A legacy of apartheid, the townships of Cape Town were built to house migrant labourers. Though much poverty still exists in the townships, they are also strongholds of local community ties. So much so, that even some who can afford to move out choose not to.
Cape Town: South Africa’s Breathtaking Escape
Contents
1. About Kuala Lumpur
2. Things to do
– Ascend the Iconic Table Mountain
– Take the Ferry to Robben Island
– Wander Through the Colourful Streets of Bo-Kaap
– Explore Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
– Spend Time at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
– Experience a Township Visit
– Drive Chapman’s Peak
– Meet the Penguins at Boulders Beach
– Visit Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope
– Admire the Muizenberg Beach Huts
3. Getting around
4. Vegan dining options
5. Best time to visit
6. Where to stay
About Cape Town
🏔️ Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
Cape Town is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities on earth and it is not difficult to understand why. Dominated by the magnificent flat-topped Table Mountain — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the city enjoys a dramatic natural backdrop that few destinations anywhere in the world can rival. The rugged Twelve Apostles mountain range sweeps down toward Camps Bay while the Atlantic and Indian Oceans frame the city’s spectacular coastline creating a setting of extraordinary natural grandeur.
🌏 A City Steeped in History and Culture
Few cities carry as layered and complex a history as Cape Town. As the oldest city in South Africa it served as the gateway through which European settlers first arrived on African soil in the seventeenth century. Today that heritage is visible throughout the city from the historic Castle of Good Hope to the poignant Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for eighteen years. The colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood reflects the city’s rich Cape Malay culture while the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa stands as a bold statement of the continent’s creative future.
🍴 Adventure Cuisine and Endless Discovery
Cape Town rewards the curious traveller at every turn. Adventurers can hike or ride the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain paraglide above Signal Hill or catch world-class surf at Muizenberg. The nearby Cape Winelands — including Stellenbosch and Franschhoek — offer outstanding vineyards and fine dining restaurants that have earned international acclaim. The vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront provides excellent shopping dining and harbour views while day trips to the Cape of Good Hope and Boulder’s Beach penguin colony are simply not to be missed.
Things to do
1. Ascend the Iconic Table Mountain
If you go to Cape Town and don’t do Table Mountain, I’m not sure what you’re doing with yourself. This flat-topped behemoth looms over the entire city like a giant bit of scenery from a film you can’t quite place. It’s part of the Cape Floristic Region, one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in and around Cape Town — more on that shortly — and it sits at roughly 1,086 metres above sea level, which sounds very impressive until you’ve had to explain to your knees why you thought hiking it was a good idea. We did the cableway, and I’m not ashamed. The rotating cable car — it goes round so everyone gets the view, which is either wonderfully democratic or mildly dizzying depending on your constitution — whisks you to the top in under five minutes. The views from the summit stretch across the city, the Atlantic, the Cape Peninsula, and on a clear day, well, a very long way indeed. The mountain itself was formed over 600 million years ago and the plateau is covered in fynbos, the extraordinary shrubby vegetation that forms the backbone of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest but arguably the most species-diverse floral kingdom on the planet. Allow a good two to three hours on top — there’s more to explore than you’d expect once you’re up there.
- 📍 Location: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Tafelberg Road, Cape Town
- 🌐 Website: www.tablemountain.net
- 📞 Telephone: +27 21 424 8181
- ✉️ Email: info@tablemountain.net
- 🕐 Opening Hours: Generally 08:00–21:30 (last car up 21:00), seasonal variation applies; check website before visiting
- 💷 Fees: Approximately R390 per adult return (2024 prices); children rates available
2. Take the Ferry to Robben Island
Robben Island is one of those places you go to because you know you should, and then you discover you’re genuinely moved by it. This is South Africa’s most powerful historical site — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 — and the place where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison before the fall of apartheid. The island sits about 12 kilometres off the Cape Town waterfront in Table Bay, and the ferry ride itself is lovely, with the city skyline and Table Mountain providing a backdrop that feels almost offensively picturesque given the gravity of what you’re heading towards. Once on the island, you’re taken by bus to various sites, but the absolute centrepiece is the tour of the maximum-security prison led by former political prisoners — people who were actually there. Ours spoke quietly, without drama, and was all the more powerful for it. Standing in Mandela’s actual cell — small, bare, a single window — is a moment you don’t forget in a hurry. The island has a longer history than most people realise: it served as a leper colony, a military outpost, and a place of exile going back centuries. Its very name comes from the Dutch word for seal. Do book your tickets well in advance; ferries sell out, and weather cancellations are not uncommon, so do this early in your stay.
