Where is the best area to stay in Cape Town?
By Andrea Botha. December 11, 2024
Often described as the most beautiful city in Africa, Cape Town is situated at the tip of the continent. It is a top holiday destination for local South Africans as well as international tourists. The city is famous for its natural beauty—gorgeous, golden beaches surrounded by an azure sea at the foot of the iconic Table Mountain. The main attractions include a scenic cable car trip to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Town offers plenty of outdoors activities and the cultural mix of different cultures and traditions makes Cape Town a fun city to visit for all ages.
Camps Bay is definitely the best area to stay in when visiting Cape Town. It has magnificent sea views, and is great for families, as well as fun-loving friends or couples looking for romance or a sunny, beach holiday. Beach accommodation is plentiful and there are several top restaurants as well as delightful cafés for lazy summer lunches or sunset cocktails. Camps Bay manages somehow to be vibey and yet intimate, offering something for children, young adults and those young-at-heart. It is a dream beach location and the best part is that it is close to the city centre—only ten minutes by car.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Cape Town, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Cape Town, you may also be interested in where to stay in Johannesburg and where to stay in Durban.
Camps Bay, the best area to stay in Cape Town
Safe / First time / Beaches
Camps Bay is a dream holiday location—safe, gorgeous and utterly relaxing. The main beach with its palm trees is one of the biggest attractions for young and old. Children and sun bathers love the soft, clean sand and the fantastic views. There are bars and restaurants that stay up till late in peak season, a spot where the glamorous and famous are often seen.
But for those who want to take things slow, there is also the opportunity to do that. Find a shady spot on the beach or explore other beaches in the area, like Bakoven Beach or Glen Beach. Many accommodations are within walking distance of the beach and it is safe to walk here at night as well. Going for an early-morning swim is one of the best ways to start the day. For those who like shopping, Camps Bay has a small shopping mall with beach wear and local fashion.
Other neighbourhoods to stay in Cape Town
The V&A Waterfront
Families/ Sightseeing / Without a Car
An excellent choice for families or those who want to pack a lot of activities like shopping and boat cruises into their stay while being close to the city. The V&A Waterfront has developed from a working harbour into a premier entertainment and shopping complex. There are five-star hotels and scenic apartments in security complexes that offer wonderful stays for visitors all within a stroll of the waterfront. Seafood restaurants are dotted on the pier, from which pleasure boats leave regularly for trips out at sea.
Children will love the seals sunning themselves on the rocks as well as the proximity to boats. The Two Oceans Aquarium is popular with visitors young and old, featuring stunning displays of marine life including an impressive jellyfish display, kelp forest and tunnel walk where people are surrounded by glass as fish swim all around them.
Sea Point
Nightlife Lovers / Without a car / Foodies
This vibrant area will appeal to a younger crowd who like a busy, lively neighbourhood with lots of restaurants and bars. It is situated just outside the city centre, between Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean. The areas higher up against the hill are more affluent and expensive but have great sea views and offer exceptional accommodation choices. Sea Point has a promenade and several outdoor areas ideal for joggers and walkers. Sea Point gets busy at night, which may not be ideal for families.
But for young fun lovers or those eager for a slice of energetic nightlife, Sea Point will not disappoint. There are various clubs and entertainment venues open until late at night. There are various shopping experiences too, with many stores lining the main road and plenty of dining experiences—from world-class gelato to authentic ramen or pizzeria joints.
Green Point
Nightlife Lovers / Hipsters / Foodies
Green Point is similar to Sea Point but a little less busy, and so more suited to families and professionals who want to be close to the city. There are many apartments with lovely sea views. It is a favourite area for students or those want to be able to reach any of the city’s top areas in minutes. There is also a buzz at night here, which can be fun for a younger crowd. It is within minutes (by car) from the V&A Waterfront as well as the ocean or the CBD on the other side.
One of the highlights here is the Green Point Urban Park, a big green space with extensive play areas for children and exercise opportunities for adults. It is a tranquil retreat in a busy city area. It is very close to the city centre.
Foreshore
Professionals / Families / Sightseeing
The Foreshore is very close to the city centre and therefore a great choice for professionals coming to the city for work, or families who like the security of hotel accommodation with many facilities and secure premises. Many of the city’s comfortable hotels are situated here as it offers visitors quick and easy access to the city, the conference centre and many of the city’s main attractions.
The hotels make the most of the fantastic views of the ocean and the mountains and almost every window has some kind of spectacular view. The hotels here have safe poolside areas and restaurants within a secure building while also enjoying other facilities like on-site gyms, hair salons and spas. One of the big attractions here is the Castle of Good Hope, which is regarded as the finest example of a well-preserved Dutch East India Company Fort.
City Bowl
Nightlife / Party animals / History buffs
This area attracts younger travellers and professionals will also find the location and proximity to the city appealing. There are plenty of budget accommodation and guesthouses here that are comfortable and very affordable. Areas include the colourful De Waterkant, with its bustling nightlife, Devil’s Peak, the historic District Six and Zonnenbloem as well as the more vibey and boho areas of Gardens and Woodstock.
More upmarket areas are Tamboerskloof, Higgovale and Oranjezicht, which lie on the slopes of Table Mountain and can offer terrific views of the city and ocean. Here there are more suitable spots for families in terms of guest houses and homes with swimming pools that can be rented. The higher up the mountain the accommodation is situated, the more impressive the views will be and while cost will go up, these areas are safer as well.
Cape Town CBD
History buffs / Urban fans / Shoppers
The Cape Town city centre is perfect for travellers who like a busy, bustling city but will probably not be a first choice for families in terms of accommodation. There is plenty of action at all times of the day and the nightlife is vibrant. Shopping is plentiful in terms of street markets like Greenmarket Square. Old meets new in historic buildings, colourful street markets and quirky cafés and restaurants.
Walking through the city streets is the thing to do here, with main attractions being the historic Company’s Gardens and the park which was built shortly after the Dutch settlers first arrived in Cape Town in 1652. The CBD is where you will find flavours from all over Africa—from Nigerian wood sculptures to Ghanaian restaurants. While it is generally safe to walk here, tourists are advised to watch their belongings, as they should in any major city.
Simon’s Town
Families / Nature lovers / Outdoor enthusiasts
Simon’s Town is an ideal family destination and a must for sports enthusiasts. While it is a bit further away from the city centre, this is the place for dolphin and whale watching as well as shark cage diving. It has a naval base and history museum. The natural beauty and splendour is remarkable and there are several nice beaches, with warmer water than on the Atlantic Seaboard side, ideal for children wanting to play in the water.
The penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach is one of the area’s biggest drawcards. The African Penguin is currently endangered and Boulder’s Beach is one of the few places where they can be seen in abundance. It is a very good area for diving and other water activities. The area is close to Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek, other popular areas along the False Bay side of Cape Town. Several excellent seafood restaurants and quaint shops line the roads.
Our recommended hotels in Cape Town
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Cape TownNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
