Sheltered by the towering bulk of Table Mountain, at the tip of the African continent, Cape Town (Kaapstad) is simply breathtaking. But scenery is not the only reason for visiting "the Mother City". Cape Town has a huge diversity of attractions, history, culture, sports and outdoor activities which draw tourists year round.
Show moreUse this interactive map to explore a huge range of accommodation in Cape Town - all available on Expedia. Click on a hotel to see the hotels in that area.
When to go to Cape Town?
Spring and autumn are best: both are beautiful and each has its attractions. Spring brings wildflowers and whales; autumn is an ideal time to head off on the hiking trails and other land based outdoor activities. It's also the season for the wine harvest. Summer (December to March) is good for visiting the Cape's beaches. These are at their busiest between December and late January (South Africa's main holiday season), so you may prefer to wait until things are quieter (any time from late January onwards). Winter is the rainy season, but can still offer some superb, fine days. It's also worth noting that, at any time of the year, one part of Cape Town can be distinctly cool while another is sweltering: this is a city where, because of terrain and geography, the temperature varies hugely from spot to spot.
Are we there yet?
Cape Town Flight times
From Sydney: around 17 hours.
From Melbourne: around 20 hours.
From Brisbane: around 20 hours.
Cape Town airport to city: 20 minutes (22 km); shuttle services, taxis (Touch Down) and buses operate.
Table Mountain: hike up (around 3 hours; various tracks), or take the cable car; sunset is a special time.
Robben Island prison: now a World Heritage site.
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront: shopping, craft markets, dining and entertainment; there's plenty for children to do here too.
Cape of Good Hope (also called The Cape of Storms): part of Table Mountain National Park. Superb scenery including Cape Point which seems like, but isn't, the most southerly tip of Africa - that's Cape Agulhas, 150 km away.
Simon's Town seaside village: a great place to stroll and explore; Kalk Bay is another.
The beaches: Camp's Bay is the local favourite; Clifton is gorgeous too.
The Cape Town Winelands: beautiful scenery, historic Dutch buildings; Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, Constantia are four favourites.
A Township tour: take an organised one; there are various options.
Historic Greenmarket Square (1696): once a focal point for apartheid protests, now a great place for coffee, people-watching and a visit to the fantastic flea-market.
The District 6 Museum: local apartheid history.
The officially authorised airport taxi service is Touch Down Taxis; it's advisable to use these, rather than others which may be offered on your arrival. Muizenburg and Fish Hoek (Vishoek) on the False Bay coast are good beaches to head to with children or for a day at the seaside. Get there by rail (see below). The commuter train (Metrorail) along False Bay to Simon's Town has a stunningly scenic route: well worth the price of the journey; various seaside towns and villages along the way. False Bay is also the prime whale-watching area (mid-August to mid-October). Cape Town is mostly safe, but take due care, especially when withdrawing money from an ATM or walking in quiet areas at night. If you're driving here, keep your car doors locked. And do a little homework before your visit; forewarned is forearmed. Expect to see children begging. Don't go alone into the Townships; take an organised tour. Cape Town Tourism, corner of Burg and Castle Streets is an excellent place to get on-the-spot advice.
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