- 📍 Location: Nelson Mandela Gateway, V&A Waterfront, Clock Tower Precinct, Cape Town
- 🌐 Website: www.robben-island.org.za
- 📞 Telephone: +27 21 413 4200
- ✉️ Email: communications@robben-island.org.za
- 🕐 Opening Hours: Ferries typically depart 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00; seasonal departures may vary
- 💷 Fees: Approximately R650 per adult (includes ferry and guided tour); children rates available
3. Wander Through the Colourful Streets of Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap is the sort of place where even a man who thinks photography is a bit of a faff ends up taking 47 photographs. This is the historic Cape Malay quarter on the slopes of Signal Hill, and its terraced streets are lined with brightly painted houses in pinks, yellows, turquoises, and greens that look as though someone lost a bet with a paint shop. The area has been home to the Cape Malay community for centuries — descendants of slaves and political exiles brought to the Cape by the Dutch East India Company from the early 1650s onwards. Islam took root here, and the neighbourhood retains a strong Muslim identity, with mosques and the call to prayer lending an atmosphere quite unlike anywhere else in the city. The houses themselves date largely from the 18th and 19th centuries, and while today the area is increasingly popular with tourists — and consequently gentrifying at a pace that makes estate agents rub their hands — it still feels genuinely lived-in. The Bo-Kaap Museum at number 71 Wale Street gives you a proper sense of the domestic life of the Cape Malay community, and is well worth half an hour. Early morning is the best time to visit — quieter streets, better light for those 47 photographs.
- 📍 Location: Bo-Kaap, Cape Town City Bowl (centred around Wale Street and Rose Street)
- 🌐 Website: www.bo-kaap.co.za
- 📞 Telephone (Bo-Kaap Museum): +27 21 481 3939
- ✉️ Email (Museum): info@iziko.org.za
- 🕐 Opening Hours: Streets open at all times; Bo-Kaap Museum: Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00
- 💷 Fees: Streets are free to walk; Bo-Kaap Museum: approximately R30 per adult
4. Explore Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch is, without question, one of the finest botanical gardens in the world — and that’s not me being generous, that’s a fairly widely held view among people who know about such things. Set on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the garden covers 528 hectares and is home to an extraordinary collection of indigenous South African flora, with some 7,000 plant species on display. It sits within the Cape Floristic Region UNESCO World Heritage Site, which makes it doubly significant. We spent the better part of a morning here, which still wasn’t enough. There’s a famous Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway — a swooping, snake-like elevated walkway through the treetops that offers unusual perspectives on the garden — and the lawns sweeping up towards the mountain are quite spectacular. The garden was established in 1913, making it one of the earliest botanical gardens in the world to be dedicated solely to native plants, and it has since become one of the world’s great horticultural institutions. The fynbos sections in particular are extraordinary — this is the best place to understand the botanical richness that makes the Cape Floral Kingdom so remarkable. Come mid-morning if you can, before the afternoon heat or the summer crowds arrive.
- 📍 Location: Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town
- 🌐 Website: www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch
- 📞 Telephone: +27 21 799 8783
- ✉️ Email: kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org
- 🕐 Opening Hours: Daily 08:00–19:00 (Sep–Mar); 08:00–18:00 (Apr–Aug)
- 💷 Fees: Approximately R220 per adult; children and pensioner rates available
5. Spend Time at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront — to use its local abbreviation, which will make you feel pleasingly in-the-know — is Cape Town’s working harbour reimagined as a rather smart urban leisure destination. It was developed from the late 1980s and occupies the site of the original Victorian harbour, much of which is still very much operational. It can feel a bit touristy, which of course it is, but it’s a very well done version of touristy: there are good shops, markets, museums, the Two Oceans Aquarium (excellent, particularly if you have children in tow), and more than enough places to simply sit and look at the water while Table Mountain looms magnificently behind you. The original Alfred Basin was constructed in 1860 and named after Queen Victoria’s son, Prince Alfred, who tipped the first load of stone into the construction — the Victoria Dock followed in 1905. There’s a genuine sense of history alongside the commercial bustle, and the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, housed in a converted grain silo adjacent to the waterfront, is well worth a visit if contemporary African art is your thing. It’s also where the ferry for Robben Island departs, and where The Silo Hotel occupies the upper floors of that extraordinary converted building.
- 📍 Location: Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001
- 🌐 Website: www.waterfront.co.za
- 📞 Telephone: +27 21 408 7600
- ✉️ Email: info@waterfront.co.za
- 🕐 Opening Hours: Open daily; shops generally 09:00–21:00; outdoor areas 24 hours
- 💷 Fees: Free entry to the Waterfront precinct; individual attractions charged separately
6. Experience a Township Visit
This one requires a bit of thought before you book it, because it’s important to do it properly or not at all. A respectful, community-led township tour — in Langa, Khayelitsha, or one of the other townships that surround Cape Town — is one of the most genuinely eye-opening things you can do in the city, and potentially the whole country. We went to Langa, the oldest township in Cape Town, established in 1927 under the apartheid-era Urban Areas Act, which forcibly relocated Black Africans away from the city centre. Langa is a place of real contradictions: poverty and community spirit existing side by side, street art and urban resilience, hardship and hospitality. A good tour is not a zoo experience — it’s an introduction, guided by local residents who live there, and who can speak about their community with nuance and pride. We visited a community project, walked the streets with our guide, and came away with a far more honest understanding of Cape Town than the waterfront alone would ever have given us. Do your research and choose an operator that genuinely puts money back into the community. This is not a tick-box exercise; done properly, it’s the most important thing on this list.
