If you’re planning a trip to the stunning coastal city of South Africa, Cape Town, you’re in for a treat. This is where the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean meet the iconic Table Mountain, creating a breathtakingly beautiful skyline. With its rich history, diverse culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine, Cape Town is a must-visit destination for any traveller.
In this Cape Town Travel Guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan your perfect Cape Town Tours. So buckle up and get ready to explore Cape Town like a local!

The Best Time to Visit Cape Town
With a Mediterranean climate, Cape Town experiences warm summers and mild winters, making it an attractive destination for travellers throughout the year. Nevertheless, the Best Time To Visit Cape Town is ideally between late January and April.
Seasons | Temperatures (Approx.) | Advantages |
Summer (Dec to Feb) | 25°C (77°F) | peak tourist seasonideal for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts |
Autumn ( Mar to May) | 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F) | great time for whale watchingFewer Crowds |
Winter (June to Aug) | 11°C (52°F) and 20°c (68°F) | The best time for shark cage diving |
Spring (Sep to Nov) | 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F) | great time to hikestunning views |
Getting to Cape Town
So, How To Get To Cape Town? There are several ways to get to Cape Town, depending on the destination that you’re coming from and your budget. Subsequently, look at the options below:
- By air: The most convenient way to get to Cape Town is without a doubt by air. Cape Town International Airport is the second busiest airport in South Africa and serves several domestic and international airlines.
Direct flights to Cape Town are available from major cities around the world, including London, Amsterdam, Dubai, and New York. The airport is located approximately 20km (12 miles) from the city center. Taxis and car rental services are also available for transport to your accommodation.
- By Road: Driving to Cape Town can be a great option if you’re already in South Africa. The city is connected to major cities such as Johannesburg and Durban via well-maintained highways.
The journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town takes around 14 hours, while the drive from Durban to Cape Town takes around 17 hours. There are also several scenic routes to Cape Town, including the Garden Route, which is a popular tourist destination in itself.
- By train: If you’re looking for a more leisurely way to get to Cape Town, then taking a train can be an option. The luxury Blue Train operates a service from Pretoria to Cape Town, which takes approximately 27 hours and offers a luxurious onboard experience.

Top Attractions in Cape Town
Cape Town is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery. From Table Mountain to Robben Island, there are plenty of top attractions in Cape Town to explore.

- Table Mountain: Table Mountain is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in Cape Town. This flat-topped mountain is a World Heritage Site and offers spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas. You can hike to the top of the mountain or take a cable car.
- Robben Island: Robben Island is another must-visit attraction in Cape Town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This small island is located approximately 7km from the city centre. It was once used as a prison where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held.
- Cape Point: Cape Point is located at the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula. Also, it is a nature reserve that offers spectacular views of the ocean and coastline.
Visitors can hike to the top of the point and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding areas. You can also spot wildlife such as baboons, ostriches, and antelopes in the reserve.
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden located on the slopes of Table Mountain. The garden is home to various indigenous plants and is a popular spot for picnics, concerts, and events as well. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the garden and take in the beautiful scenery too.
- Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront: The V&A Waterfront is a bustling shopping and entertainment district at the foot of Table Mountain. This is one of the popular Cape Town Destinations and offers a range of activities such as shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as boat trips to nearby islands.
- Bo-Kaap: Bo-Kaap is a vibrant neighbourhood located in the city centre of Cape Town. Certainly, this is known for its brightly coloured houses and rich history, dating back to the 18th century. Visitors can take a walking tour of the neighborhood and learn about its culture and history.
- District Six Museum: The District Six Museum is located in the heart of Cape Town. It tells the story of the forced removals that occurred in the area during the apartheid era. The museum offers exhibitions, photographs, and oral histories, and it’s a powerful reminder of South Africa’s past.
- Boulders Beach: Boulders Beach is located in Simon’s Town, approximately 45 minutes from Cape Town. It is famous for its resident penguin colony. And, visitors can walk along the beach and observe the penguins in their natural habitat.
Food and Drink in Cape Town
Cape Town is a diverse and vibrant city with a rich culinary scene, offering a variety of local and international cuisines. Here are three popular food and drink options in Cape Town:

