the ocean. Spectacular views. Here is the old ‘yellow’ rolling stock, which is almost no longer in service.
Long distance trains operated by the public company
Shosholoza Meyl
dead link
used to link Cape Town to the main South-African cities, but since Covid, this is not the case any more. The only long distance trains that still run are the luxury ones (see
South Africa#Luxury trains
).
Commuter trains operated by
MetroRail
link the major cities in the Cape Town area from Monday to Saturday (no service on Sunday). MetroRail used to have two classes on commuter trains in and around Cape Town:
MetroPlus
(also called First Class) and
Metro
(called Third Class). But since the rolling stock has been updated almost in all the lines with a brand new "blue" train (opposed to the old "yellow" one), there is no more two classes.
MetroRail commuter trains are a great way to travel between Cape Town and neighbouring towns such as
Stellenbosch
Strand
Paarl
Somerset West
, Malmesbury, Worcester and through the Southern Suburbs (Claremont, Wynberg, Retreat) or to the beaches at
Muizenberg
Kalk Bay
Fish Hoek
, Glencairn and
Simon's Town
. Contrary to popular opinion, MetroRail trains are safe (especially the new rolling stock which has CCTV and usually security guards on board), but it is wise to avoid travelling during the night if possible. If you need to use trains during the night, go on the most crowded car and try to travel with a companion. MetroRail is easy to navigate as the routes and schedule are available on Google Map. The
operator's website
is also a good way to plan your trip. Note that most (all
?) of the ticket offices only accept cash.
The train line from Cape Town to
Simon's Town
is fantastic. From
Muizenberg
south to Simon's Town, the line runs right next to the sea. You can often see whales, and if it is windy you may have sea spray hitting the train windows. For the best views make sure you sit on the east side of the train (the left side as you face away from Cape Town and towards Simon's Town). You can buy a Tourist "hop on, hop off" ticket for the Cape Town to Simon's Town route that allows you to get on and off any train for the entire day. Note that sometimes there's no direct train between Cape Town and Simon's Town. You have to change at Fish Hoek, but the change is easy.
Trains to
Stellenbosch
run about every two hours or so, but this journey takes a long time. Ask at the ticket counter if there is an earlier train you could hop on, since there are also trains to Stellenbosch starting from Bellville and Eerste River.
-33.922222
18.426389
Cape Town railway station
corner of Strand St and Adderley St in the city centre
).
All trains from and to Cape Town depart and arrive from here.
updated Aug 2020
-33.9065
18.6275
Bellville railway station
Second largest station, in the eastern suburbs. Major hub for commuter trains, most long-distance trains calls here too.
updated Dec 2020
By car
edit
Most roads in Cape Town and its surroundings are in excellent condition, which makes getting around in a car a straightforward task. However, there is a risk of getting carjacked when it is dark or while you stop at the traffic lights. It is not quite as dangerous as the media will make you believe, but you should take care. Ask the staff in your hotel or anyone who knows the city well about the safe and unsafe areas of Cape Town. Check the route that you intend to take and avoid unnecessary detours off the highways into areas with which you are not familiar.
Many major highways begin in Cape Town:
N1
goes northeast, passing
Paarl
Bloemfontein
and
Johannesburg
on its way from Cape Town to the
Zimbabwean
capital
Harare
. The N1 is a good option if you are heading up to
Kimberley
and the northern
Drakensberg
N2
goes along the east coast to the
Garden Route
George
and
Port Elizabeth
town in the
Eastern Cape
, across the
Wild Coast
Durban
and
Eswatini
(Swaziland), and finally ending up at
Ermelo
. Note that the N2 is a toll road through the
Tsitsikamma National Park
N7
runs north along the west coast to the
Northern Cape
city of
Springbok
up to
Namibia
. Continue on it to get to the
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
and
Upington
Car rental in South Africa is more affordable than most Western nations. Petrol is cheaper than much of Europe too but is slightly more pricey than the USA. Local residents will say that the drivers in Cape Town are among the politest in the country and normally drive slower than drivers in other South African cities.
By bus
edit
Every major bus company has intercity connections to Cape Town, taking you there from other areas in
South Africa
and from
Namibia
Botswana
and
Zimbabwe
. Every day up to six buses run from particular cities.
International bus lines
edit
Baileys Reo Liner
has a bus to Cape Town from
Namibia
three times a week: on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Munenzwal Luxury Coaches
and
Chihwa bus lines
have buses to Cape Town from
Zimbabwe
three times a week.
The starting point for the buses is the bus station next to the main train station near the Golden Acre building.
Bus lines
edit
Greyhound
+27 83 915-9000
Intercape Mainliner
+27 21 380-4400
Has buses going from Cape Town to Namibia.
Translux
+27 21 449-6353
Baz Bus
+27 21 422-5202
updated Jul 2018
Low cost bus lines
edit
IIulabus
. Cape Town from Johannesburg from
R500
Nobles Transport
. Cape Town from Johannesburg from
R500
Delta Coaches
. Cape Town from
Johannesburg
from
R500
Eagle Liner
. Cape Town from Johannesburg from
R500
City to City
. Cape Town from Plettenberg Bay from
R250
. Cape Town from
Knysna
R230
Bus tickets can also be obtained from
Computicket
dead link
By boat
edit
Most of the larger cruise lines, such as
Princess Cruises
, offer Cape Town as one of their destinations, but you can also try something different:
RMS St Helena
This passenger/cargo ship is the last working Royal Mail Ship and stops at Cape Town on its way to
St Helena
Get around
edit
Map of Cape Town
By foot
edit
Cape Town is not the most pedestrian-friendly city in the world. There are areas that are ideal for walking, such as the St George's Mall and Greenmarket Square areas in the city centre, the V&A Waterfront or some beach areas.
Care needs to be taken when walking in other parts of the city, as the roads can be busy, and having pedestrian right of way does not necessarily mean that vehicles will cede to you. Pedestrians normally cross when the road is clear, regardless of red pedestrian lights.
Outside of a few areas, there is very little pedestrian signage.
By bicycle
edit
It is possible to get around by bicycle. There are some bike lanes in the center.
More information
about cycling in and near the city.
By car
edit
Many car hire companies are based in the airport as well being found all over town. Note that South Africa is a left-hand traffic country. Visitors from countries where traffic moves on the right-hand side may need to take some time to get familiar with the different road rules. Getting a car with automatic transmission at some rental services is not always easy so try to reserve a car in advance if you prefer an automatic.
Cape Town has some of the worst traffic jams in South Africa. During peak-hours traffic can grind to a total stand-still. Use an app like Waze or Google Maps to guide you around the worst spots.
All fuel stations accept international credit and debit cards using chip and PIN. US and other card holders not yet converted to chip cards may find their cards not accepted.
When you refuel your car you need to let the station attendants do it for you. You can just stay inside your car and they will ask you which type and how much fuel you want to put in your car. They will probably also wash your windscreen for you whether you need it or not, and it is also common to ask petrol attendants to check tyres and oil. In return a small tip is appreciated (around
R5
is common) so it is advisable to collect a few of the low denomination coins you will receive elsewhere during your trip as change.
Cape Town has several luxury chauffeur companies that do a variety of services including transfer to and from the airport, taking you to exclusive events and becoming VIP bodyguards.
By metered taxi
edit
Metered taxis are controlled by the city council and can be considered safe and reliable. The price per kilometer is around
R8
R10
and can often be read at the taxis side door. You can also set a fixed price with the driver, especially when going to a far away destination such as the airport which is about 21
km from city center and the fare can be bargained down to
R150
There is only one official taxi company at the airport: Touchdown Taxis and to avoid the touts walk through the terminal until you find their specific desk. You can also ask your hotel to pick you up, as pick up service are provided by many hotels, guest houses and so on.
Elsewhere look for the specific taxi ranks which usually have a marshall who will ask where you want to go and then instruct one of the taxis for you - always ask up front how much and they will either indicate that it is on the meter or advise a fixed amount on which you can haggle. Compared with European and American prices they are cheap even if you also include a tip.
By ride-hailing service
edit
Ride hailing services
are widely available across Cape Town, in particular Bolt and Uber. It is recommended to check them both apps as the prices can sometimes be significantly different between the two apps.
By minibus taxi
edit
Minibus taxis are used widely by locals but tourists are usually discouraged from using them, except for the Green Point - Sea Point - Clifton - Camps Bay route that is frequently used by tourists. They cover most of the Cape Town Metropolitan Area and are very cheap, however they can become very crowded and are definitely less safe than metered taxis due to their dangerous driver behavior.
Some minibus taxi operators have noticed the upsurge in the tourist market and are starting to provide safe and legal alternatives to the traditional minibus taxis. They are more expensive than traditional minibus taxis, but still far cheaper than metered taxis. No guarantee you'll get to your destination directly, but it is safe, fun, and all the drivers are characters. You may even meet supermodels going to their photo shoots or artists going to their studios, though statistically this is extremely unlikely. During the busy season you may have to wait a while and unfortunately, they do not take reservations.
By bus
edit
An international standard rapid transit service in Cape Town, known as MyCiTi, runs from
Cape Town Airport to the Cape Town CBD (City Bowl)
and the Atlantic coastal suburbs.
MyCiTi
04:30 to 22:00
This is the recommended service for tourists to the city and is comparable with the London Transport system in England. It is a bus rapid transit (BRT) system with dedicated lanes and stations, offboard fare collection, and level boarding, like rail.
Smartcards cost
R35
. Then you load the fare, and you need to tap in once at a controlled access terminal gate or in the bus on regular bus stops. At the end of your journey, at regular stops you tap out in the out validator. When you step out into a controlled access terminal, you instead either tap out on the exit gate. If you change buses, you do not need to tap out and tap in again inside the connecting bus, but tap out at the end of your journey. You would think a redundant tap in or out would not be charged but the software is not smart enough
updated Jun 2023
Golden Arrow Bus Services
This is a network of affordable public buses that links up much of the Cape Town metropolitan area. Ask the driver where the bus is going to make sure you don’t end up somewhere else.
By motorcycle or scooter
edit
There are a number of motorbike and scooter hire services throughout Cape Town. Motorbikes and scooters are agile forms of transportation and will save you some coin compared to renting a car. However, unless you enjoy cycling on very mountainous terrain, tiny alleys and roads with high levels of traffic, it is not advisable to ride a bicycle to get around.
Cape Sidecar Adventures
1 Dickens Road, Salt River
+27 21 4349855
fax
+27 21 4349860
info@sidecars.co.za
M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa 09:00-13:00
Sit in a personalised guided sidecar as you explore the sites of Cape Town. Caters to disabled passengers by attaching collapsible wheelchairs onto their sidecar.
Harley-Davidson Cape Town
Harbour Edge Building, 2 Hospital St, Green Point
+27 79 377 4464
+27 21 401 4260
trevor@hdcapetown.co.za
Riding a Harley is another great way of exploring the Cape.
From
R650
a day
-33.911
18.4702
Yamaha Adventures
36 Marine Drive, Paarden Eiland
+27 74 190 9977
Take a tour of the rugged Cape and the rest of Southern Africa on a Yamaha. Gear and accessories hire also available.
updated Nov 2017
By train
edit
Cape Town has a commuter rail system called
Metrorail
, though it is the locals that primarily use it. They have put in a lot of work to improve comfort and safety on the trains with brand new trains now operating in almost all the lines with CCTV and usually security guard onboard. Cape Town's main station is located in the city centre on the corner of Strand and Adderley Street. The suburban network of lines is fairly good with over 120 stations. You can go on a picturesque ride to
Simon's Town
along the
Cape Peninsula
's east coast. Stay on the Simon's Town line and plan your itinerary so that you stop using the train after 18:30 or any time after it becomes dark.
Try to avoid carrying valuables during your train ride as they will be magnet for thieves. If it is necessary to bring a camera, stick to one that is small in size and well hidden. Wearing any type of jewellery visible to others is not a good idea as it can be snatched or ripped off you by a cunning thief. For your safety remember to always stay alert.
