Cape Town
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Cape Town, South Africa • Africa

Cape Town

Where mountains meet two oceans - Table Mountain, penguin beaches, world-class wine and one of the most beautiful cities on earth.

#Mountains#Beaches#Wine#Wildlife#NatureCouplesFamilyAdventureFoodieNature
7 Attractions
5 Restaurants
5 Hotels
1 Itineraries

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Quick facts

Best time to visit

November to March is summer - warm, dry and perfect for beaches, hiking and the winelands, though it is peak season and windy at times. The green winter (June to August) is cooler and wetter but quieter and cheaper, with whale watching nearby. Spring and autumn offer a lovely, calmer middle ground.

Daily budget
$170
Time zone
GMT+2 (SAST)
Language
English, Afrikaans and Xhosa
Currency
ZAR (South African Rand (ZAR))
Emergency
10111 / 112
Power
Type M & C · 230V

About Cape Town

Cape Town is a city blessed by geography. Flat-topped Table Mountain rises straight above the centre, the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, and golden beaches, vineyards and penguin colonies all sit within an hour of the buzzing City Bowl. Add a layered history, a vibrant food and arts scene and famously warm light, and you have one of the world's most spectacular destinations. The big experiences are unforgettable: the cable car or hike up Table Mountain, the drive down the dramatic Cape Peninsula to Cape Point, the waddling penguins of Boulders Beach, and the sobering, essential ferry to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Closer in, the V&A Waterfront, the colourful Bo-Kaap, the Kirstenbosch gardens and the Constantia and Stellenbosch winelands fill day after day. Summer (November to March) brings hot, dry, beach-perfect weather, while the green winter is quieter and cheaper but wetter. Cape Town rewards a hire car or Uber, a head for its real safety considerations, and plenty of time - this is a place that begs you to slow down and stay.

Photo Gallery

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Things to Do in Cape Town

7
Table MountainNature

Table Mountain

The flat-topped icon towering over the city, reached by a rotating cable car or a range of hikes, with breathtaking views over Cape Town and the sea.

2-3 hours Cable car from USD 224.8(250,000)
Cape of Good HopeNature

Cape of Good Hope

The dramatic, wind-battered tip of the Cape Peninsula, with cliffs, beaches, baboons and the historic lighthouse at Cape Point.

Half day From USD 184.7(140,000)
Boulders Beach PenguinsNature

Boulders Beach Penguins

A sheltered cove of giant granite boulders that is home to a colony of adorable African penguins you can watch from boardwalks.

1-1.5 hours From USD 94.7(120,000)
Robben IslandHistorical

Robben Island

A moving ferry trip to the prison island where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years, led by former political prisoners. Book ahead.

Half day From USD 354.6(90,000)
V&A WaterfrontEntertainment

V&A Waterfront

A lively harbour-front of shops, restaurants, markets and museums, with Table Mountain as a backdrop and ferries to Robben Island.

2-3 hours Free entry4.6(160,000)
Kirstenbosch Botanical GardenNature

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

A world-renowned garden on the slopes of Table Mountain, showcasing South Africa's unique fynbos flora, with a treetop canopy walkway.

2 hours From USD 124.8(70,000)
Cape WinelandsFood

Cape Winelands

The historic vineyards of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Constantia, with cellar tours, tastings and superb food among oak-lined Cape Dutch estates.

Full day Tastings from USD 84.8(85,000)

Where to Eat in Cape Town

5
La Colombe

La Colombe

Fine Dining / Contemporary $$$$4.8(20,000)

A world-renowned tasting-menu restaurant in the Constantia hills, blending French technique with Asian and South African flavours.

The Pot Luck Club

The Pot Luck Club

Small Plates / Tapas $$$4.6(18,000)

A buzzy rooftop spot in Woodstock from chef Luke Dale-Roberts, serving inventive globally inspired small plates with city views.

Kloof Street House

Kloof Street House

Bistro / European $$4.5(15,000)

A romantic Victorian house turned bohemian bistro and cocktail garden, a Cape Town favourite for date nights and weekend brunch.

Gold Restaurant

Gold Restaurant

Pan-African $$$4.5(12,000)

A theatrical 14-course Cape Malay and pan-African tasting feast with live drumming and dancing - a fun cultural night out.

Mariam's Kitchen

Mariam's Kitchen

Cape Malay / Street Food $4.5(9,000)

A no-frills city-centre institution for delicious, great-value Cape Malay gatsby sandwiches, curries and rotis.

Where to Stay in Cape Town

5
One&Only Cape Town

One&Only Cape Town

Luxury $$$$4.8(5,000)

A glamorous waterfront resort with island spa, marina views and Table Mountain as a backdrop, plus celebrated restaurants.

The Silo Hotel

The Silo Hotel

Luxury $$$$4.8(3,500)

A spectacular design hotel built into a converted grain silo above the Zeitz MOCAA art museum, with faceted glass windows and a rooftop pool.

Gorgeous George

Gorgeous George

Boutique $$$4.6(3,000)

A chic, design-forward boutique hotel in two heritage buildings downtown, with a rooftop pool, bar and great city energy.

The Backpack

The Backpack

Hostel $4.5(6,000)

A pioneering, eco-conscious Cape Town hostel with a pool, garden bar and a great tour desk, with private and dorm rooms.

Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel

Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel

Mid-Range $$4.4(4,000)

A friendly, well-priced boutique hotel below Table Mountain with a famous rooftop bar and sweeping city and mountain views.

Cape Town Itineraries

1
4-day trip

Classic 4 Days in Cape Town

easy USD 600 - 1,000

A loop from Table Mountain and the City Bowl to the Cape Peninsula and penguins, Robben Island and the waterfront, and a day in the winelands.

View day-by-day plan

Cape Town Budget Guide

CategoryBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Flights$500 - $1,300$500 - $1,300$500 - $1,300
Accommodation$30/night$110/night$450/night
Food$18/day$40/day-
Activities$40/day$40/day$40/day
Local Transport$12/day$12/day$12/day
Daily Average$70$170$520

Local currency: South African Rand (ZAR)

Cape Town Travel FAQ

Everything you need to know before you go: best time to visit, visas, getting around, safety and more.