- 📍 Location: Various townships including Langa, Khayelitsha, and Gugulethu, Cape Town
- 🌐 Website: www.capetowntourism.org (for vetted community tour operators)
- 📞 Telephone (Cape Town Tourism): +27 21 487 6800
- ✉️ Email: captour@capetourism.org
- 🕐 Opening Hours: Tours typically by appointment; half-day and full-day options available
- 💷 Fees: Approximately R350–R600 per person depending on operator and tour length
7. Drive Chapman’s Peak
Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of those roads that makes you understand why people bother with convertibles. Carved into the cliffs of Chapman’s Peak on the Atlantic seaboard of the Cape Peninsula, it winds for about 9 kilometres between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, with 114 curves — somebody counted — and views across the ocean that are genuinely difficult to describe without resorting to the kind of adjectives I’ve promised to avoid. We went on a clear morning, pulled over in one of the many lay-bys, and stood there for a good five minutes in that particular silence that falls on you when something is very beautiful and you can’t think of anything useful to say about it. The road itself has quite a history: construction began in 1915 and wasn’t completed until 1922, requiring thousands of hours of blasting and hand-cutting through the granite and blue slate of the cliff face. For a long time it was free; now there’s a small toll, and frankly it’s worth every rand. The road is occasionally closed due to falling rocks — this is a real cliff, not a garden feature — so do check before you set out.
- 📍 Location: Chapman’s Peak Drive, between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, Cape Peninsula
- 🌐 Website: www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za
- 📞 Telephone: +27 21 791 8220
- ✉️ Email: info@chapmanspeakdrive.co.za
- 🕐 Opening Hours: 07:00–19:00 daily (subject to closures; check website)
- 💷 Fees: Toll applies — approximately R56 per light vehicle (one-way); subject to change
8. Meet the Penguins at Boulders Beach
Yes, there are penguins on the beach in South Africa. African penguins, to be precise — also called jackass penguins, which is their actual scientific common name and which I mention purely because it made me smile. Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town on the False Bay coast is home to a large colony of these birds, which have been resident here since 1982 when two breeding pairs turned up and evidently liked the look of the place. There are now well over two thousand of them. The beach itself is sheltered by large granite boulders — hence the name — and the combination of boulders, turquoise water, white sand and waddling penguins is, I’ll be honest, ridiculously charming. There are boardwalks that allow you to get remarkably close without disturbing the colony. The African penguin is an endangered species, so the conservation work here is genuinely significant, and the reserve is run by SANParks as part of the Table Mountain National Park. A morning visit is best before the crowds arrive, and bring sunscreen — the South African sun, unlike the English sun, actually works.
- 📍 Location: Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town, Cape Peninsula, 7995
- 🌐 Website: www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain
- 📞 Telephone: +27 21 786 2329
- ✉️ Email: tablemountain@sanparks.org
- 🕐 Opening Hours: Dec–Jan 07:00–19:30; Feb–Mar & Oct–Nov 08:00–18:30; Apr–Sep 08:00–17:00
- 💷 Fees: Approximately R219 per adult; children and pensioner rates available
9. Visit Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope
Cape Point sits at the southwestern tip of the Cape Peninsula, and it is, by any measure, a dramatic bit of the planet. The sheer cliffs drop into the South Atlantic, the wind will try to remove your hat — probably successfully — and the views across the ocean are spectacular. The Cape of Good Hope, a short distance from the Point itself, is arguably even more famous: the southwesternmost tip of the African continent, and the spot that sailors rounding from Europe into the Indian Ocean have been noting in their logs since Bartolomeu Dias made the first recorded European rounding in 1488. There are two lighthouses here — the old one perched impractically high up the cliff and therefore frequently shrouded in mist, and a newer, lower one that actually works. Both are worth seeing. The area forms part of the Table Mountain National Park and sits within the Cape Floral Region UNESCO World Heritage Site, so the fynbos here is again extraordinary. We walked to the old lighthouse, which requires a climb of about 200 steps or alternatively a funicular — I recommend the funicular, and I maintain that no man over 55 should feel obliged to prove otherwise.
- 📍 Location: Cape Point, Cape Peninsula National Park, Cape Town
- 🌐 Website: www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/attractions/cape-point
- 📞 Telephone: +27 21 780 9010
- ✉️ Email: tablemountain@sanparks.org
- 🕐 Opening Hours: Dec–Jan 07:00–20:00; Oct–Nov & Feb–Mar 07:00–19:00; Apr–Sep 07:00–17:00
- 💷 Fees: Approximately R353 per adult for Table Mountain National Park entry; children rates available
10. Admire the Muizenberg Beach Huts
Muizenberg is a seaside town on the False Bay coast about 25 kilometres from Cape Town’s city centre, and its main claim to fame — alongside being a historically significant surfing spot and a place with a rather interesting Jewish heritage — is its row of brightly coloured Victorian bathing huts along the beachfront. These candy-striped wooden structures, painted in combinations of red, yellow, blue and white, are one of the most photographed sights in the Cape, and for good reason: they are enormously cheerful, slightly eccentric, and rather lovely. The tradition of bathing huts goes back to the late 19th century when sea bathing became fashionable and Victorian notions of modesty required elaborate changing arrangements. Muizenberg was once a fashionable resort — Cecil Rhodes had a cottage here, which you can still visit — and while it’s a little faded these days, the beach huts have been beautifully restored and maintained and give the whole beachfront a festive, postcard-worthy quality. The beach itself is famously good for surfing and is one of the few spots on the Cape where the water is warm enough to encourage non-lunatics to actually swim.
