Cape Town
Page under construction
Stunning mountain views, gorgeous beaches, and a relaxed coastal vibe. We completely fell in love with Cape Town after spending a month there in Jan 2025.
You can soak up the sun on Clifton’s sandy shores or watch surfers catch waves at Muizenberg. If you love the outdoors, there’s plenty to do—from hiking up Table Mountain to cycling CHapman’s Peak Drive.
When it’s time to eat, you’ll find a lively food scene that blends local Cape Malay, African, and global flavours in delicious ways. Above all, the people here are warm and friendly, making it easy to feel at home wherever you go.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for updates on new articles and recommendations.
Guides | Where to stay | When to visit | Getting around | Climate | Restaurants | Coffee
Where To Stay
The ideal place to stay is in Seapoint, especially on the southern part. You have easy access to the city, a stunning promenade to walk and run along and you can also get to the beach areas of Clifton and Camp’s Bay easily as well as Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. There are tonnes of cafes, restaurants and bars and the vibe is very safe (for Cape Town standards). If not Seapoint, then Greenpoint is your next best option.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Cape Town really depends on what you’re after! If you want hot, sunny weather and a lively atmosphere, go between November and March—perfect for beaches, hikes, and wine country, but it’s also the busiest and most expensive time.
If you prefer fewer crowds and better deals, April to May is a great sweet spot with lovely weather.
June to September is cooler and a bit rainy, but it’s whale-watching season, and safaris are amazing then. If you’re into wildflowers and hiking, September to October is perfect.
Getting Around Cape Town
Cape Town is pretty spread out, so getting around efficiently takes a bit of planning. Hiring a car is hands-down the best way to explore, especially if you’re planning day trips to places like the Cape Winelands, Cape Point, or even just getting around different beaches. Parking is generally easy to find, and the roads are well-maintained.
That said, if you don’t want to drive, Uber is super cheap, reliable, and quick. We used it a lot, and cars always arrived within minutes, making it an easy and safe way to get around.
Cape Town isn’t really a place where you just wander around on foot, especially at night. Some areas feel safe during the day, but distances between places can be long, and some neighborhoods aren’t pedestrian-friendly.
There’s also the MyCiTi Bus, which is the city’s public transport system. It’s affordable and covers most major areas, including the airport, city center, and beaches like Camps Bay. We didn’t end up using it, but it’s supposed to be a decent option if you’re looking for budget-friendly transport.
Cape Town Climate: What to Expect
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, meaning hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The weather can be very unpredictable. You might get sunshine, wind, and rain all in one day!
Summer (Nov–March): Hot, sunny, and dry with temps around 25–30°C (77–86°F). It’s not very humid, so even on hot days, it doesn’t feel sticky. That said, evenings can get surprisingly chilly, so always bring a light layer. The famous Cape Doctor (strong southeast wind) can also make things feel cooler some days.
Autumn (April–May): Still warm but cooling down. Fewer crowds, beautiful colours in the vineyards, and calmer weather.
Winter (June–August): Cool and rainy, with temperatures between 10–18°C (50–64°F). It’s the best time for whale watching and great for cosy wine tastings, but you’ll get some gloomy, wet days.
Spring (Sept-Oct): Mild temperatures, some wind, and the West Coast wildflowers are in full bloom.
Cape Town is not a very humid place, so the heat feels manageable, but the wind can make it feel much cooler than expected. Even in summer, you’ll want to carry a layer with you most of the time, especially if you’re out for the evening.
Things to Do in Cape Town
Cape Town is a dream for anyone who loves being active and outdoors. Whether it’s hiking up Table Mountain or Lion’s Head, surfing in Muizenberg, or just enjoying the endless beaches, the city is built for adventure. There’s also a strong digital nomad scene, with plenty of coffee shops and co-working spaces that make it easy to settle in for a while. Eating out is surprisingly affordable, with everything from casual food markets to world-class fine dining at a fraction of what you’d pay in Europe. And of course, the Cape Winelands are just an hour away, offering stunning vineyards and long, lazy wine lunches.
