Cape Town Hotels

Cape Town is a city located on the western coast of South Africa, known for its unique natural beauty, rich history, and cultural diversity. Located at the foot of the world-famous Table Mountain, this city is a traveler's paradise with its magnificent views, colorful neighborhoods, powdery beaches bordering crystal clear waters, and delicious local cuisine.

Things To Know Before Going To Cape Town

• Buses are no longer serving Cape Town International Airport, which has reduced the transportation options for traveling into the city center. Taking an Uber is the best option to reach the city center from the airport.
• You need to pack a change of clothes whenever you leave the house because the city's residents are very fond of saying that the city experiences all four seasons in one day.
• Baboons are a part of life in the Cape Peninsula. But do not forget that feeding baboons is strictly prohibited.
• The tap water is drinkable.
• South Africa has a tipping culture, and many workers will expect you to add a gratuity onto the bill. In restaurants and bars, 10% is acceptable, though 12-15% is better.

Cape Town Tips From Locals

• Take a drive to Franschhoek—it's stunningly beautiful and romantic.
• If you're interested in history, a visit to the Slave Lodge is worthwhile.
• In this community, vellies are a popular type of shoe. Wear them anywhere: at the beach or at dinner. Without vellies, you're considered emotionally and physically bare.
• Grab a coffee from Bootleggers or enjoy breakfast at Blue Cafe in Tamboerskloof.
• Have an affordable cocktail at Mozambique in the V&A Waterfront.
• Visiting the shops and restaurants in Kalk Bay is delightful on a sunny Saturday. However, avoid it on weekends due to heavy traffic and limited parking.
• Visit one of the wine regions—taking the wine tram is a fun way to explore.
• Walk the Sea Point Promenade around 5 pm on a nice day.
• Visit the OZCF market on Saturday or Sunday morning for a local experience.

Where is Cape Town?

Cape Town is located at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa. It is the legislative capital of the country and the capital of the Western Cape province.

Where To Stay In Cape Town?

Here’s a quick table of which areas in Cape Town are great for tourists:

Best Hotels in Cape Town 

Cape Town hotels offer a blend of luxury and convenience, providing exceptional services and amenities for your trip to be more comfortable. Even though luxury hotels in Cape Town may make you break the bank, they will be worth every penny thanks to their services. However, there are always mid-range and budget hotels in Cape Town to enhance your days and make your city tour seamless. Tailored for everyone, finding what kind of accommodation you want won’t be hard as you think. Now, here are some of the best hotels in Cape Town we recommend and why:

Find best hotels in Cape Town here!

Places To Visit In Cape Town

Here are some must-see attractions in Cape Town:

• Table Mountain: A flat-topped mountain and part of the Table Mountain National Park, known for its stunning views and hiking opportunities.
• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: A beautiful botanical garden with diverse flora and fauna, featuring a variety of plant species and scenic walks.
• Boulders Beach: A popular beach known for its unique boulders and home to a colony of African penguins.
• Cape of Good Hope: A scenic section of the Table Mountain National Park with fascinating history and natural beauty.
• Victoria & Alfred Waterfront: A historic working harbour with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
• Robben Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former prison of Nelson Mandela, accessible by ferry from the V&A Waterfront.
• Bo-Kaap: A colorful neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and vibrant community.
• Signal Hill: A hill offering panoramic views of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean, famous for its noon day gun.
• Lion’s Head: A peak with panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, accessible via an 8-mile hike.
• The Cape Wheel: A large observation wheel providing 360-degree views of Cape Town from the V&A Waterfront.
• Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa: The largest contemporary art museum in Africa, showcasing art from the continent and its diaspora.
• Greenmarket Square: A historic square with a lively market selling various goods and featuring live music.
• Castle of Good Hope: A historic castle and the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa, now a museum.
• Two Oceans Aquarium: An aquarium featuring marine life from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
• Vergelegen Wine Estate: A wine estate in Somerset West known for its themed tours, fine dining, and vineyards.
• Noordhoek Beach: A beach with vast sandy shores, popular for surfing, dolphin spotting, and horse riding.
• Green Point Park: An urban park with a biodiversity garden and views of the wetlands and Atlantic Ocean.

Is Cape Town Safe?

It is generally safe to walk around downtown Cape Town during the day. As a general rule, it is advisable to avoid Cape Town's township areas. These areas have high crime rates and are not suitable for tourists.

Is Cape Town Expensive To Visit?

Cape Town is not expensive at all. However, while Cape Town tends to be a bit pricier than other parts of the country, it still offers great value.

Currency & Exchange in Cape Town

The currency of South Africa is the South African rand (ZAR). The most recommended options for currency exchange in Cape Town is to use banks, particularly major banks like Standard Bank, ABSA, Nedbank, and FNB.

