A Complete Guide to Cape Town
Written by René Robinson
Welcome to Cape Town, the city of dreamers. Situated at the bottom of the African continent, this gem is filled to the brink with art, culture, secret spots, mouth-watering cuisine, and unforgettable views. Nicknamed by South Africans as “The Mother City”, this place will feel like home before long.
Cape Town is not only a coastal treasure but it also offers stunning mountain ranges with the famous flat-topped mountain that made it onto the list of 7 wonders of the world. Live like one of the dreamers in this remarkable city and you’ll leave knowing why it was voted the best city in the world.
Location
How to get there
Cape Town is easily accessible by plane, but can also be accessed by car. Cape Town International Airport is a quick 30-minute drive and plenty of Uber drivers are readily available straight from the airport. If road-tripping is more your style, you can take a scenic trip from anywhere in the country and witness the breathtaking drive down South Africa’s ever-changing landscapes.
Best time to go
Cape Town is the gift that just keeps on giving, with summers being an especially good time to visit and winters that have their own charm, this city is a year-round destination. Even though it is always lovely to visit, there are certain times of the year that are a bit better than others.
Peak Season: January - February
Summer in Cape Town is a vibe! If you want a holiday filled with long, sunny beach days and activities in nature, you’ll have to visit.
The advantage of off-peak months is that prices are a bit lower and crowds are less. Just make sure to check the weather report and pack accordingly! Cape Town has some rainy winter days, so you’ll have the chance to wear a trendy coat and fit right in with the hipster Cape Town fashion.
What to do
Main attractions
Splendid beaches
Where do we even start? Cape town has a beach for everyone. There are family beaches, romantic beaches, social beaches, big and small beaches, surfing beaches, and walking beaches. Whatever your “beach needs” are, Cape Town has the one for you. We really couldn’t pick just one and there are many more you can explore on your own, but we’ll share some of our favourite beaches for whatever you might be eager to try out.
Firstly, the best beach for families is definitely Muizenberg Beach. It’s a 30 min drive from Cape Town, but definitely worth the trip. The water is slightly warmer, making it perfect for kids, and the waves break far from shore, making it safer to swim and the perfect place to go for surfing lessons.
Next, if you’re in the mood for making friends, definitely visit Clifton 4th Beach or Glen Beach. On a hot summer day, this beach is gushing with young, friendly locals and the beach itself is just as gorgeous as the people you’ll meet.
Lastly, if you prefer a quieter, more remote beach you need to take the 45 min drive to Scarborough Beach. This is a stunning, secluded beach on the Cape Peninsula in the town of Scarborough. With a wide stretch of beach and soft white sand, this semi-remote beach will hypnotise you instantly.
Vast mountains
If you’re a fan of mountains, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you like to look at them or climb them, Cape Town has the best of both. Obviously, we’ll have to start with the one that towers above the city - Table Mountain. From its name, you can probably guess what this distinctive mountain might look like (yes, a perfectly flat table!). You can either hike up Table Mountain, which takes about 2 hours via the Platteklip route or take the cableway to the top. Click here for more information, or to book your tickets beforehand. The view from the top is breathtaking, and there is a restaurant and gift shop for you to explore. Table Mountain must definitely be at the top of your list when visiting.
Just to the side of Table Mountain is Lion’s Head, which is also a lovely hiking route for jaw-dropping, 360° views of Cape Town. It is important to note that the climb is quite challenging and is only recommended if you are physically fit. It takes about 2 - 3 hours depending on how fast you climb it. The scenery surrounding Lion’s head is just as beautiful, from the start of the hike, all the way to the end.
There are hundreds of trails and hikes in the Cape Town area that fit whatever intensity you might be interested in. Download the AllTrails app to guide you on your walks and hikes.
Gardens and forests
If you have any kind of appreciation for nature or love to stroll through picturesque gardens, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is definitely a great place to visit. The lush, well-kept gardens are a national treasure and will blow you away. Quite similarly, the Newlands Forest is also a perfect escape from the nearby city. This natural pine forest is ideal for walks and picnics alike.
Cape Point
Venture to the iconic point that can be found within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. With enormous cliffs, stunning ocean views, and classic fynbos vegetation, this is a perfect opportunity to experience South Africa’s finest untouched views.
Boulders Beach
Everyone loves penguins. Even more so when there is a whole colony of waddling little creatures dressed in tuxedos. If you’d like to visit the only place in the world where you can get very close to African Penguins while they’re in their natural habitat, you’ll need to add this stop to your itinerary. You just won’t be able to resist their cuteness! We don’t blame them for choosing Boulders Beach and the darling Simon’s Town as their home—you might fall in love too!
Activities
When it comes to a to-do list in Cape Town, the list is endless. Here’s the list of our top recommendations relating to city centre proximity.