See
edit
Colourful houses and mosque at the Bo-Kaap
Although the legislative capital of South Africa, Cape Town doesn't seem like part of Africa, in fact, the city provides a natural backdrop and Cape Dutch architecture.
-33.920833
18.4125
Bo-Kaap
Malay Quarter
).
This neighbourhood, on a hilly area southwest of the city centre, is where historically Malay Muslim descendants of slaves had lived. It is a popular location to shoot films, since there are bright and colourful buildings, mosques, quaint streets, stunning views of Cape Town, and delicious street food sold along the side. It is worth exploring the quarter for about an hour, and then visiting the Bo-Kaap Museum, showing how a wealthy Malay family lived during the 19th century. Within the quarter is Atlas Trading, an old-fashioned spice shop. Ask the manager to mix the spices you need for making the meal you want. About 1 km from the Bo-Kaap is the Noon Gun which is a cannon used as a time signal. At 12:00 from Monday to Saturday the cannons are fired, never ceasing to amaze the crowd of people watching. Go and see the brief ceremony that occurs before and during the shooting.
updated Aug 2025
The Castle of Good Hope
-33.925908
18.427725
Castle of Good Hope
Cnr of Castle St and Darling St
+27 21 7871260
info@castleofgoodhope.co.za
09:00-17:00 daily. Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 11:00, 12:00 and 14:00. Horse and carriage rides are offered daily at 10:30, 12:45 and 14:45. Booking is necessary
Popularly called 'The Castle' by locals, it is the oldest surviving building in South Africa, having been built from 1666 to 1679. The castle displays a vast range of historical military equipment and tools, an art collection and the William Fehr Collection, which includes antique Cape Dutch furniture. Visitors can buy wine and eat at the café or restaurant within the Castle .
R50
entrance fee for adults,
R25
for children and pensioners
updated Nov 2017
-33.5531
18.2526
City Hall
This beautiful Edwardian building, completed in 1905, is where Nelson Mandela made his first speech after his release from prison in 1990. It no longer hosts municipal offices, but instead functions as a venue for exhibitions and performances, including those of the
Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
updated Nov 2021
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
-33.989444
18.430278
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Rhodes Dr, Newlands
+27 21 7998899
+27 21 7998783
Kirstenboschinfo@SANBI.ORG.ZA
daily 08:00-18:00 (19:00 September to March). Guided tours depart from Gate 1 M-F at 10:00, 11:00 and 14:00 and Sa 10:00, and from Gate 2 at 11:00 M-F and Sa 10:00
See the beautiful and highly diverse flowers and plants of the Cape in one of the most stunning botanical gardens in the world. Plants from every South African bioregion are displayed. These include a huge baobab tree, rare succulents from the Richtersveld, as well as fascinating medicinal species. Several paths meander throughout the garden. There are also many restaurants, an indigenous nursery and a gift shop located here. At certain times of the year there are concerts and performances in the open air amphitheatre. There is art frequently on display, including large Shona stone sculptures from Zimbabwe. The gardens are also home to the National Biodiversity Institute. The garden is special because it changes dramatically every season. You will see different birds, new flowers, etc. In the summer, sunset concerts feature excellent international and local music acts in various genres. Enter early to find a good spot on the grass amphitheatre. Come along for a picnic and revel in the music of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, popular local artists and rock bands.
R65
for adults,
R15
for children
-33.95238
18.459005
dead link
Rhodes Memorial
Rhodes Ave, Devil's Peak
+27 21 6899151
roy@rhodesmemorial.co.za
Built on the lower slopes of Devil's Peak, the memorial was designed in recognition of imperialist politician and business magnate Cecil Rhodes. The wooden bench that Rhodes used is placed under the memorial. This memorial is a wonderful spot to have a picnic. It is a starting point for the bike and hiking trails that head towards Devil's Peak, which have now become very popular. If you are eager to explore the nature and beauty in the area, make sure you are never alone and never carry valuables with you.
-33.9277
18.4186
South African Houses of Parliament
Parliament St, Cape Town City Centre
+27 21 403-2266
tours@parliament.gov.za
Tours are offered M-F, but must be booked in advance
Cape Town is the legislative seat of South Africa (the presidential seat is in Pretoria while the judicial seat is in Bloemfontein). A tour of the Houses of Parliament will acquaint you with South Africa's modern history and political system. The tour includes visits to the National Assembly, the National Council of Provinces and the old apartheid-era assembly now only used for caucus and committee meetings. Tours are offered a few times per day in various languages.
Free entrance and tours
updated Nov 2017
-33.907074
18.41845
Two Oceans Aquarium
V&A Waterfront
+27 21 418-3823
aquarium@aquarium.co.za
09:30-18:00
A decent-sized aquarium showcasing the biodiversity within the Indian and Atlantic oceans. Displays include clownfish, seahorses, turtles, sharks and even the local penguins. Features a live kelp forest and microscope exhibit. There is an extensive series of events calendar for each month, and a daily event schedule including live feedings as well.
Scuba diving
with the sharks is also offered. A walk around the aquarium takes about an hour. There is also a viewing platform available to see the cape fur seals near the V&A Waterfront.
Adults
R265
, children (14-17)
R195
and children (4-13)
R120
updated Nov 2017
V&A Waterfront
-33.903056
18.422778
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
+27 21 408-7600
09:00-21:00 daily
A huge shopping and entertainment area in the harbour. It is very popular with tourists, because of the high density of shops, restaurants and amusement possibilities, like the Aquarium or the Marine Museum. Harbour tours and trips to Robben Island start from here, as well as helicopter flights to the Cape Peninsula. The V&A Waterfront has more or less full wheelchair access.
updated Nov 2017
-33.938483
18.463858
Cape Town Science Centre
370B Main Road, Observatory
+27 21 300-3200
info@ctsc.org.za
M-Sa 09:00-16:30, Su 10:00-16:30
A world of discovery under one roof! Expect a wide variety of interactive displays and exciting activities for your enjoyment. Build a house in the exclusive 'kids only' Building Site, challenge your mind with Puzzling Things, experience weightlessness similar to that of space with a spin on the Human Gyroscope, play Mindball - the game where you control the ball with your brain waves and see and hear science in the Audio Kinetic Sculpture.
R55
for adults and children. Students, pensioners and group discounts
updated Oct 2017
-33.906583
18.419722
10
Nobel Square
17 Dock Rd
Along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Features sculptures of South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize winners including Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, F. W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela.
Museums and galleries
edit
-33.92158
18.414968
11
Bo-Kaap Museum
71 Wale Street, Bo-Kaap
+27 21 481-3939
info@iziko.org.za
M-Sa 10:00-17:00
Located in a home dating from the 1760s, the museum offers an insight into the cultural life of the Muslim community of the Bo-Kaap area in Cape Town.
R20
entrance fee
updated Nov 2017
-33.9277
18.4237
12
District Six Museum
25A Buitenkant St
+27 21 466-7200
info@districtsix.co.za
M-Sa 09:00-16:00
District Six is an area near downtown Cape Town which remained multiracial well into the 1960s against all attempts by the government to declare it a "white only" area. Eventually the residents were all evicted and the buildings were bulldozed. The area remains uninhabited. The museum provides information about the area, the eviction, the Group Areas Act, and the people who used to live there. The director of the museum is a former resident. There is a small bookstore with an excellent selection of books on South Africa's history, District Six and apartheid.
R40
R70
with a guide
updated Jun 2023
Cape-Dutch architecture at Groot Constantia
-34.031111
18.418889
13
Groot Constantia
Groot Constantia Estate, Constantia
+27 21 794-5128
enquiries@grootconstantia.co.za
Daily 09:00-18:00. Tours depart hourly from 10:00 until 16:00
One of the oldest wine estates in
South Africa
and well worth the fee for the internal tour and wine tasting.
R75
wine tasting.
R100
for a wine tasting and a guided tour
updated Nov 2017
-33.92506
18.420393
14
Slave Lodge
cnr Adderley and Wale Streets
+27 21 460-8240
info@iziko.org.za
M-F 10:00-17:00
One of the oldest buildings in Cape Town which houses a social history museum.
Adults
R30
; children, students and seniors
R15
updated Nov 2017
-33.9299
18.417
15
South African Jewish Museum
88 Hatfield Street
+27 21 464-1267
info@sajewishmuseum.co.za
Su-Th 10:00-17:00; F 10:00-14:00
The museum about this small community that has made large contributions in South African society and bringing down Apartheid. The museum is about Jews but non-Jews will find it very interesting and informative.
R60
adults,
R30
students
updated Nov 2017
-33.905732
18.420159
16
Maritime Centre
Union Castle Building, V&A Waterfront
+27 21 405 2880
jboshoff@iziko.org.za
Daily 10:00-17:00
The museum documents the lives of the early seafarers voyaging around the Cape of Good Hope. Small craft, locally made and various maritime artifacts are also showcased. The huge model ships are the highlight of the museum.
Adults
R20
; children, students and seniors
R10
updated Nov 2017
-33.928984
18.417174
17
South African National Gallery
Government Avenue, Gardens
+27 21 467-4660
info@iziko.org.za
Daily 10:00-17:00
Located in the Gardens area of Cape Town off Government Ave (about a 20-minute walk from downtown). Contains extensive displays of South African art, and information on the history of censorship of art during apartheid.
Adults
R30
; children, students and seniors
R15
updated Nov 2017
-33.935623
18.408918
18
Galleria Gibello
Rosevilla, 23 Welgemeend Street Gardens
+27 72 143 4503
by appointment
Galleria Gibello is a photo gallery that is filled with visually captivating moments of life on the African continent.
-33.908333
18.422778
19
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art
MOCAA
),
V&A Waterfront
+27 87 350 4777
info@zeitzmocaa.museum
10.00-18.00 daily, last admission 17.30
Established in 2017 as the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world. Built out of an old grain silo that was decommissioned in 2001.
Adults; R 190, Children under 18; free
updated Mar 2019
Performing arts
edit
-33.92
18.4305
20
Artscape Theatre
D F Malan Street, Foreshore
+27 21 421-7695
artscape@artscape.co.za
-33.9572
18.4706
21
Baxter Theatre
Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch
+27 21 685-7880
linda.louw@uct.ac.za
Theatre performances, comedy, jazz and others.
-33.93
18.412222
22
Labia Theatre
68 Orange Street, Gardens
+27 21 424-5927
labiatheatre@labia.co.za
Has an African screen showing African-made and African-oriented films all year round.
Do
edit
West coast of the Cape Peninsula
The easiest way to get an overview on things to do, nice restaurants, clubs, tours etc. is to walk into one of the visitors centres which are in several areas (V&A Waterfront, City Bowl, Green Point, etc.)
-33.94405
18.386648
Cable Car to the top of Table Mountain
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
),
Lower Cable Station, Tafelberg Road
take a free schuttle from the bottom of the hill (Kloof Nek Parking) to Upper Tafelberg 1.
),
+27 21 424-0015
(general info),
+27 21 424-8181
(weather info)
toll-free:
+27
info@tablemountain.net
07:00-22:00 (usually 08:30), last car down varies: 21:30 during high season to 18:00 in mid winter
One-way and return cable car ticket available. Wheelchair accessible throughout, with a separate lift entrance and friendly staff will help accessibility visitors. Weather conditions at the top of the mountain are not the same as at the bottom so always take something warm to wear when going up the mountain, even if it is a nice toasty 30˚C at the bottom of the mountain. Wear sunblock and carry a water bottle (there is also a free drinking fountain at the top near the cable station). There is a cafe with a limited range of snacks, coffee, beer and wine at the top. Table Mountain is the home of a small animal, the rock rabbit (known locally as the 'Dassie') whose closest relative, DNA-wise, is the elephant, and you can see them running around on the rocks at the top of the mountain. If you want to see the sunset, you can go on the last car up which ranges from 17:00 (winter) and 20:30 (summer).
