Best Places to Visit in Cape Town – South Africa

In this travel guide, I will show you the best places to visit in Cape Town as well as the best things to do and the best places to stay. Cape Town, also known as the ‘Mother City’, is probably one of the most famous cities in South Africa and belongs to my favorite places in the world.

The city of Cape Town is home to iconic mountains, amazing beaches, and rich culture and history. We spent 7 days in Cape Town, which is enough to see the highlights, but I definitely recommend staying even longer to explore Cape Town in a more relaxed way and to fully immerse into this diverse city.

Best Places to Visit in Cape Town South Africa

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Best Time to Visit Cape Town

The best time to visit Cape Town is during the summer months of December to February, when the weather is warm and sunny. Cape Town’s summer season is known for its long days and beautiful sunsets, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and exploring the city’s many cultural attractions. The city is also buzzing with events and festivals during this time. However, due to the popularity of this season, it can be very crowded at the top tourist attractions and more expensive with regard to accommodation prices.

If you’re looking for a quieter time to visit, you should consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of September to November or March to May, when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are thinner. The winter months, from June to August, can be rainy and cold, which makes it a less popular time to visit.

How to Get Around in Cape Town?

We had a rental car for our time in South Africa which made it very easy to visit all of these attractions. Also, parking was never a problem and most of the time for free (except for the City Centre and V&A Waterfront).

🚘 BEST CAR RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS

When booking a rental car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars. They search not only for international car rental companies but also for small, local agencies to find the best deal for you. Plus, there are no hidden costs and they offer free cancellation. I always opt for full coverage because of their comepetitive rates!

However, you could also get a taxi or an Uber (very cheap in South Africa), use public transport, or join group tours/day trips in case you don’t feel comfortable driving yourself.

Where to Stay in Cape Town?

We stayed in different hotels during our time in Cape Town that I can all highly recommend. Our favorite area to stay in Cape Town is the Waterfront. Other areas that I can recommend to stay are Clifton and Camps Bay.

If you are looking for places to stay on a budget, the CBD is one of the cheapest places to stay, but please be aware that the city center is not the safest area to walk around, especially at night.

Here’s a list of the hotels we stayed:

Our Top Pick: The Silo Hotel ($$$$)

The Silo Hotel is an architectural masterpiece located within an historic grain silo building right at the V&A waterfront. It’s famous for its iconic geometric windows with unparalleld views of Cape Town, its unique design, and the spectaclurar rooftop pool. Staying at the Silo Hotel definitely was one of our absolute highlights of our stay in Cape Town.

Radisson RED Hotel V&A Waterfront Cape Town ($$$)

The Radisson RED Hotel V&A Waterfront is situated right next to the Silo Hotel. The hotel features stylish rooms and also an amazing rooftop pool with a bar. The Radisson RED Cape Town offers an excellent location at a reasonable price. I can also recommend the breakfast at the hotel, which is a mix of a buffet-style breakfast and a-la-carte selections.

HOTEL SKY Cape Town ($$)

HOTEL SKY Cape Town combines a unique, luxurious design with unbeatable prices. The hotel offers amazing views of Cape Town, bottomless coffee on every floor, and two outdoor pools. I really loved that the pools were heated because the strong winds in Cape Town can be a bit chilly. The rooms at HOTEL SKY may be a bit smaller compared to other hotels but, for us, that didn’t matter as we explored Cape Town during the day and didn’t spend too much time inside the room.

Signature Lux Hotel by ONOMO Foreshore ($$)

The Signature Lux Hotel by ONOMO Foreshore is just around the corner from HOTEL SKY and features a very similar stylish design. It also offers bottomless coffee on each floor. While the Signature Lux Hotel by ONOMO Foreshore is a bit cheaper than HOTEL SKY, it doesn’t have a pool. But if you are looking for a beautifully designed boutique hotel at a fantastic price, the Signature Lux Hotel by ONOMO Foreshore is a great choice.

Best Things to Do in Cape Town Overview

Here we go with an overview of the best places to visit in Cape Town and the best things to do. Keep reading for more details on each of these places…

BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN OVERVIEW:

– Table Mountain Hike or Cable Car
– Lion’s Head Hike
– Signal Hill at Sunset
– V&A Waterfront
– Oranjezicht City Farm Market
– Free City Walking Tour
– Bo Kaap
– Camps Bay Beach
– Clifton Beaches
– Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
– Kloof Corner
– Little Lion’s Head
– Chapman’s Peak Drive
– Boulders Beach
– Muizenberg
– Cape Point
– Stellenbosch & Franschhoek Wine Region
– Bloubergstrand Beach

Best Things to Do in Cape Town in Detail

Table Mountain – Hike or Cable Car

A visit to Cape Town isn’t complete without a visit of the iconic Table Mountain. It’s not only one of the top tourist attractions in Cape Town and the most famous landmark of South Africa but also one of the oldest mountains in the world.