- 📍 Location: Muizenberg Beach, Beach Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
- 🌐 Website: www.capetown.gov.za (City of Cape Town parks and beaches)
- 📞 Telephone: +27 21 444 0472 (City of Cape Town coastal management)
- ✉️ Email: coastalmanagement@capetown.gov.za
- 🕐 Opening Hours: Beach accessible at all times; huts are private and for viewing externally
- 💷 Fees: Free to view; parking charges may apply
Getting to and Around Cape Town
Cape Town is one of Africa’s most breathtaking cities, and getting there — and around — is easier than many first-time visitors expect. That said, transport here is not one-size-fits-all. The city is spread out, with the city centre, beaches, wine regions, and mountain attractions all at some distance from one another. Savvy visitors mix and match options depending on where they’re headed, the time of day, and their budget. Here’s everything you need to know.
✈️ Arriving at Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is located approximately 20 kilometres from the city centre — around a 20–30 minute drive, depending on traffic. It is well served by international and domestic airlines, and the arrivals hall is clearly signed with transport options waiting just beyond customs.
🌐 www.airports.co.za/airports/cape-town-international-airport
📱 Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber & Bolt
For most visitors, Uber and Bolt are by far the easiest and most recommended ways to get from the airport to your accommodation — and for getting around the city in general. Both apps are widely used, drivers are plentiful, fares are transparent and paid in-app, and designated pick-up zones are clearly marked in the arrivals area.
A typical ride from the airport to central Cape Town or the V&A Waterfront costs in the region of R200–R350 (roughly £8–£14), and the journey takes around 20–30 minutes. Bolt tends to be slightly cheaper than Uber. Both accept credit and debit cards through the app.
Note that the airport route does not currently have a public bus service, so Uber or Bolt is the most practical budget option for most travellers.
🌐 www.uber.com | bolt.eu/en/cities/cape-town
🚕 Metered Taxis
Traditional metered taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal and are a reasonable option for those without a smartphone or mobile data. However, they are generally more expensive than Uber or Bolt for the same journey, and fares can be inconsistent. Always confirm an approximate fare before you get in. Avoid unofficial taxi touts who approach you in the arrivals hall — use only vehicles at the official taxi rank.
For city travel once you’ve settled in, taxis can be booked through your hotel, or apps such as Uber and Bolt remain preferable for transparency and safety.
🚌 MyCiTi Bus
The MyCiTi bus network is Cape Town’s most reliable and visitor-friendly public transport system. Operated by the City of Cape Town since 2010, it now runs 39 routes across 946 stops and 42 stations throughout the city, covering areas including the CBD, V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Green Point, Blouberg, and further afield. The fleet includes both electric and diesel buses, and the service carries around 2.3 million passenger trips per month.
Buses are modern, air-conditioned, and generally safe. Services run frequently — headways range from as little as 3 to 20 minutes depending on the route. Off-peak fares apply outside weekday rush hours (06:45–08:00 and 16:15–17:30), and passengers can transfer between routes within 45 minutes and pay only one fare for the total distance travelled.
🪪 The myconnect Card
MyCiTi is a cashless system. To travel on most routes, you will need a myconnect card — Cape Town’s equivalent of London’s Oyster card. The card costs R40 and can be purchased at any MyCiTi station kiosk or participating retailers. Load it with Mover credit (available from R20) and pay as you go based on distance travelled; fares typically range from around R4.80 to R26.70 depending on your journey.
From February 2026, a new-look myconnect card also supports unlimited travel packages valid for 1, 3, or 7 days, or for a full month — ideal for longer stays. Passengers can also download the MyCiTi app to plan journeys, track buses in real time, and find top-up points.
🌐 www.myciti.org.za/en/myconnect-fares/get-your-myconnect-card
A note on the airport bus: The MyCiTi airport shuttle was discontinued in December 2022 and has not been reinstated. The MyCiTi network does not currently connect the airport to the city centre, so use Uber, Bolt, a private shuttle, or your hotel’s transfer service upon arrival.
🚌 City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
For sightseeing, the City Sightseeing Cape Town open-top double-decker bus is an excellent way to get your bearings and visit the city’s top attractions at your own pace. The service operates three loops:
- 🔴 Red Route — the city centre and Table Mountain Cableway
- 🔵 Blue Route — the Mini Peninsula tour
- 🟣 Purple Route — the Constantia Valley Wine tour
Buses stop at over 50 locations including Camps Bay Beach, the V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and the Castle of Good Hope. Onboard commentary is available in 15 languages, including a children’s channel. A one-day or two-day Premium pass is available, and the Premium ticket includes a Harbour or Canal cruise and a Sunset bus tour.
