{"id":62941,"date":"2024-02-09T16:56:18","date_gmt":"2024-02-10T00:56:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=62941"},"modified":"2025-08-22T11:53:32","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T18:53:32","slug":"cape-town-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/cape-town-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (2024)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cape Town is a beautiful port city located on South Africa\u2019s western cape. Cape Town is the country’s oldest city and is known for its incredible topography. When you arrive you’ll be greeted by a mesmerizing coastline dotted with striking mountain ranges. The city is also known for being a vibrant, modern metropolis that is home to an array of hip, upscale restaurants, bars, hotels, and boutiques.<\/p>\n

A must-visit bucket list destination, you could spend days exploring the city of Cape Town, taking in the cultural melting pot that it is – bar hopping, dining at great restaurants, visiting art galleries, sipping cocktails and swapping stories with travelers from all over the globe. Outside the city, Cape Town offers incredible hiking trails, beautiful beaches, unique road trip destinations, and world-class wineries in the nearby Cape Winelands. <\/p>\n

Cape Town is very affordable (by American standards) which is a huge draw for many travelers. Sun-seekers from around the world flock to Cape Town in the summer months (December – March) to enjoy the incredible weather and live like kings on a modest budget.<\/p>\n

This was my first time visiting South Africa and I fell in love with Cape Town instantly. The city has a very special, vibrant energy and the locals are fun, welcoming, and yes – very attractive<\/em>. <\/p>\n

Based on my experience, here’s my ultimate guide to Cape Town with everything you need to know to have an unforgettable experience in South Africa’s “mother city.”<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"Malawi<\/a><\/p>\n

Where To Stay In Cape Town: The Best Areas, Hotels & Airbnbs<\/h2>\n

The best trips usually start with amazing accommodations. They don’t have to be expensive, but they do have to have a special “wow” factor that makes them memorable.<\/p>\n

On my trip to Cape Town, I was spoiled with staying at some of the best hotels in the city and the Cape Winelands. I also stayed at vacation rentals, and I loved each of these accommodations for different reasons. Before I dive into the details of these, let’s talk about what areas to stay in, especially for a first-time trip to Cape Town.<\/p>\n

The Best Areas To Stay At In Cape Town<\/h3>\n

Cape Town has an array of different neighborhoods to explore, which can also make it challenging to choose the perfect place to stay. Many of the good hotels and vacation rentals can be found along the coastline. Sea Point, Camps Bay, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Green Point, and the downtown city center are all great neighborhoods to stay in while visiting Cape Town.<\/p>\n

Sea Point<\/strong> is the most centralized area, and probably the most ideal spot to stay on a first-time trip to Cape Town. I stayed here for the first two nights of my trip and loved the location.<\/p>\n

Sea Point is a lively, affluent suburb with great beaches that offer tidal pools, kids\u2019 playgrounds, and the Sea Point Promenade, a popular walking route that traces the coastline. Sea Point also offers an array of great restaurants, bars, and shops. During summer (December – March) they often have fun street festivals. There happened to be one going on the day I arrived which was a perfect way to start my trip!<\/p>\n

\"Sea<\/p>\n

Camps Bay<\/strong> is another ideal spot to stay during a trip to Cape Town. I stayed here and loved the peacefulness of feeling slightly removed from the city while having access to everything close by. <\/p>\n

Camps Bay draws crowds to its namesake beach, known for its fine white sand, natural rock swimming pool and views of the beautiful Twelve Apostles mountains. Along the ocean, you’ll find a small promenade mall selling fashion and beachwear, and posh seafood restaurants, cute cafes, and terraced cocktail bars overlooking the ocean.<\/p>\n

\"Camps<\/p>\n

Clifton<\/strong> is the most affluent area of Cape Town. The small, gorgeous neighborhood offers stunning white sand beaches and sweeping views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, paired with Famed Lions Head peak as its backdrop.<\/p>\n

