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 Cape Town Cruise Terminal or Two Oceans Aquarium might round out your trip.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Camps Bay which includes mountains, general coastal views and landscape views

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
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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
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 Swimming Pool might round out your trip.

Sea Point
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
Somerset West showing landscape views, a pond and mountains

Somerset West

Get to know Somerset West and its many features like its seaside views and seafood restaurants. You might want to explore sights like Lourensford Wine Estate and Cheetah Outreach, and you can jump on the metro at Somerset West Station or Van Der Stel Station to get around the city.

Somerset West
Taj Cape Town
Taj Cape Town
5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is NZ$280 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$280
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

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$198 per night from 12 July to 13 July
NZ$198
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Lovely hotel"

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
3.5 out of 5
Silo 6, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is NZ$242 per night from 19 July to 20 July
NZ$242
19 July - 20 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (637 reviews)
"Good location and very friendly satff"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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 4-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (515 reviews)
"We stayed at the Onyx for 6 days and enjoyed it very much. Staff were very helpful and housekeeping were very good. It is in a good location, felt quite safe and the Concierge was very helpful in organising additional tours. Close to Big Red Bus stop, which allowed us to take in Cape Town. Also visited ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

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 4-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Cruise Terminal ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Nice find in central
"Great find in Central Cape Town. Efficient check in, comms and facilities. Nice view too. Secure, safe and would return"

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 2025

Urban Elephant 16 on Bree
Camps Bay Village
Camps Bay Village
3 out of 5
32 Camps Bay Drive, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Camps Bay Beach and Clifton ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (178 reviews)
"The personnel is kind and helpful!"

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

Camps Bay Village
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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