Travel guide · South Africa
Cape Town: what to see and when to go
Cape Town sits between Table Mountain and the Atlantic, one of the most spectacular city settings on earth. Beaches, vineyards, penguins and the Cape of Good Hope are all within an hour or two, and the food and wine are excellent value.
What to see and do in Cape Town
Table Mountain
Take the cable car or hike up for views over the city and the ocean.
Cape Peninsula
Chapman's Peak Drive, the penguins of Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope.
V&A Waterfront and Robben Island
The harbour, and the prison island where Nelson Mandela was held.
The Winelands
Wine estates in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, under an hour away.
Bo-Kaap and Kirstenbosch
Colourful houses of the Cape Malay quarter, and a world-famous botanical garden.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Oct – Apr.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 13 hr | ≈ €600 · See flights |
| New York | 16 hr, 45 min | ≈ €690 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 21 hr, 15 min | ≈ €790 · See flights |
| Dubai | 10 hr, 30 min | ≈ €540 · See flights |
| Singapore | 13 hr | ≈ €600 · See flights |
| Sydney | 14 hr, 45 min | ≈ €640 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €810 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- South Africa
- Currency
- South African Rand
- Good for
- nature · food · sea · mountains · city
- How long to stay
- 4–7 days
- Where to stay
- V&A Waterfront, Green Point or Sea Point for convenience; Camps Bay for the beach.Find a place to stay in Cape Town
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Cape Town, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €600 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Cape Town (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Cape Town and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Oct – Apr. Average highs range from 16° in July to 26° in January.
How many days do you need in Cape Town?
4 to 7 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Cape Town cost?
Accommodation runs at around €70 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €810 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 13 hr.
Where should you stay in Cape Town?
V&A Waterfront, Green Point or Sea Point for convenience; Camps Bay for the beach.
