Updated November 2025
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This beginner-friendly Cape Town guide brings together everything you need to plan an unforgettable first visit. Inside, you’ll find practical travel tips, advice on when to go and how to get around, curated itineraries based on real local experience, and recommendations on where to stay and the best things to do.
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Cape Town is one of the first-ever cities we visited in South Africa that truly has it all: striking mountains, sandy beaches, a dramatic coastline and incredible botanical diversity. Jonny lived in Cape Town for two years, and since then, we’ve returned several times, as it remains one of our favourite cities in the world.
For those visiting for the first time, this Cape Town travel guide for beginners will help you make the most of your trip. Cape Town is the perfect city for first-time visitors to South Africa, and is a favourite with digital nomads and many international travellers, attracting over six million visitors each year.
Whether you’re planning a Cape Town 3-day itinerary, searching for the best activities for first-time visitors, or looking for practical travel tips, this guide has everything you need.
In this guide, we’ll share curated itineraries based on our extensive local knowledge and experience of Cape Town, giving insider tips, safety guidance and recommendations beyond the city, including the unmissable Garden Route.
If you’re travelling from the UK, there are several direct flight options to Cape Town International Airport, with flight times averaging around 11.5 hours. Carriers include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, South African Airways, and the newer Norse Atlantic Airways, which offers a budget long-haul option from London Gatwick.
Norse Atlantic is generally cheaper than BA or Virgin Atlantic, but the service differs slightly: one meal is provided on flights over six hours, in-flight entertainment is limited, and blankets, pillows, and headphones aren’t included. Drinks and snacks are available to purchase on board.
If you choose Norse, it’s a good idea to pack extra snacks and drinks, bring your own headphones and layers, and download shows or movies in advance to stay entertained.
For travellers looking for a more traditional experience, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer full-service flights with included meals, entertainment, and standard amenities.
Rent a Car
If you’re from the UK, driving in South Africa is relatively easy, as you drive on the left. Renting a car gives you the best flexibility to explore Cape Town and places that are a bit harder to reach, such as Cape Point, the Winelands and of course the scenic coastal drives.
It’s a good idea to carry a bit of cash for tolls, parking, and fuel. Most petrol stations accept cards, but having cash on hand can be useful. There is plenty of parking at most places around the city, but always check the parking rules and keep valuables hidden.
For more detailed advice, check out our guide on driving in South Africa, including safety tips, road rules, and navigation tips around Cape Town.
Uber
If you decide not to rent a car, Uber is a convenient way to get around Cape Town. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want a stress-free experience or aren’t confident driving in South Africa. Uber is a reliable, simple and safe option that makes you not have to worry about parking and navigating the city.
Ideal for short trips | Longer journeys to places like Cape Point, Hout Bay, or the Winelands can get expensive. For these, consider a rental car or a guided tour.
Always use the app |There have been reports of fake drivers approaching tourists at airports claiming to be Uber drivers. Using the app ensures the driver’s identity is verified, and the fare is logged securely.
Use designated pick-up points | At Cape Town International Airport, the official Uber pickup zone is Parkade 1 (ground floor) and possible to book using the airport WiFi. Most hotels and attractions also have dedicated Uber areas. Always go to these spots and verify your driver in the app for a safe and stress-free ride.
Look for promo codes | Uber occasionally offers discounts for new users in Cape Town, useful if you’re planning multiple trips.
MyCiTi Bus
For budget-conscious travellers, the MyCiTi (Citibus) network is an affordable and reliable way to get around Cape Town. While there are no direct services from the airport, the network covers most of the city, including the V&A Waterfront, SeaPoint, Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Woodstock, Century City and more.
To use the system, you’ll need to purchase a myconnect card, available from most station kiosks. Load a credit or a multi-day pass for unlimited trips in a day, then tap in and out at every stop.
The MyCiTi app makes it easy to plan your journey, top up your card and see live bus schedules. Fares are cheaper outside of peak hours.
Guided Tours
When exploring Cape Town, guided tours are a great way to experience local sights and culture that you might miss on your own. They’re also a convenient option for visiting attractions outside the city centre, helping you save on expensive Uber rides while enjoying expert insights from local guides.
Cape Town is a year-round destination, with around 300 days of sunshine and plenty to see and do in every season. The weather is generally mild, although the winter months from May to August bring cooler temperatures and more rain.
The city’s location on a peninsula where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet means the weather can change quickly. The Cape Doctor, a strong south-easterly wind, is most common in summer, especially in December and January. Even during these months, there are many calm days, and the breeze often helps take the edge off the heat.
If you want warm weather without the peak-season crowds and higher prices, the best months to visit are spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). Even in winter, you can enjoy most outdoor activities. This is a great time for surfing and hiking, thanks to bigger swells and cooler temperatures.
