Cape Town captivates with its breathtaking nature, vibrant culture, and world-class cuisine. But before you head off on your trip, there are a few important things you should know: Where is the best place to stay? Is renting a car a good idea? How does load shedding affect your stay? Which areas should you avoid? This guide provides you with compact and essential Cape Town travel tips to ensure your trip is both relaxing and unforgettable.
Where to Stay in Cape Town: The Best Neighborhoods for Tourists
Cape Town offers a variety of neighborhoods, each catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether you want to be in the heart of the action, prefer being close to the beach, or seek a quieter area, there’s something for everyone. Below, I’ll introduce the best neighborhoods to stay in Cape Town, from my perspective.
Sea Point, Green Point & De Waterkant
Sea Point is one of the most popular and well-known areas for tourists to stay, and it’s easy to see why. This neighborhood offers a great mix of coastal vibes and city life. You can enjoy long walks along the promenade, and trendy cafes and boutiques are just around the corner. It’s also a great choice for families, as the promenade is perfect for a stroll with kids, and there are green spaces and playgrounds to enjoy.
Green Point and De Waterkant are located between the Atlantic coastline and the CBD (Central Business District). These neighborhoods offer great proximity to the Atlantic coast’s promenades, a wide selection of restaurants and cafes, and are just a short walk from the V&A Waterfront. Green Point Park is also nearby, perfect for a leisurely walk or an afternoon in the park with children.
Accomodations in Sea Point, Green Point and De Waterkant:
City Bowl: CBD, Gardens & Tamboerskloof
In the heart of Cape Town, you’ll find the neighborhoods of CBD (Central Business District), Gardens, and Tamboerskloof. These areas are perfect for those who want to be right in the middle of the action and enjoy great restaurants, bars, and excellent public transport links. If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet while still being close to everything, Tamboerskloof is the ideal choice. These neighborhoods are excellent for first-time visitors to Cape Town, those with limited time, and those who want to reach the city’s highlights and attractions quickly.
Recommendations City Bowl, Cape Town
Camps Bay
Camps Bay is the hotspot for luxury accommodations, with the beach right at your doorstep and stunning sunsets to enjoy. This neighborhood is perfect for those who want to stay close to the beach, with beautiful sea views and an upscale selection of restaurants and hotels.
Where to stay in Camps Bay
Getting Around in Cape Town
Cape Town is a large and sprawling city. Depending on what you want to do and see, you’ll need different transportation options. Public transport is available but not widespread, and it’s not always the safest choice. Here are my recommendations for getting from A to B safely and efficiently:
Uber & Bolt
The safest and most convenient way to get around Cape Town is with Uber and Bolt. Uber is reliable and affordable, while Bolt is often even cheaper, although sometimes with older vehicles. Both apps work excellently, and the prices are incredibly low, making them the top choice for getting around the city and a better alternative to renting a car. You won’t have to worry about parking or additional costs. If you want to visit the vineyards for a day, like Stellenbosch, you can easily get there with Uber instead of renting a car.
Hop On Hop Off Bus Cape Town
If you have limited time and want to explore Cape Town stress-free, the red double-decker buses are a great option. They drive through the key neighborhoods and sights, including Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the Waterfront. It’s the perfect way to get an overview of the city!
Renting a Car in Cape Town
The best combination for getting around Cape Town is Uber and a rental car, especially if you want to be flexible.
Renting a Car & Driving in Cape Town
A rental car is the best choice if you want to explore Cape Town and its stunning surroundings with flexibility. However, there are a few specifics in South Africa to keep in mind. First things first: it’s left-hand driving! Here are the most important tips:
Booking a Rental Car — What to Consider
✅ Compact or SUV? – A small car is sufficient for the city and nearby areas, but for longer trips or road trips, a mid-size car is more comfortable.
✅ Automatic or Manual? – If you’re not used to left-hand driving, an automatic car can make the transition much easier.
✅ Insurance & Deposit – Always opt for comprehensive insurance with no excess to ensure you’re covered in case of damage. Most rental companies block a deposit on your credit card.
✅ Tolls – South Africa has several toll roads (e.g., Chapman’s Peak Drive or the Garden Route). These can be paid locally or are often automatically charged by the rental company.
