We’ve spent years exploring Cape Town and know the city inside out. This guide shares tips on the best neighbourhoods, top things to do, and great places to stay. Whether you want city vibes or chill beach spots, we’ve got you covered with advice you can count on for a wonderful trip.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. How many days do I need in Cape Town?
3. Is Cape Town safe for tourists?
4. Which areas should I avoid in Cape Town?
5. Which area is best for first-timers to Cape Town?
6. Cape Town Neighbourhoods and Where to Stay
6.1 V&A Waterfront
6.2 City Bowl & CBD
6.3 Camps Bay & Clifton
6.4 Hout Bay
6.5 Sea Point, Green Point & Bantry Bay
6.6 Gardens & Oranjezicht
6.7 Muizenberg & Lakeside
6.8 Constantia
6.9 Cape Winelands
6.10 Woodstock & Observatory
6.11 Cape Peninsula
6.12 Bloubergstrand
How to use this guide
Use the contents table above to quickly jump to the area that interests you most. This guide is organised by different neighbourhoods in Cape Town, with insights into what it’s like to stay in each one, including the vibe, key attractions, and the pros and cons.
Whether you’re seeking vibrant city life, coastal calm, or something in between, this guide will help you choose the perfect spot to suit your travel style and preferences.
Cape Town is a city where we have spent so much time, and it feels like a second home for us. Cape Town is a city like no other. It is a fusion of natural beauty, diverse cultures, and rich history. Located on the western tip of South Africa, between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean.
The city pulses with energy, from the colourful houses of Bo-Kaap to the bustling V&A Waterfront. Nearby, you’ll find pristine beaches such as Clifton and Camps Bay, rugged coastlines, and world-famous vineyards just a short drive away in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Cape Town is also home to significant historical landmarks like Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, offering deep insight into South Africa’s complex past.
Cape Town’s food scene is another highlight, a mix of international flavours, fresh seafood, and Cape Malay influences. Whether you're exploring the vibrant markets, strolling through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, or spotting penguins at Boulders Beach, there’s something here for every kind of traveller.
In this guide, we list some of the very best hotels and places to stay in Cape Town, from outstanding luxury to ocean views and the city energy.
How many days do I need in Cape Town?
Depending on your plans to explore South Africa, Cape Town can be enjoyed over a few days or even a few weeks. It is an ideal starting point for the scenic Garden Route and serves as the gateway to some of the best safari experiences.
Cape Town is spread out over 2,400 square kilometres, and we recommend staying a minimum of 3 to 6 days to experience the variety of landscapes and activities the city offers. This will give you enough time to see most of the main highlights, with the option to include day trips to the Winelands and Cape Peninsula.
Is Cape Town safe for tourists?
Cape Town is still one of the world’s top travel destinations, attracting over 2 million visitors every year. It has won many awards and is currently a popular base for digital nomads.
That said, don’t forget to check out our safety tips for South Africa, which highlight common scams and crimes to be aware of. We’ve listed which areas to avoid in Cape Town in the next section.
The best way to stay safe is to stick to daytime hikes, go with a group, and leave valuables behind. Be street smart, and knowing the safe areas will help you make the most of what Cape Town has to offer.
Which areas should I avoid in Cape Town?
While every city has neighbourhoods best explored with local knowledge, some places in Cape Town aren’t ideal or safe for tourists. Cape Town is a wonderful city to explore, but there are certain areas that tourists should generally avoid or only visit with a trusted local guide.
Townships and informal settlements
As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid townships unless you’re on a guided tour. Areas to avoid include Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Delft, and Mitchells Plain. These are important culturally and historically, but can have high crime rates.
suburbs on the Cape Flats
Areas to avoid in Cape Flat suburbs include Mitchells Plain, Parow East, and parts of Bellville, which are far from the main tourist attractions and have higher safety risks.
northern and western suburbs
Certain parts of Hanover Park and Philippi are also considered less safe for visitors, with unpredictable violence and crime.
Avoid walking around unfamiliar neighbourhoods at night
Regardless of the area, it's best to stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid walking alone after dark. Always plan your journeys in daylight and use reliable transport when out late.
tourist theft hotspots
There have also been reports of attacks on walkers in Table Mountain National Park, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill, especially at sunset, which is a popular time to go. To stay safe, avoid hiking these areas alone and only go during the day in larger groups or on busy days.
Which area is best for first-timers to Cape Town?
Cape Town is an incredible city with so much to offer, from sensational natural landscapes to vibrant culture and outstanding food. If it’s your first time visiting, you’ll want to stay in areas that are not only beautiful but also safe and easy to get around.
Here are some of the best neighbourhoods to base yourself in, depending on the kind of vibe you’re after:
City Bowl – perfect for city lovers. The lively heart of Cape Town with iconic landmarks, lively nightlife, and lots of culture.
