Cape Town Travel Guide | South Africa
Cape Town Travel Guide : Founded by the Dutch East India Company in 1652, Cape Town is a jewel in South Africa’s crown and the most European city on the whole continent of Africa. The founding of the city was South Africa’s first attempt at a modern metropolis, earning it the nickname “The Mother City”. Because of its strategic location at the southwestern tip of Africa, for centuries the area played an important role in globe trade. Today, it is one of the three capital cities in South Africa, the metro area covers 950 square miles and is home to 3.5 million people.
Cape Town’s setting, a dramatic coastline in the shadow of Table Mountain, is as picturesque as its history is problematic.
What To Expect in Cape Town
Language: South Africa has 11 official languages but the most common you will hear in and around Cape Town is English, the lingo of business and media, followed by Afrikaans and xhosa on the streets.
Currency: The currency in South Africa is called Rand (ZAR) – ($1 USD = 14.27 ZAR
Credit Cards and Banks: The majority of business and resturants in Cape Town accept Visa and Mastercard as payment.
Climate: Humidity in Cape Town is low, so while the summers are hot, they aren’t too muggy. Wintertime, however is chilly with the ocean winds blowing in from the southeast. The best times to visit are the months of October and November. Springtime in South Africa, or from December to February when the days are at their longest and warmest. Winter from June to August tends to be rainy and cold.
Plugs: Most plugs in South Africa re 2-prong or 3-prong in type C,D,M, and N. Pack an adapter or be prepared to buy one in Cape Town. The voltage is 230V and standard frequency is 50Hz. You may also need to buy a converter if you are using an appliance requiring more voltage.
Safety: Cape Town is one of the safer cities in South Africa, but there are still petty crimes. Be sure to lock your valuables and keep important belongings in your personal safe.
Time Zone: GMT +2
Calling Code: +27 21
Weather
Cape Town has four seasons although they are not as distinct as northern destinations. The city has a Mediterranean climate, summers are dry and not too hot, and winters are rainy, but mild. The temperatures occur in February when it can reach the mid-80s°F.The coolest temperatures occur in July when temperatures are typically in the mid- -50s°F. June is usually the wettest month with around 14 Days of rain.
Cape Town is famous for its strong winds. Today, they are good for kitesurfing. Hundreds of years ago they were the cause of many historic shipwrecks.
Cape Town Neighborhoods to Know
City Bowl
Nestled in a natural depression between the coast, Table Mountain and Signal Hill, City Bowl is the heart of Cape Town. It is home to the central business district, impressive municipal buildings, and several of Cape Town’s oldest and most Insta-worthy streets. There is the well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture on Long Street, the colored houses lining the hills of the bo-Kaap, and the V&A where you can paddleboard on canals winding through the bustling waterfront district.
Atlantic Seaboard
Informally called Cape Town’s Riviera, the Atlantic Seaboard is a string of oceanfront communities on Cape Town’s west coast. This is where one finds the fanciest hotels (mostly boutique properties although there are chains like Radisson), high-rise luxury condos for rent, and of course the eye-catching mansions belonging to Cape Town’s elite. Each community, centered around a beach, has its own character from the Uber posh Camp’s Bay to the fishing village vibes of Hout Bay.
Woodstock
Woodstock is technically a part of City Bowl is like Cape Town’s answer to Williamsburg in Brooklyn. If you are interested in art, theater or anything hipsters like, this former industrial area is a destination in itself. It is still a little rough around the edges, and you probably shouldn’t wander the streets alone at night, but it is not to be missed.
Things to Do in Cape Town
Surf at Muizenberg
Muizenberg is a surfing community about 40 minutes from Cape Town, famous for its historic colorful changing houses. Also, it boasts great beginner waves all day every day. While there are a number of surf schools in Muizenberg.
If you are staying in Cape Town it is worth to go with a mobile school like Stoked Surf School which includes roundtrip transportation.
See the penguins at Boulder Beach
Recognized as the only place where you can get close to African penguins in the wild, Boulder Beach is a must if you find yourself on the False Bay side of Cape Town. For small entrance fee, visitors can observe the comings and goings of the colony who live on this white sand beach named for its truck-sized boulders. It is also possible to swim with the penguins, but be forewarned the water is frigid.
Hike in Table Mountain National Park
The Table Mountain is the most famous landmark in South Africa and the namesake for this sprawling national park stretching from the city all the way down the cape peninsula to include the southernmost point of Africa. In addition to striking geological formations, it is home to incredible bio-diversity including distinct vegetation not found anywhere else in the world. Hike one of many trails to the top of Table Mountain (3,563 ft.) or ride the cable car to the top where even more trails converge and offer panoramic views for miles.
Visit Robben Island
Located in Table Bay, visible from almost anywhere in Cape Town, Robben Island looms in the background much like Alcatraz in San Francisco. But this infamous island has 400 years of its own fascinating history. Once occupied by wildlife and indigenous peoples, it was important for trade and hunting during the Age of Exploration before later becoming home to everything from banished convicts to a whaling station and even an insane asylum. Today, it is where visitors can tour the former prison and see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Other attractions of the island include a penguin sanctuary and leper’s graveyard.
Visit the Cape Winelands
In Cape Town’s fertile backyard known as the Winelands, there are hundreds of wine farms growing grapes. Most are within an hour’s drive of the city and are open to the public for tastings and tours. This region, one of the oldest wine regions outside of Europe, is famous for its Pinotage, a bold red wine birthed in South Africa. Even if you don’t drink alcohol , it is a scenic drive through pastoral communities including Stellenbosch, a 350-year-old university town filled with Cape Dutch architecture.