R450
return ticket (bought online),
R490
(bought on site), or
R295
for one way; tickets for children
R250
return, student special
R300
return
updated Nov 2025
Climbing Table Mountain
If you come by public transport, you can easily reach the trail using the MyCity bus to Kloof Nek bus stop from where there it a free shuttle going to the cable car. From the cable car, you can start the walk there, walking on the contour path. Or you can walk on the road to the Platteklip Visitor Center.
).
Platteklip Gorge is the most accessible and therefore the most popular route for climbing up Table Mountain. You start from Tafelberg Road and proceed up a steep gully to the top of Table Mountain. It's a steep two hours but well worth the effort and you can jump in the cable car back down to spare your knees. The cable car does not operate in strong winds so you need to check before departing. Remember to take water, sunblock, a hat and jacket. Climbing the mountain in the heat is a grueling task. But clouds can appear unannounced and the temperature then plummets. Poorly equipped hikers often have to be rescued. Although it is very steep this route is extremely popular and you are guaranteed to meet many people on the way up and down. The gorge is shaded in the afternoon but earlier in the day it can be extremely hot with very little shade. Most of the route involves rock steps which can be challenging and many people find coming down even harder than going up. Don't underestimate the time and energy required for the downward section of this hike. Wear appropriate hiking shoes. Leave plenty of time to get down before dark. As this is a well known route and easy accessible, many inexperienced hikers attempt the climb. Take care, or consider a guide.
Meridian Hiking Club
welcomes visitors on its organized hikes led by experienced climbers.
There's a
R20
daily charge per person
updated Nov 2025
Cape Peninsula
Go to the Cape of Good Hope via
Simon's Town
and the African penguin colony at
Boulders
. Visit Cape Point in the
Table Mountain National Park
, maybe have lunch there before taking a hike in a quieter part of the reserve to immerse yourself in the essence of the landscape. Then take a scenic drive along
Chapman's Peak Drive
(if it is open) through
Hout Bay
and along the Atlantic seaboard via
Llandudno
and
Camps Bay
, stopping off at one of
Clifton
's famous four beaches.
updated Nov 2017
Aerial view of Clifton beach
Winelands
Tour the beautiful Constantia Valley wine estates
Groot Constantia
, Buitenverwagting, Klein Constantia and Constantia Uitsig before checking out the
Cape Winelands
around
Stellenbosch
Paarl
and
Franschhoek
Stellenbosch
has the added attraction of being an historical university town and
Franschhoek
, well established as the food capital of the Cape, is home to three of the country's top ten restaurants. The views are extraordinary. Have a drink and a snack at Dieu Donne estate for an unsurpassable vista of the entire valley, or take your own picnic to the top of a little hill they have by the parking area. Most wineries charge for a tasting session, but usually refund it on a purchase. It's right next to the botanical garden.
updated Nov 2017
Sunset cruise
On visiting Cape Town take the opportunity for a sunset cruise from one of the services lined up along the V&A dockside. Well worth seeing the sunset but also the view back towards the town and Table Mountain from the sea. Some tours include free wine and drinks, so you can get your sun-downer in as well. If you're lucky you may also see dolphins.
Water sports
edit
Swimming
Beaches
on the
False Bay
side of the peninsula are the most popular with swimmers as the water is warmer.
St James
has the most picturesque tidal pool on the stretch between
Muizenberg
and
Kalk Bay
, while
Clovelly
and
Fish Hoek
beaches wrap around a sheltered bay with soft, white sands. Fishing boats, hobie cats and kayaks launch from here too. Brave hearts can sun-worship and swim naked in the freezing water of the isolated and breathtaking nudist beach Sandy Bay near
Llandudno
. Major spot for gay tourists as well. There's a 1½
km walk down from the parking lot. Camps Bay and Clifton also have great beaches to visit if you want to try the chillier waters of the west coast.
Surfing
Cape Town is one of the best places to surf.
Muizenberg
is a good place for beginners to learn to surf, Gary offers reasonably priced lessons from a shop facing the beach. Don't forget that the False Bay area (where Muizenberg is located in addition to Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek) is known for its sharks! If you're an experienced surfer, try the reef break at
Kalk Bay
, Outer Kom near Kommetjie or Misty Cliffs on the coast road near Scarborough. You could head up the west coast and sample
Milnerton
, Table View or Big Bay, although Big Bay is often crowded with people kitesurfing due to the windy conditions. When the swell is really cranking, the big wave surfers gather at Dungeons, near Hout Bay, for some of the biggest surfable waves in the world.
updated Nov 2017
Kite surfing
Cape Town is one of the most popular kite surfing destinations in the world. The two oceans, combined with the windy conditions, make for a great kite surfing experience. Some of the most popular kite surfing hot spots are Dolphin Beach in Blouberg Strand, Muizenberg and Langebaan Lagoon.
updated Nov 2017
Ball sports
edit
Rugby Union
Stormers
play in the United Rugby Championship, the European professional league, with a playing season Oct-March. Their home ground is Cape Town Stadium, capacity 58,300.
Cricket
-33.9737
18.4689
Newlands
146 Campground Rd
+27 21 657 2004
Overlooked by Table Mountain and Devil's Peak, this scenic ground hosts Test matches and is home to Western Province and MI Cape Town teams. Its capacity is 20,000.
updated Oct 2023
Golf
there's over a dozen courses around the city. Two notable examples are
Steenberg GC
in Tokai to the south, and
Clovelly
in Fish Hoek further south.
Deep sea fishing
edit
Ama Feesh Charters
+27 21 788-9689
info@amafeesh.co.za
Per charter,
R4500
for inshore fishing,
R6500
for offshore fishing, 1 to 6 people
Cape Charters
31 Antigua, The Water Club, Granger Bay
+27 21 418-0782
info@capecharters.co.za
Hooked on Africa
Harbour Rd, Hout Bay Harbour
+27 83 4603963
+27 21 7905332
sean@hookedonafrica.co.za
Tuna fishing charter that also offers boating excursions. If it's your lucky day, you'll catch a yellowfin.
Millers Point & Simonstown - on the way to Cape Point
+27 83 235 9550
rob@sportfishing.co.za
contact Rob Naysmith
from
R4
,000 per boat (4 pax) per day in False Bay to
R5
,000 for Tuna
Shark cage diving
edit
dead link
SABP Tours
+27 21 426-2838
fax
+27 21 426-0201
info@sabptours.com
SABP Tours offers a diving opportunity to witness the great white shark.
Diving
edit
Main topic:
Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay
On the way to a dive off Cape Town
The sharks at Two Oceans are fed every Sunday, so diving visitors don't serve as desserts
Cape Town is at the meeting spot of the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. Because of the Benguela Current the Atlantic Ocean is relatively cold (about 8°C to 14°C). The Indian Ocean is warmer (12°C to 17°C), and here you can see more colourful fish. The official border between the two oceans is at Cape Agulhas, but currents and eddies take the warmer water further west and these waters can reach the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula in False Bay, so from a diving point of view, the Cape Peninsula may be considered the interface between the two marine biological regions, and there is a notable difference in character between the waters of the two coasts of the peninsula. This manifests itself in the different range of marine life found on the two coasts. These regions are the South Western Cape inshore bioregion to the west of Cape Point, and the Agulhas inshore bioregion to the east of Cape Point.
Permits:
The waters around the Cape Peninsula have been declared a Marine Protected Area (MPA). Permits are required to Scuba dive in any Marine Protected Area. This is a politically controversial issue due to disputes on whether due process was followed and whether the government department exceeded its authority, but the consequence is that a tax is imposed on all Scuba divers who dive in an MPA. The permit (valid for 1 year) may be purchased for
R75
(2009) at some branches of the Post Office, or a temporary permit valid for 1 month may be purchased at most dive shops.
Failure to present this permit when requested by an official of MCM may lead to harassment and possible arrest.
Dive sites:
Detailed information and suggestions on local conditions, service providers and more than 250 local dive sites is provided in the guide to
Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay
If the open ocean does not appeal to you, the Two Oceans Aquarium also offer diving opportunities in their 2.2 million-litre tank.
Diving at Two Oceans Aquarium
+27 21 418-3823
dive@aquarium.co.za
09:00, 11:00 and 13:00 daily
You must hold a recognised diving certification, specifically a minimum Open Water 1 qualification and present it when you arrive. Swim along with the sharks, guitar fish, bass, bull rays and turtles. The dive masters are kind and knowledgeable and will accompany you into the aquarium ready to fend off the sharks with his broomstick should they become cuddly. Dive time is around 30 minutes. For advanced divers, the Kelp forest tank puts you into the water with more and bigger local reef fish than you will see in the sea.
R870
R660
if you bring your own diving gear), this includes the
R70
aquarium entrance fee
updated Nov 2017
Events
edit
There are many organized events in Cape Town throughout the year. An official calendar of events is available from
Cape Town Tourism
Cape Argus Cycle Tour
+27 21 685-6551
info@cycletour.co.za
March every year
Total distance is 109
km (68
mi). Start in downtown, cycle down the eastern side of the peninsula, past
Simon's Town
and back up the western side of the peninsula.
Entrance fee is
R250
for entrants on the African continent or the equivalent of
€50
everyone else
If you are not involved in or interested in cycling, avoid Cape Town on this weekend, as it is almost impossible to go anywhere as so many roads are closed.
The Two Oceans Marathon route takes in the Chapmans Peak Drive.
Two Oceans Marathon
+27 21 671-9407
entries@twooceansmarathon.org.za
On Easter Saturday each year
An Ultra marathon (56
km), a half marathon (21
km) and a number of fun runs ranging from a 56m
Nappy Dash
to a 8
km walk or run. Maximum 10 000 entrance accepted per year per race distance (fun runs excluded).
There is a pricing scale for each of the runs. The Ultra Marathon,
R190
for South African residents,
R300
for the rest of Africa and
R555
for the rest of the world. The Half Marathon,
R125
of South African residents,
R215
for the rest of Africa and
R335
for the rest of the world. The Fun Runs are priced from
R10
to
R20
Cape Town Jazz Festival
Cape Town International Convention Centre
+27 21 422-5651
Normally held during late March
Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
Marches throughout the city ending at Green Point Stadium
Usually New Years day and a couple of days later during January
Also known as the
Kaapse Klopse
, these brightly dressed singers and dancers spend months preparing for this annual event.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
Kirstenbosch Gardens Concert Stage
),
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Concert Stage, Rhodes Dr, Newlands
+27 21 7998783
late Nov to early April: Su 17:30-18:30
A picnic style concert, so bring a blanket and a picnic basket. Children under 6 years do not require a ticket. All concerts take place irrespective of rain. Regret no refunds are issued. The Kirstenbosch concerts are completely non-smoking events. There will be no designated smoking areas. Gates to the concert area open at 16h00 (On New Year’s Eve, gates open at 19h00).
R170
R220
Mother City Queer Project
info@mcqp.co.za
Sometime during December each year
Biggest gay and lesbian party of the year.
R100
to
R350
. The earlier you buy a ticket the cheaper it is
First Thursdays
First Thursdays Projects
),
City of Cape Town
info@thursdaysprojects.co.za
6PM - 8PM or late
On the first Thursday of every month, walk between the galleries, restaurants and shops of Cape Town and Johannesburg until late.
Discover the best things to see and places to go on First Thursdays. First Thursdays was started in Cape Town in 2012, and in Johannesburg in 2015. Inspired by similar initiatives in other cities around the world, the monthly event, taking place on the first Thursday of every month, is centred around a primary programme of art galleries and cultural attractions that are open to the public until late. The initiative is equally about access to the arts as it is about injecting life into our urban spaces after hours. Walk around the streets of Cape Town and visit galleries and restaurants who all have specials on the night.
free
updated Aug 2022
Safari
edit
Big Five Cape Town safaris are becoming increasingly popular. There are many safari game reserves with in 2 hours drive from Cape Town which is a great option if you don’t want to venture too far from the city.
Hiking
edit
There are many hiking trails in and around the city, from short walks to multi day hikes.
The Cape of Good Hope Trail
Cape Town
+27 21 780-9204
reservations@sanparks.org
Cape of Good Hope in the
Table Mountain National Park
, 34
km, 2 Days.
