Plan Your Trip to Cape Town: Best of Cape Town Tourism
Explore Cape Town
Essential Cape Town
Things to do
Food & drink
Browse collections
Trending in the forums
Cape Town Is Great For
Magical wildlife encounters
Escape-from-it-all nature outings
A wine-lover's escape
Cape Town travel advice
Popular Areas for Accommodation
According to forum posts, popular areas for accommodation in Cape Town include the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, and Sea Point. These areas are favored for their safety, proximity to the beach, and abundant dining options.
Accommodation Features
Some travelers have highlighted that Camps Bay offers scenic beachfront views and has a variety of restaurants, making it an appealing option for those looking to stay near the ocean. The V&A Waterfront is particularly recommended for its safety and the large number of restaurants within walking distance, though it is noted to be more expensive.
Safety and Accessibility
Travelers have called out the V&A Waterfront and Sea Point for being safe and well-policed, especially at night, which is an important consideration for those planning to explore the city during evening hours. These areas also provide good connectivity to major attractions via public transport or walking.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Day Planning
According to forum posts, a recommended Day 1 in Cape Town could include visiting Table Mountain early in the morning, followed by exploring the city bowl and Kirstenbosch Gardens. Day 2 might include a trip to Cape Point, a visit to Boulders Beach in Simon's Town, and a drive through Chapman's Peak.
Activities and Tours
Forum users suggest incorporating a Robben Island ferry tour and potentially allocating a day for this due to its dependency on weather conditions. Another suggested activity is a walking tour in Cape Town’s historical city center or Bo-Kaap.
Dining and Local Cuisine
Travelers have called out local dining experiences as a must, suggesting places like the V&A Waterfront for dinner, which offers a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of dining options. Biesmiellah is frequently recommended for authentic Cape Malay cuisine.
Alternative Itinerary Options
For a condensed visit, some travelers recommended the Hop-On Hop-Off (HoHo) bus tour for a comprehensive yet flexible sightseeing experience, ideal for those with limited time.
Wine and Nature
For wine enthusiasts, visiting nearby vineyards in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek has been recommended, with options like Delaire Graff and Klein Constantia being highlighted for their exceptional offerings.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Private Tour Guides
Some travelers recommended ToursByLocals for private tours in Cape Town, highlighting guides like Iggy and Daniel for personalized experiences. Another recommendation was Barnabas for all-day tours to the penguins and the Cape of Good Hope, praised for his exceptional guidance.
Specialized Tours
For family-oriented tours, Cape Adventure Zone was suggested for tailored itineraries that make tours educational and fun for children. Cape Fusion Tours was recommended for their private food tours and Cape Peninsula tours, offering a blend of cultural and historical insights.
Self-Guided Options
Several users mentioned that no tour guide is needed for Table Mountain and Robben Island, advising them to use online platforms to purchase tickets and plan visits accordingly. This allows for flexibility and ease of access without the need for guided tour services.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Popular Choices
Some travelers recommended The Black Sheep on Kloof Street for dinner and Kleinskys on Regent Road, Sea Point for breakfast or lunch. The Pot Luck Club was also highlighted for its exceptional food and unique cocktails like the Thai green curry martini.
High-End Dining
For fine dining, forum users praised La Colombe in Constantia and Chefs Warehouse at the Bailey on Bree Street. These restaurants are noted for their atmosphere and high-quality meals, making them suitable for food enthusiasts looking to experience Cape Town's upscale culinary scene.
Local Favorites
Marcos African Place was mentioned as a good spot for African food and cultural entertainment. Baia, located at the waterfront, was another favorite, particularly recommended by former business travelers for its seafood.
Casual and Vibrant
For a less formal but lively dining experience, Kloof Street House and Tiger’s Milk across Cape Town were suggested. These places are known for their great vibe and good food, suitable for a fun night out.
Unique Recommendations
For those interested in Cape Malay cuisine, Biesmiellah was mentioned as a place that previously offered a great dining experience, though recent reviews are mixed.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Availability and Hours
Some travelers have noted that Avis at Cape Town Airport operates 24 hours a day, ensuring flexibility for pickups and returns regardless of flight times. This can be particularly convenient for late arrivals or early departures.
Company Recommendations
Travelers often discuss various rental companies available at Cape Town Airport. Avis is frequently mentioned for its reliability and the additional benefits of booking through certain partnerships, like with airlines, which can offer better deals or rewards. Other companies such as First and Tempest (now part of Europcar) are also recommended for their service quality.
General Advice
According to forum posts, while experiences with car rental companies can vary, many users advise purchasing full insurance with no excess to avoid disputes over damages and to ensure peace of mind during the rental period.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Seasonal Decorations and Atmosphere
According to forum posts, Cape Town celebrates Christmas with decorations and carol events under the summer sky, although the commercial aspect starts later, around October. Travelers have noted that while street lights and municipal Christmas trees are rare due to costs, shops and malls do exhibit festive decorations and play holiday music.
Entertainment and Activities
Some travelers said that Cape Town offers various seasonal activities such as carols by candlelight events, which are popular during the Christmas season. Despite the laid-back approach compared to the Northern hemisphere, Christmas is still celebrated as a significant, primarily family-oriented and religious festival.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Booking Tickets
According to forum posts, it is advisable to pre-book tickets for the Table Mountain cable car to avoid long queues. Tickets can be purchased through the official website (https://www.tablemountain.net/).
Timing and Weather
Some travelers have noted that the cable car operation is weather-dependent, with high winds possibly leading to closures. It's recommended to visit early in your trip to accommodate potential changes due to weather.
Transport Options
Travelers have mentioned that you can access Table Mountain via the HOHO (Hop On Hop Off) bus, which also allows ticket purchases for the mountain. Additionally, Uber is a feasible option for reaching the cable car station.
Descent Options
For those interested in hiking, descending from Table Mountain to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is possible. This route is about 6km and takes roughly 1.5 hours, depending on fitness levels and weather conditions.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Outdoor Activities
Many travelers recommend hiking Table Mountain and Lions Head as popular activities for honeymooners in Cape Town, offering scenic views and adventure. Safety concerns like muggings have been mentioned, so it's advised to hike in groups, especially on busy trails.
Wildlife and Marine Life Encounters
Honeymooners often enjoy visiting Simons Town for penguin viewing at the beach and going seal snorkeling in Hout Bay. Gansbaai Shark Diving is also highlighted as an exciting experience for adventurous couples.
Historical Tours
Visiting Robben Island, known for its historical significance, is frequently mentioned as a must-do activity for couples interested in history and culture.
Vineyard Visits
Travelers have pointed out that spending time in the wine region of Franschhoek, including riding the wine tram and visiting vineyards, is a romantic and enjoyable experience for honeymooners.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?