Best Time to Visit Cape Town
Cape Town is a year round destination, however it is best to know the different seasons. The late December through March is summer in South Africa, it is when Cape Town is alive with tourists escaping their own winters back home and locals enjoying the gorgeous weather. It is sunny, dry and warm enough to warrant a dip in the ocean. The city’s social calendar is packed with events, and while prices might be higher during this peak season, at least everything is open.
If you are looking for lower prices and fewer people, visit during the winter, late June through late September. In these winter months, pack a raincoat because winter means wets. If your intentions is to see whales, check out the Hermanus Whale Festival usually held in late September. However, July and August are also considered great months for whale watching.
The shoulder season is equally unforgettable, Spring, September through early December is when the wild flowers are in full bloom. Autumn, late March through early June, is thought to be the best time to go for cage diving with great white sharks.
Best Restaurants in Cape Town
Mojo Market (Food court with local pop-ups)
Mojo Market is Sea Point’s trendy indoor market open seven days a week, here diners can find more than 15 local food stalls and traders. Choose from fresh mussels, artisanal pizza, build your own burritos, sushi and even Cape Town’s only macaroni and cheese joint. While there is live music every night and plenty of TVs, the best entertainment here is people watching.
Mzansi Restaurant (African)
Mzansi Restaurant is a popular African restaurant ranked #1 on TripAdvisor out of nearly 1,000 restaurants in Cape Town Central. Food is served buffet style with signature dishes being flavorful plays on traditional Xhosa meals. While the restaurant serves specialties like chicken feet and sheep’s head (upon request), the restaurant is also vegetarian friendly
Die Strandloper (seafood)
This family owned and operated restaurant is famous in Cape Town for its 10-course seafood lunch or dinner served on the beach. Allow for at least three hours to enjoy everything from smoked angle fish to barbecued mackerel and even kreef, South Africa’s spiny lobster. Reservations at Die Strandloper are required.
Wine Studio (wine pairings)
The One&Only Wine Studio showcases the property’s award-winning wine collection in a unique reserve pairing experience. Head sommelier Luvo Ntezo hosts these exclusive private dinners featuring rare vintages, special guests from local wineries, and even the opportunity to create your own signature blend. Reservations are required.
Café Caprice (contemporary café)
This is the best place to sip a cocktail and watch the sunset in Cape Town is Café Caprice. Open seven days a week, the café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is also the best place to see and be seen in Camps Bay, so dress to impress or at the very least, be impressed.
Where to stay in Cape Town (Best Hotels)
12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
This Five-Star oceanfront property is hard to miss in Cape Town as it is the only building on its stretch of scenic drive to Chapman’s Peak. Each of the hotel’s 70 rooms has either a sweeping view of the 12 Apostles mountain range or the Atlantic Ocean where it is not uncommon to see seals sunning themselves or whale breaching. Between the adjoining spa and the food and drinks served in the fabled Leopard Bar, guests never even have to venture into town.
The President Hotel Cape Town
The President Hotel is a four-star hotel in a quiet residential community of Bantry Bay, just a few blocks from the beach. Dozens of shops and restaurants are within walking distance. The hotel is popular with business travelers and conferences, and is home to a restaurant, spa, salon, gift shop and large outdoor swimming pool.
Rooms are generous in size and include apartments available for long- term stays.
The One&Only
The One&Only Cis one of the top accommodations in Cape Town, the property boasts several swimming pools including the largest infinity pool in the city. This pool is home to two private islands with several suites ideal for families. In terms of other amenities, the Only7Only has a kids club, spa, fitness center, and an array of destination restaurants including Nobu.
Bliss Boutique Hotel
This boutique hotel is a popular choice among couples and honeymooners, with just eight rooms. They are so well-appointed they even feature pillow menus. The property is located along Sunset Beach (with exclusive beach access), 15 minutes north of Cape Town but close enough to have impressive Table Mountain Views.
Facilities at the hotel include private viewing decks, a solar-heated pool and splash pad, and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
La Rose Bed & Breakfast
This budget friendly lodge has nine rooms, each of these rooms is unique, paying homage to different cultures via art and décor collected by the owners on their travelers. The property is located in the eclectic Bi-Kaap, formerly the Cape Malaya quarters, neighborhood.
How to Get Around Cape Town
Trains: Trains in Cape Town exist as the Metrorail, but they are not reliable and also can be unsafe. It is not recommended to ride them alone, especially at night. If you do want to taje one, the most popular line is the South line running to Simon’s Town. Tickets can be purchased at stations or from Metrorail officials with portable ticket machines.
Buses: While there are several local buses and minibuses, basically vans shuttling commuters, the best buses for visitors are the MyCiTi buses. They connect with the airport and serve scheduled stops in high traffic tourist areas. Fairs are loaded onto myconnect cards that can be purchased at station kiosks and select retailers and ATMs. Another option is the City Sightseeing Bus. These Hop-On-Hop-Off buses also make scheduled stops at popular tourists destinations and include commentary in 15 languages. The Red Line covers the northern part of Cape Town, and the Blue Line goes all the way to Hout Bay in the South. You can also purchase the tickets online.
Taxis/Rideshare: Ubers are everywhere in Cape Town. There are reliable, safe and extremely affordable. A 45-minute Uber from downtown Cape Town to a Muizenberg can cost as little as $12. Also, they service the airport. If you have Uber and want to use a traditional taxi, try to use a call a head car service that is verified.