The Table Mountain National Park, as part of the Cape Floral Region, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most important thing to consider before visiting Table Mountain is the weather: it can be very unpredictable and the mountain is often covered by the so-called ‘table cloth’ (a cloud formation unfolding over the mountain top). So make sure to visit Table Mountain on a clear day.

If you decide to hike up Table Mountain, make sure to bring enough water and don’t hike alone. I recommend hiking up Table Mountain with a local guide. There are several trails leading up to the top which all require a good level of fitness. Platteklip Gorge, the most popular trail, takes around 2 – 3 hours one way.

In case you want to take the Cableway, it’s best to book your tickets in advance (online) to avoid queuing. A return ticket costs around $20 per person. As the cable car is rotating by 360°, incredible views are guaranteed.

I would recommend taking the cable car before 6 PM to enjoy the views at daylight first before watching the sunset and night views. We had a beautiful sunset picnic on top of Table Mountain while enjoying the epic views over the city bowl and famous Lion’s Head.

Lion’s Head Hike

The Lion’s Head hike was hands down my favorite hike in Cape Town. We even hiked up Lion’s Head twice because we loved it so much. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach the top if you take it slow and make stops for taking pictures. When we hiked up the second time we needed less than 1 hour.

The hike is not difficult but you should have a reasonable level of fitness and wear proper shoes because it involves some climbing at the end. At the top of Lion’s Head, you will be rewarded with 360° views of the city, the ocean, and Table Mountain. The views are truly breathtaking. You won’t be disappointed, I promise!

Insider Tip: Hike up Lion’s Head at sunrise to enjoy the breathtaking views without the crowds. If you hike up for sunrise or sunset, I recommend doing this with a local guide for safety reasons. You can check out these guided hikes:

Lion's Head Hike View

Signal Hill at Sunset

Right next to Lion’s Head, you can find Signal Hill which is another great lookout point (in the shape of a lion’s rump). Visiting Signal Hill can be done without any hiking as you can drive directly to the top of Signal Hill. Therefore, it’s a popular sunset spot not only for tourists but also for locals.

Make sure to arrive as early as possible before sunset to get a good parking spot along the street. It is a nice place for a sunset picnic while watching the twinkling lights of the city.

Tip: Signal Hill is also a great starting point for a paragliding adventure. Check out this Tandem Paragliding Tour if you look for an adventurous activity in Cape Town!

Signal Hill at Sunset

V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront (Victoria & Alfred Waterfront) is one of my favorite places in Cape Town. It’s a vibrant place with live music, great food, many shops, and amazing views of the harbor and Table Mountain.

There’s so much to do at the V&A Waterfront: You can walk around and learn about the history of the harbor, then shop at the mall or look for local art and crafts at the Watershed, taste fresh produce at the V&A food market, and finish the day off with a dinner at a seafood restaurant right by the water.

If you feel more adventurous, you can also do a Marine Life Kayak Tour or a scenic Helicopter Tour.

In addition, the V&A Waterfront is a great starting point for boat cruises. We did a sunset cruise and absolutely loved it! Below you can find some unforgettable cruise experiences:

No matter what you do, the V&A Waterfront is a must-visit when coming to Cape Town. I absolutely love this place!

Oranjezicht City Farm Market

My favorite market in Cape Town! Oranjezicht City Farm Market is located right by the V&A Waterfront. It’s open on the weekend and on Wednesday evening. The market is very popular among locals. I loved the atmosphere here (such a relaxed vibe!) and the food was amazing. We tried different food stalls there and everything was delicious!!

It’s also a great place to shop fresh produce for cooking at home in case you have rented an apartment with a kitchen. We went to Oranjezicht City Farm Market twice during our stay and will definitely go back on our next visit to Cape Town.

Free City Walking Tour

We did two ‘free’ walking tours in Cape Town city (that run on a tip-basis). We learned so much about the history of Cape Town and South Africa from our knowledgeable guides. It was really great! Moreover, we felt much safer exploring the city center with a guide, as the heart of the city was the only place where we felt a bit uncomfortable when we were on our own.

