Areas to Avoid in Cape Town
South Africa
|⚠️ CautionHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Cape Town. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Cape Town is generally Use Caution
2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, Gardens
Travel Insurance for Cape Town
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Cape Town are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
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.
🛡️ Stay here instead: V&A Waterfront
A bustling, upscale harbor district with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
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.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Camps Bay
Chic beachfront suburb with a lively promenade, upscale restaurants, and stunning ocean views.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Cape Town
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Cape Town Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Cape Town on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Cape Town Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Cape Town with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Cape Town: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Cape Town's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Cape Town: Scenic Excursion
Escape Cape Town for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Cape Town Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Cape Town's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Cape Town
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Cape Town on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Cape Town safely with a local guide
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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
V&A Waterfront
A bustling, upscale harbor district with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Extremely safe during the day and night due to high security presence.
Camps Bay
Chic beachfront suburb with a lively promenade, upscale restaurants, and stunning ocean views.
Generally safe, especially along the promenade during the day and early evening; be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone on deserted stretches at night.
General Safety Tips for Cape Town
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.
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.
Emergency Number
10111
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Cape Town
- 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.
Travel Insurance for Cape Town
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
V&A Waterfront
A bustling, upscale harbor district with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Extremely safe during the day and night due to high security presence.
Camps Bay
Chic beachfront suburb with a lively promenade, upscale restaurants, and stunning ocean views.
Generally safe, especially along the promenade during the day and early evening; be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone on deserted stretches at night.
Gardens
Trendy and bohemian area known for its eclectic mix of cafes, boutiques, and vibrant street art.
Generally safe during the day, but exercise caution at night, especially on quieter streets; stick to well-lit, busy areas and be aware of your surroundings.
Bo-Kaap
Historic and colorful neighborhood known for its distinct Cape Malay culture and brightly painted houses.
Relatively safe during the day for exploring the main tourist paths; be mindful of your belongings and avoid venturing into less populated side streets, especially after dark.
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.
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