Located where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, packed with colorful buildings, breathtaking mountains, swoon-worthy beaches, ultra-friendly people, yummy cuisine, and some of the world’s best wine, Cape Town is an absolutely fabulous city.
Tegan was so fortunate to visit for a work conference and was absolutely enchanted, as any visitor will be. The “Mother City” is, without a doubt, totally worth a top slot on your bucket list.
Nestled on the southwestern tip of South Africa, this coastal gem is a captivating blend of natural wonders, rich history, and modern flair. We can’t recommend Cape Town enough, and hope this guide is helpful for planning your own visit.
Long before any Europeans laid eyes on Table Mountain, the indigenous Khoikhoi and San people already called the Cape Peninsula home. These indigenous communities are believed to have settled in the region for thousands of years, predating written records. Their descendants continue to live in various regions of South Africa (including Cape Town), and recent efforts to reclaim and preserve their cultural heritage are ongoing. In particular, initiatives aimed at reviving traditional practices, languages, and fostering a sense of community identity have emerged in recent decades.
In 1652, the Dutch East India Company, led by Jan van Riebeeck, established a “refreshment station” at the Cape of Good Hope to supply passing ships. This marked the beginning of European colonization of the area. The Dutch influence lingered as the colony grew, shaping early Cape Town. However, Cape Town changed hands between the Dutch and British several times during the 17th and 18th centuries. Each colonial power left its imprint on the city, from architecture to governance, creating a unique blend of cultural influences that is still seen in street names, cuisine, and other ways today.
The 19th century saw the British consolidating their control over the Cape Colony. The discovery of diamonds and gold in South Africa fueled economic growth and greatly intensified societal tensions and strife. The 20th century brought the institutionalized racism of Apartheid, which lasted officially until the early 1990s and is still an enduring issue today. From 1964 to 1982, Nelson Mandela was incarcerated at Robben Island Prison, which is located off Cape Town. Heartbreakingly, the city is visible from the island– it’s impossible to imagine how he must have felt, able to see the city from his cell.
Cape Town played a pivotal role in the struggle against Apartheid. It served as a focal point for mass protests and demonstrations against Apartheid policies, as well as various campaigns of nonviolent resistance, such as the Defiance Campaign of the early 1950s– which aimed to challenge discriminatory laws by deliberately violating them, highlighting their unjustness.
Cape Town was also a key location for negotiations leading to South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. The city witnessed the signing of the interim constitution at St George’s Cathedral, which emphasized the commitment to a peaceful transition to democracy, and hosted hearings of the TRC, a commission aimed at addressing human rights violations committed during the Apartheid era.
In recent decades, Cape Town has become a global destination renowned for its natural beauty, cultural richness, amazing cuisine, and proximity to hiking, surfing, and the vineyards at Stellenbosch. You’ll absolutely love it there– we certainly did.
Getting There & Staying There
You will likely fly into Cape Town’s international airport, CPT. From the airport, it takes about half an hour to get to the city center, and the easiest way to do so is probably to just grab an Uber unless your hotel has a shuttle service. They’re quite inexpensive compared to other cities and an easy way to get around.
In terms of where to stay, Cape Town is a big city, and some areas are safer and better suited for tourists than others. We stayed in de Waterkant and we absolutely loved it– it felt like a little historic bubble right near everything we wanted to see. It has super picturesque, brightly-painted houses, great food options, and yoga, Pilates, and other studios, with a grocery store and other amenities nearby. It’s really close to the V&A Waterfront (another nice area to stay), as well as lots of other activities. The streets have 24/7 security guards on patrol, which made us feel a lot safer.
We would really recommend de Waterkant, and particularly the Purple House– Henk and Guido were lovely hosts and really went above-and-beyond for us, and the different options are all absolutely beautiful. We stayed in the lime green Jarvis Street unit and it’s truly one of the best stays we’ve ever had. By the way, this isn’t a sponsored recommendation, we just had an amazing stay there!
Here are some other options for neighborhoods:
- V&A Waterfront: The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a bustling hub with a mix of luxury hotels, more budget-friendly options, shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s a safe and vibrant area, providing easy access to attractions like the waterfront itself, the mall, the jumping-off point for Robben Island tours, and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
- City Bowl: The City Bowl is the central business district surrounded by Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill. This area is home to various accommodations, including boutique hotels and guesthouses. It’s convenient for exploring the city’s historical sites, museums, and gardens.
- Green Point: Located close to the V&A Waterfront, Green Point is a trendy and safe neighborhood. It offers a mix of accommodation options, proximity to the Green Point Urban Park, and easy access to the waterfront and the Cape Town Stadium.
- Camps Bay: Camps Bay is a luxurious beachfront area nestled between the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for its upscale accommodations, trendy beachfront cafes, and the famous Camps Bay Beach. This is definitely a pricier area, and a bit further away from the city center, but we’ve heard it’s worth it.
- Muizenberg Beach: while not in the city center, Muizenberg is the perfect place to stay for those looking for beachfront sun, surfing, and beautiful views. It’s about ½ an hour drive to the city center and absolutely swoony.
Recommended Reading
Staying Safe
When chatting with friends about Cape Town, many immediately expressed concern about safety. And indeed, it’s a valid thing to think about before your trip, and something to be sure to keep in mind during.
As pretty safety conscious travelers ourselves, we would strongly urge you not to miss out on visiting Cape Town simply due to safety concerns. There are lots of things you can do to stay safe while you’re there, and taking precautions should be sufficient.
As mentioned, we liked that our street had 24/7 security personnel, and we also appreciated the alarm system and 2 separate locking doors (an iron grate and thick front door.) The walls in the courtyard were too high to scale and the house overall felt very safe and cozy.
In that vein, we have a few tips taken from our visit and from chats with Cape Town locals to share:
- Do not walk around at night– Ubers are super cheap, and even if it’s just a 10-minute walk, go ahead and call an Uber.
- Don’t stay out too late– Cape Town is a super vibrant city, with absolutely packed restaurants and social areas every night of the week. However, we noticed that by 1AM or so everything was closed tight, even on weekends. It’s best not to be caught still out when everything has closed.
- Leave valuables at home– avoid wearing flashy jewelry, watches, or other potentially attractive items to pickpockets. Always close and lock doors, even if you’re just popping upstairs for a second or on your way out.
- If a stranger knocks on the door, don’t open it– our hosts shared with us that con artists have gotten very good at finding out information, and may even know the host’s name, your name, or other identifying information.
- Roll up windows at traffic lights– potential pickpockets can reach into your window and grab watches, phones, etc. while the car is stopped.
- Don’t ascend Table Mountain, Lions Head, Signal Hill, etc. alone– go with a group, a tour, or at a time of day that’s likely to be populated. These are absolute must-see locations for tourists, and walking around alone can make you a target.
The Perfect Visit to Cape Town
Day 1: Table Mountain and City Center
Morning:
Table Mountain: Start your day early with a visit to Table Mountain. The flat-topped mountain dominates the Cape Town skyline and is one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks, and for good reason! It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding landscapes. Hiking up Table Mountain was definitely one of the highlights of the trip, and whichever way you do it, it’s worth it.
Keep in mind that the summit will likely be cooler than the base, and the weather here can change rapidly. Check the forecast before your visit, and be aware that the summit may be covered in clouds (known as “the “tablecloth.”) If visibility is limited, consider visiting another time for better views! It’s not worth it to go up there if it’s foggy.
You have a few options for getting to the top:
- Cable car: Take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for a scenic ascent to the summit. The rotating cable cars provide 360-degree views and are good for those with limited mobility.
- Hiking: Arguably the best way to see Table Mountain is through its network of hiking trails. Popular routes include Platteklip Gorge and India Venster– we did the Platteklip option and we loved it. Considered the “easiest” route, we would still say it’s pretty challenging, as it’s straight up, up, up on rock formations shaped almost like huge stairs. It’s really important that you’re adequately prepared– with comfortable footwear, LOTS of water, and weather-appropriate clothing. The Platteklip route took us about 2 hours and was 4 kilometers long, with 800 meters of elevation gain.
- Tours: Join a guided tour to gain insights into the mountain’s geological and cultural significance. Knowledgeable guides can enhance your understanding of the flora, fauna, and history of Table Mountain.
The summit offers various vantage points, including the Twelve Apostles, Lions Head, and the Cape Peninsula, all beautiful photo ops. You can opt to take the cable car down if you hiked up.
Afternoon:
City Center & Company’s Garden:
Explore the City Centre, particularly the Company’s Garden. Dating back to the 17th century, it was originally established by the Dutch East India Company to provide fresh produce for passing ships. Today, it is a serene oasis nestled against the backdrop of Table Mountain, from picturesque Palm Avenue, which features towering palm trees, to the various statues and sculptures around, such as Jan van Riebeeck (founder of Cape Town), and a charming Alice in Wonderland sculpture. The Biodiversity Garden (located within Company’s Garden) showcases indigenous plant species and provides information about South Africa’s diverse flora, super fun for plant enthusiasts.
The Iziko South African Museum is also located within the Company’s Garden. It houses extensive collections of natural history, cultural artifacts, and exhibits that showcase South Africa’s rich biodiversity.
Next, stroll along nearby Government Avenue, a tree-lined pathway flanked by historic buildings including the Houses of Parliament, the Tuynhuys (Presidential residence), and St. George’s Cathedral.
Evening:
Dinner in Bo-Kaap: Head to Bo-Kaap for dinner, located on the slopes of Signal Hill. Known for its brightly colored houses, cobblestone streets, and a fun blend of Cape Dutch and Georgian architectural influences, it was originally established as a community for slaves brought there by the Dutch East India Company. Today, Bo-Kaap is synonymous with Cape Malay cuisine, influenced by Indonesian, Malaysian, and Dutch culinary traditions. You can also find lots of unique handmade items here.
A few treats to try here include: bobotie (a minced meat dish topped with an egg-based custard); koeksisters (sweet, deep-fried pastries soaked in syrup); sosatie (skewered and marinated meat); and Cape Malay curry.
Day 2: V&A Waterfront and Robben Island
Morning:
V&A Waterfront: Spend your morning at the V&A Waterfront. Named for Queen Victoria and her son Alfred, the area is very hip and popular with tourists and locals alike. Check out the Silo District, home to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), which is housed in a converted grain silo, and check out the street performers and cultural events on. There are high-end boutiques, galleries, and the cutting-edge Silo Hotel to see as well, and the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre is great for those seeking to do some shopping, featuring lots of local and international brands. The Watershed also has local-made shopping.
Afternoon:
Robben Island Tour: After walking through the Clock Tower Precinct, known for its iconic red clock tower, make your way to the Nelson Mandela Gateway, where you can take a ferry to Robben Island. Full disclosure, we weren’t able to make it here on our visit, as you need a full half day for the tour. This was a huge disappointment, as we think this is a crucial thing to do while in Cape Town.
Regardless, a bit of history– Robben Island, located in Table Bay, is best known as the site where Nelson Mandela and many other political prisoners were imprisoned, sometimes for decades. Originally a place of isolation and punishment, it later became a powerful symbol of resilience.
Upon reaching the island, visitors are led on a guided tour of the prison complex by former political prisoners. These guides offer firsthand accounts of their experiences, providing a poignant and personal perspective on the island’s history. You can also visit Mandela’s former cell and the limestone quarry where he and other prisoners were forced to perform grueling physical labor. The quarry became a place of resilience and education, as prisoners secretly exchanged knowledge and ideas.
Evening:
Dinner at the Waterfront: Return to the V&A Waterfront for dinner. You can choose from the diverse range of restaurants overlooking the harbor, or take an Uber to the Bree Street area. If you opt for Bree Street, consider dining at Villa 47 for amazing Italian or The Black Sheep for Asian fusion (our favorite restaurant in Cape Town.)
Day 3: Surfing and Wine Tasting
Morning:
What most people do: Some of Cape Town’s best beaches are found in Camps Bay and Clifton, perfect for a morning stroll and lunch at one of the trendy restaurants along the Camps Bay strip. You can also take a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive for breathtaking coastal views, or visit Hout Bay Harbor for a boat trip to Seal Island or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the harbor-side restaurants.
What we did: Start your morning with an out-of-this-world smoothie bowl at Harvest Café, go for a stroll along Muizenberg Beach, looking at all the adorable painted sea shacks. Check out the shopping in the harbor area, and head over to Roxy to book a surf lesson or rent a board.
Next, spend the morning surfing. Muizenberg is known for waves great for all skill levels, and we had an absolute blast during the lesson and testing out the waves for ourselves. It’s best to also rent a wetsuit, as it’s pretty chilly, and be sure to pay attention to the shark flags– green and black are good, white (accompanied by a siren) means that there’s been a shark sighting. The system works super well and we felt totally safe there, definitely one of our favorite things that we did. Afterward, relax with an ice cream cone– our instructor’s recommendation for getting the taste of all that salt water out of your mouth 😉
Afternoon:
What most people do: Wine tasting in Stellenbosch, visiting renowned wine estates for tastings. Some popular options include Spier, Delaire Graff, or Tokara.
What we did: Located quite close to Muizenberg is the Groot Constantia winery, which is actually South Africa’s oldest, dating back to 1652. This is perfect for those who are short on time and unable to make it all the way out to Stellenbosch (which is over an hour from the city center.)
Instead, take advantage of the showers at the surf shop after returning your board and wetsuit, and book an Uber to Groot Constantia. From there, you can tour the estate, go to a wine history museum, book a tasting, and eat a delicious meal at Simon’s. We had a blast here and super recommend it– this way, you still get a taste of South African wine culture even on a more limited time schedule.
Bonus: Climb Lion's Head
If you have a spare morning, don’t miss an ascent up Lion’s Head, another fabulous mountain located within city limits. While there are some ladders to get to the top, it’s overall a much gentler climb than Table Mountain and offers absolutely swoony views of the city, the sea, Signal Hill, and the 12 Apostles (indeed, a better view of this in particular than Table Mountain.)
Allow about 45 minutes each way, as well as time for photos and to enjoy the top. The same advice goes as for Table Mountain– if it’s foggy, you’ll see very little. We got tremendously lucky that the “pea soup” consistency fog cleared when we reached the top, but we were pretty nervous the whole hike would be a bust on the climb up.