In Cape Town (5-15 min drive from the city centre)
The Old Biscuit Mill - This market will satisfy any craving you might have. Feel the weekend vibes at The Old Biscuit Mill with live local music and a craft beer or gin in hand.
High Tea at The Mount Nelson Hotel - Treat yourself to a classic high tea in this stunning pink hotel.
A movie at Labia Theatre - Being the oldest theatre in Cape Town, Labia is a proper throwback to the vintage theatre experience.
Lindt Chocolate Experience - Make your own chocolate, and eat it too!
A Sunset Catamaran Cruise - If you’re lucky you might spot a whale or a pod of dolphins while having sundowners on the Atlantic.
Admire African art and architecture at the Zeitz MOCAA Museum - The contemporary art displayed throughout this magnificent building will leave you breathless.
Near Cape Town (15-40 min drive from the city centre)
Surf lessons at Muizenberg - Learn to surf the waves at this beginner-friendly beach.
Braai at Oudekraal - Just a short drive from Camps Bay, you can enjoy a splendid summer day while having a barbeque at the beach, the best combination!
Wine tasting at Constantia - If the popular Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Durbanville wine farms feel a bit too far for your liking, Constantia has many lovely wineries to choose from.
Scenic drive past the 12 Apostles and Chapmans Peak - Pick your best road trip playlist and drive along the coast on this scenic trip.
Feast at Brass Bell, Kalk bay - There is no better place for classic fish and chips than this South African favourite.
Understand and honour South African history on Robben Island - Learn about the multi-layered 500-year-old history to be discovered on Robben Island, a symbol of “the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, suffering and injustice”.
Nearby sites
If your inner explorer needs a break from the city you can head out and explore the fascinating Cape Winelands region. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are rich with art galleries, wine farms, and magnificent restaurants to explore.
For a complete change of scenery, head up the coast to the West Coast National Park where the azure lagoon meets the sapphire sea, followed by the contrasting fynbos terrain. From August to September this region is dotted with stunning flowers and is definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.
Accommodation
Basic
Perched high on the slopes of Lion’s Head, Radium Hall provides breathtaking views. This newly-created guesthouse is stylishly decorated, blending modern architecture with a traditional South African flair.
The artsy, colourful Pineapple House consists of 9 individually decorated rooms, each decked with modern furniture and boasting spectacular views of Lion’s Head.
Stay over in a conveniently located hotel on the popular Kloof Street near Cape Town centre. The rooms are comfortable and well-lit, and a natural theme can be seen in the stylish decor.
Medium
This charming guesthouse in the Oranjezicht suburb of Cape Town is over 100 years old but has been restored beautifully. Close to the city centre, Acorn House is a short drive away from the Atlantic seaboard and the V&A Waterfront.
With the ideal location at the foot of Table Mountain and within walking distance of the Cape Town City Centre, Esperanza Guest House offers guests a comfortable stay in a lovingly restored Victorian-era house.
Just off Cape Town’s busy Kloof Street, in a renovated 19th-century farm building, you will find the tranquil La Grenadine boutique guesthouse with its 6 rooms set around the courtyard garden.
Fancy
Stylishly restored and with a subtle African spirit, the historic Four Rosmead is a luxury guesthouse built at the turn of the last century. You will find this stay in the leafy Cape Town suburb of Oranjezicht set against the backdrop of Table Mountain.
O on Kloof Boutique Hotel & Spa
An exclusive oasis of tranquillity amidst bustling city life graced by a magnificent view of the ocean and Lion's Head. Offering 10 individually decorated suites, it's a place that successfully captured the essence of hospitality.
With its fantastic location, guests can explore the surroundings with a hike up Lion’s Head before retiring to one of the 16 luxuriously appointed rooms.
How to include Cape Town in your South African adventure
Cape Town is a must-visit to include in your trip to South Africa! It’s an easy destination to make your base and travel to various sites from there. Include it in your trip by making sure you spend between 4 and 10 days (or longer!) in this remarkable city. It is easily accessible from Cape Town International Airport, so you can fly straight there. Alternatively, if you land at OR Tambo (a larger international airport in Johannesburg), you can take a short 2-hour flight from there to reach Cape Town.
Insider Tips
Our best advice for visiting in summer is to have a clear plan of action for the sites you want to see. Doing this will help you get to your preferred spot before the rest of the crowds. You know what they say, the early bird catches the worm.😉
Pack for all the seasons! The weather in Cape Town can change in a matter of minutes, and it can also differ just a few kilometres away. For this reason, we strongly advise that you pack warm clothes and take a sweater or light jacket wherever you go!
For travelling in the city, it is best to use the Uber app. Make sure to download it before you need it so that finding a ride is quick and easy.
We just can’t get enough of Cape Town and know you’ll feel the same when this amazing city immerses you in its rich culture and lively atmosphere. Cape Town is waiting for you to plan your next trip to the city of dreamers.