Camps Bay – ideal for ocean lovers and those seeking luxury villas. Gorgeous beaches, trendy cafés, and stunning sunsets right on the coast.
Sea Point – excellent for active travellers and foodies. A long coastal promenade perfect for running, walking, or cycling, with a variety of restaurants.
Gardens & Tamboerskloof – quiet suburbs close to the city, next to Signal Hill, with plenty of green space, charming cafés, and lovely boutique shops to browse.
Constantia – beautiful wine country and estates. Located just outside the city, perfect for wine tasting and enjoying the scenic rolling countryside.
Hout Bay – quaint fishing village vibe with local seafood markets, craft markets, and coastal charm.
Cape Town Neighbourhoods and Where to Stay
Before diving into the best places to stay in Cape Town, it’s worth taking a moment to get to know the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. Each area has its own distinct character and caters to different types of travellers. Whether you’re after sea views, green surroundings, or the buzz of the city centre, Cape Town offers a location to suit every travel style.
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.
V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront offers the perfect combination of seaside charm and easy access to Cape Town’s main attractions. Ideal for first-time visitors and families alike, this vibrant area is packed with restaurants, shops, museums, and entertainment, a few steps away. You’ll find luxury hotels boasting stunning sea views alongside a relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere. From here, it’s simple to arrange city tours or catch the ferry to Robben Island.
The Silo Hotel
Located just 1 km from the V&A Waterfront, The Silo is a striking and iconic architectural masterpiece. This 5-star hotel offers spacious, artfully designed rooms with panoramic views of the city, harbour, and Table Mountain. One of its standout features is the rooftop infinity pool, which overlooks Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, making it the perfect spot to unwind with a cocktail as the sun sets over Cape Town.
Atlantic Marina Apartments
If you’re after a comfortable mid-range, self-catering stay close to the heart of the city, Atlantic Marina Apartments are a wonderful choice. Just a short stroll from the V&A Waterfront, these stylish apartments offer full kitchens, relaxed living spaces, laundry facilities, and flat-screen TVs, everything you need for a longer stay. There's a pool with a view and a gym on site, and you're just minutes from Long Street’s lively mix of shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
BOOK | Atlantic Marina Apartments
Camissa House
Perched at the foot of Table Mountain and overlooking the City Bowl, Camissa House is a luxury boutique guesthouse that truly captures the essence of Cape Town living. With its rooftop sun terrace, stunning pool, and sweeping views of both the coastline and surrounding mountains, it’s a place you may never want to leave. The rooms are spacious, modern, and beautifully designed, offering exceptional comfort and style. Camissa House is a shining example of the high standard of accommodation Cape Town is known for.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Camissa House
Dock House Boutique Hotel and Spa by NEWMARK
Located in the heart of Cape Town’s popular Waterfront district and just a few minutes' walk from the V&A Waterfront, The Dock House offers elegant, spacious rooms set within beautifully manicured gardens. The property features an inviting outdoor pool and a tranquil wellness centre, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the city's buzz.
Originally built in the 1800s as the harbour master’s residence, The Dock House has been thoughtfully restored to preserve its historic charm while offering modern luxury. Its prime location also puts you within easy reach of top attractions, including the ferry departure point for Robben Island.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Dock House Boutique Hotel and Spa
Victoria & Alfred Hotel by NEWMARK
An iconic landmark at the heart of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, the Victoria & Alfred Hotel occupies a beautifully converted 1904 warehouse and now stands as a symbol of timeless elegance and modern luxury.
Perfectly positioned within one of the city’s most prestigious areas, the hotel offers impressive views of Table Mountain, the bustling harbour, and the vibrant cityscape. Guests can enjoy premium amenities including a spa and wellness centre, outdoor pool, and a fully equipped fitness centre, all just steps from Cape Town’s top restaurants, shops, and attractions.
City Bowl & CBD
The heart of the Mother City is found just beneath Table Mountain, the City Bowl and CBD is the most developed and dense area of Cape Town. In this area you’ll discover plenty of cafés, restaurants, museums and galleries. In walking distance of many attractions and sights, such as Bo Kaap, The Company’s Garden and easy access to Table Mountain.
After dark parts of the neighbourhood are not safe to walk around at night, stick to well-lit streets, be street smart and use Uber instead of walking. Safe areas to stay include De Waterkant, Tamboerskloof, Gardens, City Centre around the Foreshore and Greenmarket Square.