R88
Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail
Cape Town
+27 21 465-8515
reservations@sanparks.org
3-day, non-strenuous, luxury trail through the city, botanical gardens and
Table Mountain National Park
R635
per day
The Orangekloof Hiking Trail
Cape Town
+27 21 465-8515
reservations@sanparks.org
6 days, Cape Point to Table Mountain.
R420
Table Mountain
Starting point is 1½ km past the Lower Cable Station on Tafelberg Road
).
Always open, but you might want to start early enough to catch the last cable car down
km (
all uphill
), 1 to 3 hours, Platteklip Gorge to the Upper Cable Station.
No fees are charged
Chapman's Peak
Noordhoek
, 2–3 hours non-strenuous with breathtaking views of Hout Bay and Noordhoek and rich flora, especially proteas.
The Amphitheatre in the Kalk Bay mountains
3 hours. Start at the sign on scenic Boyes Drive and climb up towards the rocks above which are peppered with scores of caves, many of which are not recommended for novice cavers so be careful. Take a torch. Follow the right forks in the trail and you'll be rewarded with increasingly spectacular views of False Bay. Head straight up through Echo Valley and through an ancient milkwood grove. Come back the same way if you don't have detailed directions. No permit required.
Cape Town has a very good network of trails to suit every level of fitness. Many of these trace the contours of the mountain and wander through the protea bushes and fynbos, often with breathtaking views. Many require no permit, although most of Cape Town's reserves have entrance fees. Hiking in a group is strongly recommended. The outdoor store Cape Union Mart has a hiking club with organized group hikes most weekends. Pick up a programme at one of their stores. You must phone the hike-leader first and pay
R10
Paradise Touring
+27 21 713-1020
info@paratour.co.za
For guided walks up the mountain with a botanical guide.
Cape Eco-Tours
+27 82 460-4847
info@cape-ecotours.co.za
A good one for twitchers to use and is a member of Bird Life South Africa.
Trax Tours
+27 73 495-6115
taynetrax@gmail.com
Guided hiking and cycle tours in Franschoek and Stellenbosch, including wine tasting.
Meridian Hiking Club
+27 82 498-0361
meridian@meridian.org.za
This club organizes hikes ranging from easy day walks to strenuous rock scrambles on the mountain and multi-day hikes. Look up the calendar on the web site for details of current hikes. It is very popular with tourists.
R20
per person (or
R144
annual membership)
In the air
edit
Cape Town Helicopter Tours
V&A Waterfront
+27 72 327-2840
info@cape-town-helicopter-tours.com
Helicopter Wine Tours Western Cape, visit, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and or Paarl from Cape Town.
NAC Helicopters
East Pier Road, V&A Waterfront
+27 21 425-3868
bookings@naccapetown.com
Offers chartered and private chopper rides.
Sport Helicopters
3 East Pier Road, V&A Waterfront
+27 21 419 5907
info@sporthelicopters.co.za
8AM-5PM
For scenic flights around the mountain, Huey flights, wine farm transfers.
ThunderCity
Cape Town international Airport
+27 21 934-8007
info@thundercity.com
Go supersonic in a fighter jet.
You need endless pockets
Skydive Cape Town
Cape Town
+27 82 800-6290
bookings@skydivecapetown.za.net
One of the most scenic dropzones in the world, a 30 minutes drive up the
R27
just after Melkbos.
-33.9172
18.4009
Para-Taxi
Tandem Paraglide
),
Signal Hill Rd
+27 82 966-2047
info@para-taxi.com
Paraglide over the Cape while being securely strapped to a professional pilot. Lovers of height will be blown away. Flights are also provided to the disabled.
R1350
Kayaking
edit
Gravity Adventure Group
+27 21 683-3698
adventure@gravity.co.za
Provides training (
African Paddling Association approved
) as well sea kayaking in the
West Coast National Park
Kaskazi Kayaks
179 Beach Road, Three Anchor Bay
Take MyCiTi Bus 104 to Three Anchors
),
+27 833461146
toll-free:
+27 21813 9307
info@kayak.co.za
7AM - 5:30PM
Guided sea kayak trips, twice a day from Seapoint.
ZA
R450
updated Jan 2020
Sunset cruises
edit
Waterfront Boat Company
Quay 4, V&A Waterfront
+27 21 418-5806
glynis@waterfrontboats.co.za
Take a relaxing sunset cruise on the Condor to Greenpoint and back or do the champagne cruise. One to one and a half hours.
R90
to
R190
Tigger 2 Charters
+27 21 418-0241
tigger@netactive.co.za
From
R180
to
R720
per person depending on cruise
-33.904278
18.420861
Jolly Roger Pirate Ship
Jolly Roger Pirate Boat, Quay 5, V&A Waterfront
+27 214210909
info@yacoobyachts.co.za
The Jolly Roger is the only authentic pirate ship in South Africa, departs from the V&A Waterfront at popular times. The Jolly Roger is able to sail in most weather conditions, normally at 11:00 (on weekends), 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 18:00. Must arrive early for boarding. Bookings to be made online here, or direct on arrival.
from
R100
per child and
R150
per adult in winter, to
R220
updated Aug 2022
Townships tours
edit
The townships are the places where people were forced to live (based on race) under the apartheid regime. To some extent townships continue to retain their apartheid-era racial make-up, for a variety of reasons. Townships have also grown to cover far larger areas of land than in the apartheid days. This is a result of urbanization, especially over the past 10–15 years. Touring a township may seem strange, even inappropriate, but it is a good way to learn about
South Africa's
history, and the poverty that many people continue to live in. People in the townships are friendly and the children love visitors. Some townships however
can be dangerous
(see the warning on the
South Africa
page) so don't go alone unless you know what you're doing. The townships tours are safe. If you want to bring sweets or gifts for the children, it is best not to give it directly to them, but to give it to the tour guide who will distribute them later.
Tours can be booked directly or through one of Cape Town's many booking agencies. Tours run once or twice per day. Be aware that if you're given the chance to try some township food, that a 'walkie-talkie' is often made from the feet and beaks of poultry. The very best way to see a township is by foot and to stay overnight at one of the many township B&Bs.
There are several tour companies which offer tours.
African Experience
70 Loyolo Street, Kayamandi
+27 21 889-5562
awaa@webmail.co.za
Andulela Tours
+27 21-790-2592
info@andulela.com
Offers a variety of different tours, including jazz, soccer, poetry, and culinary tours. Their emphasis is on meeting people, not looking at them.
Cape Fusion Tours
Oranjezicht
+27 21 461-2437
info@capefusion.co.za
Offers hands-on African cooking experiences in Langa at a local cooking school. This gives you an insight into the culture, the people and their cuisine.
Kwathabeng Tours
1 Mocke St Dieprivier
+27 21 829-6166
alex@kwathabeng.co.za
Township Tavern Tours.
Langa Heritage Walk
Lenotholi Avenue, Langa
+27 21 695-0093
khanyisok@yahoo.com
Luhambo Tours
Milnerton
+27 21 551-0467
info@luhambotours.com
Specialised in township tours (Gugulethu and
Khayelitsha
) and wine tours.
Sam's Cultural Tours
45 Mshumpela Way, Langa
+27 21 694-6370
ntimba@telkomsa.net
Sipunzi's Black Cultural Township Tours
1818 Makhaza Khayelitsha
+27 82 769-7072
khayelitsha@tourismcapetown.co.za
Daytrippers
+27 21 511-4766
info@daytrippers.co.za
Wildlife
edit
There are a number of small nature reserves in and around Cape Town.
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and Nature Reserve
Melkbos
, consists of 3000-hectare buffer zone around the power station has been converted to a nature reserve with Bontebok, Genet, Steenbok and many other antelope.
Table Mountain National Park
forms part of the Cape Floristic Region
UNESCO World Heritage Site
. The park covers a large area of the Cape and incorporates a number of park areas. Most of it is free access; the only places you need to pay are at the Cape of Good Hope, Silvermine and
Boulders
Wine tasting and tours
edit
Cape Town has some of the world's best wine producing vineyards and maybe the world's most scenically stunning on its doorstep. The wine regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are all with in an easy hours drive, these historic and lush regions offer stunning views and world class wine tastings. You can self-drive but this come with limitations, often the best farms are closed to the public and then there is the drinking and driving issue. The best value and safest way to see the winelands is to trust your day to a dedicated wine tour company.
With South African wines becoming more and more popular worldwide, the number of tourists who visit Cape Town to learn more about the local wines is growing. The impressive variety of vineyards in Cape Town and the surrounding Cape Winelands make the choice which one to visit and which wine to taste very difficult. It is always a good idea to rely on one of the established wine tour operators. Guests should insist on a specialised guide with a thorough knowledge of South African wines.
Taste the Cape Travel and Tours cc
Kirstenhof
+27 798 120 220
info@tastethecape.co.za
A tour company specialising in wine and food tours with a registered tour guide.
Whale watching
edit
Mostly you will see Southern right whales, but on occasion you might also spot humpback and killer whales. Bottlenose and dusky dolphins also frequent False Bay.
The Southern Right whales visit each year between June & November to mate and calve.
From viewpoints next to the coastal road between
Fish Hoek
- Sunny Cove railway station through Glen Cairn to
Simon's Town
one can often spot whales less than 100 m from shore.
At Cape Point whales can often be seen passing below.
A number of operators also offer Whale Watching Cruises.
Simon's Town Boat Company
from the town pier
),
+27 83 257-7760
The sole permit holder for boat based whale watching in False Bay (Permit No. 0806336). Also operate sightseeing cruises to Seal Island in the whale off-season.
R800
per adult (2024 prices)
updated Jan 2025
Waterfront Boat Company
Shop 5 Quay, V&A Waterfront
+27 21 418-5806
glynis@waterfrontboats.co.za
3 to 4 hour cruise in the bay and you are almost guaranteed to spot whales.
R350
Dyer Island Cruises
Gansbaai
+27 28 384-0406
info@adventureticket.co.za
R450
-720
Cinema
edit
-33.93
18.412222
Labia Theatre
65 Orange street Gardens
+27 21-4245927
An old-school cinema which has been open for more than 65 years.
R 90 pp
updated Jul 2018
Learn
edit
Cape Town's medical research is world-renowned, and Groote Schuur hospital is where Christiaan Barnard and Hamilton Naki performed the world's first heart transplant.
Schools
edit
There are several language schools in the greater Cape Town area. Schools provide a very rigorous schedule of intense study (typically 20 lessons per week or more). Shop around before you make your choice. Choose a school which is part of accreditation associations like IALC (International Association of Language Centres) or other certificate that ensure quality.
-33.918342
18.387159
Ailola Cape Town
1st Floor, 4 Regent Rd, Sea Point
+27-21-439-9834
fax
+27-21-434-3267
info@ailolacapetown.com
Founded in 1998. The English school is located in the pleasant and safe district Sea Point. Besides English courses, the school offers Cambridge, TOEFL, IELTS and LCCI certification preparation courses and volunteering programs. The classes are held in one of 9 classrooms in a modern building with panoramic views on Signal Hill and Table Mountain. The school arranges accommodation and activities for its students, too.
updated Nov 2017
Universities
edit
-33.9575
18.460556
University of Cape Town
UCT
),
Rhodes Drive, Rondebosch
+27 21 650-2128
fax
+27 21 650-5189
admissions@bremner.uct.ac.za
July school will open two-weeks courses in the end of June. Being a student there and living in the UCT campus is a safe way for newcomers to get used to Cape Town and South Africa.
-33.9333
18.6333
University of the Western Cape
UWC
),
Modderdam Road, Bellville
+27 21 959-3900
-33.932211
18.640197
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Keizergracht Road
+27 21 959-6121
info@cput.ac.za
Learn to sail
edit
Cape Town is an excellent place to learn to sail, with courses completed here recognized internationally and costs far lower than what you can expect to pay in more developed countries.
