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About this guide
Cape Town, South Africa, is a destination that effortlessly weaves history, natural beauty, and adrenaline into one unforgettable experience. As South Africa’s legislative capital and second-largest city, it unfolds between the dramatic silhouette of Table Mountain and the shimmering waters of Table Bay. Often called the adventure capital of the country, Cape Town invites travelers to chase thrills like hiking, paragliding, and shark cage diving. Visitors can also enjoy the serene beaches, a world-class wine country, and deeply rooted cultural traditions. Beyond its postcard-perfect views, the city tells layered stories of resilience, creativity, and global influence that reward travelers willing to explore with intention.
- Best time to travel: December to February (peak season), June to August (off-season), March to May and September to November (shoulder season)
- Time zone: South African Standard Time (SAST)
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR or R)
- Language: Afrikaans, Xhosa, and English
- Noteworthy: Cape Town International Jazz Festival (March), AfrikaBurn (April/May), Open Book Festival (September), Hermanus Whale Festival (September), Cape Town International Kite Festival (October)
- Best for: South African Culture and History, African Art and Design, Food and Wine Festivals, Eco-Friendly Travelers
Parlé: Key Phrases
- Howzit? — Casual greeting meaning “How are you?”
- Lekker — Something great, tasty, or enjoyable
- Just now — Not immediately; sometime later
- Eish! — Expression of surprise, concern, or disbelief
- Braai — A barbecue or social cookout
- Sharp!— “Okay,” “cool,” or “go t it”
Get Away: Getting To and Around Cape Town, South Africa
By Air
Cape Town International Airport is modern, efficient, and well-connected to major cities across Africa and beyond. Domestic flights are the fastest way to travel between Cape Town and other South African hubs like Johannesburg or Durban. From the airport, visitors can reach the city center in about 20 minutes by car. Ride-hailing services and private transfers are widely available and reliable.
By Car
Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to explore Cape Town and its surrounding regions. There are scenic drives like Chapman’s Peak and trips to Cape Point or the Cape Winelands. Roads are generally well-maintained and clearly marked, though driving is on the left side. For flexibility and access to lesser-known gems, a car is the best form of transport.
By Public Transit
Public transportation options are limited but improving, with the MyCiTi Bus being the safest and most reliable system. It connects the airport to the city center and serves key routes along the Atlantic Seaboard. While affordable, coverage is not comprehensive, especially for tourists venturing beyond central areas. Most travelers supplement public transit with ride-hailing apps.
Explore Cape Town, South Africa on Foot
Cape Town offers pedestrian-friendly areas like the V&A Waterfront, the Sea Point Promenade, and Cape Town's historic center. The walkable areas in the city have so many scenic views, vibrant art, and shops to find. However, walking long distances or at night is not recommended in many parts of the city. A mix of guided walking tours and short rides is often the smartest approach.
Quick facts
South African Standard Time (SAST)
South African Rand (ZAR or R)
Afrikaans, Xhosa, and English
Good For
South African Culture and History
African Art and Design
Food and Wine Festivals
Eco-Friendly Travelers
Keep in mind
- Cape Town International Jazz Festival (March)
- AfrikaBurn (April/May)
- Open Book Festival (September)
- Hermanus Whale Festival (September)
- Cape Town International Kite Festival (October)
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places to Eat In Cape Town, South Africa
Tapi Tapi is more than just a place for ice cream, cocktails, or deli products as it celebrates African diversity. The menu includes Zimbabwe Mweya with rooibos and imphepho smoke, and vegan West African Thiakry with millet couscous.
The traditional Zimbabwean food at Pahari African Restaurant creates unique delicacies, like Matemba crispy baby fish and beef braai. They also offer an authentic African cooking class for a fully immersive cultural experience.
Located inside a cool bicycle rental space, Pang Specialty Coffee is a local gem in Cape Town. The creative hub is a great place for digital nomads to work while enjoying innovative hot or iced coffee brews and classic pastries.
The multi-award-winning ultimate seafood restaurant Utopia Cape Town serves bistro-style Mediterranean-influenced dishes with fresh local ingredients. The menu variety includes an affordable 5-course tasting, and local wines complement the breathtaking views from the 15th floor.
From delectable kotas to sizzling braai platters, Pitso’s Kitchen at the V&A Waterfront serves South Africa's culinary heritage. Guests can enjoy traditional African dishes in indoor and outdoor seating areas.
The owners of Mofire African Cuisine created their signature Mofire soup inspired by their reality show experience in the Drakensberg Mountains. This love for South African foods expands in their menu including game meat, wild fruits, and organic vegetables.
Play
Play: Things To Do In Cape Town, South Africa
This unique seven-day Meet Me In Cape Town Tour educates visitors about the city's history with award-winning wines and dining. Zuri Wine Tasting founder Tuanni Price created this to make the world of South African wine accessible to Black travelers.
The Lion's Head Sunrise and Sunset Hike has breathtaking vistas of Cape Town’s natural beauty like the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Expert guides provide safety headlamps, snacks, and a memorable photo-op in Table Mountain National Park.
A local guide sharing the city’s rich history and foodie culture on The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour. Guests enjoy at least five food tastings and alcohol samplings in this small-group experience.
This heart-pounding Shark Cage Diving and Viewing adventure is an up-close encounter with great white sharks near Dyer Island. An onboard marine biologist provides safety insights with organizers providing hotel pick-up, a complimentary breakfast, and diving gear.
The Aquila Game Reserve Wildlife Safari in Cape Town is a guided tour with the "Big Five" game animals and Verreaux's eagle. With included transportation, lunch, and hotel pickup, this is an educational hassle-free adventure in the heart of Cape Town.
Nestled against Table Mountain, the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a stunning setting and dedicated to biodiversity. This is a must-visit destination to see South Africa's rich plant life and the sustainable development of SANBI's vital work.
The all-inclusive Cape Peninsula Tour And Good Hope in Cape Town is a guided hike to Good Hope with a hotel pick-up and a delicious picnic lunch. For a budget-friendly adventure, visitors can book a Seal Island boat cruise and see the African penguin encounter at Boulders Beach.
Sailing from V&A Waterfront to the Green Point lighthouse and back, the One-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise has stunning views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. With morning or afternoon departures, it's the ideal way to explore the coastline without having a lengthy time commitment.
For travelers dreaming of kayaking with dolphins, this excursion starts from the serene V&A Waterfront to the vibrant Atlantic Ocean. Visitors will see stunning local landmarks and end with a photo in the Table Mountain panorama.
