From the majestic mountains to the gorgeous ocean scenery, Cape Town is a true visual spectacle. Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, this is the heart of South Africa's cultural heritage, offering a unique mix of traditional and contemporary exploration.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant street markets, where the aromas of local cuisines mingle with the sounds of live music. The city is also a hub of artistic expression, with numerous galleries and street art adorning its walls, showcasing the creativity and perseverance of Cape Town's people.
This amazing city is the epitome of underrated, often failing to attract the attention it deserves for its legendary wine and its impressive art scene. Therein lies much of the appeal, however; although many tourist attractions produce heavy crowds, there are also many quiet corners waiting to be discovered.
Top Reasons to Visit Cape Town
Cape Town promises a memorable South African experience, complete with stunning scenery and a variety of cultural attractions. Simply wandering near the waterfront can be a delight, although there are many ways to actively engage with the community and the landscape.
So, is Cape Town worth visiting? For art enthusiasts, wine lovers, beach bums and hardcore hikers, this beautiful city has much to offer. If you hope to blend the best of big-city adventure with natural beauty, this is an essential addition to your travel bucket list.
Here are some of the top reasons to add Cape Town to your travel itinerary:
1. Enjoy the View from Table Mountain
Table Mountain is one of Cape Town's most iconic attractions, and for good reason. This flat-topped mountain offers the city's best views, not to mention a whole host of recreational opportunities. You'll no doubt spot the mountain as you explore Cape Town's various districts and attractions, but this famed spot is best experienced up close.
Table Mountain's aerial cableway promises a spectacular journey to the summit, complete with panoramic views and excellent amenities. If you're up for a challenge, you can certainly hike to the top, but you'll miss out on the unique 360-degree views available from the rotating cable cars. What's more, several of Cape Town's best hikes are accessible once you reach the summit. Favorites include the Pipe Track and Klipspringer, which can be challenging but offer mesmerizing views.
2. Meander the Sea Point Promenade
A stroll along the Sea Point Promenade is worthwhile, if nothing else, for the positive vibes. This local favorite attracts joggers, cyclists, dog-walkers, along with a whole host of other cheerful individuals. Locals and vacationers both enjoy gazing at the coastal views, not to mention numerous works of art on display.
This is where you'll find one of the best sunset views in Cape Town, although early morning visits offer a distinctly serene experience.
3. Explore the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
As one of the world's most beautiful botanical gardens, Kirstenbosch provides a fascinating introduction to several of South Africa's biomes. This is the perfect place to take a hike, providing the chance to view local wildlife along with Table Mountain in the background. You can also take a tour of the gardens for a more guided experience.
Enjoy a stroll along the suspended tree canopy bridge or explore one of the gorge or waterfall trails. Visit at the right time, and you could enjoy live music or an open-air cinema experience. Pack a picnic and enjoy your time in the great outdoors.
4. Visit Local Wineries
Cape Town boasts a vibrant wine scene, appealing not only due to the exceptional quality of the local varietals but also for its sheer affordability. Several nearby wine regions produce an impressive array of fine wines, although the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions command the most attention. An easy half-hour journey will take you to gorgeous vineyards, although there are plenty of excellent wine-tasting opportunities right in town.
The Durbanville Hills Winery is one of the region's most popular, offering sweeping views of the vineyards along with Table Mountain as a memorable backdrop. Another favorite: the Vergelegen Wine Estate, which is known for its rose gardens and its family-friendly play areas.
For an excellent introduction to local specialties, book a wine tour, which will take you to multiple vineyards and cellars.
5. Get an Education at Cape Town's Museums
You could dedicate the entirety of your Cape Town trip to museum-hopping and still struggle to hit up all the city's most meaningful exhibits. A few favorites worth exploring include:
- District Six Museum: Telling the somber, but important story of apartheid and forced removals, the District Six Museum reveals how lives were disrupted and changed forever when the residents of District Six were forcibly removed from their homes during the 1970s.
- Cape Town Diamond Museum: Discover the secrets of the diamond industry at one of Cape Town's glitziest attractions. Museum tours provide fascinating insights into the science and history that underlie our favorite gemstones. Learn about the technical components of diamond mining and cutting.
- Heart of Cape Town Museum: Revealing the saga of the first successful heart transplant, the Heart of Cape Town Museum promises a decidedly memorable learning experience, paying homage to a talented medical team that made history.