Good Hope Sailing Academy
+27 21 424-4665
ghsa@iafrica.com
SAS and RYA accredited courses.
Yachtmaster Sailing School
Based at Royal Cape Yacht Club, Langebaan and Saldanha Bay
+27 21 788-1009
skipper@yachtmaster.co.za
RYA accredited.
Also check out nearby towns such as
Hout Bay
Learn to dance
edit
Cape Town is a hub for all forms of dancing, from African dance to ballroom & Latin American to modern dancing, ballet and swing. There is a school of dance at the University of Cape Town, where you can obtain an international dance qualification at a relatively affordable price.
-33.955664
18.468369
UCT School of Dance
+27 21 650-2398
Angie.Pearson@uct.ac.za
Bachelor of Music (Dance), Dance Teacher's Diploma.
-33.88687
18.679415
Phoenix Dance Company
William Dabs Street, Brackenfell
+27 73 509-3887
phoenixdanceco@gmail.com
International/Standard Competitive & Social American/Smooth Ballroom & Latin Syllabus.
Buy
edit
V&A Waterfront.
The V&A Waterfront is the prime tourist destination for souvenirs, though these tend to be typically touristy (i.e. expensive and not necessarily authentic). More authentic curios for better prices can be found every Sunday at the Green Point market outside the Green Point
Stadium on Sundays, in walking distance from the V&A Waterfront. Many of these same curios can be purchased during the week in the several multi-story shops at the lower end of Long Street. For the real deal with authentic artifacts complete with provenance and ethnographic background, go to Church Street where there are a couple of shops but be prepared for sticker shock. When buying African Curio, the price at open markets are almost always very negotiable and seldom does the item have a price sticker attached. People with foreign accents are often quoted twice to three times the price they sell to locals, so do negotiate.
-33.922672
18.420107
Green Market Square
54 Shortmarket Street
Originally a Farmers' Market dating back to 1710, Green Market is today one of the city's best flea markets. There's a range of local arts, craft and curios on offer and the vendors expect to bargain for their wares.
Wine
edit
If you like South African wine, buy it here (or anywhere in South Africa) before you leave, because it is much cheaper and there is more availability than overseas. Top guide to wines is the John Platter's Guide, with a few others around too, and with thousands of wines available from the region, you will need a guide (see below for shops that have knowledgeable staff). Read Wine magazine (or the iconoclastic Grape) for the latest information.
-33.920533
18.421565
Caroline's Fine Wines
V&A Waterfront and 15 Long Street in the City Centre
+27 21 419-8984
Better selection and more knowledgeable staff. City Centre location recommended, but both are excellent. Foam inserts and boxes for international shipping or for checking with your luggage (safe!) Not cheap though, compared to supermarkets and wineries.
-33.905546
18.419783
Vaughan Johnson's Wine Shop
Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
+27 21 419-2121
vjohnson@mweb.co.za
Quality selection but not exhaustive. Knowledgeable staff. Generally substantial (10-20%) markup over winery prices but of course more convenient.
-33.975901
18.459168
Wine Concepts
Cardiff Castle Building, cnr Main Street & Kildare Road, Newlands (Southern Suburbs)
+27 21 671-9030
sales@wineconcepts.co.za
Another great wine shop, certainly the best outside the City Bowl. A franchised location is on Kloof Street in the Lifestyle Centre.
Ultra
A large South African liquor chain. Several locations around the city, the one in Green Point is the most accessible to tourists. A warehouse bottle store but with a remarkable wine selection across all price ranges. Case discount (even on mixed cases). Good if you want to stock up for a road trip. Stash a bottle of Amarula Cream in your backpack while you're at it. Great prices -- in fact, often cheaper than at the wine farms themselves.
Arts and crafts
edit
Distinctively Capetonian in character—are everywhere, from chickens made of plastic bags to bead and wire work to pottery, glass and embroidery. If you don't buy a chicken from a Rastafarian at a street corner (the authentic experience—about
R30
depending on the size), then try Heartworks (Kloof Street or in Gardens Centre mall) or the Red Shed at the V&A Waterfront. There is also a high-end craft boutique in the Cape Quarter in De Waterkant.
Contemporary South African art has been riding a big wave in the international art world. It is on par with the best in the world and undervalued (unless you buy a William Kentridge). If you like real art as opposed to curios, crafts or posters, and you have the budget for it, there are several serious galleries in town. Try Michael Stevenson Gallery first, then Joao Ferreira Gallery, AVA Gallery or Bell-Roberts Gallery, and there are several others worth seeing. Artvark in
Kalkbay
is a treasure trove of modern local art at a variety of price points. Art South Africa is the art magazine to read if you want to know about the artists, and the adverts list the shows and the galleries.
Shopping malls
edit
As in any large city you will find a number of major shopping malls with the requisite department sized stores and chain labels:
-34.063728
18.453376
Blue Route Mall
cnr Tokai and Keyser River Roads, Tokai
+27 21 713-2360
broute@iafrica.com
-33.98027
18.463864
Cavendish Square
Vineyard Road, Claremont
+27 21 657-5620
information@cavendish.co.za
M-Sa 09:00-19:00, Su 10:00-17:00
-34.022062
18.444672
Constantia Village
cnr Constantia Main and Spaanschemacht River Roads, Constantia
+27 21 794-5065
info@constantiavillage.com
-33.989037
18.485498
Kenilworth Centre
cnr Doncaster and Chichester Roads, Kenilworth
+27 21 671-5054
-34.002881
18.469846
Maynard Mall
cnr Main and Wetton Roads, Wynberg
+27 21 797-1714
-33.891536
18.559736
10
N1 City
Louwtjie Rothman Drive (off Monte Vista Boulevard), Goodwood
+27 21 595-1170
-33.87298
18.634803
11
Tyger Valley
cnr Bill Bezuidenhout and Willie van Schoor Avenues, Bellville
+27 21 914-1822
M-Sa 09:00-19:00, Su 09:00-17:00
-33.903056
18.422778
12
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Breakwater Rd
+27 21 408-7600
10:00-21:00 every day
Has a Pick N Pay supermarket.
-33.922698
18.42305
13
dead link
Golden Acre Shopping Centre
11 Adderley Street
09:00-18:09
many low prices shops and places to eat right in down town cape town. has a Pep Clothing/shoe Store
updated Mar 2016
-33.8926
18.51109
14
Canal Walk Shopping Centre
Century City Boulevard
+27 215299699
9AM-9PM
Cape Town’s largest shopping centre has over 400 stores.
updated Feb 2021
Supermarkets
edit
-33.920695
18.422099
15
Pick N Pay
58 Strand street
+27 21-4181118
08:00-19:00
updated Mar 2016
-33.922996
18.421997
16
Shoprite
11 Adderley Street
+27 21-4647160
08:00-18:00
updated Mar 2016
-33.915595
18.417802
17
Spar
27 Somerset Road Green Point
+27 21-4180360
08:00-20:00
updated Mar 2016
-33.93186
18.409457
18
Checkers
Kloof Steet Gardens
+27 21-4805680
08:00-19:00
updated Mar 2016
-33.92261
18.422888
19
Pep stores
Golden Acre shopping mall
).
08:00-19:00
low cost clothing and shoes.
updated Aug 2016
Eat
edit
This page uses the following price ranges for a typical meal
for one
, including soft drink:
Budget
Under
R60
Mid-range
R60
to
R120
Splurge
Over
R120
View over Greenpoint from the Revolving Restaurant in the Ritz Hotel.
Food in Cape Town is generally of high quality. The wines are much celebrated, but the surrounding region is also a major fruit producer, and the Karoo lamb is widely regarded. Seafood caught locally is superlative, but ironically much of it goes internationally (e.g., tuna for sushi) because of the prices that can be achieved. Ask about the local linefish—yellowtail, cape salmon, kingklip, cod and others are great eating. Oysters in season are also exceptional, farmed and wild from
Knysna
or wild flown in from
Namibia
As one of the main tourist spots is the V&A Waterfront, you will find a broad range of restaurants, but they are often crowded and expensive. The area around Kloof St has many cafés and restaurants, as well as Long Street (frequented by a multi-ethnic clientèle), while the trendy area of De Waterkant between Bo Kaap and Green Point above Somerset Road also boasts good food and a great vibe. Dine with supermodels and other beautiful people in Camps Bay, which has many hip eateries and nightspots overlooking the beach along Victoria Road.
Farther afield,
Hout Bay
on the west side of the
Cape Peninsula
is very good for fresh crayfish (lobsters - they have become quite expensive, around
R300
, though).
Kalk Bay
on the east side of the peninsula offers a big variety of fresh fish, do check out The Brass Bell. The restaurants in nearby
Simon's Town
are also good.
Do not neglect the
Cape Winelands
for food if you have a car. In
Stellenbosch
, Spier has several restaurants, including the fun, afro-chic Moyo, and many wine estates offer food of different types and quality. The village of
Franschhoek
is the culinary navel of the wine region, with Le Quartier Francais a perennial five-star winner, but only one of many excellent restaurants. In the Constantia Valley there are a number of great restaurants including Pastis Brasserie, Wasabi, The River Cafe, La Colombe and the Constantia Uitsig Restaurant.
Make sure you know what the price is before you order rare delicacies in restaurants as there have been a few rare but high-profile cases of heinous overcharging where the price is not on the menu, particularly for perlemoen (abalone) and crayfish (similar to lobster).
Cape Town is a notably
vegan and vegetarian
friendly
city. Most restaurants in Cape Town have some vegetarian item on the menu, many of them also offering vegan options. Even those without vegan options on the menu are usually happy to serve something vegan if you ask the waiter.
Naturally, Cape Town is a great place to sample the unique
Cape Malay cuisine
. There are a few restaurants in Bo Kaap serving this cuisine; a must-try dish is
bobotie
, the signature dish of the community.
Budget
edit
-33.924643
18.422302
Eastern Food Bazaar
96 Longmarket St
+27 21 461 2458
South Asian food court offering high quality meals for a fair price. 100% Halal.
R20
-35 (Jan 2013)
updated Aug 2022
-33.907858
18.409562
Best Of Asia Green Point
105 Main Rd, Green Point
Sushi
updated Aug 2022
-33.907712
18.409138
Randy Warthog Bar & Grill
107 Main Rd, Green Point
updated Aug 2022
-33.915456
18.418883
Vasco da Gama Taverna
Schiebe St, De Waterkant
updated Aug 2022
-33.919179
18.420748
Lusitania Fisheries
Waterkant St
updated Aug 2022
-33.919923
18.420135
Meeting Point-Tanzanian East African Cuisine
67 Strand St
updated Aug 2022
-33.922498
18.422598
Chicken Licken
48, 48 Adderley St
updated Aug 2022
-33.927495
18.413311
Best of Asia Kloof Street
3 Kloof St
updated Aug 2022
-33.92899
18.411834
NY Slice Pizza Kloof Street
49 Kloof St
updated Aug 2022
Mid-range
edit
-33.916282
18.41685
10
The Charles
137 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant
+27 21 409 2500
07:00 to 17:00
The Charles can accommodate 25–30 people seated.
From
R35
for small English breakfast (served with toasted white or whole wheat bread) 1 egg, rasher bacon, sausage, fried tomato and sauté mushrooms
-33.920539
18.417734
11
Africa Café
108 Shortmarket Street
+27 21 422-0221
africafe@iafrica.com
Affordable and very good. Maybe the best restaurant in Cape Town for African cuisine. Lower to medium price range. Serves fixed menu, all you can eat of 12-15 different dishes.
-33.920222
18.413896
12
Biesmiellah
Corner Upper Wale/Pentz Street
+27 21 423-0850
One of the oldest restaurants around, known for its Malay kitchen. No alcoholic drinks are available.
-33.916498
18.423476
13
Col'Cacchio Pizzeria
42 Hans Strijdom Avenue Foreshore (also at Eden on the Bay in Bloubergstrand)
Take N1 on M18, take right into River Rd and left into Hans
),
+27 21 419-4848
Italian dishes made to order.