I can highly recommend doing a city walking tour to learn about the history of Cape Town, do some sightseeing, and to explore the different areas of the city.

Bo Kaap

Bo Kaap is probably the most colorful place in Cape Town. The area is famous for its colorful painted houses and cobblestone streets. Bo Kaap is located right on the edge of the CBD at the foot of Signal Hill. It’s a predominantly Muslim suburb full of culture and history, which was originally established as a slave quarter by the Dutch. It’s worth doing a tour there to learn more about this unique place.

Insider Tip: Another fantastic option to get to know the locals and their culture better is by joining this traditional cooking class in Bo Kaap.

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Camps Bay Beach

The beach in Camps Bay is one of my favorite beaches in Cape Town. Known for its white sand, palm trees, and blue water, Camps Bay Beach is a great place to spend a relaxed day at the beach. We went there twice because I loved the beach and the surrounding area so much.

Along the beachfront, you can find many stylish cafés, restaurants, and beach bars to enjoy some great food and refreshments in-between sunbathing. Camps Bay Beach is also a good place to watch the sun setting into the ocean with a drink in your hand. The perfect way to end your day!

Camps Bay Beach and the Twelve Apostles

You might also be interested in: 3 Weeks in South Africa Itinerary

Clifton Beaches

Clifton is an exclusive residential area and has four beaches, named 1st to 4th, which are separated by granite boulders. The beaches in Clifton are popular for locals as well as tourists and are a place to see and to be seen. The white sandy beaches are protected from the wind which makes it the perfect place to relax in the sun. So, if you are looking for vitamin sea, this is the place to go!

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the best places to explore the large biodiversity of South Africa. It’s known to be one of the greatest botanical gardens of the world. The entry is around $5. One of the main attractions is the Centenary Tree Canopy Walk.

I really loved exploring the park and the many themed gardens. Moreover, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is also a fantastic place to have a picnic or to enjoy one of the open-air concerts in summer.

Kloof Corner

Kloof Corner is only a short and easy 20 – 30 minute hike. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset and offers the most stunning views over Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, Camps Bay, and the whole Table Bay. Considering how little you have to hike, it’s the perfect short hike for persons who normally don’t like hiking.

The steps leading up the path are quite steep but the hike is, nevertheless, suitable for all fitness levels. It’s probably the most under-rated hike in Cape Town and therefore not too crowded which I loved.

Kloof Corner at Sunset

Little Lion’s Head Hike

This hike is probably the best-kept secret and a true hidden gem. Little Lion’s Head can be seen as the little brother of famous Lion’s Head as they look very similar and both offer breathtaking 360-degree views.

Little Lion’s Head is located between Hout Bay, Llandudno, and Sandy Bay. Make sure to look at the opening times before visiting because security will only open the gate for you during these times.

It only takes 30 – 60 minutes to reach the top and the hike is pretty easy (with only a little climbing at the end). At the summit, you can soak in the incredible views of the turquoise bays below. I really loved the fantastic views here!

Since Little Lion’s Head isn’t well known compared to his big brother, the chances are good that you can enjoy this place all to yourself (at least we could).

Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever experienced. The 9 km long, winding road (with 114 (!) curves) connects Hout Bay and Noordhoek. It’s a toll road, so you’ll need to pay around $3 (per car) to enter the road. The drive leads along the most beautiful rocky coastline.

Along the road, there are many scenic viewpoints where you can stop and admire the spectacular views of the deep-blue Atlantic Ocean. It’s a photographers dream! There are also many lovely spots to stop for a picnic.

We did Chapman’s Peak Drive twice (once in each direction) because we combined it with going to Boulder’s Beach and Muizenberg for a day trip. For me, it’s one of the most incredible marine drives in the world.

Chapman's Peak Drive

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is only a 1-hour drive south of Cape Town. It’s worldwide famous for the African penguin colony living on this sheltered white-sand beach in-between the unique granite boulders.

Boulders Beach is a protected area, so you need to pay a conservation fee of around $10 per adult to enter the park. This beach was, without doubt, one of my favorite places around Cape Town. It was amazing to see the penguins walking around in their natural habitat and swimming in the crystal clear water. I could have watched these cuties for hours! It was one of my absolute highlights of our South Africa Trip.

P.S. Please don’t feed or touch the penguins!

