Cape Town Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations of Cape Town.


Introduction to Cape Town

Cape Town is a vibrant and bustling city situated in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town offers visitors an incredible mix of stunning natural landscapes, an exciting food and drink scene, and diverse cultures and traditions. The city is surrounded by the majestic Table Mountain, the ocean, and mountain ranges, which make for an incredible sightseeing experience.

List of Places to Visit in Cape Town

Exploring Cape Town is an unforgettable experience as the city offers diverse attractions and activities for all types of visitors. Below is a list of must-visit places and attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Castle of Good Hope: Built-in 1666, this fortress is the oldest existing building in South Africa and offers insight into the country’s history.
  • Robben Island: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a symbol of South Africa’s freedom struggle and is home to Nelson Mandela’s prison cell.
  • District Six Museum: This museum tells the story of the forced removal of residents of District Six during the apartheid era.
  • Iziko South African Museum: A museum that exhibits natural history, social history, and art collections that showcase the country’s diversity.

Natural Attractions of Cape Town: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Table Mountain: The iconic flat-topped mountain that towers over the city offers amazing hiking trails, cable car rides, and unique views of Cape Town.
  • Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: A world-renowned botanical garden with diverse plant species, nature walks, and picnic spots.
  • Cape Point: The Southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula, where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean, offers breathtaking views and hiking trails.
  • Boulders Beach: Home to a colony of African Penguins, this beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing with the penguins.
  • Signal Hill: A scenic spot to watch the sunset over the city.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cape Town

Cape Town is a paradise for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers who enjoy exploring the outdoors. Below is a list of the best routes to explore:

  • Lion’s Head Hike: A popular hike that offers stunning views of the city and the ocean.
  • Bicycle Tour of the City: A guided bike tour that takes you on a scenic route through Cape Town’s streets, neighborhoods and historic sites.
  • Cape of Good Hope hiking trail: A coastal hike that offers magnificent views of the ocean and wildlife along the way.
  • Silvermine Nature Reserve: A place for nature hikes, rock climbing, and swimming.

Best Things to Do in Cape Town: Activities and Tours

Cape Town offers a range of activities and tours that cater to different interests and preferences. Below are some of the best things to do:

  • Wine Tasting Tour: Explore the Cape Winelands and taste some of South Africa’s world-famous wine.
  • Street Art Tour: Discover the vibrant and colorful street art that covers Cape Town’s walls and learn about the artists behind them.
  • Whale Watching Tour: Witness the incredible sight of whales that visit the shores of Cape Town between July and November.
  • Township Tour: A guided tour that takes you through the townships of Cape Town, where you can learn about the country’s history and culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cape Town

If you are planning to spend a week in Cape Town, below is a suggested itinerary:

Day Activities
1 Visit Table Mountain and Bo-Kaap Museum
2 Explore V&A Waterfront and Two Oceans Aquarium
3 Drive to Cape Point and visit Simon’s Town and Penguins
4 Spend a day tasting wine in the Cape Winelands
5 Visit the historical Robben Island and District Six Museum
6 Go on a hike or bike ride in Silvermine Nature Reserve
7 Relax on the beautiful beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay

Food and Drink Scene of Cape Town

Cape Town has a diverse food and drink scene, with unique and tasty dishes and beverages. Below are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cape Malay Curry: A spicy, aromatic curry that combines Indian and Malay flavors.
  • Braai: A traditional South African barbecue that features grilled meats, sausages and vegetables.
  • Bunny Chow: A hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry.
  • Bobotie: A meat dish with a sweet and savory flavor, usually served with yellow rice and sambal.

Local Beverages

  • Rooibos Tea: A caffeine-free tea with a unique flavor that is grown only in South Africa.
  • Craft Beer: Cape Town has a thriving craft beer scene, with many microbreweries offering their unique blends.
  • Amarula: A popular South African cream liqueur made from the fruit of the Marula tree.
  • South African Wine: Cape Town is home to some of the finest vineyards in the world, producing award-winning wines.

Where to Stay in Cape Town: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cape Town has accommodation options that cater to all types of budgets and preferences. Below are some of the best options:

  • Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel: A luxurious hotel located in the city center, with beautiful views of Table Mountain.
  • The Backpack: A budget-friendly hostel that offers a comfortable stay, located in the trendy neighborhood of Tamboerskloof.
  • The Grand Daddy Hotel: A boutique hotel famous for its rooftop Airstream trailer park.
  • The Cape Grace Hotel: A 5-star hotel located on the V&A Waterfront, with stunning views of the harbor.

What to Buy in Cape Town: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Cape Town is a shopping paradise, with a range of souvenirs and local products to bring home as a memento of your trip. Below is a list of recommended items:

  • Bo-Kaap Spices: The spices used in Cape Malay cuisine are a Must-Buy, with fragrant blends like Cape Malay Curry, Masala, and Tandoori.
  • African Crafts: Local artisans produce a range of beautiful handcrafted items, including traditional clothing, beadwork, stoneware, and woodcarvings.
  • Rooibos Tea: This caffeine-free tea is a perfect gift, with its unique flavor and health benefits.
  • Wine: South Africa’s Cape Winelands produce world-renowned wines that make for a perfect gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Cape Town

Cape Town has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with different traditions and customs influenced by European, African, and Asian cultures. It’s essential to respect local customs and traditions, such as greeting people respectfully, avoiding conversations about politics or race, and showing respect for the elders.

