Cape Town Stadium, Table Mountain and Lionshead from the air

Cape Town: South Africa's most popular city

Cape Town - probably the most diverse city in Africa or even one of the most diverse in the world. This is where city life meets rugged nature, lively harbor life meets gentle coastal hustle and bustle and a distinctive plant world meets animal companions. Trends emerge here - whether in fashion, art or architecture. The South African metropolis is also home to almost every culture.

Located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, the metropolis, which is one of the largest cities in South Africa, offers a mix of beach and city life. The highlight is Table Bay with its famous Table Mountain, which is part of the Cape Peninsula.

Overall, Cape Town is a city of contrasts, where nature, culture and history come together. Its beauty and diversity make it a unique travel destination that delights adventurers and culture vultures alike. Visitors to Cape Town not only experience an impressive city at the southern end of Africa, but also immerse themselves in a world full of fascinating stories and experiences.

Written by: Dana Leidel Last updated at: September 11, 2024

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Best time to travel


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The best time to travel to Cape Town

The best time to travel to Cape Town is during the summer months between December and March. You can look forward to warm days with temperatures of up to 27 degrees and only a few rain showers. If you want to visit Cape Town for a beach vacation, we recommend traveling to Cape Town in December and January, as the water temperature is at its warmest at up to 20 degrees.

However, Cape Town is not only a fantastic place to visit in the summer months, the other seasons are also ideal for a trip to the metropolis. Spring, from September to December, attracts visitors with pleasant temperatures and is ideal for outdoor activities, a hike up Table Mountain or a visit to the surrounding wineries. There are also far fewer tourists in Cape Town and you can explore the city in a more relaxed and peaceful way.

The South African winter usually lasts from May to September. This is when there are the most rainy days and the average temperature is between 13 and 16 degrees. The months of October and November are spring-like, while April is autumnal and the vineyards, in particular, glow in bright, warm colors. At over 70 percent, humidity is quite high all year round

Overall, it can be said that Cape Town is a beautiful destination all year round. It depends entirely on your individual preferences and interests as to which travel season is most suitable for you.

Sightseeing in Cape Town

Cape Town, with its fascinating blend of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture, offers a multitude of attractions. Here are some of the most impressive places you should not miss in Cape Town.

Table Mountain

One of the city's top sights is first and foremost Table Mountain. As Cape Town's landmark, climbing the imposing mountain is of course an absolute must. Whether you choose to hike up one of the hiking trails or take the cable car for a more relaxed experience - each new meter of altitude you climb gives you an even better view of Cape Town.

Stones with the sea and Table Mountain in the background

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront section of the harbour is a lively place: both the classic harbour business and the promenade with its many shops and restaurants make for a varied excursion. There are also numerous interesting and unusual museums, idyllic green spaces and, further in the centre, the Parliament, which is adorned with bombastic columns. History buffs can take a boat trip to Robben Island (also known as Prison Island) to learn more about Nelson Mandela's imprisonment there.

Blick auf die V&A Waterfront in Kapstadt

Bo-Kaap

The Bo-Kap district is characterised by its pastel-coloured houses. It is mainly inhabited by Cape Malays - the descendants of Asians who immigrated here in the 17th century. The story goes that they wanted to express the bright colours they were forbidden to use during their time as slaves. It's a great place for walking, photography and culinary exploration.

Bunte Häuserfassaden

Culinary delight

Wine lovers are drawn to the Klein Roosboom boutique winery. Located in the former municipality of Durbanville (now the province of Western Cape), the estate produces the most diverse wines. In rustic caves and a family atmosphere, the owners invite you to a special wine tasting with stories about the winery and information about the wine varieties.

The Beerhouse offers the counterpart to this: with no fewer than 99 bottled beers and 22 freshly tapped varieties, all from 13 different countries, beer lovers are in for a treat. This is also a great place to fill your stomach before continuing your pub crawl on Long Street.