Tip: I always book my rental cars in Cape Town through Discover Cars* or Sunny Cars*. Both websites allow you to compare prices and services, and they often include comprehensive insurance with no excess.
➡️ Book your car directly here: Discover Cars*, Sunny Cars*
Left-Hand Driving & Important Traffic Rules
🔹 Right is the center! – A helpful trick: your steering wheel is always on the side closest to the middle of the road.
🔹 Roundabouts & Turning – Traffic moves in a clockwise direction! Always be extra cautious when turning, checking for oncoming traffic.
🔹 Four-Way Stops – In South Africa, you’ll encounter many intersections with “4‑Way Stop” signs. The rule is: first come, first served.
🔹 Speed Limits – In urban areas, the limit is usually 60 km/h, on country roads it’s 100 km/h, and on highways, it’s 120 km/h. Speed checks are frequent!
🔹 Filling Up & Payment Methods – In South Africa, gas attendants will fill up your car for you. You can pay with cash or card – tipping (around 5–10 ZAR) is appreciated.
Traffic in Cape Town can be particularly chaotic during rush hour, and traffic rules are sometimes ignored. So, it’s best to drive defensively and stay alert.
Loadshedding in Cape Town
Loadshedding has been a significant issue in South Africa and Cape Town in recent years, and it can affect your trip to Cape Town as well. It refers to scheduled power outages designed to ease the load on the electricity grid. Depending on the stage, these outages can last for several hours a day, affecting households, businesses, restaurants, and hotels. But don’t panic! With a little planning and knowledge, you can manage without major disruptions.
When and How Often Does Loadshedding Occur?
Loadshedding follows a specific schedule, which changes regularly. During peak times, power may be cut off 2–4 hours a day multiple times. Residential areas are the most affected, while many hotels, restaurants, and larger shopping malls often use generators or solar power to maintain operations.
How to Prepare for Loadshedding?
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Download the App: The “EskomSePush” app shows you when the next power outages are planned in your area.
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Bring a Power Bank: A charged power bank is essential to keep your phone or other devices powered during an outage.
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Choose Accommodation with a Generator: Many hotels and Airbnbs have backup power solutions. Check before booking or ask about the current situation.
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Restaurants with Backup Power: Many restaurants in tourist areas like the V&A Waterfront or Camps Bay have generators and remain open during Loadshedding.
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Food & Cooking: If you have self-catering accommodation, plan your meals accordingly to avoid cooking during a power outage.
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Important Safety Tips for Cape Town
Cape Town is an absolutely fascinating city, but, like many other large cities, there are certain safety aspects to keep in mind. The most important thing is to stay aware and always know what’s going on around you.
Safe Neighborhoods & No-Go Areas
Generally, neighborhoods like Camps Bay, Clifton, Green Point, Sea Point, De Waterkant, and the city center (CBD) are relatively safe during the day, especially in busy areas with many tourists. However, at night, you should be cautious and avoid walking alone. It’s better to use Uber.
Less safe areas include parts of the city center after business hours, townships, and more remote areas outside the tourist zones.
Important Behaviors to Follow
- Don’t Walk in the Dark! After dark, avoid walking, whether alone or in pairs. Stay away from quiet streets or secluded corners. Use Uber or Bolt instead.
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Don’t Display Valuables! Don’t openly display expensive cameras, smartphones, or valuables. Car break-ins are common, so never leave anything visible in your car.
- Stay Alert! If you feel like someone is following you, change sides of the street, alter your direction, change your pace, and seek refuge in a safe, busy place like restaurants, shops, or hotel lobbies.
- Avoid Cash! In Cape Town, you can pay for almost everything cash-free, so only carry the minimum amount of cash you need
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Be Cautious at ATMs: Use ATMs located in shopping centers or banks.
- Begging Children: Be cautious if a group of children surrounds you. As hard as it may be, don’t give them anything directly; instead, donate to official organizations.
Outdoor Activities:
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Never Hike Alone: Always bring at least one companion with you, or better yet, hike in groups. If you’re alone, try to join others on-site to be perceived as a larger group.
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Start Hikes Early: This helps you avoid being out in the dark.
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Stick to Official Trails: Remote and less trafficked routes carry risks not only from crime but also from difficult terrain. Only use main trails, especially on Lions Head and Table Mountain, where there are many other hikers.
