Cape Town
Cape Town is a vibrant port city on the southwestern coast of South Africa, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage, and pivotal role in the country’s history. Nestled between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, it is one of the most iconic and visited destinations in Africa. Often called the “Mother City”, Cape Town was the first European settlement in South Africa and has long served as a key maritime hub at the crossroads of East and West. Its neighborhoods reflect a rich mix of Dutch, British, Malay, African, and Indian influences, seen in its architecture, food, and traditions. Today, Cape Town blends colonial-era charm with modern urban energy, offering everything from world-class cuisine and vibrant street life to wildlife encounters and scenic coastal drives — all just minutes from the bustling port.
💡Cape Town: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: South Africa offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to many nationalities, including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand for stays up to 90 days. Always check the latest entry rules before travel.
✈️ Closest Airport: Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
💬 Language: English is widely spoken. South Africa has 11 official languages, including Afrikaans and Xhosa, but tourists will find English used in all services.
🏷️ Price Level: Affordable to mid-range — Cape Town offers excellent value compared to Western Europe or North America.
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69/ South Africa: US$2.46
💰 Currency: South African Rand (ZAR) | 1 USD ≈ 18–19 ZAR
☀️ Best Times to Visit: November to March – Warm, dry summer months; ideal for beaches, hiking, and vineyards.
🚘 Transportation: Taxis are expensive and often unreliable — use Uber or Bolt (ride-hailing apps). Walking is safe in certain areas like the V&A Waterfront, but avoid isolated streets at night.
🔌 Adapter: South Africa uses Type M plugs (three round pins, 220V). Travelers from the US, UK, or EU will need an adapter.
🛜 WiFi: Free and fast WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, and public areas like the Waterfront.
🏧💰ATM and “Cash or Card”: Credit cards are widely accepted, but always carry some cash for markets, small shops, or tips. ATMs are common — use ones attached to banks for safety.
💸 Tipping: A 10% tip in restaurants is acceptable for good service – or more if you consider the service to have been exceptional.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002, South Africa (docked)
✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ In Cape Town, getting around is fairly convenient with a mix of public transport, ride-hailing apps, and walking in key areas. The MyCiTi Bus is the most reliable public transport option, offering clean, safe, and affordable service between the airport, city center, Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and other major spots. You’ll need a MyCiTi card to ride, which can be purchased and topped up at stations. For more flexibility, Uber and Bolt are widely used and generally safer than local minibus taxis. In central areas like the V&A Waterfront or City Bowl, walking is a pleasant way to explore, especially during the day.
✈️ Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is located about 20 km (12 miles) from the city center. The most convenient and reliable way to reach downtown is by Uber or Bolt, with fares typically ranging from ZAR 180–300 (US$10–16) depending on traffic and time of day. The ride takes around 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, the MyCiTi Airport Shuttle offers a safe and affordable public transport option. It runs between the airport and Civic Centre station in the city every 20–30 minutes, taking about 30 minutes and costing roughly ZAR 100 (US$5.50). Taxis are available but more expensive and less commonly used by locals.
🚇 The Port of Cape Town is located close to the V&A Waterfront, one of the city's top attractions and a central hub for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. From the cruise terminal, it's just a 5–10 minute taxi or Uber ride to the city center and major landmarks like Long Street, Bo-Kaap, and Table Mountain's lower cable station. You can also walk to the V&A Waterfront in about 15–20 minutes, depending on your ship’s docking point. For comfort and convenience, especially in unfamiliar areas, ride-hailing is the recommended option.
🚌 City Sightseeing Cape Town operates two routes covering the immediate city as well as further destinations around town (more info here).
⭐️ Top Sights in Cape Town
"Cape Town is Home to Almost 7000 Endemic Plant Species."
📸 Table Mountain: Cape Town’s most iconic natural landmark towers over the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, cityscape, and beyond. You can take the rotating cable car to the summit or hike up via several scenic trails like Platteklip Gorge or India Venster (more advanced). Try to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and before the "tablecloth" (low-lying cloud cover) rolls over the peak — weather changes quickly!
📸 Robben Island: This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a maximum-security prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in captivity. Ferries depart from the V&A Waterfront, and tours are led by former political prisoners who offer firsthand accounts of apartheid-era South Africa. It’s both powerful and humbling — a must-do for history buffs. It is recommended to reserve tickets as they sell out on a regular basis.
📸 V&A Waterfront: One of the city’s most popular areas for visitors, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is packed with restaurants, shops, museums, and lively street performers. It’s also the launch point for Robben Island tours and home to attractions like the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz MOCAA (contemporary African art museum), and The Watershed (local crafts and design market).
