Where to Stay in Cape Town → 5 Top Areas for a 2024 Visit

Who’s eager to discover this exciting city? I’ve visited Cape Town so many times and let’s just say I’ve got lots of tips that will make your holiday unforgettable! If you’re searching for where to stay in Cape Town, you’re in the right place. I absolutely adore this city and can’t wait to share it with you.

If you read this post, you’ll find the 5 top areas to stay in Cape Town for tourists plus a short list of hotels for each neighborhood. To make things even easier, I ordered from most to least expensive so that you can easily pick your favorite.

I handpicked all the accommodation options in this post (and used my personal experience), so you’ll only get the most incredible places!

In short, Camps Bay is the best area to stay in Cape Town as it has incredible attractions and fab hotels, but as I mentioned earlier, you’ll find 4 more neighborhoods if this one isn’t really your favorite.

Definitely book your hotels in this quaint coastal town in advance! This is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country and it gets lots of tourists! If you’ve seen the pics, you’ll know why. 

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Check out this short list of the best hotels in Camps Bay that will help you decide quickly which hotel to stay in when you visit Cape Town:

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas in Cape Town that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Camps Bay – best place to stay for the first time

This is one of the best places to start your Cape Town adventures!

Although a bit more pricey, Camps Bay is an idyllic place that offers sublime ocean views, fun things to do, some amazing cocktail bars and great restaurants, especially on Victoria Road (map)! This area is one of my favorite spots to visit when in the city and would be my top pick on where to stay for the first time.

While here you can spend your days enjoying the sun on Camps Bay Beach (map) and enjoying the stunning views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. The sunsets are pretty iconic, so make sure you catch some while here!

Afterwards, you can head home, change and then hit all the bars! This area has a vibrant nightlife and there’s a really cool spot where you can start the night, Chinchilla (map), which offers some incredible views!

NOTE: South Africa has lots of rolling blackouts (also known as load shedding). Depending on the electricity demand, the power gets turned off to reduce the load on the grid. Usually, these power outages last around 2h or longer. That’s why I highly recommend booking a hotel that is off the grid (i.e. have solar power), or that has a generator that will keep the electricity running during these blackouts. It’s nothing to be scared of but double-check with your hotel on this and keep track of the schedule using the ESP app.

For those who like outdoor activities, Camps Bay will become your playground! There are lots of hiking trails around the area, including the Lion’s Head Hiking Trail (map). While I’m not big on hiking, my family never miss a hike up Lion’s Head when we’re in town.

The highlight of the area (and this city) is Table Mountain. It’s only a 4-minute drive away from Camps Bay and offers so many trails (around 350), scenic beauty, a cable car that can take you up to the top. You absolutely cannot miss this while you’re in CT! 

Taking the cable car up is a beautiful way to get to the top of Table Mountain and soak in the views, but there are also hiking trails (that aren’t too challenging) that you can use to reach the top and then take the cable car down. I’ve done both and can highly recommend either option. The hike isn’t  

For those who want more beach time, definitely head to the Clifton Beaches (map) which are absolutely stunning and the perfect spot to spend your mornings! There are also some incredible places to stop and grab a drink while watching the waves roll in.

Other accommodation options in Camps Bay

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Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa – Here’s one more incredible hotel in the area that has an enviable location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. You’ll also find individually decorated rooms, an award-winning spa and an outdoor pool. 

Things to do in Camps Bay

• Catch a sunset on Camps Bay Beach
• Take the cable car or hike up Table Mountain
• Grab a drink at Chinchilla
• Explore the Lion’s Head Hiking Trai
• Take a trip to see the Cape Point vista (map)
• Visit the beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
• Enjoy the white sand on the Clifton Beaches 
• Go on an adventure with Scootours Cape Town

2. Sea Point – where to stay in Cape Town for peace and quiet

Located in the Northwest part of the city between Green Point and Bantry Bay, this area is a great location for people who are coming to stay in Cape Town with families.