- Cape Malay cuisine: Cape Malay cuisine is a fusion of South African, Malaysian, and Indonesian flavours. Some popular dishes include:
- Bobotie – a spicy minced meat dish with an egg-based topping
- Bredie – a slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew
- Samosas – a deep-fried pastry with savoury fillings.
- Seafood: Cape Town is located on the coast, making seafood a popular and delicious option. Some popular seafood dishes include snoek (a type of fish), calamari, and prawns. You can also find many seafood restaurants in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront area or the Kalk Bay fishing village.
- Drinks (Wine): Cape Town is also famous for its wine, particularly its red wines like Pinotage and Shiraz. The Cape Winelands is just outside of Cape Town and is a popular destination for Cape Town Wine Tours.
Some popular wine estates in the area include Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. You can also find many wine bars and restaurants in Cape Town that offer a variety of local and international wines.
Some popular foods that must-to try during Cape Town Tours.
Foods In Cape Town | Descriptions |
Braai | South Africa’s version of a barbecue. The meat is cooked over an open flame and served with sides like pap, a type of porridge. |
Bobotie | Made with spiced minced meat and topped with a custard-like topping. It is a flavorful and hearty meal. |
Bunny Chow | A popular street food in Durban. It is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. |
Cape Malay Curry | A fusion of African and Southeast Asian flavours. Cape Malay curry is a must-try dish in Cape Town. |
Biltong | It is a popular snack in South Africa made from dried and cured meat. |
Activities to Do in Cape Town
With such a diverse landscape, there is no shortage of Activities To Do In Cape Town. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or a peaceful hike, for example, below are some top outdoor activities to take part in.

- Hiking: Cape Town is a hiker’s paradise, offering some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the world. Table Mountain is a must-visit for any hiker, with its numerous trails offering spectacular views of the city, ocean, and mountains.
Other popular hiking spots include Lion’s Head, which offers panoramic views of the city. Furthermore, the picturesque Silvermine Nature Reserve has several hiking trails for all levels.
- Beaches: With over 30 beaches in Cape Town, there’s a beach for everyone. The beaches range from bustling and vibrant to secluded and serene.
For those seeking a lively atmosphere, Camps Bay and Clifton Beach are popular choices, while Llandudno Beach and Noordhoek Beach offer more tranquillity and seclusion.
- Surfing: Cape Town’s long coastline and consistent waves make it a surfer’s paradise. Muizenberg Beach is a popular surfing spot, known for its gentle waves and beginner-friendly surf schools. For more experienced surfers, Long Beach and Big Bay offer larger swells and challenging breaks.
- Paragliding: For those seeking a thrill, paragliding is a popular activity in Cape Town. Signal Hill and Lion’s Head offer stunning views and exhilarating flights, with experienced instructors offering tandem flights for beginners.
- Shark Cage Diving: For the brave and adventurous, shark cage diving is a thrilling activity in Cape Town. Gansbaai, a coastal town a few hours from Cape Town, is known for its great white shark population and offers cage-diving experiences for those who want to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.
Shopping in Cape Town
Cape Town is a vibrant city with a diverse range of shopping options. From luxury boutiques to local markets, Shopping in Cape Town is a wonderful experience for everyone. For example, here are some popular shopping areas in Cape Town:

- V&A Waterfront: This is one of the most popular shopping areas in Cape Town. It is located on the harbour with stunning views of Table Mountain. It offers a variety of shops, ranging from high-end brands to local craft stalls, as well as numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars.
- Canal Walk Shopping Centre: This is the largest shopping centre in Cape Town, with over 400 stores and a variety of entertainment options, including a cinema and an ice rink.
- Long Street: This is the perfect place to shop for unique, handmade souvenirs and gifts. It’s a vibrant street in the city centre with a variety of stores, cafes, and bars.
- Greenmarket Square: This is a historic square in the heart of Cape Town. Here, you can find an array of African crafts, jewellery, and textiles. It’s also a great place to people-watch and soak up the local atmosphere.
- Cavendish Square: This shopping centre is located in the upmarket suburb of Claremont and offers a variety of high-end stores, as well as restaurants and a cinema.
Apart from these popular shopping areas, Cape Town has several local markets that are worth checking out.
Safety in Cape Town
Cape Town is a beautiful city with a rich culture, but like any major city, safety can be a concern. Meanwhile, here are some safety tips to keep in mind while on your visiting Cape Town Tours:

- Always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in quiet or poorly-lit areas.
- It’s always best to use a reputable taxi or ride-sharing service when travelling around the city. Avoid hailing taxis on the street, especially at night.
- Keep your valuables out of sight, especially when walking in busy areas. Don’t wear expensive jewellery or flash cash around.
- Try to avoid carrying too much cash with you. Use credit cards or withdraw money from ATMs located in well-lit and busy areas.
- Stay away from demonstrations and protests: If you come across a demonstration or protest, it’s best to stay away from the area.
- Don’t leave your belongings unattended, especially in public areas like restaurants or cafes.
Unveil Cape Town’s Magic – Your Ultimate Travel Guide!
On the whole, Cape Town is a city full of beauty, culture, and adventure. From the iconic Table Mountain to the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
To truly understand the rich history and diversity of Cape Town, Plan your Cape Town Tours with Cape Archives Tours. Furthermore, our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through time, sharing fascinating stories and insights into the city’s past and present. So, come with us and discover the wonders of Cape Town for yourself!