If you want to book a full-day tour including transport from/to Cape Town, check out this top-rated Day Trip to Boulders Beach & Cape Point.

Muizenberg

Muizenberg is the perfect place for a day trip in combination with Boulders Beach. Muizenberg is a small laid-back town which is known for its beach and surf. The beach in Muizenberg is comprised of endless white sand. It’s a fantastic place to hang around on a sunny day.

I really loved the relaxed vibe and the iconic colorful bathing boxes at the beach. These bright and vibrant boxes certainly belong to the most photogenic spots around Cape Town. So don’t forget your camera!

Muizenberg Bathing Boxes

Cape Point

Cape Point is situated at the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa. It is a natural paradise that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. You can hike to the top of the cliff to witness the dramatic beauty of the area. I really loved the views up there!

The iconic lighthouse at the top of the cliff also provides a perfect vantage point to witness the spectacular sunsets that Cape Point is famous for. Moreover, the area is rich in biodiversity and home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including baboons, zebras, and ostriches.

You can also do a day tour to Cape Point in combination with Boulders Beach. This full day tour to Cape Point & Boulders Beach includes pick-up and drop-off in Cape Town, so you don’t have to drive yourself.

Stellenbosch & Franschhoek Wine Region

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are two of the most famous wine regions in South Africa. Located just outside Cape Town, these regions are known for producing some of the country’s best wines. Stellenbosch, in particular, is often referred to as the “wine capital” of South Africa.

The climate and geography of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are ideal for producing high-quality wines. The warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters provide the perfect growing conditions for a wide variety of grapes.

Both regions are home to numerous vineyards and wineries offering tours and tastings. You can sample a wide range of wines and learn about the history and process of winemaking in South Africa. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are must-visit destinations for wine lovers! Make sure to check out these top-rated wine tours starting from Cape Town:

Stellenbosch Wine Region

Bloubergstrand Beach

Bloubergstrand Beach is only a 20-minute drive north of Cape Town. It’s famous for the classic views of Table Mountain and Cape Town across the bay. So make sure to visit on a clear day. The beach itself is really beautiful as well. The sand is as white as it can get and the water is incredibly blue. We even saw some seals playing in the waves. It’s a nice place for a relaxed half-day trip or to watch the silhouette of Table Mountain at sunrise or sunset.

Bloubergstrand Beach

If you have more time, here’s a list of other things to do in Cape Town:

Robben Island, District Six & Township Combination Tour
Guided Township Tour
– District Six Museum
– Iziko South African Museum
– Eat or shop on Long Street
– Groot Constantia Winery

I hope you liked this travel guide about the best things to do and the best places to visit in Cape Town, South Africa. To read my full South Africa travel guide, which includes an itinerary for 3 weeks in South Africa and the Garden Route, click HERE.

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22 Comments

  1. I would love to visit South Africa! Seeing the penguins on the beach, admiring all the views and wandering in a colorful neighborhood… there are so many things I would love to do here! Thanks for sharing Madeleine!

    1. I´m sure you´d love it, Ophélie! I can highly recommend visiting South Africa and Cape Town. 🙂

  2. Oh my gosh, I’ve just sent this post to my best friend. We’ve been dreaming of Cape Town for a while – now we must go! Thanks for sharing.

    1. So happy you liked this post, Gemma! Hope you get to visit Cape Town with your best friend soon.

  3. Your pictures are so pretty and Cape Town looks so awesome. This is going to be very helpful to help me plan my trip, the day I can finally go to South Africa …

  4. I loved Cape Town and visited a few years ago! Your beautiful photo make me want to go back and explore even more!

  5. I love Capetown! Only been there for a weekend and it wasn’t enough. I haven’t seen the half of it and these are some great suggestions for sure! oh, and the food… the food was so excellent and very reasonably priced! Thanks for these tips and lovely photography!

    1. Thanks Maya! You have to go back for sure and stay longer than only a weekend next time! 🙂

  6. A great resource for when I can finally travel to South Africa! I especially want to go see penguins at Boulders Beach, they are so cute!

    1. The cute penguins were hands down one of my personal highlights of this trip. 🙂

  7. Great guide! It was super clear and really easy to read. I would love to visit Cape Town and checkout the hikes that you mentioned! Great pictures too!

  8. Ahh Cape Town is so high on my bucket list! The view from the Table Mountain is so incredible and I’m obsessed with those cute penguins! 🙂

    1. Cape Town definitely has some of the best views in the world! And the penguins were so adorable!

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