Mid-range
-33.926473
18.415856
14
95 Keerom
95 Keerom Street
+27 21 422 0765
A top class Italian restaurant with modern décor and a trendy atmosphere.
-33.926049
18.415108
15
Lolas
228 Long St
Across from Long Street Café
),
+27 21 423 0885
Vegetarian food with local colour and great karma. Good conversation and even better meals. Mingle with dreadlocks, artsy types and brooding poets.
-33.926211
18.415249
16
Long Street Café
259 Long Street
+27 21 424 2464
Very popular, European kitchen, which serves up tasty drinks.
-33.925121
18.416037
17
Mama Africa
178 Long Street
+27 21 426-1017
Monday to Saturday: restaurant is open 19:00 till late, the bar is open 16:30 till late
African style tourist restaurant offering local and African meals, like Bobotie and Potjiekos, but also springbok, kudu and crocodile steak. Good range of wines at affordable prices. Live marimba music some nights.
-33.952141
18.458443
18
Rhodes Memorial Restaurant
Rhodes Memorial
+27 21 689-9151
roy@rhodesmemorial.co.za
Situated in the Table Mountain National Park directly behind the famous Rhodes Memorial. The restaurant has stunning views over the northern and eastern Cape Town suburbs and the Hottentots Holland mountain range. The menu is diverse and caters to all tastes, but it's the desserts that really rate a mention, be sure to tuck into some scones!
-33.909346
18.396927
19
The Ritz Hotel
cnr Camberwell and Main Roads, Sea Point
+27 21 439-6010
Has a revolving restaurant on the top floor of the hotel. Good food, good views, soft background live piano. A bar and smoking room is available one floor below the restaurant. You do not have to be a resident at the hotel to get a booking at the restaurant.(The floor has a small non-revolving ledge next to the wall. Do not put your valuables on it as your table will be half way around the building before you realize that you have been separated from your belongings.)
-33.90273
18.421549
20
Willoughby's
Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront
+27 21 418 6115
Has some of the best seafood including excellent sushi at very good prices.
-33.958122
18.40341
21
Table Mountain Restaurant
On top of Table Mountain, close to the Upper Cable Station
08:30 to 18:30, with extended hours during December and January
Temporarily closed as of August 2022
. A 120 seat, self-service restaurant. No booking required. Quality is variable.
From
R20
for a simple breakfast
Splurge
edit
-33.952583
18.378286
22
Tide
69 Victoria Road, Camps Bay
+27 21 437-9701
fax
+27 21 438-4433
res@thebayhotel.com
daily
Serving with steamed seasonal vegetables, new potatoes and lemon butter.
R90
fresh catch of the day
-33.927653
18.434543
23
Stardust Theatrical Dining
118 Sir Lowry Rd
Directions on Website
),
+27 21 686-6280
fax
+27 21 686-0674
Tu-Sa 16:00-late
While eating delicious Mediterranean cuisine, customers are entertained by their talented waitrons who perform throughout the evening between serving tables.
R80
R150
-33.907022
18.422593
24
Greek Fisherman
261, Breakwater Blvd
V & A Waterfront
),
+27 21 418-5411
Choose from authentic Mediterranean tapas and a wide range of seafood and meat from the open flame grill.
-33.903854
18.420263
25
City Grill Steakhouse
Shop 155, Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre
+27 21 421-9820
Enjoy delicious selection of traditional South African steaks, grills and venison.
-33.904093
18.420845
26
Meloncino
259 Upper Level
Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre
),
+27 21 419-5558
Choose from a variety of homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and various other authentic dishes.
-34.043157
18.422365
27
La Colombe
Spaanschemat Street
+27 21 794-2390
lacolombe@uitsig.co.za
daily 12:30-14:00, 19:00-20:45
La Colombe, one of Cape Town's most well-loved and awarded restaurants, achieved an impressive 12th place in the San Pellegrino 50 Best Restaurants of the World Awards 2010. Having moved up 26 places and into the hallowed Top 20, this bastion of contemporary French-meets-Asian fine dining thereby also clinched the Acqua Panna Best Restaurant in Africa and Middle East Award. Winner of Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year in the Prudential Eat Out Awards 2008, and again honoured with the prestigious Restaurant of the Year title in 2009, La Colombe has also achieved the highest three-star rating in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 issue of the acclaimed Rossouw’s Restaurants guide. Book months in advance!
-33.927625
18.457284
28
The Test Kitchen
The Old Biscuit Mill 375 Albert Road Woodstock
+27 21 447-2337
reservations@thetestkitchen.co.za
daily 12:30-14:00, 19:00-21:00
Luke Dale-Roberts’ The Test Kitchen, which opened in 2010, has the celebrated chef cooking at his most creative in a distinctive contemporary space. At the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2013, The Test Kitchen made an impressive leap to No. 61 on the list, climbing up 13 places from no.74 in 2012. More significantly, The Test Kitchen was singled out as the winner of the “Cacao Barry One To Watch Award” 2013. Book months in advance!
Drink
edit
Long Street, which can be easily reached from St. George's Cathedral and the Greenmarket Square, is famous for its bars, restaurants and clubs. This is the ideal place if you want to end the day with a drink. It is also one of the few truly multi-ethnic, multi-racial nightspots in the city. See the new South Africa, not just other tourists.
You will have live entertainment (normally something like jazz or kwaito music) in many bars and sometimes you will have to pay to get in.
Observatory
or better known as Obz is just north of Rondebosch (Southern Suburbs). There are several student residences of the UCT and Obz main street (Lower Main Road) has a vibrant nightlife with restaurants, bar, pool halls and pubs. Almost daily there is something going on.
A popular destination with locals is
Camps Bay
, which offers a vibrant night-life and many bars, restaurants and clubs.
-33.924876
18.416702
Bobs Bar
187 Long street
+27 21-4243584
07:30-04:00
A British-owned and -run bar with beer from
R22
. and breakfast from
R19
updated Feb 2016
-33.925568
18.415948
dead link
Club 169
227 Long Street
+27 21 422 3903
info@club169.com
A dance club and cigar bar focusing on hip hop and RnB music.
-33.971472
18.453776
Foresters Arms
Forries
),
52 Newlands Ave, Newlands
+21 21 689-5949
admin@forries.co.za
Nestled at the foot of our majestic mountains, in the leafy suburb of Newlands, Cape Town, Foresters Arms Restaurant and Pub (fondly referred to by the locals as Forries), is one of the oldest pubs in South Africa and provides a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. They have a good selection of draught beers.
-33.918953
18.418125
Marco's African Place
15 Rose Street, Bo Kaap
+27 21 423-5412
Popular gay bar which serves up specialities such as Ulwimi (steamed ox tongue with mustard sauce) along with live African music.
-33.905156
18.419385
Mitchells Ale House
Mitchells Brewery
),
Cnr East Pier & Dock Road V&A Waterfront
+27 21 419-5074
info@mftv.co.za
Great location, fun atmosphere, friendly staff and famous craft beers, amazing views of the Cape Town harbour and Table Mountain, and karaoke.
-33.952691
18.377642
Sandy B
69 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
+27 21 437-9701
res@thebayhotel.com
Open to the public at The Bay Hotel over summer, Sandy B is a unique cocktail venue, accentuated by its glorious views of Camps Bay beachfront.
-33.926094
18.415259
Zanzi-Bar
255 Long Street
above Long Street Café.
),
+27 21 4232-9003
17:00-02:00
Run by the Carnival Court Backpackers hostel. Good meeting place for other travelers visiting Cape Town. Live jazz on Sundays, DJ's on Friday & Saturday nights. Free entry most nights.
Clubs
edit
-33.925965
18.415089
Fiction Bar
226 Long Street
+27 21 422-0400
Renowned club with weekly indie-, drum'n'bass- and minimal-electro-nights
mostly around
R30
admission
updated Aug 2017
-33.932131
18.425738
Mercury Live & Lounge
43 De Villiers Street, Zonnebloem
+27 21 465 2106
World-class live music, with students nights.
R20
-40
Sleep
edit
This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard
double
room:
Budget
Under
R200
Mid-range
R200
to
R1000
Splurge
Over
R1000
Accommodation in Cape Town ranges from hostels (of which there are many) to luxury accommodation. Actually, there are so many hotels, B&Bs and guest houses that it can be difficult to decide where to stay!
Staying in the city centre often works out cheaper as all the attractions are nearby, but stick to one of the neighbourhoods next to the central area for better prices and a quieter night's sleep. The area around vibey Kloof Street in Gardens/Tamboerskloof with its young cafe culture and hip shopping is a good choice. You could consider sleeping in one of the suburbs. It is normally quieter and there is less traffic than in Central Cape Town. The suburbs in the south, like
Muizenberg
Fish Hoek
or
Simon's Town
, or near the winelands (see
Cape Winelands
) are ones to try. Areas along the western seaboard of the peninsula (such as
Camps Bay
) will be more expensive.
Several township bed & breakfasts started to pop up in places such as
Khayelitsha
to offer tourists the chance to experience this side of South Africa. They mostly are redecorated shacks to fit the basic norms of tourists.
-33.97608
18.574844
Liziwe's Bed and Breakfast
NY 111, No 121, Gugulethu
+27 21 633-7406
Township B&B.
-33.942577
18.532117
Ma Neo's B&B
Zone 7 St, Langa
+27 21 694-2504
Township B&B.
Budget
edit
Dorm beds under
R500
-33.939003
18.470006
33 South Backpackers
48 Trill Road, Observatory
+27 21 447-2423
fax
+27 21 447-2423
info@33southbackpackers.com
A boutique-style hostel. You can join them every Tuesday for their locally known "creative evening.".
-33.938835
18.466886
African HeART BAckpackers
27 Station Road, Observatory
+27 21 447-3125
fax
+27 86 556-0277
info@africanheartbackpackers.com
African HeART is an artwork in progress, a small, beautifully decorated backpackers which aims to offer the alternative side to travelling in Cape Town.
-33.930036
18.41916
Anzac Backpackers
71 Hope street Gardens
+27 21 4654918
Dorm beds and twin rooms has a kitchen, travel desk, big screen TV, bicycles for hire, airport transfers, fast Wi-Fi included.
Dorm
R220
-33.93347
18.412155
Ashanti Lodge
11 Hof Street, Gardens
+27 21 423-8721
fax
+27 21 423-8790
ashanti@iafrica.com
A perennial favourite among travellers; camping also permitted. Has a large travel centre as well.
Dorm From R 240 per person,
-33.907908
18.403974
A Sunflower Stop Backpackers
179 Main Road, Green Point
+27 21 434-6535
fax
+27 21 434-6501
ashley@sunflowerstop.co.za
Tastefully decorated perfectly and clean dorms. Doubles and twins. En-suite rooms available too.
From
R240
per person
-33.9212
18.42082
Backpackers on Castle
57 Castle street
+27 21-4247524
Check-in:
12:00
, check-out:
11:00
Dorm beds and double rooms.
Dorm
R230
-33.910483
18.41265
Big Blue Backpackers
7 Vesperdene road Green point
+27 21-4390807
A clean hostel with dorm beds. Free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, free tea and coffee 07:00–10:00.
From
R240
-33.939158
18.468897
10
Bohemian Lofts Backpackers
41 Trill Road, Observatory
On Lower Main Rd
),
+27 21 447-6204
info@bohemianlofts.com
-33.926793
18.426053
11
Castle Inn Backpackers
76b Darling Street (corner of Harrington Road)
+27 21 465-1662
fax
+27 21 465-1662
grandSouthTravel@yahoo.com
Directly opposite the Castle of Good Hope and 5 minutes' walk from the train station. Cheapest Internet cafe in the area.