Temperatures range from around 12°C to 28°C throughout the year. Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, and because of the surrounding mountains, you may experience a mix of seasons in a single day, so it’s worth bringing layers and a windproof jacket.
Cape Town offers a wide range of accommodation options, from cosy B&Bs and stylish boutique hotels to sea-view apartments and luxury stays. Whether you’re after ocean views, nightlife, or easy access to the main sights, you’ll find a neighbourhood that suits your budget and travel style.
To help you choose the right base, we’ve put together a complete guide to the best places to stay in Cape Town, including our favourite neighbourhoods for first-timers, what vibe each area offers and important areas to avoid.
If you’re unsure where to start, this guide breaks everything down so you can pick the perfect place for your trip.
This easy-to-use map below will help you find your dream stay in Cape Town. Select your dates in the search bar below and compare the best prices across the main booking sites to show you the best deals.
Planning your time in Cape Town can feel overwhelming with so much to see and do. On our first trip to the city, we spent over a month exploring each hidden corner in our small rental car. Below are a few quick ideas to get you started with your Cape Town itinerary.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Cape Town Essentials
Ride the cable car up Table Mountain for panoramic views at sunrise.
Explore the V&A Waterfront for food, shopping and museums.
Wander through the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap.
Day 2 - Cape Peninsula Adventure
Visit Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope.
Stop at Boulders Beach to see the penguins.
Drive the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive or take the scenic route via Noordhoek.
Day 3 - Winelands Experience
Spend the morning wine tasting and lunch in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Constantia.
Head back to Cape Town for sunset in Camps Bay or Signal Hill.
Explore outside Cape Town
If you’re extending your trip beyond the city, we also have some exciting guides to help you plan a longer adventure in South Africa
Cape Town is generally safe for visitors, but like any destination, you’ll need to take sensible precautions and be aware of some of the common scams and read our safety tips.
Hiking Safety
There have been occasional incidents targeting hikers on Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. To stay safe, always hike in a group, stick to marked trails, go during daylight hours and avoid carrying valuables.
Most incidents involve phone theft at sunrise or sunset, so extra caution is needed at these times. Save emergency numbers for SANParks and the South African Police before you set out.
Transport & Airport Routes
If you’re driving to or from Cape Town International Airport, stay on main roads such as the N2 and M3. Avoid the R300 and avoid detours through Borcherd’s Quarry Road or unfamiliar side streets, even if suggested by GPS.
Scams to Avoid
Be cautious of unofficial taxi drivers claiming to be Uber or taxi services at airports and around the city. Only order rides through the official app and check the driver and vehicle details before getting in.
Urban Safety Tips
Avoid walking alone at night, share your travel plans with someone you trust and join group tours for hikes and activities. Visitors should avoid the Cape Flats area, including Mitchell’s Plain, Nyanga and Khayelitsha.
For more detailed guidance, read our full guide on how to stay safe in South Africa, which covers practical tips for driving, hiking and exploring with confidence.
loadshedding
South Africa sometimes experiences scheduled power cuts, known as load-shedding, especially during peak times. These can affect street lights, traffic signals, and water supply, so it’s worth checking how your accommodation manages outages.
Some places provide solar lighting or battery-powered torches, and you can check planned outages online via Eskom.
Discover Cape Town with our handpicked must-see sights and experiences, ideal for first-time visitors. Whether you love food, nature, wine, wildlife, beaches, history, adventure, or shopping, the city has something for everyone.
The Cape Town City Pass can be a good value if you plan to visit multiple paid attractions in a few days, as it includes over 80 sights and the hop-on hop-off bus. For most travellers, you’ll need to hit 3 to 4 main attractions per day to make it worthwhile.
Table Mountain | Take the cable car or hike one of the scenic trails for iconic panoramic views of Cape Town. Platteklip Gorge is a popular, challenging route, taking around three hours to the top. Parking is available along the road to the trailhead, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Lion’s Head | A moderately challenging hike that’s perfect for first-time visitors. The trail rewards you with some of the best views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Seaboard. Sunrise and sunset are ideal times for spectacular lighting.
Bring water and sturdy shoes, and note that the final section includes ladders and chains, so it’s not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights.
Signal Hill | This easy-to-access viewpoint is perfect for a relaxing sunset or a short morning walk. You can drive to the top, making it ideal for first-time visitors who don’t fancy a long hike!
Cape of Good Hope | Located on the Cape Peninsula within Table Mountain National Park, this iconic nature reserve is a must-visit for its dramatic cliffs, scenic trails, and abundant wildlife. Hike to the Cape Point lighthouse and spot over 250 species of birds and mammals.