Beyond the city, a day trip down the Cape Peninsula is a must—it’s an incredible drive with stops at places like Chapman’s Peak, Boulders Beach (penguins!), and Cape Point. If you have more time, the Garden Route is one of the most beautiful road trips in the world, packed with beaches, forests, and wildlife.
We have a more detailed guide about things to do in Cape Town here (coming very soon)
If you want our top 10 recommendations, here they are:
Hike Lion’s Head (sunrise or sunset would be ideal), Chapman’s Peak and Table Mountain (but take Skeleton Gorge instead of Plateklip Gorge)
Do two food tours, one in the city bowl and one in Langa
Book some good restaurants (see our list below)
See some live music (pick a reggae night) at Mojo Market in Sea Point
Go to Neighbourgoods market in The Old Biscuit Mill
First Thursdays - A great way to experience some art and nightlife in the city
Cold plunges in the tidal pools, our favourite was Saunders’ Rocks which is at the bottom of Seapoint promenade (a great place to go for a run)
Beaches, of course, Clifton 4th was our favourite, followed by Camps Bay
Summer concerts at Kirstenbosch are brilliant, you can bring your own food and drinks
Cycle to Hout Bay (or, if you’re able to, to Kalk Bay) via Chapman’s Peak Drive
Restaurants You Have To Eat At
Cape Town has an amazing food scene, with everything from high-end fine dining to casual, affordable spots serving incredible local flavours. Whether you’re after fresh seafood, a perfect steak, or a unique tasting menu, there’s something for everyone. The best part? Eating out is surprisingly affordable, so you can enjoy world-class meals without breaking the bank.
Here are some must-visit restaurants:
Fine Dining & Tasting Menus
Chef’s Warehouse at Tintswalo
La Colombe – One of the best restaurants in the world, located in Constantia’s wine region.
Belly of the Beast
Pot Luck Club
Fyn
Casual & Affordable Eats
Kikis
Kauai - healthy lunch wraps and salads
Our local Paulines (wifi not the best)
Giovanni’s Deli - made to order sandwich and chocolate croissant with coffee (good cappuccino)
Zuney Burger
Bodega ramen
Clarkes
Seafood
The Codfather – No menu, just fresh seafood selected from the counter.
Kalky’s – Super casual but legendary fish and chips in Kalk Bay.
Fish on the Rocks
Wiloughby and Co (Sushi)
Markets
Old Biscuit Mill (neighbourgoods market)
Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Mojo Market
Coffee Shops
Cape Town has a thriving coffee scene, with everything from stylish espresso bars to cosy work-friendly cafés. These are some of the best coffee spots in the city. If you can’t find an independent coffee shop near you, you can check out Plato Coffee or Bootlegger for a good quality chain.
City Bowl
Truth Coffee
Rosetta
Origin
Honest Chocolate
Seapoint / Greenpoint
Ollie’s (Pas Normal Studios) – A minimalist cycling café with excellent coffee and a stylish crowd.
Maggie Lou’s – Laid-back, locally loved spot serving great coffee and food.
Naked – Sleek, modern café with consistently good coffee.
Super Mini – More than just coffee, this is a solid food spot too. Great for remote work with fast 250mbps WiFi.
Pauline’s – A cosy café with a nice workspace atmosphere for getting things done.
Juno – Strong coffee, a cool setup, and blazing-fast WiFi (62.9mbps).
Giovanni’s – More of a deli than a café, but they serve fantastic coffee in a lively setting.
Two Twenty Four – A cool, lesser-known spot worth checking out.
Hout Bay
South Yeaster Bakery – A hidden gem with a great vibe and good WiFi (34.8mbps)—ideal for working.
Deus
Our guide to hiking Lion’s Head, the most stunnign views of Cape Town