This diverse neighborhood has lots of trendy shops, cafes, historic buildings and amazing restaurants. I’ve stayed here twice and really loved it since its super close to everything and not as busy as Camps Bay (or as pricey).

The Sea Point Promenade (map) is probably the most important attraction which gathers everyone from runners, to walkers, cyclists who want to enjoy some stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean!

Of course, you’ll have easy access to both the beach and also hills and hiking trails. There are lots of amazing beaches in Sea Point where you can chill all day long like Milton Beach (map), Brokenbath Beach (map) and Sunset Beach (map).

NOTE: Although most areas in Cape Town are safe (including all the ones in this post) we do have some safety issues and a pretty high crime rate due to various socio-economic problems. So things like muggins and pickpocketing are a reality here but can be avoided if you are vigilant and avoid dangerous areas, or walking alone. Definitely leave any valuable objects at home and don’t carry large amounts of cash with you.

You’ll also find the Sea Point Pavilion (map) which is home to 3 swimming pools (including a saltwater pool) that overlook the ocean! This is a great place to take the kids, however, it does get quite busy, especially in summer! If you’re coming around the December period,  I’d recommend rather booking a hotel with a pool. Another cool place that you should check out is the Mojo Market (map), which is such a fun place with some food stalls and live music playing! Perfect for all the foodies out there who want to spend a whole afternoon trying out different cuisines.

Other accommodation options in Sea Point

Things to do in Sea Point

• Eat delicious fresh fish and drink wine in the restaurants and bars
• Take the kids to the Sea Point Pavillion Swimming Pool
• Enjoy the international cuisine at the local Mojo Market 
• Spot wild animals at Inverdoorn Reserve
• Try cool water sports at Broken Bath Beach or Queen’s Beach
• Stroll across the Sea Point Promenade at sunset

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3. City Bowl (CBD) – where to stay for the urban vibe

The City Center or Central Business District (CBD) is set within the City Bowl neighborhood, which has gained this name because it’s surrounded by the mountain range.

Cape Town’s CBD is great for those who want more of an urban atmosphere. This area is absolutely packed with modern buildings, luxurious hotels, and lots of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the city’s nightlife. I’ve never stayed in the City Bowl but I love heading in town to do some shopping, grab a coffee or just do some people watching.

This is also the kind of place where you’ll find lots of museums and art galleries. Some really cool ones that you should check out are Iziko South African Museum, District Six Museum, the South African National Gallery and there’s also the Castle of Good Hope which dates back to the 17th century.

And let’s not forget about the famous Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum made of different colorful houses that give an insight into the local Islamic culture and heritage. This is an awesome place to snap some photos!

Did you know that Cape Town is also known as South Africa’s Mother City? This is because it was the site of the first European settlement in South Africa.

Although you won’t find beaches here, the waterfront is only a stone’s throw away and Table Mountain is pretty close too. So you can always escape the city if you need a break and want to breathe some fresh air. 

If we have any foodies here, then you’ll be happy to know that the city centre is absolutely packed with dining places! The Fat Cactus Gardens (map) is an amazing place that serves yummy Mexican food! After a day of exploring the town, there’s nothing like a Margarita to end the night! 

For those who want to get some shopping done, head over to Greenmarket Square Market (map) where you’ll find some unique souvenirs from locally-made art and crafts. Or you can also check out the Old Biscuit Mill (map), a shopping center, set in Woodstock, a nearby area and one of my favorite places to visit when in Cape Town. 

If you want to use the bus to get around the town, you can check out the routes and timetables on the MyCiTi website.

Other accommodation options in City Bowl

Things to do in City Bowl

• Learn new things at the Iziko South African Museum
• Visit Cape Town’s Planetarium
• Admire the architecture of the Cape Town City Hall
• Take the Rovos Rail Cape Town train for a unique experience
• Do the scenic Chapman’s Peak drive
• See some art at the StateoftheART Gallery 
• Grab a drink at The Gin Bar (map)

4. V&A Waterfront – best place for a luxury stay

Located in the northern part of the city, right next to Green Point, this historic neighborhood was named after Queen Victoria and her son Alfred. 