Picknickdecke mit Wein, Käse und Brot

Picturesque beaches: Camps Bay and Clifton

If you want to relax on the beach after all the impressions, you have a few options here too. Clifton, for example, is particularly popular: with its four sections of beach separated by rocks, there is something for everyone. Surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery, there is one for relaxing and swimming, one for sporting activities such as beach volleyball and beach tennis and one for surfers. Another of the Clifton beach sections is very popular with same-sex couples.

The "rich and famous" like to hang out at Camps Bay. With striking cliffs behind it and noble villas on the mountains behind, it looks beautifully secluded. However, the street in front of the beach offers more life with snacks and a promenade.

Strand von Camps Bay mit Bergen im Hintergrund und Menschen im Sand

Things to do around Cape Town

All those who are drawn to the great outdoors will feel most at home on the Cape Peninsula: Striking cliffs as far as the eye can see, adventurous coastal roads, partly deserted (riding) beaches, wineries, fur seals, penguin colonies and whale watching - there is pure nature and plenty to discover here. The peninsula, which is around 50 kilometres long, starts at Table Mountain and stretches all the way to False Bay at the Cape of Good Hope.

Luftaufnahme vom Kap der Guten Hoffnung

Cape of Good Hope

For spectacular views, a trip to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point is essential. This is located at the southern end of the Cape Peninsula and has many viewpoints as well as a lighthouse. There are also a number of guided hikes that can last several days and lead up to Table Mountain.

Seelöwen liegen am Strand und auf Felsen

Seal Island

Encounters with locals of a special kind can be found here: Seal Island is the habitat of South African fur seals. A short boat trip from Hout Bay provides an insight into the daily activities of these cute animals.

Sonnenuntergang über dem Hafen von Hout Bay

Hout Bay

You can also pick up souvenirs for your home in the area, namely the African craftsmanship of the Original T Bag Designs organisation in Hout Bay. The treasures are actually made from old tea bags, which are then processed further. These are then turned into beautiful accessories that will remind you of your trip to Africa. In return, it provides the residents with an occupation and an income.

Walflosse schaut aus dem Meer raus

Whale watching

The South African winter is also ideal for whale watching at False Bay. There are several vantage points here that are suitable for the marine spectacle, such as the Smitswinkel Bay Viewpoint.

Langer weißer Sandstrand von Noordhoek Beach

Beaches as far as the eye can see

Noordhoek Beach is surrounded by riding schools that offer rides on the beach - a dream for anyone who wants to experience a completely detached feeling of freedom. Diaz Beach is a quiet and deserted beach. Located on the Cape of Good Hope, this picturesque white sandy beach is hidden in a cosy bay. However, this stretch of sea is not suitable for swimming as the currents are dangerously strong. However, it is a wonderful experience of nature far away from the hustle and bustle!

Zwei Pinguine am Strand

Penguins at Boulders Beachs

Boulders Beach, on the other hand, has to be shared with the cheeky spectacled penguins. Either within Table Mountain National Park or via the Willis Walk circular route, which is separated from the beach by a fence.

Travelling in Cape Town

Mann steht auf einem Fels und schaut auf ein Bergpanorama
Cape Town, wine and the Kruger National Park
South Africa Round Trip | Duration: 12 days
  • Experience the vibrant city of Cape Town
  • Enjoy the wine region
  • Safari in Kruger National Park

from 3.500 € per Person plus flights

Stones with the sea and Table Mountain in the background
South Africa self-drive tour
Along South Africa's picturesque Garden Route | Duration: 14 days
  • Experience the Garden Route
  • Cape Town's city life and beautiful nature
  • Game viewing in the Eastern Cape

from 3.800 € per Person plus flights

Cape Town is simply incomparable! The breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain, the glittering ocean, the V&A Waterfront, the restaurant scene - life is pulsating here. It's a city that sneaks into the hearts of all travelers.

Dana Leidel
Travel Designer

Hotels in Cape Town

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