🚗 Car Hire
For anyone who wants to explore beyond the city centre — the Cape Peninsula, the Winelands, Hermanus for whale-watching, or the wider Western Cape — hiring a car is strongly recommended. Public transport and ride-hailing work well within Cape Town itself, but become impractical for day trips into the surrounding region.
Car hire desks are located in the arrivals hall at Cape Town International Airport. Well-regarded international operators such as Avis and Hertz are available, as are local companies. Comparison sites such as Rentalcars.com, Kayak, and Skyscanner can help you find competitive rates. Prices start from as little as R300 per day for a small car, though it pays to book in advance during peak season (December–February and June–August).
Things to know:
- South Africa drives on the left-hand side of the road
- You will need a valid full driving licence from your home country; an International Driving Permit is advisable for non-English licences
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old (some require 25)
- Comprehensive insurance is mandatory — check what is and isn’t covered before signing
- Stick to main roads, especially if unfamiliar with the area; GPS can occasionally route through less advisable neighbourhoods
- A smaller car is recommended for Cape Town’s sometimes tight parking spaces and busy streets
🌐 www.rentalcars.com | www.kayak.co.uk | www.skyscanner.net
🚲 Cycling
Cape Town is a surprisingly bike-friendly city. The Sea Point Promenade has a dedicated cycling path along the coastline connecting to Camps Bay, and Green Point offers well-maintained cycling lanes leading to the V&A Waterfront. Both are largely flat and perfect for a leisurely ride. For those feeling more adventurous, the Table Mountain area offers mountain biking trails with spectacular views.
Bike rental shops are dotted throughout the city centre and tourist areas, and many hotels and hostels offer bikes to their guests. The MyCiTi bus also allows bicycles on board free of charge, though space is limited.
🚶 Walking
Several of Cape Town’s most popular areas are very walkable. The V&A Waterfront, the city centre, De Waterkant, and the Bo-Kaap are all easily explored on foot. Sea Point and the Green Point area are pleasant to walk, particularly along the promenade. That said, Cape Town’s geography means that walking between major areas such as the Waterfront and the city centre can involve some distance, and the city is not compact in the way European cities often are. Always be aware of your surroundings, particularly after dark.
⚠️ A Note on Minibus Taxis
Minibus taxis (shared white minibuses) are the most common form of public transport for locals and are ubiquitous across the city. However, they are not recommended for visitors: routes are not posted, payment is cash-only, they operate without fixed schedules, and safety standards are variable. Stick to MyCiTi, Uber, Bolt, or hire car options for a more straightforward experience.
🚆 What About Trains?
The Metrorail commuter rail network once connected Cape Town to outlying areas and the Southern Line along the coast to Simon’s Town was famously scenic. Regrettably, the network has become neither reliable nor safe in recent years and is not recommended for visitors.
The Best Time to Visit Cape Town
Cape Town is a year-round destination, but the season you choose will dramatically shape your experience. Perched at the tip of Africa where two oceans meet, the city enjoys a Mediterranean climate — warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters — with each season offering something distinct for travellers.
🌞 Summer: November to February
Summer in Cape Town is the peak tourist season, and it is easy to see why. This is when the city truly comes alive, with long, sun-drenched days, azure skies, and temperatures regularly reaching 25–30°C. The beaches at Clifton and Camps Bay are at their most glamorous, Table Mountain is reliably accessible, and the outdoor restaurant and bar scene is in full swing. The Cape Winelands — Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl — are lush and green, making for superb day trips.
However, summer does come with the notorious Cape Doctor, a strong south-easterly wind that can sweep in unexpectedly and close Table Mountain’s aerial cableway. December and January are the busiest and most expensive months, so booking well in advance is essential. Despite the wind and crowds, summer remains the most consistently rewarding season for first-time visitors.
What to pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing (linen and cotton), shorts and T-shirts, a light windproof jacket for the Cape Doctor, swimwear, sandals and comfortable walking shoes, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A smart-casual outfit is useful for upmarket restaurants and beach clubs.
🍂 Autumn: March to May
Autumn is arguably the finest season to visit Cape Town. The summer crowds thin out, prices drop, and the weather remains warm and settled, with temperatures between 18–25°C. The wind eases considerably compared to summer, making outdoor activities more comfortable. The grape harvest is underway in the Winelands, making this a particularly special time for wine enthusiasts, with harvest festivals drawing visitors from across the globe.
The ocean is at its warmest in March and April — perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Hiking trails on Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula are in excellent condition, and the city retains a lively but less frenetic energy. For value and weather combined, autumn is the sweet spot.
What to pack: Light layers — T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts, a mid-weight fleece or cardigan for evenings, light trousers and jeans, trainers or walking shoes, sunscreen, and a compact rain jacket as showers become more frequent towards May.
🌧️ Winter: June to August
Cape Town’s winter is mild by global standards but notably wet and windy. Temperatures range from around 8–17°C, and cold fronts roll in from the Atlantic, bringing heavy rain and rough seas. The mountains are frequently snow-capped, lending the city a dramatic beauty that is quite different from its summer persona. The beaches are quiet, the city is far less crowded, and accommodation prices are at their lowest.