Best Time to Visit Cape Town

The best time to visit Cape Town is during the summer months from November to April, when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. However, the winter months from May to October offer different attractions such as whale watching, wine tasting, and lower tourist crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cape Town

Do:

  • Greet people respectfully, and use their titles if they have any.
  • Familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions to avoid offending anyone.
  • Visit the local markets to get a feel of the local culture and interact with the locals.
  • Respect nature and wildlife when exploring Cape Town’s natural attractions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t discuss politics, race or religion, particularly in public spaces.
  • Don’t take photographs of people without their permission.
  • Don’t leave your bags unattended or walk alone in unfamiliar areas, particularly at night.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cape Town

Cape Town has high crime rates, particularly in the townships and urban areas. Visitors are advised to take necessary precautions such as not carrying too much cash, avoiding walking alone in unfamiliar areas, and staying vigilant. It’s also crucial to avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics in public to avoid attracting criminals.

Health in Cape Town

Cape Town is a malaria-free destination, but it’s advisable to take precautions against mosquito bites. Visitors should also get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B and ensure that they have comprehensive health insurance.

Getting to Cape Town: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cape Town

Cape Town International Airport is the main airport serving the city, located approximately 20km from the city center. The airport offers local and international flights and shuttle services from the airport to the city center.

Bus Stations Near Cape Town

Cape Town has several bus stations that offer intercity and long-distance bus services.

Other Options

Taxis, Ubers, and car rentals are popular modes of transport in Cape Town. Still, it’s essential to exercise caution when using taxis, particularly unlicensed ones, and ensure that you negotiate the fare before commencing the journey.

How to Get Around in Cape Town

Cape Town has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and taxis. Still, visitors should exercise caution when using public transport, particularly at night or in unfamiliar areas. Car rentals, Ubers, and cycling tours are becoming popular ways of getting around, particularly for tourists who prefer exploring at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Cape Town: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Cape Town is a gateway to some of South Africa’s most beautiful destinations, including the Garden Route, Kruger National Park, and the Cape Winelands. Below are some of the nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Garden Route: A scenic route along the Southern coast of South Africa, dotted with picturesque towns and beautiful natural attractions.
  • Kruger National Park: One of the most famous game reserves in the world, with abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems.
  • Cape Winelands: The vineyards in the Cape Winelands produce some of the best wines in the world, making it a must-visit destination for wine lovers.

Conclusion

Cape Town is a captivating city that offers visitors a range of attractions, activities, and experiences. Whether you’re interested in exploring the outdoors, tasting world-class wines, or learning about the country’s history and culture, Cape Town is a destination that has it all. With a rich heritage, diverse and unique culture, and stunning natural landscapes, Cape Town is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Cape Town and Table Mountain viewed from Bloubergstrand across Table Bay. Cape Town and Table Mountain viewed from Bloubergstrand across Table Bay. Cape Town seen from space: Most of the urban area visible in this NASA Astronaut photo is part of the greater Cape Town metropolitan area. Also visible are Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Fransch Hoek to the northeast, and Rooi-els and Pringle Bay to the southeast Cape Town seen from space: Most of the urban area visible in this NASA Astronaut photo is part of the greater Cape Town metropolitan area. Also visible are Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Fransch Hoek to the northeast, and Rooi-els and Pringle Bay to the southeast Central Terminal Building at Cape Town International Airport Central Terminal Building at Cape Town International Airport The Muizenberg to Simon's Town Metrorail tracks run right along the ocean. Spectacular views. The Muizenberg to Simon's Town Metrorail tracks run right along the ocean. Spectacular views. Colourful houses and mosque at the Bo-Kaap Colourful houses and mosque at the Bo-Kaap The Castle of Good Hope The Castle of Good Hope Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens V&A Waterfront V&A Waterfront Cape-Dutch architecture at Groot Constantia Cape-Dutch architecture at Groot Constantia West coast of the Cape Peninsula West coast of the Cape Peninsula Aerial view of Clifton beach Aerial view of Clifton beach On the way to a dive off Cape Town On the way to a dive off Cape Town The sharks at Two Oceans are fed every Sunday, so diving visitors don't serve as desserts The sharks at Two Oceans are fed every Sunday, so diving visitors don't serve as desserts The Two Oceans Marathon route takes in the Chapmans Peak Drive. The Two Oceans Marathon route takes in the Chapmans Peak Drive. View over Greenpoint from the Revolving Restaurant in the Ritz Hotel. View over Greenpoint from the Revolving Restaurant in the Ritz Hotel. The Robben Island prison museum The Robben Island prison museum The Boulders penguin colony. The Boulders penguin colony. Bontebok, seen in De Hoop Nature Reserve, De Hoop. Bontebok, seen in De Hoop Nature Reserve, De Hoop.