Trip to Cape Town
Cape Town, Africa · CPT
Cape Town, South Africa's second-largest city, offers a dramatic setting where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Unlike the inland sprawl of Johannesburg, Cape Town is defined by its breathtaking natural beauty, with the iconic Table Mountain forming a constant, majestic backdrop. The city's pace is generally more relaxed, influenced by its coastal setting, though its business districts buzz with activity. It boasts a unique blend of Dutch colonial architecture, a burgeoning arts scene, and a deeply moving history, all set against a backdrop of stunning beaches and rugged landscapes. The atmosphere is one of sophisticated relaxation, punctuated by opportunities for adventure.
Neighborhoods to know
Bo-Kaap
Instantly recognizable by its vibrantly painted houses and cobbled streets, Bo-Kaap is a historic Cape Malay quarter. It's best explored on foot during daylight hours to appreciate the architecture and learn about its heritage. Expect to spend around 30-45 minutes walking around. It’s a relatively inexpensive area to visit, with most costs related to souvenirs or a traditional meal, roughly 15-20€ per person for food.
Camps Bay
This upscale suburb lines a stunning beachfront promenade, perfect for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, or enjoying a sundowner. It’s busiest on warm summer weekends. Accommodation and dining here are on the pricier side, with a main course at a beachfront restaurant easily costing 25-35€. Local transport via MyCiTi bus costs about 1-2€ per trip.
Kloof Street Area (Gardens)
Centred around Kloof Street in the Gardens suburb, this is the city's bohemian heart. It's packed with independent boutiques, trendy cafes, lively bars, and diverse restaurants. Ideal for browsing, eating, and experiencing local nightlife. A coffee might be 3€, and a casual dinner around 20€. It's very walkable and accessible via public transport.
Woodstock
Once an industrial hub, Woodstock has transformed into an artistic and creative enclave. It's home to galleries, street art tours (around 25€), and the Old Biscuit Mill, a popular Saturday market. Visit during the day, especially on a Saturday for the market. While exploring street art is free, budget around 20-30€ for food and drinks at the market.
Constantia
Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, Constantia is known for its historic wine estates. It's a tranquil escape perfect for wine tasting tours, which typically cost 30-50€ per person for a half-day experience. Enjoying a meal at a vineyard restaurant can range from 30-60€ per person. It’s best visited by car or a pre-booked tour.
Top attractions
Table Mountain National Park
Dominated by the flat-topped Table Mountain, this park offers incredible hiking and panoramic views. The Aerial Cableway is a popular way up (return ticket approx. 23€), but be prepared for queues, especially mid-morning. Hiking trails are free. Check the weather before going; it can be very windy.
V&A Waterfront
A bustling harbor area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It's a pleasant place to walk around, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium (approx. 15€), or take a harbor cruise (from 15€). It’s always busy, but evenings are particularly lively. Free to enter, costs vary based on activities.
Robben Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Tours are guided by former inmates, offering a profound historical perspective. Ferries depart from the V&A Waterfront. Tickets cost around 35€ and must be booked well in advance due to high demand and limited capacity.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Renowned worldwide for its indigenous South African flora, spread across a vast mountainside estate. Entry is about 10€. Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore. It's particularly beautiful in spring (September-November). Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawns.
District Six Museum
Documents the forced removals of residents during apartheid. It's a poignant and essential visit for understanding the city's social history. Entry is around 5€. Guided tours offer deeper insights. Best visited during opening hours, typically 9 am to 4 pm weekdays.
Chapman's Peak Drive
A spectacular scenic toll road carved into the cliffside between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The toll fee is approximately 2.50€ per vehicle. It offers breathtaking ocean vistas and photo opportunities. Best driven during daylight hours, especially towards sunset.
When to go to Cape Town
The best time to visit Cape Town is during its summer, from November to March. Expect warm, dry days with temperatures averaging 20-26°C, though heatwaves can push it higher. The shoulder seasons, April-May and September-October, offer milder weather (15-22°C) and fewer crowds. Winter (June-August) is cooler and wetter, with average temperatures around 10-18°C, and is ideal for whale watching. Peak tourist season is December-January, coinciding with school holidays, leading to higher prices and more crowded attractions. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival usually takes place in March/April.
Eating out
Dishes to try
- Bobotie: A traditional Cape Malay dish consisting of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping, often served with yellow rice and sambals.
- Bunny Chow: A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry (often lamb or chicken). A hearty and iconic street food originating from Durban but popular in Cape Town.
- Gatsby: A massive sandwich, typically filled with chips (fries), meat (like steak or chicken), and various sauces and salads. A filling and shareable local favorite.
Where to eat
For authentic local flavors, head to the Bo-Kaap for Cape Malay cuisine, where a traditional meal might cost 15-25€. The V&A Food Market offers diverse stalls with global and local options, with main dishes ranging from 8-15€. For more refined dining, Bree Street and Kloof Street in the Gardens precinct offer numerous restaurants with international and fusion menus, where a three-course meal could set you back 40-70€ per person.
Getting around
From the airport
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is about 22km from the city center. The most convenient option is a metered taxi or ride-sharing service (like Uber or Bolt), which costs approximately 15-25€ and takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Airport shuttles are also available for around 8-10€ per person, but may take longer due to multiple drop-offs. Public buses are the cheapest option (around 2€) but are less frequent and can be time-consuming.
In the city
Cape Town's city center is quite walkable. The MyCiTi bus service is a reliable and affordable way to get around major areas, with fares typically ranging from 0.50€ to 1.50€ per trip, depending on the distance. A Wi-Fi-enabled myconnect card is required for travel, costing about 2€. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are widely used and competitively priced. Renting a car offers flexibility, especially for exploring the surrounding Winelands and coastlines, but parking can be challenging in the CBD.
Local culture & tips
Visitors often notice the stark contrast between opulent areas and informal settlements, a legacy of apartheid. While generally friendly, locals appreciate politeness and punctuality. Tipping is customary: 10-15% in restaurants and for service providers like tour guides or hotel staff. Meal times are similar to Europe, with lunch around 12:30-2:30 pm and dinner from 7 pm onwards. Be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark in less-populated areas; stick to well-lit, busy streets. It's advisable to use ride-sharing apps for late-night transport.
How long to stay in Cape Town?
We recommend at least 7 days on site to enjoy Cape Town without rushing. Add 1-2 extra days if you're pairing it with another Africa stop. For a short city-break, 3 days already cover the highlights.
Quick facts
- AirportCPT
- RegionAfrica
- CountryZA
Travel budget in Cape Town
Cape Town offers a range of price points. A budget traveler could manage on 40-50€ per day, staying in hostels (around 15-20€/night), eating street food or self-catering (10-15€/day), and using public transport (3-5€/day). A mid-range traveler might spend 80-100€ per day, opting for a comfortable guesthouse or 3-star hotel (50-70€/night), enjoying restaurant meals (25-30€/day), and using ride-sharing services (10-15€/day). A comfort-focused traveler could easily spend 150€+ per day, with 4-5 star hotels (100€+/night), fine dining (50€+/day), private tours, and more.
Where to stay in Cape Town
Plan ~€35/night mid-range in Cape Town — central neighbourhood, double room with breakfast. To compare availability and real pricing for your dates, we send you straight to Booking.com with a pre-filled search.
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Other destinations in Africa
Cape Town pairs well with other cities in the same region. Add one or two to your itinerary to amortize the long-haul flight and mix up the experience.