Cape Town Travel Guide
Neighborhoods, transport, day trips, safety notes, and food—how to plan Cape Town in a practical 2–4 day itinerary.
Why visit
Cape Town is one of the most useful bases in South Africa for culture, food, and day trips. This guide focuses on practical planning: where to stay, how to move around safely, and how to structure 2–4 days.
Best areas to stay
- City Bowl — Central base for sights and dining.
- Sea Point — Seafront promenade; easy access to beaches and cafés.
- Camps Bay — Beach-focused and scenic; more expensive.
Getting around
Ride-hailing is common for point-to-point trips. For day routes like Cape Peninsula, consider a guided tour or rental car if you’re comfortable driving. Avoid leaving items visible in parked cars.
Top things to do
- Build a realistic daily plan (2–3 major activities).
- Start early for popular sights to beat crowds and heat.
- Keep a flexible slot for weather, markets, or museums.
Day trips
- Cape Peninsula — Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point, and penguins at Boulders.
- Winelands — Stellenbosch/Franschhoek tastings and vineyards.
- Hermanus (seasonal) — One of the best land-based whale watching spots.
Safety, scams, and common pitfalls
Like most big cities, use street-smarts: avoid quiet streets late at night, don’t leave belongings unattended, and keep your phone secure in crowded areas.
- Use licensed taxis/ride-hailing when available.
- Keep valuables minimal and close in crowded areas.
- Confirm prices before services (tours, guides, taxis).
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Related reading
Sources & references
We link to primary sources where possible (tourism boards, park authorities, and health agencies).