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
This luxury boutique hotel is located in the heart of Cape Town’s City Bowl. Labotessa is a beautiful townhouse hotel offering elegant, thoughtfully designed rooms that blend classic charm with modern comfort. The first-class service, stylish interiors, and prime location make it an ideal choice for those seeking a luxurious city escape while staying within easy reach of Cape Town’s top attractions, restaurants, and cultural hotspots.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
Gorgeous George Hotel
This boutique hotel is a design-lover’s dream right in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD. Gorgeous George is set across two beautifully restored heritage buildings and blends vintage charm with modern, stylish interiors. The rooftop is a real highlight, with a bar, restaurant, and plunge pool, making it the perfect place to kick back with a sunset drink and take in the city views.
Camps Bay & Clifton
Upscale, glamorous suburbs with white sand beaches, chic bars, and sunset views. It’s Cape Town’s luxury beach strip, perfect for sunbathing and people-watching, but pricey and touristy.
POD Camps Bay by The Oyster Collection
Just a short stroll from Cape Town’s world-famous Camps Bay Beach, POD Camps Bay is a luxury boutique hotel set in one of the city’s most exclusive and affluent areas. Offering modern, stylish rooms with breathtaking coastal views, this is a haven of calm and sophistication just minutes from Camps Bay strip.
The stunning pool area is perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring, and each morning begins with a delicious breakfast made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the perfect way to start your day in paradise.
Hout Bay
A scenic fishing village surrounded by mountains and forest, offering a peaceful base around 20–30 minutes from the city. The relaxing seaside setting has a regular farmer’s market, sweeping ocean views, and easy access to Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Future Found Sanctuary Hotel
Tucked away in the tranquil hills of Hout Bay, Future Found Sanctuary is one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets. Maison Noir is one of 3 5-star boutique hotels under the Future Found Sanctuary title. Future Found Sanctuary truly lives up to its name, a serene retreat surrounded by lush forest and mountain views.
The property features beautifully crafted rooms, a heated pool and natural pool, a gym, a wellness centre, and even a private cinema. While it feels worlds away from the city, it’s still within easy reach of Cape Town’s top attractions, making it the perfect escape for those seeking peace, privacy, and holistic luxury.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Future Found Sanctuary
Tintswalo Atlantic
One of the gems of the Tintswalo collection, Tintswalo Atlantic is located just off Chapman’s Peak Drive between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. This beautiful and exclusive lodge offers oceanfront luxury accommodation with breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean. A visit to Chef’s Warehouse for an exceptional seafood dining experience is a must, where you can soak in the stunning natural beauty and understated elegance of the property.
Sea Point, Green Point & Bantry Bay
West of central Cape Town, Sea Point, Green Point, and Bantry Bay offer a perfect blend of sea views and city convenience, making them ideal base locations for exploring much of Cape Town. These areas are well-connected, giving you the best of both city life and easy beach access.
Green Point overlooks the iconic Cape Town Stadium and is close to the V&A Waterfront. Just south is Sea Point, known for its scenic oceanfront promenade, green spaces, and a range of self-catering apartments. Bantry Bay, located next to Clifton, is a more exclusive area with luxury villas and spectacular sunsets.
The Murex
This luxury aparthotel offers spacious, thoughtfully designed apartments that are perfect for a self-catering stay in Cape Town. Located in the vibrant Sea Point neighbourhood, The Murex is ideally positioned within easy reach of both Green Point and the V&A Waterfront.
Each apartment is fully air-conditioned and comes with everything you need for a comfortable and independent stay. One of the highlights is the rooftop pool, where you can relax and take in sweeping ocean views, the perfect place to cool off during Cape Town’s sunny summer days.
Gardens & Oranjezicht
Two beautiful, leafy suburbs of Cape Town, Gardens and Oranjezicht, are set in the foothills of Table Mountain. These areas feature several parks to explore, are well connected to the city centre, and offer excellent restaurants, boutique shops, and creative corners to discover.
Atzaró Cape Town
Set in the vibrant Gardens District, The Atzaró is a stunning 5-star boutique hotel that offers a blend of luxury, elegance, and sweeping views of the city, mountains, and coastline. With impeccable service and beautifully appointed rooms, it delivers a refined and memorable Cape Town experience.
The surrounding Gardens area is known for its buzzing restaurant scene, boutique shops, and creative energy, making it a perfect base for exploring the cultural heart of the city. A stay at The Atzaró promises to be a true highlight of your time in Cape Town.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Atzaró Cape Town
Mount Nelson Cape Town
Just a stone’s throw from the historic Company’s Garden, South Africa’s oldest garden and a national heritage site. The Mount Nelson is Cape Town’s most famous and iconic hotel. Affectionately known as “Nellie,” or the Pink Lady because of the pink facade. The Mount Nelson has been welcoming royalty, celebrities, and discerning travellers for over a century.
