Cape Town
South Africa, Africa
Where Table Mountain meets two oceans, penguins, and world-class wine.
Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is one of the world's most spectacularly situated cities. It blends stunning natural scenery with a vibrant cultural scene, world-class cuisine, and a complex, fascinating history.
Our honest take
Cape Town is spectacularly beautiful and surprisingly affordable. Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula drive, and Stellenbosch wine country are all world-class. But be aware of safety, stick to tourist areas after dark, don't flash valuables, and use Uber instead of walking at night.
Why go
- Table Mountain views are genuinely breathtaking from every angle
- Wine tasting in Stellenbosch/Franschhoek rivals Napa at a fraction of the price
- Boulders Beach penguins are delightful and unique
Skip if you can
- Robben Island in rough weather, the boat ride is miserable and you can't focus on the tour
- V&A Waterfront restaurants, tourist-priced; eat in Woodstock or Kloof Street instead
- Shark cage diving, ethically questionable and often disappointing visibility
Things to do
Where locals eat
South African barbecue, boerewors (coiled sausage), lamb chops, pap (maize porridge) over wood fire
Mzansi Restaurant in Khayelitsha (township experience, book a tour) or Hout Bay market weekends
Hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. Durban-origin but found everywhere in Cape Town
Eastern Food Bazaar on Darling St (cheap, authentic) or Gatsby takeaway in Athlone
Spiced minced meat baked with egg custard topping. Cape Town comfort food from the Bo-Kaap community
Bo-Kaap Kombuis in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood or Biesmiellah (halal, local institution since 1960s)
Grilled snoek fish basted with apricot jam, uniquely Cape Town, seasonal (winter is best)
Kalky seafood in Kalk Bay harbour or Fish on the Rocks in Hout Bay (cash, queue, worth it)
Costs
Per person, per day on the ground, lodging, food, local transport and activities. Excludes international flights (see Getting there).
Table Mountain cable car: R400 ($22). Wine tasting: R50-150 ($3-8). Meal: R150-300 ($8-16).
Getting there
Where to stay
Central, walkable, Table Mountain views, restaurants
Beach, sundowners, beautiful but isolated without car
Artsy, craft breweries, markets, up-and-coming
Promenade, safe at night, good value, ocean views
Good to know
- Don't walk alone after dark outside tourist areas
- Keep car doors locked and windows up at traffic lights
- Don't leave anything visible in parked cars
- Uber is safe and cheap, use it at night
- Load shedding (power cuts) still happens, carry a power bank
Prices, visa rules, and transport details may change. Always verify with official sources before booking. Last updated: July 2026.
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