While not the absolute southwesternmost point of Africa (that’s Cape Agulhas), it remains a historic landmark where ships once rounded the southern tip on trading routes. It’s the perfect place to escape the city and reconnect with nature.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens | Explore one of the world’s most beautiful botanical gardens at the base of Table Mountain. First-time visitors can take a stroll along the paths or walk the beautiful Tree Canopy Trail for elevated views of the gardens and mountains.
Silvermine Nature Reserve | A quieter alternative to the more popular hikes, offering trails, picnic spots, and beautiful scenery. Enjoy a mix of gentle walks and scenic overlooks while spotting local wildlife.
Camps Bay | Located on Cape Town’s ‘Riviera’, Camps Bay boasts soft white sand, set against the iconic Twelve Apostles peaks and is one of our favourite spots for sunset. There are several cafés and restaurants along the beachfront, and beautiful natural pools provide swimming areas.
Clifton Beaches| One of the most exclusive and expensive neighbourhoods in Cape Town, Clifton is made up of four sheltered bays, each offering a slightly different vibe. Large boulders provide privacy and a sense of seclusion, making it feel more intimate than Camps Bay.
Noordhoek Beach | Often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town, Noordhoek is wide, quiet, and perfect for long walks. Visitors can enjoy horse riding along the shore or admire the views from above at the start of Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Llandudno Beach |Some of the clearest water in Cape Town can be found at Llandudno Beach, a sheltered sandy paradise framed by the nearby Klein Leeukoppie peak. Quieter than Camps Bay, it’s perfect for relaxing, swimming, or watching the sunset over the Atlantic. Enjoy a gentle hike to the nearby Sandy Bay, an even more secluded, pristine beach surrounded by natural beauty.
Muizenberg Beach | Famous for its colourful beach huts and consistent surf waves, Muizenberg is great for beginners wanting to try surfing or for anyone looking to soak up the lively seaside atmosphere.
Natural Pools | Maiden’s Cove Tidal Pool and Camps Bay Tidal Pool are safe spots for swimming while taking in scenic ocean views. These are perfect for families or anyone seeking a more relaxed beach experience.
Llandudno to Camps Bay | A breathtaking route along the Atlantic seaboard (stretch of coastline along the western side of the city), passing hidden coves and rugged coastline. Perfect for a relaxed drive or cycling adventure, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Chapman’s Peak Drive | One of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, with dramatic cliffs and sweeping Atlantic Ocean views. There’s a toll and limited opening times, so check before you go. Take your time to stop at viewpoints and enjoy the scenery.
Robben Island | A UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on the island. Take a guided tour to understand South Africa’s history and gain insight into the country’s journey to freedom.
Bo-Kaap | Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures, and Bo-Kaap showcases the vibrant Cape Malay heritage. Wander the colourful streets, admire the historic architecture, and don’t miss tasting the delicious local cuisine. Cape Town is recognised as one of the world’s top food destinations.
Woodstock Street Art | Uncover the stories through art murals on the streets of Woodstock. Either take a self-guided tour of the vibrant murals or a guided tour to understand the meaning and messages behind each piece.
Township Guided Tour |Learn about Cape Town’s history and the lasting effects of apartheid, when many people of colour were forcibly relocated to townships. A guided tour is the safest way to explore these communities, gain insight into daily life, and understand the social and cultural context of the city.
District Six Museum | A short walking distance from Bo-Kaap, visit the District Six Museum to learn the story of apartheid and forced removals from the centre of the city. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s complex history and the resilience of its communities.
Wine Tasting | Explore world-famous vineyards in Constantia, Stellenbosch, or Franschhoek for tastings and cellar tours. In Franschhoek, the hop-on hop-off Wine Tram lets you visit multiple estates in one afternoon or spend a full day discovering the valley’s wineries.
The Bay Harbour Market | A charming market in Hout Bay village selling quality local crafts, fresh produce, and tasty street food. Enjoy live music each weekend, all set against a working fishing harbour and stunning coastal scenery. It’s a perfect stop when driving along Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market | One of Cape Town’s largest farmers’ markets, offering fresh organic produce and food stalls from Oranjezicht City Farm, which has run the market for over 10 years. Visitors can join farm tours, take part in cooking classes, and enjoy seasonal events and crafts throughout the year.
Cooking Classes | Learn first-hand how to make a traditional Cape Malay dish in the colourful neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap. Cook alongside a local chef, explore the flavours of the cuisine, and enjoy the meal you’ve prepared, taking your new skills home with you.
V&A Waterfront | A perfect spot to stroll, browse shops, grab a bite to eat and take in the harbour views. The V&A Waterfront has several shopping areas, and for local arts and crafts, visit the Watershed, where you’ll find unique souvenirs and beautiful handmade pieces.