Its unmistakable pink façade stands proudly against the backdrop of Table Mountain, making it a true landmark in the city. With its blend of timeless elegance, lush gardens, and world-class service, The Mount Nelson offers a grand yet welcoming escape in the heart of Cape Town.
Muizenberg & Lakeside
Muizenberg and Lakeside are both laid-back towns along False Bay. Muizenberg is located on the sunrise coast offering easy beach access and is known for its surf scene and colourful beach huts, with a friendly, family-focused vibe. Ideal for digital nomads and freelancers looking for co-working spaces and cafés.
You'll find several restaurants, cafés, and shops in the area. Lakeside, on the other hand, is a quieter neighbourhood with an organic food shop and is a great base for exploring trails in the nearby Muizenberg Mountains.
Private room in Lakeside
We stayed in this wonderful Airbnb for a few nights before flying back home, and it was the perfect blend of chill and convenience we were after. It’s also possible to book the whole property, which comes with a pool.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Private room in Lakeside Cape Town
Seaview Apartment in Muizenberg
This stylish, self-contained apartment is just a short walk from Muizenberg Beach and offers wonderful views of the coast. The space features a terrace that takes full advantage of its elevated position overlooking False Bay.
Constantia
Constantia is one of Cape Town’s most charming and historic suburbs, renowned for Cape Dutch architecture and leafy vineyards. It offers the perfect combination of wine country with a convenient location to the city when compared to Stellenbosch, which is much further away.
Located in the southern suburbs of Cape Town, it’s a short drive to the city centre, providing a relaxing base for visitors. There are several wine estates where you can taste and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Last Word Constantia
A beautiful boutique oasis in the heart of Constantia, Last Word Constantia Hotel features nine rooms with 5-star service, access to a stunning garden, and the option to stay in a pool suite.
Cape Winelands
A little further outside the main city centre, you'll discover the beautiful countryside of the Cape Winelands. These are a must-visit during your time in Cape Town, offering world-class wines, delicious local produce, and rolling vineyard scenery. The core areas of the Cape Winelands include Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington, and Tulbagh
Babylonstoren
As one of the oldest Cape Dutch farm estates in South Africa, Babylonstoren is located in the Franschhoek wine valley. Its immaculate vegetable garden spans over five hectares and is open to visitors. Stay at this historic estate in the Farm Hotel, in one of their elegant rooms designed with a light, airy feel. Explore the beautiful farm shop, dine at Babel Restaurant, or enjoy tea in the Greenhouse.
Woodstock & Observatory
A lively, creative area of Cape Town in the suburbs of the city centre, it's ideal for digital nomads, foodies, and art lovers. Woodstock is known for its street art, art studios, and the Old Biscuit Mill, which is full of chic cafés and restaurants. Observatory, often referred to as 'Obs,' has a more bohemian feel. You'll find vintage shops, bars, and a younger demographic due to its proximity to the University of Cape Town.
Stock Exchange
A stylish apartment‑hotel on Albert Road, just minutes from the Old Biscuit Mill, with bold decor, a heated rooftop pool, and shared communal spaces. Rated one of the best Woodstock stays for its design appeal and cool vibes
Cape Peninsula
A mountainous peninsula that stretches south from Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery, with the Atlantic Ocean on its west side and False Bay on the east. This coastline is dotted with quaint seaside towns and offers some of the best opportunities to spot wildlife, especially at Cape Point Nature Reserve and within Table Mountain National Park.
Stay in Simon’s Town, Noordhoek, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, or Kommetjie for coastal charm and a slower pace, with easy access to beaches and water activities such as kayaking and swimming. You'll also be close to iconic spots like Boulders Beach, where you can observe the famous penguins, or enjoy a drive along the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Tintswalo Boulders
A highlight of any trip to Cape Town is visiting the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach and there’s no better way to experience it than by staying overnight at Tintswalo at Boulders. This luxury boutique guesthouse offers spacious, beautifully designed rooms with direct views of the ocean and often, the penguins themselves right below your balcony.
Waking up to the sound of waves and watching penguins waddle along the shore from your room is a truly unforgettable experience, making this stay an absolute must for wildlife lovers and oceanfront dreamers alike. The property features a rooftop pool, sea-view rooms, and a cosy coastal charm.
Bloubergstrand
When searching for images of Cape Town, you’ve likely seen the picture-postcard view of Table Mountain across Table Bay from Bloubergstrand. This area is popular with kitesurfers and offers several B&Bs and hotels along the coast, providing a lovely, relaxing stay just outside the city while still being conveniently located.
Dolphin Beach Apartments
Dolphin Beach Hotel is a beachfront complex in Bloubergstrand, offering self-catering rooms with easy access to the beach. Guests can enjoy postcard-perfect views over Table Bay, making it ideal for families. Robben Island is visible across the bay, and the hotel features an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and a relaxing spa.