If you want to go all out during your holiday and stay at the most luxurious boutique hotels in Cape Town, then I’ve found your match! It’s also conveniently located, so you really can’t go wrong by staying here.

The views from the harbor are world-famous and you can’t really wonder why, when you have the mountains on one side and then the Atlantic Ocean on the other. You can take lots of amazing boat tours from here and sunset cruises! 

I adore visiting the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. I never leave the city without a trip and always have so much fun here with my family! 

The neighborhood has some of the best restaurants in town! Quay Four Restaurant (map) is a great spot for seafood lovers (we always used to come here) and there’s also Tashas Waterfront (map), my top spot for taking a break from shopping and reading my book.

And of course, we can’t forget the V&A Shopping Mall where you might end up spending hours! There are lots of cool stores there, perfect for those who want to get some souvenirs! 

Another really awesome place for shopping is The Watershed Market (map)! It’s a super short walk from the mall and well worth a trip. I love this place and I always try to come here when I’m in the area! They’ve got lots of different stalls with clothes, jewelry, local crafts that make great souvenirs, and also delicious food.If you’re coming with your kids then definitely take them on the Cape Wheel and visit the Two Oceans Aquarium which has so many animals from sharks to African penguins.

Other accommodation options in V&A Waterfront

Things to do in V&A Waterfront

• Have a fun day at the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront 
• See the views of Lion’s head from the Cape Town Wheel
• Enjoy a meal at Tashas Waterfront 
• Shop for local goods The Watershed Market 
• Go on a luxurious boat trip or take a sunset cruise
• Visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned

5. Green Point – best place to stay for sport fans

Located on the north side of the city, in the Atlantic Seaboard, this trendy neighborhood has a central location, which means that you’ll be close to all the good attractions and nice beaches, like Mouille Point beach (map). 

The star of the show in this area is the Cape Town Stadium, an important South African landmark that was built in 2010 for the FIFA World Cup. It’s also a great place to watch a rugby match (South Africans are big on rugby, we even won the World Cup)!

Right near the stadium, you’ll also find the Oranjezicht City Farm Market (map), filled with stalls that serve local produce and yummy food! Stop by if you want to mingle with the locals and eat some fresh food!

Green Point has a laid-back vibe, historic buildings,and lots of craft beer places where you can relax after a day of exploring around or even attending a game. It’s also home to some green places too like the Green Point Park (map).

The perfect end to the day is to head over to Green Point Lighthouse (map) and catch a scenic sunset! Or, if you’ve got a car, drive up to Signal Hill for an epic sunset view.

Other accommodation options in Green Point

Things to do in Green Point

• Visit the Cape Town Stadium 
• Check out the local markets
• Hike around the Signal Hill (map)
• Have a picnic in the Green Point Park
• Watch the sunset la Green Point Lighthouse
• Play golf at the Metropolitan Golf Club
• Take a walk along the rocky Mouille Point Beach
• Visit the colorful beach huts in Muizenberg (map) or Simon’s Town (map)

👑 Luxury price:	US$150
💵 Mid-range hotel:	US$80
🛏️ Budget:	US$40
📍 Best area:	Camps Bay
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Marly
🧳 Best mid-range hotel	Primi Seacastle
👛 Best budget hotel:	Designer Studio

BONUS 1: Where to stay in Cape Town for the Wine Farms

Besides beaches and mountains, Cape Town is also known for its wine and, of course, its stunning wine farms. These are an absolute treat to visit and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy something a little different. 

Some of the wine farms are really close to Cape Town, and you can easily visit them on a day trip either by renting a car, hopping on a bus, or joining a tour like this one! Who doesn’t want to spend an afternoon tasting some of the best South African wine? 

Here are some of the top places to stay on or near actual wine farms: 

Constantia 

Set in the city, a 30 min drive away from Camps Bay, in the southern suburbs, Constantia is super famous in the South African wine-making industry! The area is absolutely beautiful and there’s even a Constantia Wine Route which you can take to visit all the wine farms around. 

