Cape Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A harbor with boats, a flag, and a cityscape with mountains in the background.
A sunset over a mountainous landscape with a silhouette of a mountain and a building.
A coastal town with a mountain, marina, and beach.
A treehouse surrounded by a field of crops under a sunset sky.
A cityscape with tall buildings and a large cloud formation above.

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.

Our guide on where to stay in Cape Town

Find the best Cape Town areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cape Town
Learn more about Cape Town

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.

Sea Point

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

Green Point

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

Camps Bay

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.

Woodstock

The museums and historical sites are just a few things visitors like about Woodstock. District 6 and I Art Woodstock are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Esplanade Station or Woodstock Station to get around the larger area.

Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street Cape Town Western Cape
The price is NZ$302 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
NZ$302
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"The customer service was amazing. I enjoy the spa, room service and other amenities. Housekeeping was great as well. This was a great stay!"

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2026

Taj Cape Town
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

4 out of 5
15 Michigan Street, Airport Industria Cape Town Western Cape
The price is NZ$316 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
NZ$316
20 Sept - 21 Sept
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. ...
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
ONOMO Hotel Waterfront

ONOMO Hotel Waterfront

3.5 out of 5
24 Alfred Street, V& A Waterfront Cape Town Western Cape
The price is NZ$145 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
NZ$145
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (416 reviews)
"The staff were very friendly, helpful and professional. Rooms were very clean. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2026

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

Urban Elephant 16 on Bree

4 out of 5
16 Bree St Cape Town Western Cape
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Table Mountain and Camps ...
Urban Elephant 16 on Bree
HAVN Aparthotel by Totalstay

HAVN Aparthotel by Totalstay

2.5 out of 5
2 St Georges Mall Cape Town Western Cape
Stay at this aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Table Mountain and Camps Bay Beach are ...
8.4/10 Very good! (39 reviews)
"I reserved the place for 6 days but ended up staying only 2 nights. The noise level was unacceptable — loud music, guests talking loudly late at night, and other disruptive behavior. It felt very disrespectful. I raised my concerns with the host, but unfortunately I didn’t receive a satisfactory ..."

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2026

HAVN Aparthotel by Totalstay
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.

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