Transportation and Getting around
- Lock Doors and Windows: Always keep your car doors locked and windows closed.
- Plan your route in advance and avoid driving after dark!
- Don’t Leave Personal Items in the Car! Avoid leaving valuables or personal items in the car. If you must, store them securely out of sight before arriving or parking.
- Park in monitored and well-lit parking areas!
Worst-Case Scenario
- NEVER Resist: Weapons like knives and guns are often used.
- Stay Calm! Give them what they want.
Best Time to Visit Cape Town — When Is It Worth the Trip?
Cape Town is a year-round destination, but depending on your travel preferences, certain months are more ideal than others.
- Summer (December – February): Perfect for beach days, outdoor activities, and long evenings in the trendy neighborhoods. However, this is peak travel season, meaning hotels are more expensive, and popular attractions are crowded.
- Autumn (March – May):Temperatures become more pleasant, and the crowds thin out. Additionally, the grape harvest takes place during these months, making it a great time for wine lovers.
- Winter (June – August): The off-season brings cooler temperatures (between 8–18°C) and rain, but it’s the best time for whale watching in Hermanus. Accommodations are more affordable during this time.
- Spring (September – November): Nature begins to bloom, and temperatures rise again. It’s a beautiful time to experience the city with fewer tourists around.
👉 Best Time to Travel? If you want to do a lot and still enjoy summery temperatures, consider traveling at the edges of peak season — ideally from mid-February, March, or from mid-October, November.
Cape Town with Kids – Tips for a Relaxed Family Trip
Cape Town is a fantastic destination for families with children, offering a great mix of nature, adventure, and family-friendly attractions.
Family-Friendly Activities
- Beaches – A fun playground for both kids and adults! The beaches are perfect for everyone to enjoy sand play and the ocean.
- Boulders Beach – Here, children can observe penguins up close. Be sure to respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance!
- V&A Waterfront – A great place for kids to roam freely, with playgrounds and the chance to watch seals on the docks.
- Two Oceans Aquarium – A fascinating underwater world with sharks, seahorses, and a touch pool for kids.
- Table Mountain with the Cable Car – A highlight for the whole family, offering breathtaking views and kid-friendly hiking paths.
- Green Point Park – Perfect for a picnic, featuring playgrounds and plenty of space for kids to run around.
FAQs
Are you planning a trip to Cape Town and still have some questions? Here you’ll find the most important information about transportation, safety, payment methods, and more. Whether you’re wondering how to get around the city, what to pack, or how to get a SIM card – these practical tips will help you enjoy your trip with ease.
Approximately 4–5 days are ideal to experience the highlights of the city. If you also want to take day trips, such as to the Cape Peninsula or the wine region, it’s better to plan 7–10 days for your stay.
- Google Maps - Ideal for navigation within the city and for day trips.
- Bolt & Uber — to get around Cape Town convenient.
- Kreditkarte - to pay cash- and contactless.
- EskomSePush (Loadshedding App) – Shows planned power outages (load shedding) in your area.
Cape Town is more expensive than other places in South Africa, but still cheaper than many European cities. A rough budget estimate:
- Accomodation: 50–150 € per night
- Dinner: 10–20 € per Person in a restaurant
- Activities: 5–50 € depending on the tour or entrance fees
- Transportation: Rental Car from 20 € per day, Uber Ride from 2–5 €
Yes, you can get around easily with Uber/Bolt. However, a rental car is worthwhile for day trips like to the Cape of Good Hope or the wine region.
Short answer: Yes! Especially for Uber and similar apps, you’ll need internet access. It’s worth purchasing a local SIM card at the airport or using an eSIM. The best providers are Vodacom and MTN.
Cape Town is heavily focused on card payments. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, even at the beach. Cash is mainly needed for small tips for guides, parking attendants, public restrooms, or small markets.
The weather in Cape Town can change quickly – “four seasons in one day” is not uncommon. It is also very windy, and even in the summer, it can cool down at night. So, always pack a sweater and long pants.
💡 Important: Heading to Table Mountain or the wine region? Always bring a windbreaker and layers of clothing – it can be surprisingly cold up there, even in summer!
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