6. Explore Cape Town's Thought-Provoking Galleries
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MCAA) offers a powerful introduction to Cape Town's modern art scene, but there are many other ways to discover this city's extraordinary creative talent. Many artsy neighborhoods encourage you to pop in and out of local galleries.
- SMAC Gallery: Drawing attention to emerging talent throughout Africa, the SMAC Gallery uses thought-provoking works to draw attention to many contemporary social issues. The flagship location is in Cape Town, but if your adventures take you to Stellenbosch, you can check out an additional artistic space that ties in wonderfully with the local wine scene.
- Cavalli Art Gallery: As part of the beloved Cavalli Estate, this art gallery presents a variety of themed exhibitions that are bound to inspire. Cavalli promises a truly multi-sensory experience, incorporating not only art, but also amazing cuisine, and, of course, fine wines.
For a truly inspiring experience, check out Cape Town's First Thursdays, which introduce you to many other talented artists. These events feel like street festivals, delivering a celebrity environment that pays homage to Cape Town's creative community.
7. Check Out the V&A Waterfront
Enjoy a unique harbor experience at the famed V&A Waterfront, which is one of the city's most popular shopping and entertainment districts. You'll find the trendiest items at the Victoria Wharf, boasting hundreds of outlets including all your favorite international brands. The waterfront area is also home to the sizable Cape Wheel, which provides panoramic views of the city and the coast. Take a tour to experience everything the Victoria Warf has to offer.
Enjoy the scenery from a unique perspective and hit the water if possible, booking a harbor cruise or even renting stand-up paddle (SUP) boards to use in the canals. Kayaking tours are also available and will introduce you to the area's diverse marine life. If you're lucky, you'll even spot dolphins or seals. End your V&A adventure with gin tasting or a handcrafted cocktail at one of the many bars or distilleries near the waterfront.
8. Soak in the Sun at the Beach
No trip to Cape Town will feel truly complete without spending at least one day lounging on the beach. There are some truly gorgeous stretches of sand around this city, with every beach offering its own unique vibe, and several offering enticing amenities that will make you feel downright pampered.
- Muizenberg: Check out the colorful huts at one of Cape Town's most well-regarded beaches, Muizenberg, which is also one of the region's most popular surfing spots. Visitors of all ages love the shallow, warm waters.
- Boulders Beach: If you are eager to see penguins, there's no better destination than Boulders Beach in Simon's Town. Home to a protected African penguin colony, this beach is sheltered by large boulders, making it an appealing spot for human visitors as well.
- Camp's Bay Beach: As one of Cape Town's most frequented tourist beaches, Camp's Bay has an energetic atmosphere and provides easy access to several top hotels and restaurants. Other perks include clear waters and white sand.
9. Embrace Cape Town's Exciting Nightlife
Cape Town comes alive after dark and, if you only explore during the day, you will miss out on an important side of this festive city. Long Street is one of the best-known and liveliest evening hangouts, standing out architecturally with its Victorian buildings.
Some vacationers prefer to avoid Long Street after hours, however, and feel safer within the swankier setting known as Bree Street. This sophisticated enclave is home to trendy wine bars and many other upscale establishments. If you're craving alternative or creative vibes, look no further than Cape Town's boho oasis: the Observatory, which is known for its indie music venues and its quirky bars.
10. Visit the Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope is one of the most recognizable spots among those who are otherwise unfamiliar with the wonders of Cape Town. Many vacationers will recall this from history class, but today, it's best known as a beautiful nature reserve, promising an excellent hiking experience. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, however, you can still enjoy great views from the Flying Dutchman Funnicular.
Gaze at the dramatic cliffs and climb to the lighthouse to enjoy even better views. Enjoy a gorgeous stroll along the Cape Peninsula Wooden Walkway and, if it's busy at the Cape, escape the crowds at the stunning Diaz Beach.
How to Get Around Cape Town
Cape Town is a sprawling city and, while certain neighborhoods are highly walkable, it takes a lot of added effort to reach top attractions when you rely exclusively on public transit. Thankfully, renting a car is easy and navigating should be a cinch. This is an absolute must for exploring the many beaches, mountains, nature reserves and wineries surrounding the city. Other options for getting around include:
- The MyCiTi rapid transit service uses feeders to provide access to many parts of Cape Town. Be cautious when using public transit or traveling on foot, as vacationers often struggle to determine which parts of Cape Town have higher crime rates.