Winter is ideal for whale watching: southern right whales migrate into Walker Bay near Hermanus from June to November, with peak sightings in August and September. Birdwatching and exploring the Cape Floral Kingdom are also well-suited to winter, as the fynbos is in bloom. Indoor attractions — the V&A Waterfront, the Zeitz MOCAA museum, and the city’s vibrant café culture — come into their own during the cooler months. Budget travellers will find winter the most economical time to visit.
What to pack: A warm, waterproof outer layer is essential, along with jumpers (sweaters), thermal underlayers for colder nights, waterproof boots or sturdy shoes, an umbrella, jeans and trousers, warm socks, and a scarf. Layers are key, as temperatures can vary considerably throughout the day.
🌸 Spring: September to October
Spring is a wonderful and underrated time to visit Cape Town. The rains begin to ease, temperatures climb back into the 18–22°C range, and the famous Cape wildflowers burst into colour across the Namaqualand region, drawing visitors on day trips north of the city. The whale watching season at Hermanus continues strongly through September, offering some of the best land-based cetacean viewing in the world.
Table Mountain becomes more reliably accessible as the weather stabilises, and the hiking and cycling conditions are excellent. The city has a fresh, energetic feel as it emerges from winter, and visitor numbers are still moderate, meaning fewer queues and better value than summer. Spring also sees the start of outdoor events and festivals as Cape Town gears up for the summer season.
What to pack: A versatile wardrobe of layers works best — T-shirts, light jumpers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable trousers and jeans, trainers or walking shoes, and sunscreen for brighter days. Evenings can still be cool, so a warm layer is advisable.
📊 Season at a Glance
🗓️ The Overall Best Time to Visit
If you can choose only one time of year to visit Cape Town, autumn — particularly March and April — offers the most compelling combination of factors. The summer heat lingers, the winds have calmed, the ocean is warm, the Winelands are in harvest, and the city is pleasantly busy without being overwhelmed. Prices are more reasonable than peak summer, the light is golden and long, and the range of activities available rivals any other season. That said, Cape Town is genuinely rewarding throughout the year: summer for beaches and outdoor adventure, winter for whale watching and culture on a budget, and spring for wildflowers and a city reawakening. The “best” time ultimately depends on what you want to do — but for the broadest, most satisfying experience, autumn is hard to surpass.
Vegan Dining in Cape Town
🌿 Plant Café
One of Cape Town’s pioneering fully vegan restaurants, Plant Café opened in 2013 in the Bo-Kaap, making it one of the city’s very first plant-based establishments. It has since moved to the CBD and expanded to a second branch in Camps Bay. The menu is imaginative and wide-ranging — think vegan Tagliatelle Carbonara, Mushroom Burger, and Dirty Mac & Cheese. Plant also donates a percentage of its profits to human and animal welfare charities, embodying a wholehearted commitment to kinder living. Alcohol is available in the evenings, making it one of the few vegan spots in Cape Town suited to dinner out.
- Location: 8 Buiten Street (corner Loop Street), Cape Town CBD; and 87 Victoria Road, The Promenade, Camps Bay
- Website: plantcafe.co.za
- Phone: 072 521 9252 (CBD) | 076 296 1665 (Camps Bay)
- Opening hours:
- Monday: 10:00–17:00
- Tuesday–Friday: 10:00–22:00
- Saturday: 09:00–15:00
🥗 Scheckter’s RAW
Founded by Toby Scheckter, Scheckter’s RAW is a celebrated gourmet health-food café and vegan institution in Sea Point. The ethos centres on raw, organic, and wholly plant-based ingredients sourced from carefully selected local and international suppliers. The menu spans everything from superfood smoothie bowls and cold-pressed juices to hearty wraps, vegan burgers, gnocchi, and indulgent desserts. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space — unhurried and unpretentious — with Wi-Fi and street-facing views. Multiple branches have since opened across the city, including in Newlands and the Cape Quarter.
- Location: 98 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
- Website: schecktersraw.com
- Phone: 021 434 1364
- Opening hours:
- Monday–Sunday: 08:00–21:00
☕ Nourish’d Café & Juicery
Founded in 2017 by Natasha Napoli in a converted garage tucked behind granadilla creepers on Kloof Street, Nourish’d has become one of Cape Town’s most beloved plant-based cafés. It operates with a strict zero-waste policy and a menu full of cleverly named cold-pressed juices (Happy Hippy, Green Warrior), smoothie bowls, toasted sandwiches, rainbow bowls, and decadent vegan desserts. The café’s minimalist, plant-filled interiors have made it a favourite with visitors from around the world. Branches have since expanded to Observatory and Green Point, each with a slightly broader menu.