Here you’ll find mansions and luxury hotels perched at the base of Lion’s Head overlooking Clifton Beach which is broken down into four beaches – 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th beach. This is a great area to stay in if you want to take in amazing views and be close to hiking and great beaches while still just a few minutes from town.<\/p>\n

\"Clifton<\/p>\n

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Green Point<\/strong> are right next to each other, situated around the port. This is a busy commercial area, so I chose not to stay here during my trip, but it is a great spot to stay if you want to have easy access to a lot of the city’s amenities. If you’re staying in this area you can easily walk to the Cape Town Stadium, the Tow Oceans Aquarium, and the Cape Town Cruise Terminal<\/a>. <\/p>\n

There are also an array of great restaurants, bars, and hotels in this area. I shared a few of the best hotels below in the hotel section. This is also a great place to go shopping at the V&A Waterfront<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Victoria<\/p>\n

The City Center<\/strong> is Cape Town\u2019s vibrant business and commercial heart and is the place to stay if you want to be in the midst of the action. It offers a mix of chain stores, surf shops, fashion boutiques, parks, gardens, and tons of hotel and dining options from casual pizzerias to upscale bistros.  <\/p>\n

Cape Town locals know how to party<\/strong> and the city center is the place to be if you want walkable access to all the best bars and clubs where you can dance until the sun comes up. <\/p>\n

\"Downtown<\/p>\n

Llandudno<\/strong> is a beautiful seaside suburb just outside of Cape Town. It’s only about a fifteen-minute drive to Sea Point from Llandudno but it feels like a million miles away. Llandudno has access to great hiking and gorgeous beaches, all within walking distance from the community but it doesn’t have much by way of restaurants.<\/p>\n

If you stay in Llandudno, be prepared to drive to nearby Haut Bay or Camps Bay for shops and food. You can catch Ubers from here but sometimes it can take a while to get one. I had to hitchhike once while staying here because the Uber took so long – no joke.<\/p>\n

\"Llandudno,<\/p>\n

Hout Bay<\/strong> is a great area to visit for the day but a little out of the way. They do have some great restaurants. I loved Dunes Beach Restaurant & Bar<\/a> which offers upscale Cape Code vibes, right on the sand with beautiful views, great drinks, and excellent food.<\/p>\n

If you want to escape the city and have an amazing luxury experience I suggest splurging on a stay at Tintswalo Atlantic<\/a> which is just a few minutes from Haut Bay and offers a unique, hidden gem, luxury experience.<\/p>\n

\"Tintswalo<\/p>\n

Where I Stayed In Cape Town<\/h2>\n

These are the hotels and vacation rentals that I stayed at in Cape Town and loved<\/em>. <\/p>\n

Tintswalo Atlantic<\/h3>\n

Boasting an extraordinary location, just a short drive from town yet nestled within Table Mountain National Park, this luxury hideaway is arguably the best hotel in Cape Town.<\/strong> Tintswalo Atlantic<\/a> offers a secluded getaway for guests to enjoy a private beach, an outdoor swimming pool overlooking Hout Bay, impeccable service, and excellent dining and spa offerings.<\/p>\n

Tucked away against a hillside, down a private winding road, it’s a little bit of a trek to get to Tintswalo Atlantic and that is one of the best things about this exclusive 5-star hotel. Once you’ve arrived, you feel like you’ve arrived<\/em>. <\/p>\n

The property is intimate and magical and the staff is incredible. Each of the ten individually decorated bungalows is situated on the water’s edge and offers a private deck, an ocean-view soaking tub, and sparkling views of Hout Bay. A stay at Tintswalo Atlantic<\/a> is well worth the price for the world-class service and amenities you’ll experience.<\/p>\n

Tintswalo goes above and beyond to make guests feel pampered so it’s popular for special occasions and celebrations among both visitors and locals. During your stay you’ll enjoy sunset canap\u00e9s and cocktails, a welcome bottle of wine waiting in your room, a lavish breakfast and other luxury touches. <\/p>\n

I loved everything about my stay at Tintswalo Atlantic<\/a>, especially drifting off to sleep watching moonlight dance across the sparkling bay, while listening to the sound of waves peacefully lapping against the shore. Paradise found.<\/p>\n