From
R200
per person
-33.937937
18.46531
12
Green Elephant Residence
57 Milton Road, Observatory
+27 21 448-6359
greenele@iafrica.com
Dorm
R220
-33.9377
18.487989
13
Light House farm Lodge
Oude Molen Eco Village Alexandra road
+27 827442504
dorm beds per day
R200
per person
-33.925259
18.416496
14
Long Street Backpackers
209 Long Street
+27 21 423-0615
fax
+27 21 423-1842
info@longstreetbackpackers.co.za
Right in the heart of the party street. Has a bar. Offers dorms.
from
R220
updated Jun 2023
-33.907807
18.409164
15
Never@Home Backpackers
107 Main Road, Green Point
Take an Uber or Mycity Bus, get out at Stadium. Walk towards the Spar and Ultra Liquor.
),
+27-21-4349282
Check-in:
14:00
, check-out:
11:00
Vibrant and colourful youth hostel with all amenities. The rooms are private or shared dorms from 4 beds upwards and ensuite. Communal kitchen and lounge area with bar and glittering pool upstairs with a terrace and reasonable pool bar. There is Wi-Fi and sanitation stations, masks are compulsory.
Dorm beds from
R250
per person sharing
updated Feb 2021
-33.939469
18.489571
16
Riverlodge Backpackers
oude molen eco village Alexandria road Pinelands
+27 21 448-0526
Has camping and a 10-bed dorm.
dorm bed
R200
per person
-33.92124
18.420673
17
formerly dead link
Two Oceans Backpackers
47 Long Street
+27 21 422 5401
info@twooceansbp.co.za
Dorms and private rooms. Linen provided, hostel is very clean and staff friendly and there is a bar and balcony to hang out.
Mid-range
edit
-33.935799
18.426309
18
dead link
26 on Aandbloem
26 Aandbloem Street, Devil's Peak
+27 83 460-7140
info@26onaandbloem.co.za
Views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town City Bowl.
R500
single,
R375
pps (includes breakfast, en-suit bathroom with shower & WC)
-33.941511
18.413147
19
Abbey Manor Luxury Guesthouse
3 Montrose Avenue, Oranjezicht
+27 21 462-2935
info@abbey.co.za
Luxury guesthouse set high on Table Mountain overlooking Cape Town city. Dramatic views from individually decorated rooms. Built in 1905 in the Arts-and-Crafts style, and has been remodelled. An easy hop from the city centre and the V&A Waterfront. Rated 5 stars by TGCSA. Provides free wi-fi to guests.
From
R800
-33.948163
18.380629
20
The Bay Atlantic Guest House
3 Berkley Road, Camps Bay
+27 21 438-4341
seaview@iafrica.com
Beautiful four star guest house in Camps Bay with exhausting view on the beach of Camps Bay and the Lionshead, only 10 minutes away from the V&A Waterfront. Provides free wi-fi to guests.
From
R350
-33.909533
18.401478
21
Bayflowers Guest House
5 Scholtz Road, Green Point
+27 21 434-0968
info@bayflowers.co.za
Very central, walk to Waterfront, beach and city centre, helpful staff, rooms clean and tastefully equipped.
from
R690
for a single room,
R445
pps for a double
updated Aug 2015
-33.937093
18.416258
22
Cactusberry Lodge
30 Breda Street, Gardens
+27 21 461-9787
3 star. 200 metres from the Gardens Shopping Centre, is comfortable, central and quiet, very good value for money, excellent breakfast, very helpful in all itinerary planning.
R500
-33.951519
18.384349
23
The Camps Bay Guesthouse
31 Geneva Drive, Camps Bay
+27 81 467-4400
stay@campsbayguesthouse.com
Exclusive use of 180 m² private self-catering stand alone luxury accommodation set in the grounds of the owners Camps Bay Villa, private and secure with onsite gated parking, full kitchen, teak floors, living and dining room with underfloor heating throughout, widescreen LCD television with Apple TV entertainment system and stereo surround, complimentary hi-speed WIFI access, private deck and garden area opens into the grounds with access to the Villa swimming pool, porcelain tiled bathroom has separate bath and shower, WC and bidet.
From
R750
-33.924535
18.421874
24
Cape Diamond Boutique Hotel
Longmarket and Parliament Street
+27 21 461-2519
All rooms equipped with air-conditioning, private toilet and bath, safe deposit box, side lamp table and Wired Internet connection (extra charges apply). Some of its facilities and services are meeting/ banquet facilities, business centre, restaurant, Theatre Cafe, 24-hour front desk, room service and laundry service.
From
R1080
-33.9398
18.402718
25
Cape Paradise Lodge
48 Leeuwenhof Rd, Higgovale
+27 21 424-6571
info@capeparadise.co.za
Has Table Mountain as a backdrop and fantastic views.
From
R300
pps
-33.916276
18.41685
26
The Charles Guesthouse
137 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant
+27 21 437-9706
res@thecharles.co.za
Trendy and fashionable today, it is compared to New York's Greenwich Village and London's Soho with its tree-lined streets, restored cottages, spectacular views and village atmosphere.
R920
for single room,
R1400
for a double
-33.913707
18.422239
27
City Lodge V&A Waterfront
Corner Dock and Alfred Roads
+27 21 419-9450
clva.resv@citylodge.co.za
3 star.
From
R480
per person sharing
-33.923693
18.417599
28
Daddy Long Legs Boutique Hotel & Self-Catering Apartments
134 & 263 Long Street
+27 21 422-3074
(hotel),
+27 21 424-1403
(self-catering)
info@daddylonglegs.co.za
Located in the heart of the city centre on one of Cape Town's most celebrated streets - a hotel with a difference, focusing on good value accommodation and a hotel experience you'll never forget.
From
R450
a double/twin (hotel) &
R550
a one bedroomed apartment
-33.853468
18.64424
29
Dark Chocolate Guest House Durbanville
1 Mountain View Crescent Durbanville
+27 21 975 3776
Standard rooms, all equipped with Air-conditioning, TV with cable and High-speed Internet connection. Facilities and services are garden, outdoor swimming pool and conference.
From ZAR 810.00
-33.916272
18.416845
30
De Waterkant Village
1 Loader street, De Waterkant
+27 21 437-9706
res@dewaterkant.com
De Waterkant is often described as being arty, charismatic and quaint and is a truly special place decorated with gorgeous al fresco restaurants, sidewalk café's, boutiques and bars and is often compared with Greenwich Village.
R580
for single room,
R850
for a double
-33.914721
18.387392
31
Don Beach Road Hotel
249 Beach Road, Sea Point
+27 21 434-1083
Check-in:
15:00
, check-out:
11:00
The Don Beach Road is located in Sea Point spectacularly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
-33.924623
18.383584
32
Grande Kloof Boutique Hotel
69 Kloof Road, Fresnaye
corner of Kloof Road & Avenue La Croix
),
+27 21 433-1852
service@grandekloof.co.za
Check-in:
14:00
, check-out:
11:00
Good sea views, Fantastic Lions head view and views of famous Robben Island.
from
R600
(includes light continental breakfast, free WIFI, open plan top floor sea view rooms or executive petite garden level rooms, swimming pool, jacuzzi area, steam area, sauna
-33.935234
18.401495
33
Kloof Nek Suites
72B Kloof Nek Road, Signal Hill
+27 21 4224 217
info@kloofneksuites.com
Check-in:
14:00
, check-out:
10:00
Kloof Nek Suites is a guest house offering three self-catering rooms in Tamboerskloof.
From
R1100
updated Jan 2017
-33.899883
18.618905
34
formerly dead link
Lorraine’s on Lincoln
12 Lincoln Street, Boston
+27 21 946-4710
All rooms equipped with English breakfast, Spacious dining area, Hair dryer, TV with satellite channels, Work desk and Fan. Outdoor swimming pool, Garden, Banquet hall, Car rental, Wi-Fi Internet connection, Fax and photocopying services.
From
R670
-33.932068
18.415401
35
Nine Flowers Guest House
133-135 Hatfield Street
+27 21 462-1430
infonineflowers@telkomsa.net
Very central, helpful staff, nice rooms.
R480
for a single room to
R850
for a triple
-33.909053
18.400423
36
The One 8
18 Antrim Road, Three Anchor Bay
+27 21 434-6100
info@theone8.com
Modern and intimate Four star accommodation in Cape Town. The One 8 Hotel is located in Green Point and close to Clifton Beach, Camps Bay, V&A Waterfront, De Waterkant gay village, and Table Mountain. This gay and lesbian friendly Guest House offers bed and breakfast and contemporary rooms for your South African Holiday.
From
R550
per room
-33.917357
18.388073
37
Protea Hotel Sea Point
Arthur's Road, Sea Point
+27 21 434-3344
seapoint@proteahotels.com
Protea has a whole bunch of hotels in Cape Town and surrounding areas. It is well worth checking their website for last-minute bargains, which can reduce the price by 50%.
R350
pppn
-33.921492
18.388183
38
Rhonda's Manor
35 Clarens Street, Fresnaye
+27 21 434 4231
rhondasmanor@gmail.com
Upper Sea Point, near the Waterfront, Campsbay and Clifton beaches.
R800
double room
-33.99961
18.431315
39
dead link
Southern Light Country House
24 Hohenort Avenue, Constantia
+27 21 794 4500
info@southern-light.com
Southern Light Country House is an accommodation in Constantia set in the beautiful surround of Upper Constantia.
R850
- 1300 season dependent
-33.922688
18.41938
40
Tudor Hotel
153 Longmarket Street, Greenmarket Square
+27 21 424-1335
info@tudorhotel.co.za
In the city centre, near the Waterfront, Parliament, Gardens or the Malay Quarter Boo-Kap.
R520
for single room,
R740
for a double
-33.923878
18.381956
41
Villa Sunshine Guesthouse
1 Rochester Road, Bantry Bay
+27 21 439-8224
contact@villasunshine.co.za
The Villa Sunshine guesthouse is a classic Mediterranean Villa situated along the prestigious Atlantic Seaboard. In close proximity to several of Cape Town’s most revered tourist attractions, it is still able to provide its guests with a peaceful setting – within walking distance of restaurants and shops to meet your every need.
From
R950
per room
-33.910675
18.413915
42
Villa Zest Boutique Hotel
2 Braemar Rd, Greenpoint
+27 21 433-1246
info@villazest.co.za
The Villa Zest is in the Green Point suburb.
From
R990
single &
R1190
double
Splurge
edit
-33.908582
18.420426
43
Cape Grace
West Quay Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
+27 21 410-7100
Situated on its own private quay on Cape Town’s vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the Cape Grace has 121 rooms all with views of the V&A harbour or yacht marina with a Table Mountain backdrop.
From
R16
,000 to
R55
,000 for 5 nights, 2 people
-34.011877
18.422926
44
De Verdwaalde Boer
private villa & guesthouse with Dutch management. #1 at Booking.com and #1 at Tripadvisor
),
10 Monterey Drive, Constantia
in the heart of the oldest wine-producing area of South Africa, a 10-minute drive from Cape Town's CBD
),
+27 21 794-1501
info@deverdwaaldeboer.com
De Verdwaalde Boer boasts 7 suites and is available to book as a villa for full privacy.
From
R700
p.p.p.n
-33.923957
18.418879
45
Mandela Rhodes Place
Wale St & Burg St
+27 31 310-3333
ceres@threecities.co.za
Old school charm and hospitality meets modern amenities and features. It also boasts a gymnasium, swimming pool, wireless internet, undercover parking, 24 hour concierge and business centre, optional breakfast service, pre-delivery grocery shopping, airport and city transfers, car hire, housekeeping and laundry and day tours
From
R815
pps
-33.9321
18.4117
46
Mount Nelson
in the Gardens neighbourhood of the inner city
).
Opened in 1899, as the first hotel in South Africa to offer hot and cold running water.
-33.899384
18.412339
47
Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town
Beach Rd, Granger Bay
+27 21 441-3000
capetown.info@radissonblu.com
5-star hotel overlooking its own private marina and the famous Robben Island.
R2745
pppn
Southern Light Guest House
24 Hohenort Avenue 7806, Constantia
+27 21 794-4500
enquiry@southern-light.com
Upmarket bed and breakfast.
From
R1665
updated Nov 2021
Connect
edit
Telephone
edit
Many carriers (especially in Europe) charge high rates for calls, SMS and roaming.
