WHERE TO STAY IN CAPE TOWN AS A TOURIST

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.

Hotels in Camps Bay

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.

Hotels in the V&A Waterfront

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.

Hotels in Sea Point

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.

Hotels in Green Point

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.

Hotels in Foreshore

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.

Hotels in City Bowl

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.

Hotels in Cape Town CBD

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.

Hotels in Simon’s Town