Cape Town is a city that will keep you coming back time and time again! If you've been for a few days, you'll feel like it wasn't long enough and even if you have months, you'll find yourself wanting to return.
If you're visiting Cape Town for the first time, this is the perfect beginner's guide to take you through:
✨ Know before you go info
✨ Where to Stay
✨ Things to do
✨ Places to eat and drink
Basically everything you need to self-plan the perfect city break!
Don't forget to save the guide to refer back to when you're planning!
If you're wondering about safety in South Africa, overall I'd say you have nothing to fear as a tourist! But check out our blog posts below for more comprehensive insights and recommendations:
You don't really need a car while you're in Cape Town, as it's very easy to get around by taxi (Uber) and by public transport.
That being said, if you are planning to drive the Garden Route while you're in South Africa, you'll need to pick up a car at some point during your stay.
South Africans drive on the left. Driving is generally quite easy, and the roads are well-maintained, with the exception of a few pot holes.
It's advisable to have an international driving license in South Africa, as you may be asked for this at police check points. If you want to know more about driving in South Africa, check the link below!
In my opinion, the best months to visit Cape Town are May and September. It's their shoulder season for both of these months, and it means there are fewer crowds, but the weather is still usually lovely, and prices are not too high!
Where to stay in Cape Town
We've stayed in all of the hotels below and can personally recommend them as some of the best hotels in Cape Town. If you have the budget, our absolute favourite hotel is the 12 Apostles, and it also tends to be a little cheaper than the other 5* hotels in Cape Town, since it's a little out of the way in Camps Bay. Don't worry though, it's still really quick and easy to get to!
The Never@Home hostels are a really fun brand! This one is attached to a great, lively pizza bar on Kloof Street (right in the heart of town) and there are plenty of places to eat nearby
The Four Rosmead is the sweetest boutique hotel and it's not even super expensive. It's perfect for couples, really romantic and breakfast can be served any time up to midday, meaning you really get the chance to lie in. They only have 10 guest bedrooms, so you have to book sharpish if you want to stay here!
They even have an on site art gallery full of local artists' work.
Perhaps the best thing about the Victoria and Alfred is its location on the V&A waterfront, with stunning views and plenty of great places to eat and drink nearby
The Cape Grace is one of the most beautiful hotels in Cape Town and it's in a fantastic location on the V&A Waterfront. The nautical style makes it really unique and the service is absolutely incredible
The 12 Apostles is, without question, the best hotel in Cape Town. We've stayed there multiple times and they've never let us down! With majestic views of Lion's Head, it's a little out of the centre of town (in Camps Bay), however you're well connected with taxis and should barely notice the distance, plus the service is next level.
It's a Leading Hotels of the World property, in other words, boutique luxury.
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Things to do in Cape Town
If you only have a few days in Cape Town, our must-sees are Robben Island, Table Mountain and Boulders Beach! They are each amazing in their own way. But we've also recommended some further activities if you have a bit more time, which also deserve a look in!
Top 3 things to do in Cape Town
Robben Island
Robben Island is famously the island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner, but the island actually has a rich history beyond its association with Mandela, which is well worth exploring.
It's worth pre-booking, as tours can sell out quite quickly, and you might struggle to get tickets if you leave it last minute.
Robben Island is famously the island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner, but the island actually has a rich history beyond its association with Mandela, which is well worth exploring.
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Table Mountain
Table Mountain is perhaps one of the most iconic sights in Cape Town. It's doable with and without a guide. The hike is a (usually pretty warm!) 3-4 hour hike depending on your fitness level. There are also some really fun ways to do Table Mountain, including abseiling off it! I did this myself and it is so much fun and really not to be missed!
Again, this is something you need to pre-book though.
You can either hike Table Mountain or take the cable car up and/or down. The hike is a (usually pretty warm!) 3-4 hour hike depending on your fitness level. I don't believe you need a guide to hike up, as the path is clearly marked but this is up to you!
You can also abseil off Table Mountain, which is a great way to experience it!
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Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is one of the only places in Africa where you can see penguins and it's amazing!
Please, as with any wildlife experience, be sure to keep a distance from the penguins and don't bother them for photos.
It is forbidden to feed the penguins on Boulders Beach, as it is bad for their health and you could create a dependence on humans.
I advise bringing a telephoto lens to get the best shots, and being nice and quiet. If you go early morning it is usually quieter too.
Boulders Beach is one of the only places in Africa where you can see penguins! They are adorable, but remember to respect the space of the animals and keep your distance, and never feed them.
The Southernmost tip of the African peninsula is well worth a visit for its dramatic views and striking scenery
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Where to eat in Cape Town
The two places below have no shortage of awesome restaurants to choose from, and you won't go far wrong just by walking through each place and making a choice based on what appeals best to your senses!
I'm Emma and I am the founder of That Travel and the Sustainable Travel Podcast. I'm a responsible and regenerative travel advocate, as well as an ex-travel agent (I worked as an agent for 8 years in sales and sales management)
My speciality areas are:
✨Tanzania
✨South Africa (including eSwatini and Lesotho)
✨Egypt
✨Namibia
✨Madagascar
But I have also travelled extensively through most parts of the world and love to do so by immersing myself in local culture and travelling 'like a local' as much as I possibly can.
I truly feel that sustainable and regenerative tourism is the antidote to overtourism, and that by choosing carefully where we spend our money, so that we support local environments, local people and local economies, we can change travel for the better and make it a force for good!
What can you hire me for?
✨ Sustainable travel guides (including eco hotel and local guest house suggestions, local restaurants, 'give back'/non profit initiatives and overlanding routes)
✨Travel consultations to help you understand a destination better - I hope to help you get to the heart of where you're travelling, learn local cultures and be a better traveller!
Or if you're looking for something else:
✨Sustainable and responsible travel writing - guides to help others plan!
✨Group trip planning - as a sales agent with a high success rate at sales, I can help you plan and sell your trip
If you don't see what you're looking for, drop me a message and I'm sure I can help 🤍