- Top rideshare apps operate in Cape Town and can be helpful when exploring the city's vibrant nightlife. Local taxi services are also available, although simply hailing a taxi can be difficult. When in doubt, it's better to arrange transportation in advance.
- Guided tours and shuttles offer enhanced security and peace of mind, especially when visiting townships near the city's outskirts. Private transfers and chauffeur services bring extra flexibility to your adventures, not to mention plenty of pampering.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Cape Town?
Every season has its perks in Cape Town, and ultimately, your decision of when to visit will come down to personal priorities. For many visitors, the central debate involves price versus weather.
December, January and February attract many warmth-seeking visitors from Europe and the United States, who crave sunshine, along with a break from the snow and cold. These months represent summer in Cape Town, with highs typically exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The downside? This surging demand means that prices tend to skyrocket, while low vacancies make it more difficult to book top accommodations.
For a more leisurely Cape Town experience, visit during the shoulder season. Which shoulder season depends on why you want to explore Cape Town or which activities you find most appealing. To see the colorful spectacle of Cape Town's wildflowers in bloom, visit in September or October. The fall colors are just as stunning, however, and can be viewed while hiking Cape Town's spectacular trails during March.
Festival seasons are also worth exploring. Rocking the Daisies is the most notable, bringing an impressive lineup of electronic, hip hop and indie artists to the heart of Cape Town during the month of October. For a culturally significant event, check out the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival in January.
FAQs About Cape Town
Still have some questions about visiting Cape Town? AAA has answers. Here are some of the most FAQs about vacationing in Cape Town:
Is Cape Town safe?
Some potential Cape Town visitors express concerns about crime levels, which can be higher in select townships on the city's outskirts. This varies greatly between different parts of the city, however, and the U.S. Department of State recommends caution when traveling in South Africa. If desired, you can take extra precautions, such as booking guided tours or shuttles.
Where are the best places to stay in Cape Town?
Location is everything when you stay in Cape Town. Choose the right accommodations and you should feel right at home throughout your visit. Bakoven and Camps Bay are among the safest areas and most welcoming areas in the city, also offering easy access to the trendiest and most visitor-friendly parts of town. Consider booking a room or suite at one of these options:
- For modern, urban luxury: Pullman Cape Town City Centre
- For waterfront views: Radisson Red V And A Waterfront
- For modern comfort with an ideal location: The Tokyo 705
- For historic charm in the heart of Cape Town: Southern Sun Cape Sun
What are the best places to eat in Cape Town?
Cape Town's diverse culinary scene reflecting its status as the ultimate South African melting pot. For example, the city has a significant Malay community, so you should have no trouble finding delicious curry. Check out Biesmiellah Restaurant or Cape Malay House to enjoy enticing flavors.
Be sure to sample the local specialty known as bobotie, a rich casserole featuring minced meat and an egg topping. This can be enjoyed at the Quarterdeck Restaurant or at Bo-Kaap Kombuis. French influences are also prominent, as you'll discover when visiting La Colombe Restaurant and the Swan Café.
Culinary traditions are often best explored while meandering local markets. The Old Biscuit Mill promises a charming shopping and dining experience, capturing the best of Cape Town's culinary spirit. The Oranjezicht City Farm promotes urban agriculture and local cuisine, providing a culinary experience that is as educational as it is delicious.
Do I need anything other than a passport to visit Cape Town?
A valid passport is a must for visiting Cape Town, and, depending on your nationality, you may be granted a 90-day visa when you arrive. Confirm that your passport is valid for at least thirty days following your intended exit from Cape Town and South Africa.
Ready to Visit Cape Town?
When you visit Cape Town, you have the opportunity to explore a place like no other. Whether you're looking for a place to relax by the beach or spend hours walking the halls of museums, Cape Town promises to be a place you'll never forget.
If you’re inspired to start planning your trip to South Africa, make sure you talk to the AAA Travel experts. They can help you find the accommodations you want, plan an itinerary and much more.
Whether you’re traveling halfway around the world or just down the road, if you’re an AAA member, you can get exclusive discounts on lodging, rental cars and a whole lot more.