Boulders Beach | One of the best places in the world to see African penguins up close. The boardwalks offer incredible viewing while protecting their fragile habitat, so stay on marked paths and avoid touching or feeding the penguins.
Keep noise to a minimum and give them space, especially during nesting season. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or late afternoon when the crowds are smaller.
Ethical wildlife experiences | We don’t recommend shark cage diving, as most operators use bait or chumming to attract sharks, which can influence their natural behaviour and association with humans. While some companies follow conservation-minded practices, contribute to research and include trained guides or marine biologists, observing sharks naturally without interference is the most ethical approach.
To learn more about sharks and their protection, watch the Coasts episode of Planet Earth III featuring South Africa.
Seal Island Boat Ride | Head out on the ocean from Simon’s Town for a scenic trip to Seal Island, home to a large colony of Cape fur seals. It’s a fun, family-friendly experience and a great way to see marine life. On our trip, we spotted plenty of dolphins along the way, making it an unforgettable outing for wildlife lovers.
Kayaking & Diving | Explore Cape Town’s coastline in an eco-friendly way by joining a guided kayak tour, with chances to see dolphins, penguins, whales, and seals. For a unique experience, dive in the kelp forests, a vibrant underwater habitat where seals play and marine life thrives.
Paragliding | Take to the skies above Cape Town for an unforgettable experience and truly unique view of the city above Signal Hill, Lion’s Head and Camps Bay.
Muizenberg Beach | Famous for its colourful beach huts and consistent surf waves, Muizenberg is great for beginners wanting to try surfing or for anyone looking to soak up the lively seaside atmosphere.
Canal Walk or Century City Mall | Large, modern shopping centres featuring a mix of international brands alongside local South African stores. Convenient for those looking for familiar brands, dining, and entertainment all under one roof.
Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre | Located in the V&A Waterfront, this hub combines international labels, South African fashion, and lifestyle stores, with cafés and restaurants.
Kalk Bay | A charming seaside village with boutique shops, antique stores, and art galleries. The boho, hippy vibe makes it perfect for discovering unique souvenirs and enjoying a relaxed pace.
The Watershed, V&A Waterfront | Home to local artisans selling crafts, fashion, homewares, and design pieces. A great place to find authentic, locally made products and experience Cape Town’s creative scene.
The Old Biscuit Mill | A trendy market with artisanal food, fashion, and design. Weekends are best for exploring stalls, sampling gourmet treats, and soaking up the lively, creative atmosphere.
Greenmarket Square | A historic square with stalls selling souvenirs, crafts, and curios. Combine browsing with street performances, local art, and nearby cafés for a full cultural experience.
Long Street | Known for its eclectic shops, cafés, and bars, Long Street offers vintage, fashion, and craft stores. Vibrant during the day, but exercise caution when walking alone at night.
Cape Town is a city that loves to celebrate, and there’s always something happening to showcase its vibrant culture, creativity, and community. Here are some of the best events to check out during your first visit:
Cape Town Minstrel Carnival | January
A lively festival with roots in the Cape Malay community. Expect colourful street parades, music, and dancing celebrating the city’s rich heritage.
Cape Town Carnival | March
An energetic and vibrant street parade highlighting the city’s diversity and creativity. With music, dance, and eye-catching costumes, it’s a fun, family-friendly way to experience local culture.
Africa Day Celebrations | 25 May
Africa Day marks the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) in 1963. In Cape Town, the day is celebrated with cultural performances, markets, and events that showcase the diversity of African heritage and traditions and achievements.
Cape Town International Kite Festival | June
A wonderful display of colourful kites at Bloubergstrand, this family-friendly festival fills the sky with entertainment and plenty of photo opportunities.
Cape Town Festival of Lights | October
Cape Town lights up in October with night-time events featuring dazzling light displays, art installations, and performances. The festival can refer to Diwali-inspired celebrations, or the broader city-wide festive lights switch-on, which kicks off the Christmas season with spectacular shows and fun activities.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts | November–March
Set in the breathtaking Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, these weekly open-air concerts blend music, nature, and relaxation for a truly memorable experience under the stars and at the foot of Table Mountain.
For more events and the current schedule for the year, check the official Cape Town tourism website.
Read our South Africa Guides
7-Day Garden Route Itinerary with Self-drive Guide
Where to stay along the Garden Route
How to plan a budget self-drive Safari in South Africa
Tips for Driving in South Africa + Road trip Itinerary ideas
3 Week South Africa Road Trip Itinerary
Is it Safe to travel to South Africa?
Best Places to Stay in Cape Town
Luxury Safari at Tintswalo Lodge in Greater Kruger
Kruger National Park First-Timers Guide
How to Plan Your First Trip to Cape Town