📸 Greenmarket Square: Greenmarket Square, one of Cape Town’s oldest public spaces, is a lively hub in the city center where history and culture meet. Surrounded by beautiful old buildings, the cobblestone square is famous for its bustling daily market, where vendors sell African crafts, artworks, jewelry, textiles, and curios. Street performers and musicians often add to the vibrant atmosphere, making it a favorite stop for both locals and visitors.
📸 Bo-Kaap: A historic neighborhood known for its vibrant, colorful houses, cobbled streets, and rich Cape Malay heritage. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, try local dishes like bobotie or samoosas, and take a walking tour to learn about the community's roots and role in South African history. A feast for the eyes and the palate.
📸 Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope (Day Trip): A must-do day trip from Cape Town, this journey along the Cape Peninsula offers some of South Africa’s most dramatic coastal scenery. Highlights often include Chapman’s Peak Drive, the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay, Boulders Beach to see African penguins, and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where you can hike, spot wildlife, and stand at the edge of two oceans.
📸 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: Located on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, this is one of the world’s great botanical gardens, showcasing South Africa’s unique fynbos vegetation. Wander through themed gardens, stroll the elevated Boomslang Canopy Walkway, and, if you're lucky, catch a sunset concert on the lawn.
📸 District Six Museum: A deeply moving museum documenting the forced removals of over 60,000 residents during apartheid. Through photographs, stories, and exhibits, it honors a once-thriving, multicultural community. Essential for those seeking to understand Cape Town’s complex past and the enduring effects of apartheid.
📸 Company’s Garden & Iziko Museums: This tranquil park in the heart of the city was originally a vegetable garden for Dutch settlers in the 1600s. Today, it’s surrounded by important institutions like the South African Museum, Iziko National Gallery, Parliament, and St. George’s Cathedral. Great for a cultural afternoon or relaxed picnic under the trees.
📸 Camps Bay & Clifton Beaches: Stunning, postcard-worthy beaches just minutes from the city. Clifton offers four small, sheltered coves ideal for sunbathing, while Camps Bay features a wide sandy beach backed by cafes, restaurants, and the Twelve Apostles mountains. Perfect for sunseekers, sunset lovers, or a cocktail hour with a view.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Cape Town is a true culinary melting pot, where African, Malay, Indian, Dutch, and British influences converge to create one of the most diverse food scenes in the world. Thanks to its long and layered history, the city’s cuisine reflects both indigenous traditions and colonial legacies, with strong flavors, bold spices, and comforting textures at its core. You’ll find everything from Cape Malay curries and Indian street food to Afrikaans-style baking and British-influenced roasts. Local food is often best enjoyed in informal settings — whether it’s a street-side takeaway, a bustling food market, or a family-style braai (barbecue).
🍽️ Bobotie: A Cape Malay classic — spiced minced meat baked with an egg custard topping, often served with yellow rice, chutney, and sambals. It's South Africa’s unofficial national dish, blending sweet and savory elements in a comforting, home-cooked style.
🍽️ Bunny Chow: Originally from Durban’s Indian community, but now popular across South Africa. A hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with fragrant, spicy curry — messy and delicious. It’s a beloved street food that’s as filling as it is flavorful, and often eaten with your hands.
🍽️ Gatsby: Cape Town’s ultimate street food indulgence. This giant sandwich is usually stuffed with steak or chicken, slap chips (soggy fries), sauces, and salad. Every neighborhood has its own favorite spot for a Gatsby, and locals love debating which one reigns supreme.
🍽️ Braai (BBQ): More than a meal — it’s a cultural ritual. Meats like boerewors (sausage), lamb chops, chicken, and snoek are grilled over wood or charcoal, often accompanied by pap (maize porridge), chakalaka, and salads. A braai is about community and togetherness, and you'll find locals hosting one on weekends and public holidays.
🍽️ Snoek: A local oily fish that’s commonly smoked or grilled at markets and braais. Best enjoyed with apricot jam glaze or garlic butter. It’s especially popular during the snoek fishing season and is known for its rich, slightly salty flavor.
🍽️ Malva Pudding: A sweet, sticky, caramelized sponge dessert made with apricot jam and served hot with custard or ice cream. It’s a staple on many South African restaurant menus, particularly in the winter months.
🥤 Rooibos Tea: A naturally caffeine-free red herbal tea grown only in South Africa’s Cederberg region. Earthy, smooth, and often enjoyed with milk or honey. It’s also praised for its health benefits, being rich in antioxidants and gentle on the stomach.
🥤 South African Wine: Cape Town is surrounded by world-renowned wine regions like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Constantia — all easy day trips from the city. Don’t miss local varietals like Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and MCC (Méthode Cap Classique), South Africa’s version of sparkling wine. Many wine estates also offer gourmet dining and scenic views.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🚕 Uber