• Steenberg Wine Estate – indulge in some fine-dining and drink yummy wine at this incredible estate that offers a championship golf course and a spa center. 
• The Cellars-Hohenort – an incredible place with 2 award-winning restaurants on-site, a luxurious spa center and an outdoor swimming pool.
• Silvermist Wine Estate – I loved my time here and I’m sure you’ll also enjoy the stunning scenery, chilling by the pool and reading books in the garden. 
• The Alphen Boutique Hotel & Spa – one of my favorite places, that’s super close to a wine farm! It comes with elegant rooms, a pool and a bar. 

Franschhoek

So this town is located a 1h drive away from Cape Town and it has so many centuries-old wineries, gorgeous landscapes and Cape Dutch architecture. Franschhoek is home to lots of fine-dining restaurants, so definitely check them out if you’re spending more time here. 

• Boschendal Farm Estate – loved having a picnic here! The estate offers such beautiful scenery, 3 restaurants and an outdoor pool. You can even take a horse and carriage ride!
• Maison Montagne at Dieu Donné Vineyards – such a stylish hotel with everything you’ll need for a relaxing stay like a pool and comfortable rooms.  
• Grande Provence – perfect for a romantic getaway, this place comes with rooms that open up to a terrace and a swimming pool.

Stellenbosch

Located a 50 min drive away from Cape Town, this little town is surrounded by vineyards and nature reserves! Its center is packed with small cafes, boutique stores and lots of historic buildings!

• Babylonstoren – a historic Cape Dutch farm that offers incredible views, a spa with a Turkish bath and 2 swimming pools. 
• Vrede en Lust Wine Estate – wake up to a stunning view of the vineyard in this accommodation that dates back to the 1680s and has 2 on-site restaurants. Trust me, I’ve stayed here and it’s worth it.
• Lanzerac Hotel & Spa – set on a private wine estate in the Jonkershoek Valley and surrounded by the Helderberg Mountains, this hotel has an indoor heated pool and 3 restaurants. 
• Spier Wine Farm – a great hotel, set to reopen soon that has spacious rooms, a shaded outdoor patio where you can enjoy a glass of wine and 3 restaurants. 

BONUS 2: Best day trips from Cape Town

There are so many exciting places to visit around Cape Town that I decided to make another bonus with some cool spots that you can explore on your trip! You can reach most of these places by renting a car or through tours:

• Cape Winelands (Franschhoek & Stellenbosch) – set around 2h away from Cape Town, this area is where you’ll find all the wine farm towns, I mentioned some of them above but definitely a fun place to see, especially if you’re a wine lover
• Kalk Bay – this cute fishing village is one of my favorite places and it’s set a 40 min drive away from Cape Town, and it offers some amazing places to eat like The Brass Bell (map) and cool attractions like Boulders Beach (map) where you can see the African penguins 
• Robben Island – to reach this island which is where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated you’ll have to take the ferry which takes around 3h and a half to get there, alternatively, you can take this tour.
• Hermanus – located almost 2h away by car from Cape Town, this place attracts many local and international visitors with its whale-watching tours
• Gordon’s Bay – a quiet town, set a 1h drive away from Cape Town that has lots of amazing places to swim and gorgeous beaches

FAQs about where to stay in Cape Town

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this guide on where to stay in Cape Town! I made sure to add in this post lots of tips that I acquired while holidaying in this city! I love this city and I’m sure you will too.

I highly recommend booking your hotels here in advance! Cape Town is a super popular destination and the good places always sell out fast!

If you need some help, deciding which hotels to book, check out my 2 favorite options below:

• Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa – one of Cape Town’s best luxury hotels with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountain range
• Primi Seacastle – chill by the pool of this hotel that offers amazing views

Have fun exploring Cape Town and don’t forget that I’ve been numerous times here, so if you need some extra help, just drop me a comment below and I’ll answer as soon as I can! 

Safe travels, 

Kathryn

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