\"Tintswalo<\/p>\n

La Cotte Farm<\/h3>\n

You can’t visit Cape Town without wine tasting in the Cape Winelands, and while there are many wonderful hotels to choose from, I highly<\/em> suggest La Cotte Farm<\/a>. Ideally located just outside the small, picturesque town of Franschhoek, La Cotte offers the rural charm of a working wine farm paired with modern-day luxury.<\/p>\n

I spent two blissful days and nights at La Cotte and my only complaint is that it was not long enough. I’ve been all over the world and I generally prefer beach hotels, but La Cotte Farm instantly stole my heart with its unpretentious, yet glamorous style, along with the beauty and peacefulness of the property.<\/p>\n

La Cotte exudes old world meets French countryside luxury. The design of this hotel is impeccable. Every thoughtful detail blends effortlessly together creating a sophisticated, upscale yet welcoming atmosphere.<\/p>\n

I stayed in a pool bungalow and a private pool cottage and both were wonderful. There isn’t a bad room at La Cotte  and you can not beat the gorgeous property landscaped with lush gardens, walking paths, and vineyards set against a mesmerizing mountain backdrop.<\/p>\n

If you’re looking for a special place to have a wedding or celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion, La Cotte Farm<\/a> is the perfect boutique hotel to book in the Cape Winelands.<\/p>\n

\"La<\/p>\n

Camps Bay Retreat<\/h3>\n

Ideally situated overlooking Camps Bay, Camps Bay Retreat<\/a> is an eclectic and charming four-star hotel that offers a mix of traditional ocean-view rooms and small jungle bungalows, tucked away in the forest but still overlooking the sea.<\/p>\n

I loved how unique this property is. It feels like you are on safari, staying in a jungle, but you are across from the ocean with sweeping ocean views. I also loved that this hotel is within walking distance to Camps Bay Promenade where you’ll find great seafood restaurants, bars, and shops. <\/p>\n

I highly suggest booking a room with a private hot tub at Camps Bay Retreat<\/a> to fully relax, unwind, and enjoy this special property.<\/p>\n

\"vanessa<\/p>\n

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Sea Point Airbnb<\/h3>\n

I stayed at this charming Modern 2 Bedroom Condo<\/a> in the heart of Sea Point for the first two nights of my trip. You can’t beat the location of this place and it was stylish, spacious, and spotlessly clean. The check-in process was also easy and the host was very communicative and helpful. It also felt very safe with 24\/7 security. <\/p>\n

I loved that you could walk to the beach and tons of great restaurants, bars, and shops from this condo. My favorite amenity was the rooftop pool area that offers amazing views of Lions Head Mountain on one side and the city and ocean on the other. I would definitely stay here again.<\/p>\n

\"Sea<\/p>\n

Llandudno Airbnb<\/h3>\n

This small, beachside community reminds me a little bit of Malibu. It’s incredibly peaceful and beautiful and has a gorgeous white sandy beach with good waves – there was even a surf contest going on while I was there.<\/p>\n

There are no street lights, restaurants, or shops in Llandudno but the town has some of the most expensive residential properties in South Africa. After staying here for three nights it’s easy to see why. Llandudno is magical. And while the homes here are expensive, it’s possible to find affordable vacation rentals.<\/p>\n

I stayed at the Tranquil Beach Sunset Retreat<\/a> which is a little studio that rents for around $100 a night in high season, and I loved<\/em> it. The studio itself is not fancy but it has sweeping ocean views. I spent days here just staring at the sea being reminded that every day we get to be alive is a gift and how lucky we are to have so many beautiful places like this around the world to discover during our lives.<\/p>\n

\"Llandudno<\/p>\n

The Best Hotels In Cape Town<\/h2>\n

These are 26 of the best hotels in Cape Town<\/strong>. I’ve organized them by luxury, mid-range and budget to help you choose the best hotel for you and your group.<\/p>\n

Best Luxury Cape Town Hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n