Spoken Languages in Cape Town

South Africa, Cape Town, has 11 official languages due to the country's multilingual status, which is a result of its long history of ethnic diversity. Here are the official languages in South Africa, Cape Town:

• Afrikaans
• English
• isiNdebele
• isiXhosa
• isiZulu
• Sepedi
• Sesotho
• Setswana
• siSwati
• Tshivenda
• Xitsonga

How Many Days Are Enough To Visit Cape Town?

At least 5-6 days are recommended to explore Cape Town. However, visitors who seek a quieter and more in-depth experience can opt to stay for a week or two and explore Cape Town more thoroughly.

What To Do in Cape Town?

Here are some of the top things to do in Cape Town:

• Table Mountain National Park: A must-visit for its breathtaking views and hiking trails.
• Cape of Good Hope: Explore the scenic Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
• V&A Waterfront: Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment options along the waterfront.
• Bo-Kaap Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood.
• Boulders Beach: Visit the famous colony of African Penguins at Boulders Beach.
• Robben Island: Take a ferry to Robben Island to learn about its history and see the prison where Nelson Mandela was held.
• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: Explore the beautiful gardens and scenic views.
• District Six Museum: Learn about the history of District Six and its significance in the struggle against apartheid.
• Camps Bay Beach: Enjoy the sun, sand, and scenic views of Camps Bay Beach.
• Green Point Park: Relax and enjoy the scenic views and facilities of Green Point Park.
• Hiking Trails: Explore the many hiking trails in and around Cape Town, such as Lion's Head and Platteklip Gorge.
• Wine Tasting: Visit the nearby wine regions, such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, for wine tastings and tours.
• Marine Wildlife Walk: Take a scenic stroll around the V&A Waterfront and spot marine wildlife.
• Beach Day: Enjoy the beaches of Cape Town, such as Clifton and Camps Bay.
• Tidal Pools: Explore the tidal pools along the coast for a unique swimming experience.

When Is The Best Time To Stay In Cape Town?

December to March is the best time for enjoying beaches and sunny weather. If you want to head to the beach, the best time to visit Cape Town is in the summer.

What To Pack For Your Cape Town Trip?

• Clothing: Pack lightweight tops, T-shirts, a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings, pants/jeans, shorts/skirts, swimwear, comfortable shoes, hat, and sunglasses.
• Weather-Specific Gear: Bring a rain jacket, warm layers, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Travel Essentials: Don't forget your passport, travel documents, money, medications, power adapter, charger, camera, toiletries, and first aid kit.
• Optional Items: Consider bringing a guidebook, travel journal, binoculars, water bottle, snacks, beach towel, and umbrella.

What To Eat at Cape Town?

Here are the top foods to eat in Cape Town:

• Fish and Chips: A classic dish with a British twist, featuring fresh fish and crispy chips (fries) served with a side of tartar sauce.
• Bobotie: South Africa's national dish, a savory baked casserole made with minced meat, eggs, and spices, topped with a creamy egg custard.
• Cape Malay Curry: Aromatic and flavorful, with Southeast Asian spices and a rich, creamy sauce, often served with rice or roti.
• Gatsby: A massive submarine sandwich with meats, sauces, and cheese, perfect for a filling meal or snack.
• Biltong and Droëwors: Dried and cured meat snacks, such as biltong (beef or game) and droëwors (dried sausage), great for snacking on the go.
• Braai: A meat-heavy barbecue with boerewors sausage, steak, chops, and more, often served with sides like pap (maize porridge) and chutney.
• Koeksister: A sweet, syrup-soaked pastry, similar to a doughnut, but with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
• Calamari: Fried, steamed, or boiled squid, often served with a side of lemon and tartar sauce.
• Bunny Chow: A hollowed-out half or quarter loaf of white bread filled with curry, usually mutton or chicken, and served with a side of rice or roti.
• Potjiekos: A social stew cooked over a fire in a cast-iron pot, made with meat, vegetables, and beer, and served with a side of bread or pap.

Cape Town Nightlife

Here are the best nightlife spots in Cape Town:

• Beerhouse on Long Street: Known for its huge selection of local and international beers on tap.
• The Athletic Club & Social: Hosts live jazz every Thursday night. Has three bars and a restaurant with excellent cocktails.
• Yours Truly: Lively bar with a great vibe. Popular for its pizzas and quick service.
• Nightclubs:
• Shimmy Beach Club: Upscale nightclub with a sophisticated atmosphere. Known for its celebrity clientele.
• Fiction on Long Street: Late-night club with a big dance floor. DJs play various genres of music.
• Coco: Chic and glamorous nightclub. Attracts a posh crowd and big names in Cape Town.