- Location: Corner of Kloof and Hof Streets, Gardens (flagship); 186 Lower Main Road, Observatory; 2 Hill Road, Green Point
- Website: nourishd.co.za
- Phone: 064 755 2431 (Kloof) | 066 336 3944 (Observatory) | 072 523 0675 (Green Point)
- Opening hours (Kloof):
- Monday–Friday: 07:00–17:00
- Saturday: 09:00–13:00
🍫 Honest Chocolate Café
Honest Chocolate began as a bean-to-bar artisan chocolate workshop before opening its celebrated café on Wale Street in 2014 via a successful crowdfunding campaign. Housed in the historic Commune 1 building with dark wooden floors, bay windows, and a charming open-air courtyard, the space feels both timeless and quietly cool. All chocolate slabs are 100% vegan, made from organically grown and ethically sourced cacao beans, free from dairy and refined cane sugar. Many of the cakes, tarts, truffles, and pastries on offer are also vegan-friendly. In the evenings, the courtyard transforms into a rather magical secret gin bar. A second branch has since opened in Kalk Bay.
- Location: 64A Wale Street, Cape Town City Centre; and 52 Main Road (upstairs at De Kalkery), Kalk Bay
- Website: honestchocolate.co.za
- Phone: 076 765 8306 (Wale Street) | 078 881 8340 (Kalk Bay)
- Opening hours (Wale Street):
- Monday–Thursday: 09:00–18:00
- Friday–Saturday: 09:00–21:00
- Sunday: 09:00–17:00
- Kalk Bay: Daily 09:00–18:00
🌯 Wild Eatery
Wild Eatery is a 100% vegan food cart and outdoor café that has quietly become one of Cape Town’s most-loved plant-based spots, earning a near-perfect rating across review platforms. Established in the backyard of the Nude Foods zero-waste store in District Six, it is accessible from Harrington Street and from the store on Constitution Street. The menu is straightforward and brilliant: falafel wraps, Mediterranean and falafel bowls, cauliflower bowls, tacos, and seasonal specials — all entirely gluten-free, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The setting is unhurried and cheerful, with outdoor seating in a sheltered courtyard. Delivery is available via Uber Eats and Mr D.
- Location: 59 Harrington Street, District Six (Zonnebloem), Cape Town
- Website: wildeatery.co.za
- Phone: 078 771 3829
- Opening hours:
- Monday–Friday: 10:00–15:30
- Saturday: 10:00–15:00
- Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
🍦 Unframed Ice Cream
Founded by French-born Yann Rey in August 2016, Unframed has been rated Cape Town’s best artisan ice cream brand and is celebrated internationally for its scientific yet soulful approach to frozen desserts. The parlour on Kloof Street feels like a minimalist gallery — the flavours are the art. A generous portion of the range is entirely vegan, including standout options such as blue coconut, strawberry sorbet, and beetroot chocolate ginger. All ice cream is made in small batches using only natural ingredients, with no artificial flavourings or preservatives. Additional outlets can be found in Woodstock and at the Time Out Market in the V&A Waterfront.
- Location: 45C Kloof Street, Gardens; 187 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock; Time Out Market, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
- Website: unframedicecream.com
- Phone: 063 601 0287
- Opening hours:
- Kloof Street & Time Out Market: Monday–Sunday: 11:00–23:00
- Woodstock: Monday–Friday: 11:00–16:00
🛖 Vegan Kitchen at Bay Harbour Market
The Vegan Kitchen is a popular weekly pop-up stall operating inside the legendary Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay — a sprawling, festive indoor market set in a restored harbour factory overlooking Chapman’s Peak. Run under the Vegan Protein banner, the stall is dedicated to showcasing high-quality, affordable plant-based food, including vegan croissants, chia pudding, protein-packed smoothies, and gourmet pies. The market itself operates across five days a week and draws over 24,000 visitors per month, with live music, art, crafts, and food from more than 100 traders. The Friday evening market has its own particularly vibrant atmosphere.
- Location: Bay Harbour Market, 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
- Website: bayharbour.co.za
- Phone: 084 370 5715
- Opening hours (market):
- Wednesday–Thursday: 09:30–17:00
- Friday: 09:30–21:00
- Saturday–Sunday: 09:30–17:00
Where to Stay in Cape Town
🌊 V&A Waterfront
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is Cape Town’s most iconic and visitor-friendly neighbourhood, and for many tourists it makes the perfect base. Set within a working harbour framed by the dramatic silhouette of Table Mountain, the area buzzes with world-class restaurants, boutique shops, two museums, the Cape Wheel observation ride, and the departure point for Robben Island ferry tours. Safety levels here are among the highest in the city, making it ideal for solo travellers and families alike. The V&A is also one of the most walkable areas in Cape Town, with the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), and a vast waterfront mall all within easy reach. Evening strolls along the harbour are a highlight, and sunsets over the Atlantic viewed from a restaurant terrace are simply unforgettable. Getting around is easy thanks to the MyCiTi bus network, and many hotels offer shuttle services. Accommodation ranges from ultra-luxurious five-star resorts to reliable mid-range hotels and affordable backpacker lodges nearby in Green Point.
🏨 Accommodation Options:
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One&Only Cape Town — A spectacular luxury resort on the marina with an infinity pool, Nobu restaurant, award-winning spa, and panoramic Table Mountain views.
- ⭐⭐⭐ Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge — A solid, well-located three-star option set in a converted 19th-century prison with easy walkable access to the V&A Waterfront.
