Cape Town: Cheap Flights & Best Hotels

Cape Town Travel Guide

Cape Town has one of the most spectacular settings of any city. Table Mountain rises flat-topped behind the centre, two oceans meet along the peninsula, and vineyards lie within an hour's drive. Add colourful neighbourhoods, a powerful history and a strong food and wine culture, and it is easy to see why many visitors extend their stay.

Snapshot

Weather and Seasons

Seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere, and Cape Town has a Mediterranean-style climate.

• Summer (December to February): Warm, dry and sunny, with long days. Peak season, especially over Christmas and New Year. The strong south-easterly wind, nicknamed the "Cape Doctor", blows often.
• Autumn (March to May): Calmer winds, warm water days and the grape harvest in the winelands. Many locals' favourite season.
• Winter (June to August): Cooler and rainy, with green landscapes and lower prices. Southern right whales start arriving along the coast.
• Spring (September to November): Wildflowers on the West Coast and whale watching at Hermanus, often at its best in September and October.

Top Things to Do

Table Mountain. Take the cableway or hike up routes such as Platteklip Gorge. Check the weather, as the cableway closes in high winds and the summit is often covered by the "tablecloth" of cloud.

Robben Island. The prison where Nelson Mandela was held for many years. Tours leave by ferry from the V&A Waterfront, often led by former political prisoners. Book ahead.

Cape Peninsula. Drive Chapman's Peak, visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, and continue to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Set against the mountain, with the Tree Canopy Walkway and summer sunset concerts.

Bo-Kaap. Brightly painted houses and a strong Cape Malay heritage. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum and try local cooking.

V&A Waterfront. Shops, restaurants, the Zeitz MOCAA museum of contemporary African art and harbour views.

Lion's Head. A popular hike for sunrise or sunset over the city and Atlantic.

Winelands. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl offer historic estates and tastings. Use a tour or wine tram rather than driving.

Food and Drink

Cape Malay cooking is the city's signature: try bobotie (spiced mince baked with an egg topping), Cape Malay curries, samoosas and koeksisters. A braai (barbecue) is a social ritual. On the coast, fish and chips at Kalk Bay or Hout Bay is a classic. Vegetarians are well catered for in the city's many cafés and restaurants. Wine lovers should try Pinotage, a South African grape.

Getting There and Around

Cape Town International Airport is about twenty to thirty minutes from the centre in normal traffic. The MyCiTi bus links the airport to the city centre, and ride-hailing is widely used.

In the city, MyCiTi buses cover the centre and Atlantic seaboard, and the hop-on, hop-off buses are a convenient way to reach the main sights. Ride-hailing apps are the most practical way to get around at night. Renting a car is the best way to explore the peninsula and winelands; South Africa drives on the left.

Where to Stay

• City Bowl and Gardens: Central, close to restaurants and Table Mountain.
• V&A Waterfront and Green Point: Polished, secure and convenient.
• Sea Point: Promenade, ocean views and good value.
• Camps Bay and Clifton: Beach glamour under the Twelve Apostles mountains.
• Stellenbosch or Franschhoek: For a winelands stay.

Budget Tips

• Hiking Lion's Head, the Sea Point promenade and many beaches are free.
• Visit in autumn or winter for lower accommodation rates.
• Buy combined tickets or passes for multiple attractions if you plan to see a lot.
• Eat at markets such as the Neighbourgoods Market or the Old Biscuit Mill on weekends.
• Share a car for peninsula and winelands days.

Practical Information

• Visa: Many nationalities can visit South Africa visa-free for a limited period; others must apply in advance. Check the official South African government website.
• Safety: Stay in well-populated areas, avoid walking alone after dark, do not leave valuables in cars and hike popular trails in groups.
• Load shedding: Scheduled power cuts have occurred in South Africa; many hotels have backup power, but it is worth checking.
• Sun: UV levels are high; use sunscreen even on windy days.

Plan Your Visit

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