Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest and arguably most beautiful city. Situated on the southern coast, it’s also the country’s most popular tourist destination with iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain and Boulders Beach.
It’s an amazing place to visit by itself but can also be combined with a safari for those with a bit more vacation time!
Here’s my quick travel guide to help you plan your trip!
when to go
The best time to visit Cape Town is usually summer – December to March. That’s when you’ll get the best weather, but either side is also great and you might find a bit cheaper too. We went in early November and the weather was beautiful with clear skies!
Where to Stay
Where to stay in Cape Town will depend a lot on what you are planning to do. We wanted to stay somewhere fairly close to the V&A Waterfront and somewhere easy to drive from to places outside the city center. We chose to stay in a serviced apartment building off Bree Street.
Bree Street is great for its many bars and restaurants as well its proximity to Table Mountain. The place we stayed also had an incredible roof top, pool and bar. There were plenty of nice options at the V&A Waterfront but these were a little pricier.
As we were staying put for a few days we opted for an apartment vs. a regular hotel. This helps save money as it gives the option of having food/drinks in rather than out for every meal. We really liked the area and would definitely recommend if it’s in your budget.
If I had more time, I would have loved to stay a few days in Stellenbosch or Franshoek near the wineries, as that area is truly beautiful and has a very relaxing tranquil vibe.
Getting around
Apart from the touristy area around V&A Waterfront, Cape Town is not really a walking city, and the best and safest way to get around is drive or get Ubers/taxis.
We had a rental car, but that was mainly for our upcoming trip along the garden route. We also used it for driving to Table Mountain, Boulders Beach, Cape of Good Hope, Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak Drive. I was grateful for having one, as things like exploring Chapman’s Peak Drive would have had to be done via booking a tour and some things are just more enjoyable at your own pace. We also found renting a car to be very affordable. We went through Avis and were very happy with the price, but in hindsight should have upgraded our car for a bit more as it makes a difference on the long drives!
Ubers are very easy to get as well and are a great option. We took them several times for trips to further afield places where we knew we would be enjoying some drinks.
Safety and Tips
Cape Town is generally safe, however as with any city a degree of caution must be used.
As I’ve said, it’s not really a walking city, with the exception of some touristy areas. If you want to carry a purse, I recommend using a cross body bag. I would also suggest not walking around with your phone out in the open, which is probably true of any city but taking it out to use the maps is very tempting.
Sadly there is a large population of homeless people around the city, and while that may create a feeling of unease, for the most part they mind their own business.
We encountered a few times, people offering to watch our car, or helping you on where to park, and they will ask for some sort of tip. I would recommend always having cash on you, and in these situations giving these people a small tip for their assistance, around 2-5 Rand. It’s not an offical job, but they are actually trying to help.
You will also need tips to give to gas station attendants after they fill up the car. Below is a link for a tipping guide while in Cape Town that is helpful. Tipping Guide South Africa | Etiquette in South Africa | Expat Cape Town
9 Day Cape town and Garden Route Itinerary
Cape Town – Things to do in Cape Town
Day 1: Arrive to Cape Town mid afternoon – Dinner in Bree Street.
Day 2: Table Mountain visit by Cable Car; Drive to Boulders Beach and lunch in Simons Town. After llunch drive to Cape of Good Hope and short hike up to the top. Drive to Cape Point and visit the Cape Point Lighthouse. Dinner at La Hacienda.
Day 3: Franschhoek Wine Train (Orange Line)
Day 4: Drive to Hout Bay; Drive along Chapmans Peak to and from Hout Bay; lunch at V&A Waterfront; Afternoon tour to Robben Island.
Garden Route – Driving the Garden Route
Day 5: Walk around Bo-Kapp; Drive to Mossel Bay; Dinner at Kingfisher Restaurant. Stay in Mossel Bay
Day 6: Small hike up Cape Blaize Trail and visit to Cape Blaize Lighthouse; Drive to Ksnysa and have lunch in the watefront; Drive up to the Heads Viewpoint; Drive to Plettenberg Bay; Drinks and Dinner at the Lookout. Stay in Plettenberg Bay.
Day 7: Drive to Tsitsikamma National Park in Storms River. Hike to Storms River Mouth Trail; Hike the Waterfall Trail; Drive to Storms River Village; Coffee at Marilyns Dinner and lunch at Wood Fired Papa Africa. Drive back to Plettenberg Bay and Dinner at Nineteen 89
Day 8: Seal Swimming Experience in Plettenberg Bay. Drive Back to Cape Town; Dinner at Kloof Street House. Stay night in Cape Town
Final day in Cape Town
Day 9: Walk through Bo-Kaap; Paragliding Experience off Signal Hill; Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – lunch at Moyo in the gardens. Evening flight back home.