- 🎒 Never at Home Green Point — A sociable, stylish, and well-reviewed hostel in Green Point just a short walk from the V&A Waterfront, with an outdoor pool, poolside bar, the Randy Warthog Bar & Grill on site, daily free yoga, and a range of private rooms and dormitories.
🏙️ City Bowl
The City Bowl is the beating heart of Cape Town — a vibrant, diverse urban neighbourhood nestled in the natural amphitheatre formed by Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, and Signal Hill. Long Street, its most famous thoroughfare, is lined with cafés, bookshops, vintage stores, cocktail bars, and lively restaurants that stay open well into the night. The area offers superb pedestrian access to historic landmarks including the Castle of Good Hope, Greenmarket Square, the Bo-Kaap colourful quarter, and Company’s Garden. It is the best area for travellers who want to feel the true pulse of city life and who love exploring on foot. Art galleries, independent theatres, and the lively Bree Street dining and nightlife scene make it a particularly good choice for younger and culture-hungry visitors. Public transport connections are excellent, and most major attractions across the peninsula are reachable with ease from this central hub.
🏨 Accommodation Options:
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Taj Cape Town — A magnificent five-star hotel occupying the former South African Reserve Bank building, featuring stunning art deco interiors, a superb spa, Bombay Brasserie restaurant, and views of Table Mountain.
- ⭐⭐⭐ StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl — A clean, cheerful, and well-placed three-star hotel a short walk from Long Street, offering comfortable rooms with free WiFi and a straightforward, reliable service.
- 🎒 Ashanti Gardens Guesthouse — A beloved and long-standing budget option set in a Victorian mansion at the foot of Table Mountain, with a pool, café, and a warm community atmosphere popular with backpackers and solo travellers.
🌅 Camps Bay
Camps Bay is arguably Cape Town’s most glamorous neighbourhood, strung out along a stunning white-sand beachfront with the imposing Twelve Apostles mountain range as a dramatic backdrop. The palm-lined promenade is dotted with fashionable restaurants, beach bars, and pavement cafés that attract a beautiful crowd, especially at sunset. The beach itself is one of the most photographed in South Africa, and while the Atlantic waters are famously cold, the setting is undeniably spectacular. Camps Bay has a distinctly cosmopolitan, upscale feel, and while it is more expensive than other parts of the city, it rewards visitors with an atmosphere that is both relaxed and indulgent. It sits roughly 20 minutes from the City Bowl by car or the hop-on, hop-off bus, making it an excellent base for day trips to Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak Drive, and Hout Bay. Accommodation skews towards the boutique and luxurious, though budget travellers can find good value in the area with careful searching.
🏨 Accommodation Options:
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa — A breathtaking oceanfront retreat perched between the Twelve Apostles mountains and the Atlantic, with award-winning spa facilities, fine dining at Azure Restaurant, and complimentary shuttles to Camps Bay.
- ⭐⭐⭐ The Marly Boutique Hotel — A stylish, contemporary boutique hotel right on the Camps Bay promenade, featuring panoramic ocean and mountain views, a rooftop pool, and access to a cluster of on-site restaurants.
- 🎒 POD Camps Bay by The Oyster Collection — While technically rated as a boutique five-star by its own classification, POD offers some of the most affordable luxury in Camps Bay, just 50 metres from the beach, with stylish rooms, a pool bar, and Condé Nast-endorsed credentials making it exceptional value at the lower end of the market.
🚶 Sea Point
Sea Point sits on the Atlantic Seaboard between the bustle of the V&A Waterfront and the glitz of Camps Bay, offering a more relaxed, residential feel that many travellers find deeply appealing. The neighbourhood’s crowning glory is the Sea Point Promenade — a wide, beautifully maintained coastal walkway stretching for several kilometres along the shore, popular with joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, and families at all hours of the day. The area is packed with excellent independent restaurants, local delis, bakeries, and the Mojo Market, a lively indoor food and craft hall. It is one of the safer and more accessible neighbourhoods in the city, with strong LGBTQ+ visibility and a generally liberal, open atmosphere. The tidal swimming pool at the Sea Point Pavilion is a favourite with locals and visitors alike, offering a safe and scenic alternative to open-sea bathing. Accommodation here tends to offer excellent value compared to Camps Bay, and the neighbourhood is well served by the MyCiTi bus.
🏨 Accommodation Options:
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ellerman House — One of the finest boutique hotels in Africa, this elegant Edwardian mansion in Bantry Bay offers just 13 individually decorated rooms, panoramic Atlantic views, a private art collection, a wine gallery, and utterly impeccable service.
- ⭐⭐⭐ The Winchester Hotel by NEWMARK — A grand and characterful 1920s Cape Dutch-style hotel right on the Sea Point Promenade, featuring a gorgeous Italian courtyard, heated outdoor pool, Shoreditch Restaurant, and Sunday jazz brunches.
- 🎒 Sweet Orange Guest House — A charming, well-reviewed Victorian guest house just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, offering cosy, individually decorated rooms, a full breakfast, a pool, and a genuinely warm welcome from its staff.
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