If you have a
cell phone
get one of the cheap prepaid SIM cards from either Vodacom (Vodafone in South Africa), MTN, Cell C or Telkom Mobile and save money on local calls. Vodacom and MTN have outlets at Cape Town airport, located near domestic arrivals. SIM cards cost the same as in town.
Alternatively, though much more expensive, is to use an eSIM app such as Saily, which offers 5GB over 30 days for
$14
Calling Home
edit
Overseas calls at local rates via the Celldial service. Call 087 940 6966 and follow the voice prompts. See www.celldial.co.za for supported countries.
Internet
edit
Internet is available throughout Cape Town and the inner city cafes always a hub of activity. Charges per hour ranges from
R5
(in town) to
R50
(V&A waterfront)
Internet cafes can be found all over the city and suburbs, with many coffee shops offering internet access.
WiFi
edit
Many Guesthouses in Cape Town provide free
Wi-Fi
for their guests.
Always-On
+27 11 575-2505
Provides prepaid wi-fi access in a number of locations in Cape Town. Simply connect to the access point and you will be given the opportunity to pay for access by credit card. Pricing starts at around
R15
for 10 minutes or
R60
for 100MB.
Coverage areas include:
Westin Grand Hotel at Arabella Quays
Cape Town Backpackers
Cape Town International Airport
Restaurants and coffee shops, in Domestic and International Departures, boarding gates, airline lounges and at the Road Lodge.
City Lodge
GrandWest, Pinelands and V&A Waterfront.
Dulce Cafe
Bayside Centre, Durbanville and Gabriel Rd, Plumstead
Mugg&Bean
Just about all of them offer free WiFi.
Sundance Coffee Co
Adderley St, Buitengragt St and Mouille Point.
McDonald's
Cafe Neo, opposite the lighthouse in Mouille Point, offers an open hotspot in addition to their excellent Greek food.
Stay safe
edit
While Cape Town is not a dangerous place for tourists, South Africans are significantly more safety-conscious than people in most other parts of the world. While you should take some care as a tourist in any city, you should be more careful in South Africa than in many other places.
A large number of outdoor CCTV cameras have been installed by the municipality. These stretch from the city bowl, the suburbs, the townships and all the way to the outlying areas of the metropole. New cameras are installed in additional areas quite regularly as needed. The cameras are monitored 24/7, and police and emergency services respond quite quickly to any detected incidents.
Central Cape Town is generally safe to walk around by day, though you should not take valuables with you and should avoid dressing like a tourist. You may encounter beggars and con artists, but they will usually accept a "no". Avoid "dressing like a tourist", i.e. wearing an outfit involving cameras, backpacks, jewellery and golf hats. Leave valuables in the safe in your hotel room or with staff for safekeeping. (Do not leave anything valuable in your room outside of the safe, and do not leave anything in view of an open window. If you leave valuables out in your room you may find the hotel takes them into safekeeping and leaves you a note - this is to avoid their hotel getting a reputation as a place where thieves will find an easy target.) Stay on reasonably busy streets.
After sundown, you should take a taxi or ride-hailing service to and from your destination, rather than walking. Have the driver meet you outside the bar or restaurant (take a taxi card with you if needed). If walking at all, make sure you stay on well-lit and crowded streets. Pickpockets, persistent beggars and petty theft is rife.
If visiting a township, go with one or more people who live there or know it well. Official township tours are your safest bet; revealing a very interesting lifestyle to the more curious tourists.
Foreigners should avoid hitchhiking or using local commuter and metro trains. Be aware of automated teller machine (ATM) con artists. Under no circumstances allow a stranger to assist you in your transactions. Should your card become stuck in the ATM, call the helpline number on display at the teller machine for assistance and to cancel your card.
If driving in a car, smash-and-grab theft is a risk. Keep your doors locked, ensure your windows are wound up when you slow down (including at traffic lights) and keep an eye out for people approaching you. Keep valuables out of sight and locked away. If you are driving to or from the airport, plan your route and do not stop at unknown spots. The airport is surrounded by some very dangerous areas that should be avoided.
Watch out for the mini bus taxis. They often drive like hell disobeying many traffic rules, and are entirely unregulated except by organised crime. Watch out for pickpocketing.
Glue sniffing children and junkies are a minor problem, called 'strollers' by the locals: these ragamuffins will strip you bare if you do not stay alert.
Respect the mountains - dress correctly as temperatures can fall very quickly. Go in a group of at least 4 people, as robberies sometimes occur and accidents can happen. There are also robberies along the footpaths in Table Mountain. In particular, walking alone should be avoided.
Important telephone numbers
edit
From a fixed line
edit
107
- Emergency.
10111
Police
dead link
10177
- Ambulance.
082911
- Netcare911.
0800055555-childline
Cope
edit
Power supply
edit
From Feb 2020 to September 2022, national electric power provider Eskom conducted power cuts on an almost daily basis. Depending on the location, electricity is cut off for 2½ hours per day or several times a day. Be energy-wise and switch off appliances that use a lot of power, when not in use. Your accommodation may or may not have a generator.
Embassies and consulates
edit
Argentina
8 Brittany Ave, Bantry Bay
+27 21 439-0403
fax
+27 21 439-5918
Only located in Cape Town when the South African parliament sits in Cape Town. When parliament moves to Pretoria, so does this embassy.
Austria
3F, 1 Thibault Sq
+27 21 421-1440
fax
+27 21 425-3489
kapstadt-gk@bmaa.gv.at
Belgium
4F, Vogue House, Thibault Sq
+27 21 419-4690
China
972 Pretorius St, Arcadia, Pretoria
+27 12 431-6500
fax
+27 12 342-4244
reception@chinese-embassy.org.za
Czech Republic
2 Fleetwood Ave, Claremont
+27 21 797-9835
France
78 Queen Victoria St
+27 21 423-1575
fax
+27 21 424-8470
fconscap@iafrica.com
Germany (Consulate)
e-tv Building, Roeland Park, 4 Stirling St, District Six, Cape Town, 7925
+27 21 405 3000
fax
+27 21 421 0400
info@kapstadt.diplo.de
updated Aug 2024
Greece
19F, Reserve Bank Bldg, 30 Hout St
+27 21 424-8160
fax
+27 21 424-9421
embgrsaf@global.co.za
Only located in Cape Town when the South African parliament sits in Cape Town. When parliament moves to Pretoria, so does this embassy.
India
The Terraces, 9F, 34 Bree St
+27 21 419-8110
+27 21 419-8111
fax
+27 21 419-8112
admin@hcict.org.za
-33.996843
18.477981
Indonesia
124 Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth
+27 21 761 7015
fax
+27 21 761 7022
postmaster@indonesia-capetown.org.za
Italy
2 Grey's Pass (top of Queen Victoria St)
+27 21 487-3900
fax
+27 21 424-0146
Mozambique
1 Thibault Sq Long St
+27 21 421-5660
fax
+27 21 418-2690
Visas for Mozambique in 24 hours for
R750
Namibia
25th Floor, Atterbury House, 9 Riebeeck St
+27 21 419 2810
fax
+27 21 418 1472
Netherlands
100 Strand St
+27 21 421-5660
fax
+27 21 418-2690
Portugal
Standard Bank Centre, Hertzog Blvd
+27 21 418-0080
fax
+27 21 418-0084
Romania
Helderberg House, 24 Highwick Drive, Kenilworth, 7700
+27 21 761-1781
fax
+27 21 460-2657
capetown@mae.ro
General Consulate
Spain
37 Shortmarket St
+27 21 422-2415
fax
+27 21 422-2328
United Kingdom
15F, Southern Life Centre, 8 Riebeek St
+27 21 405-2433
United States
2 Reddam Ave, Westlake
+27 21 702-7300
fax
+27 21 702-7493
americanscapetown@state.gov
Go next
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Cape Town is perfectly placed for many one or two day trips, which offer a variety in experiencing fresh landscapes and cultures.
Cape Peninsula
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The
Robben Island
prison museum
Robben Island
is located just off the coast from Cape Town, this was the location used during the apartheid days to hold political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela and the late Walter Sisulu. The tour consists of a guided bus tour around the island, before meeting a former political prisoner for a tour of the prison area. The island itself is quite scenic, with African penguins usually seen on the tour. The bus tour stops to allow you to take in the view, and buy a snack. Tours run several times per day, seven days a week from the Nelson Mandela Gateway near the clock tower at the V&A Waterfront. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone. There are three trips a day at 09:00, 11:00, and 13:00. The tour takes 3½ hours including the ferry ride to and from the island.
The
Boulders
penguin colony.
Boulders beach
is famous for its penguin colony and you can watch penguins in their natural habitat. September is the breeding season and if you are very lucky you can see penguins hatching out of their eggs. Note that if you go into one of the paid access parts (which is not expensive anyway) if you hang onto the ticket it is valid in the other part too. If you're lucky in addition to the penguins you may well see Dassies in the undergrowth beside the path or even sitting sunning themselves on the path.
Visit the
Cape of Good Hope
to experience the wildness of the natural habitat preserved here. Stunning views and for sure you will meet one of the local baboons or ostriches. Be sure to stop in
Simon's Town
on your way back to relax with a wonderful view on the
False Bay
Hout Bay
also known as the "Republic" of Hout Bay by its locals
is a beautiful bay on the Atlantic coast. The bay is protected from the north westerly and south easterly winds, but is open to the south westerly wind and prevailing swell which can produce some of the worlds biggest surf at "Dungeons" and "Tafelberg reef". It has a quaint fishing harbour, which provides protection from the south westerly swell. Boat trips to Seal Island (more accurately Duiker Island) operate from here. While you're there try the fish and chips at the Café on the Rocks at the end of the harbour road - a local secret.
Chapmans Peak
Experience one of the most scenic drives in the world. As you drive up the
Chapmans Peak Drive
and look north over
Hout Bay
, the view of the bay and the fishing boats is stunning.
Kalk Bay
is a quirky seaside town. The Main Road is lined with interesting shops and cafes. The rocky shoreline is not swimming friendly except for the Dalebrook Tidal Pool.
Along the south coast
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Bontebok, seen in
De Hoop
Only two hours from Cape Town are the
Bontebok National Park
and the
De Hoop Nature Reserve
, perfect for spotting
bontebok
and
whales
The southern tip of Africa,
Cape Agulhas
is not far away.
The
Overberg
region offers whale spotting and quiet towns to relax.
Garden Route and further on
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The world-famous
Garden Route
ranges from about
Mossel Bay
, via
George
and
Knysna
to the
Tsitsikamma National Park
and the
Addo Elephant National Park
. Bungee from the highest bridge (216 m), at the Bloukrans bridge. This road will take you further on to
Port Elizabeth
Durban
. Do not forget to visit the
Western Cape Karoo
and visit an ostrich farm and the Cango Caves in
Oudtshoorn
Route 62
edit
Route 62
will take you inland to the
Little Karoo
for an authentic South African experience in the quaint farming towns of the Cape.
Up north
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Go up north along the
West Coast
to
Saldanha Bay
and all the other hidden spots. Further on are
Namaqualand
and finally
Namibia
West Coast Fossil Park
Langebaan
120 km north of Cape Town on the
R27
),
+27 22 766-1606
info@iziko.org.za
M-F 10:00-16:00, Sa Su 09:00-13:00
R25
entrance fee
updated Jan 2017
Visit
Melkbos
to surf, windsurf, kitesurf and sunbathe on its wide sandy beach and also visit the only working nuclear power station in
Africa
. There is a
nature reserve
surrounding the power station, with trails for walking or mountain bikes, where you'll see eland, zebra and springbok. Entrance is free, but you must show a photo ID.
And down south
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The
White Desert Company
dead link
operates strikingly expensive (minimum $15,000) 3-day excursions from Cape Town to Queen Maud Land in
Antarctica
Routes through Cape Town
Bloemfontein
Paarl
END
END
Swellendam
Port Elizabeth
Crosses border to Namibia
Springbok
END
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Cape Town
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