Cape Town Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Cape Town

Cape Town's highlights are spread between the mountain, the city and the peninsula, so plan a mix of city days and scenic drives.

• Table Mountain — Ride the cableway or hike to the flat-topped summit for sweeping views over the city and ocean. Check the weather first, as the top is often covered in cloud.
• Robben Island — Take the ferry from the V&A Waterfront to the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope — A spectacular drive down the peninsula leads to rugged cliffs, lighthouses and wild coastline.
• Boulders Beach — Near Simon's Town, boardwalks let you watch a colony of African penguins up close.
• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden — Beautiful gardens on the slopes of Table Mountain, showcasing South Africa's native plants.
• Bo-Kaap — A historic neighbourhood of brightly painted houses and cobbled streets, with deep Cape Malay heritage.
• The Winelands — Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are known for historic towns, mountain scenery and vineyards.

Best time to visit Cape Town

Cape Town has a Mediterranean-style climate. Summer, from November to March, is warm, dry and sunny, making it the most popular time for beaches and outdoor activities, although a strong south-easterly wind often blows.

Winter, from June to August, is cooler and brings most of the year's rain. Spring and autumn are quieter and pleasant, and September to October is a good time to see wildflowers along the west coast.

Getting from the airport

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is about 20 km east of the city centre. Taxis, ride-hailing apps, pre-booked shuttles and car hire desks are all available at the airport. The drive into the city is straightforward, but traffic can build up at peak times.

Where to stay

Where you stay depends on whether you want city life, beaches or quiet greenery.

• City Bowl — Central and lively, close to museums, restaurants and the Table Mountain cableway.
• V&A Waterfront — A busy harbour area with shops, the Robben Island ferry and plenty of places to eat.
• Sea Point and Green Point — Coastal neighbourhoods with a long seafront promenade, popular for walking and running.
• Camps Bay — A beach suburb framed by the Twelve Apostles mountains, ideal for sunsets.

Travel tips

• Money: Cards are widely accepted; carry a little cash for tips, parking attendants and markets.
• Getting around: Ride-hailing apps are convenient in the city, while hiring a car is the easiest way to explore the peninsula and the Winelands.
• Safety: Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid quiet areas after dark and hike popular trails in company.
• What to pack: Strong sunscreen, a windproof layer and a warm jumper, as the weather can change quickly.
• Water: Cape Town has faced serious droughts, so use water carefully.
• Before you go: Check the current entry requirements for South Africa before you travel.