Where to Stay in Cape Town
South Africa
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|4 neighborhoods covered
Cape Town at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Cape Town
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Take advantage of the extensive network of local 'minibus taxis' for extremely cheap and efficient travel between neighborhoods, but be aware they are only for the brave and have no fixed routes or schedules.
Getting Around
Use Uber or Bolt for most intra-city travel for safety and convenience; familiarize yourself with the MyCiTi bus map if you want to explore on a budget.
Watch Out For
The 'shortcut' scam: locals offering to guide you through a 'shortcut' which leads to a mugging.
Solo Female Travel
Exercise caution, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. Avoid displaying valuables. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Hidden Gems in Cape Town
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Woodstock Exchange
This vibrant industrial hub is a creative playground featuring local designers, artisanal food stalls, and unique boutiques. It's a fantastic spot to discover local talent and grab a delicious, unpretentious bite to eat.
Company's Garden
FREEWhile the main Company's Garden is well-known, venture deeper into its less-trodden paths to find quiet benches, historical statues, and a peaceful escape from the city bustle. It's a lovely place for a leisurely stroll and to admire the diverse plant life.
Truth Coffee Roasting
Hailed as one of the best coffee shops in the world, this steampunk-inspired cafe serves incredible coffee and hearty breakfasts. The unique industrial decor and passionate baristas make for a memorable experience.
Bo-Kaap Museum
Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of the Cape Malay community at this small but informative museum. The colorful houses of Bo-Kaap itself are a major draw, and the museum offers deeper insight into its heritage.
Kloof Street
FREEThis lively street offers a fantastic array of independent boutiques, quirky cafes, and excellent restaurants frequented by locals. It's perfect for browsing, people-watching, and enjoying a meal away from the main tourist drag.
Signal Hill (at sunset)
FREEWhile popular, many tourists miss the incredible sunset views from Signal Hill, which offer a panoramic vista of the city, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a romantic and breathtaking spot that captures the magic of Cape Town.
What It Costs in Cape Town
Daily budget per person in ZAR
💡76% cheaper than London
ZAR 800/day
ZAR 1800/day
ZAR 4000/day
Where to Stay in Cape Town
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Victoria & Alfred Waterfront5 min
- Zeitz MOCAA15 min
- Cape Town Stadium20 min
Pros
- +Very safe and well-maintained
- +Abundant dining and shopping options
- +Excellent tourist infrastructure
Cons
- -Can feel very touristy and less authentic
- -Higher prices than other areas
Top stays in V&A Waterfront
The Silo Hotel
$$$$Iconic architecture with stunning panoramic views and rooftop pool.
Radisson RED Hotel V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
$$$Trendy hotel with a focus on art, music, and social experiences.
Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town
$$$Conveniently located with good amenities and harbor views.
Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites
$$$Modern hotel with spacious suites and easy access to the Waterfront.
Best for
Walk to
- Camps Bay Beach5 min
- Camps Bay Promenade5 min
- Twelve Apostles Trailhead (short drive)30 min
Pros
- +Spectacular beach and mountain scenery
- +Vibrant restaurant and bar scene
- +Relaxed, upscale atmosphere
Cons
- -Can be expensive
- -Limited public transport within the neighborhood itself
- -Can be windy
Top stays in Camps Bay
The Bay Hotel
$$$Luxury hotel with multiple pools and direct beach access.
Ocean View House
$$$$Elegant boutique guesthouse with breathtaking ocean vistas.
Camps Bay Retreat
$$$Serene hotel set in a lush garden with a tranquil atmosphere.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
$$$Spectacular cliffside hotel offering amazing views and luxury amenities.
Best for
Walk to
- Kloof Street5 min
- Long Street (eastern end)15 min
- Company's Garden20 min
Pros
- +Vibrant atmosphere with great nightlife and dining
- +Good value for money
- +Central location with easy access to attractions
Cons
- -Can be noisy at night, especially near Long Street
- -Requires more awareness regarding petty crime
Top stays in Gardens
The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel
$$$Unique hotel featuring quirky trailers on its rooftop and a charming garden.
The Backpack Cape Town
$Popular hostel with a pool, bar, and organized tours, great for meeting people.
Guest House International
$$Comfortable and well-located guesthouse with friendly service.
The Marly
$$$Stylish hotel in the heart of Camps Bay, though slightly outside Gardens proper, it's a good reference for similar vibe.
Best for
Walk to
- Bo-Kaap Museum5 min
- Signal Hill (base)15 min
- City Center10 min
Pros
- +Unique cultural experience and photogenic streets
- +Authentic local feel
- +Central and accessible
Cons
- -Can be very touristy during the day
- -Limited accommodation options directly within the most picturesque parts
- -Steep streets can be challenging
Areas to be cautious
- Certain parts of the CBD at night: While the city center is vibrant during the day, some areas can become desolate and unsafe after dark, with a higher risk of petty crime and muggings.
- Areas surrounding townships without a guide: Townships offer unique cultural insights, but exploring them independently can be risky due to socio-economic disparities and potential for crime; always opt for organized, reputable tours.
Insider tip: Take advantage of the extensive network of local 'minibus taxis' for extremely cheap and efficient travel between neighborhoods, but be aware they are only for the brave and have no fixed routes or schedules.
Safety in Cape Town
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Exercise caution, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. Avoid displaying valuables. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
At Night
Stick to busy, well-lit areas like the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay promenade, or popular streets in Gardens. Avoid walking alone in deserted or poorly lit areas. Use ride-sharing services.
Emergency
10111
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1The 'shortcut' scam: locals offering to guide you through a 'shortcut' which leads to a mugging.
- 2The 'broken taxi meter' scam: taxi drivers claiming their meter is broken and demanding an inflated fare.
- 3Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowded tourist areas.
Getting Around Cape Town
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
MyCiTi bus (R100-150, 45-60 min), Uber/Taxi (R300-400, 30-45 min).
🎫
Day Pass
MyCiTi offers various day tickets, around R100-150 depending on zones.
Single: MyCiTi single journeys range from R10-R40 depending on distance.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Bolt
📶
WiFi
Good20-50 Mbps
Public Transport
MyCiTi bus network (extensive routes, modern buses), Minibus Taxis (cheap, frequent, but chaotic and not recommended for tourists unfamiliar with routes).
Ride-share
Uber and Bolt are widely available and affordable (e.g., R50-100 for a 10-15 km trip).
Transport Tip
Use Uber or Bolt for most intra-city travel for safety and convenience; familiarize yourself with the MyCiTi bus map if you want to explore on a budget.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces (e.g., V&A Waterfront).
Coworking
Workshop 17 (R300/day), The commons (R250/day).
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Apr, Oct, Nov
Hotels & Accommodation in Cape Town
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Who Is Cape Town Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors
Offers a safe and convenient introduction to Cape Town with numerous attractions and amenities.
Luxury Couples
Boasts stunning ocean views, upscale dining, and a sophisticated beachfront atmosphere.
Budget Backpackers
Provides a good balance of affordability, social atmosphere, and access to vibrant nightlife and cafes.
Culture Enthusiasts
Immerse yourself in the unique history, architecture, and Cape Malay culture of this iconic neighborhood.
Digital Nomads
Offers a lively environment with good cafes, coworking spaces, and a central location for exploring.
Cape Town on TripAdvisor
Read traveller reviews, tips, and photos
About Cape Town
Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa. It is the country's oldest city and the seat of the Parliament of South Africa. Cape Town is the country's second-largest city by population, after Johannesburg, and the largest city in the Western Cape.
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Cape Town Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel