Cape Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront featuring a lake or waterhole
Cape Town
Simon\'s Town
Cape Town
Cape Town

Cape Town Travel Guide Video

Nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, culture buffs, shopaholics, honeymooners and families will all find something in South Africa’s "mother city".

Affectionately referred to as the "mother city" of South Africa, Cape Town is one of those sophisticated tourist destinations that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. This is an inspiring and exciting city that is jam-packed with attractions and entertainment to suit every type of visitor and every kind of budget. With an impressive collection of museums, art galleries and theatres as well as a fantastic range of options for shopping and dining, this multicultural metropolis leaves other South African cities floundering in its wake. Combine this with an abundance of unique flora and fauna and stunning scenery and you have all the ingredients for a truly exceptional trip.The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront sits in the heart of Cape Town’s historic harbour and is the ultimate destination for those who seek the unusual combination of retail therapy and culture. Excellent shops, bars and restaurants sit happily alongside historic museums. From here, hop on a ferry to Robben Island where President Mandela spent decades as a prisoner. Guided tours of the prison offer a stark reminder of his struggle – sobering, but not to be missed.No visit to Cape Town is complete without making your way to the top of the iconic Table Mountain. Whether you choose to ascend in style in one of the pretty cable cars or you decide to tackle one of the tramping trails, make sure you get to the summit! From here, climbers will be rewarded with stunning views of the city and the ocean as it stretches greedily out to the horizon.For another view that is out of this world, make your way to the coastal cliffs that make up the Cape of Good Hope. This unique vantage point offers exceptional views that are awe-inspiring and humbling in equal measure.From here, make the short journey to Boulders Beach. Kick back on the blindingly white sand, build castles with the kids or float in the turquoise waters. This area is also home to a unique colony of endangered African penguins so make your way along the boardwalk to Foxy Beach and pay them a visit.Finally, if you are seeking time out from the bustle of the city, plan a trip to the magnificent Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Learn about the conservation of indigenous flora while enjoying a relaxing stroll around the perfumed gardens. This is the perfect way to recharge your batteries for round two.

Where to stay in Cape Town

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront featuring a marina

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

The picture-perfect mountain views and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. A stop by Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa or Two Oceans Aquarium might round out your trip.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Camps Bay showing mountains, general coastal views and a coastal town

Camps Bay

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

The beaches and picture-perfect mountain views are top of the list for many visitors to Camps Bay. A stop by Camps Bay Beach or Table Mountain National Park might round out your trip.

Camps Bay
Sea Point

Sea Point

4/5(8 area reviews)

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Sea Point. A stop by Milton Beach or Sea Point Pavillion might round out your trip.

Sea Point
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Cape Town City Centre

4/5(48 area reviews)

Known for its majestic mountain landscape and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Cape Town City Centre. Check out top attractions like District Six Museum and Cape Town City Hall, and jump on the metro at Woodstock Station or Esplanade Station to see more of the city.

Cape Town City Centre
Cape Town Stadium featuring a sunset and a city

Green Point

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Travellers like the cocktail bars in Green Point, and Greenpoint Market is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Green Point
Cape Town which includes night scenes and a city

City Bowl

The majestic mountain landscape and popular shops are just a few highlights of City Bowl. Make a stop by South African National Gallery or Iziko South African Museum while you're exploring the area.

City Bowl
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport

3 out of 5
Adjoining BP Service & Filling Station Cape Town Western Cape
The price is NZ$123 per night from 9 Jan to 10 Jan
NZ$123
9 Jan - 10 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,044 reviews)
Adequate

Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Hotel Sky Cape Town

Hotel Sky Cape Town

3.5 out of 5
Lower Long St Cape Town Western Cape
The price is NZ$220 per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
NZ$220
16 Jan - 17 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Long Street and Table Mountain are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (329 reviews)
Hotel Sky Cape Town was an entire vibe from the moment I walked through the doors. The décor is stunning, thoughtfully designed from the entrance all the way up to the rooms, giving the whole place a modern, vibrant feel. Breakfast was absolutely top-tier: fresh, flavorful, and with plenty of options ...

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

Hotel Sky Cape Town
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

4 out of 5
15 Michigan Street, Airport Industria Cape Town Western Cape
The price is NZ$284 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
NZ$284
23 Dec - 24 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
Comfortable, clean, safe hotel minutes from airport.

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

4 out of 5
57 Heerengracht Street Cape Town Western Cape
Stay at this aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (554 reviews)
I had an absolutely wonderful stay at this hotel. From the moment I arrived, the staff made me feel welcomed with their politeness, professionalism, and genuine warmth. They are incredibly respectful, always ready to help, and consistently go above and beyond to make guests feel comfortable. Their ...

Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
One Thibault Hotel by ITC Hospitality

One Thibault Hotel by ITC Hospitality

17 Hans Strijdom Ave Cape Town Western Cape
Stay at this aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Long Street and Table Mountain are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (119 reviews)
Staff not very friendly, room great, views amazing

Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025

One Thibault Hotel by ITC Hospitality
Urban Elephant 16 on Bree

Urban Elephant 16 on Bree

4 out of 5
16 Bree St Cape Town Western Cape
Stay at this aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools. Popular attractions Long Street and Table Mountain are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
Overall good impression, pool was often not accessible due to cleaning, everything else worked out fine

Reviewed on 24 Nov 2025

Urban Elephant 16 on Bree
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Cape Town

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
47
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
28
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved Cape Town and the Surrounds It is well known world wide as one of the most beautiful cities and it definitely did not disappoint. Will definitely be back again.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Will be recommending Cape Town as a holiday destination.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We definitely be recommending Cape Town as a holiday destination. We are loving our visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We love Cape Town but we'll never use these apartments again. I recommend avoidance.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great city, would recommend to anyone.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved our Cape Town experience

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