Airport The Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is located about 20 kilometers east of the City Bowl and is modern, efficient, and well-organized. It is South Africa's second-largest airport and offers all services: currency exchange, SIM cards, car rental counters, and a reliable Uber pickup area

Uber & Bolt — The Cape Town Standard Uber and Bolt are ubiquitous in Cape Town, safe, and extremely affordable. Most tourists and many Capetonians use them as their main mode of transport. Prices: about a third to a quarter of European taxi prices. City Bowl → Camps Bay: approx. 60–100 ZAR (3–5€). C

EU Citizens, Swiss & Austrians Good news: You do not need a visa for South Africa as a tourist. Upon entry, you will receive a stamp for up to 90 days. You need: Passport: Valid for at least 30 days beyond the return date, with at least two blank pages. Return ticket: Proof of departure. Yellow fev

Safety is the topic that concerns many Cape Town newcomers the most — and it deserves an honest answer. Cape Town has high crime rates, but the violence is almost exclusively concentrated in certain areas (gang-related crime in the Cape Flats), which tourists do not visit. In tourist areas, Cape Tow

Internet, Electricity & Communication

Mobile & Internet EU roaming does NOT apply in South Africa! Buy a local SIM card at the airport or in a Vodacom / MTN shop: Vodacom: Largest network, best coverage. Tourist SIM with 10 GB for about 150 ZAR (€7.50). MTN: Similarly good coverage, affordable data packages. Wi-Fi is available almost

Packing List & Practical Tips

Clothing — Layers are Key Layering system: Cape Town's weather is unpredictable — morning fog, 28°C at noon, cooler wind in the evening. Light T-shirt + light jacket + windbreaker is the formula. Swimwear: Essential, even in winter — there's always a beach warm enough (False Bay). Hiking boots: Ess

Home Travel GuidesCape Town

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Travel Guide Cape Town

Your complete travel guide for Cape Town

Country:South Africa

Languages:English, Afrikaans & isiXhosa

Currency:South African Rand (ZAR)

Best Travel Time:November–March

Flight Time:11–12 hours from DE

Visa:Not required (up to 90 days)

Last updated: 20 March 2026 · 12 Chapters · 38 Sections

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Route Suggestions

Classic Cape Town — The Highlights

7–10 days

The grand Cape Town tour that covers all aspects — from urban highlights to natural wonders and wildlife encounters to the Winelands. The perfect balance between culture, nature, and indulgence.

City BowlV&A WaterfrontRobben IslandTafelbergCamps BayBo-KaapKap-HalbinselBoulders BeachKap der Guten HoffnungStellenboschFranschhoek

Honeymoon & Romance

7–10 days

Cape Town is one of the most romantic cities in the world — sunsets over the Atlantic, wine tastings for two, candlelight dinners in world-class restaurants, and penguins as wedding guests. Perfect for honeymoons and special occasions.

Camps BayTafelbergFranschhoekStellenboschHermanusKap-Halbinsel

Adventure & Outdoor

5–7 days

Cape Town for the active: Table Mountain ascent, Lion's Head by full moon, surfing in Muizenberg, paragliding from Signal Hill, shark diving in Gansbaai, and hiking in Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Adrenaline and breathtaking nature every minute.

TafelbergLion's HeadMuizenbergKap der Guten HoffnungHermanusStellenbosch

Cape Town compact — Highlights in 4 days

4 days

The maximum in 4 days: Table Mountain, Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, the Cape Peninsula with penguins and Cape of Good Hope, and half a day of wine tasting in Stellenbosch. Tight but doable — Cape Town's essence in short form.

TafelbergV&A WaterfrontBo-KaapKap-HalbinselStellenbosch

All Chapters

Planning· 3 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Cape Town

4 Sections

Chapter 2

Best Travel Time & Climate

3 Sections

Chapter 3

Budget & Costs

2 Sections

Regions· 4 Chapters

Chapter 4

City Bowl & Waterfront

5 Sections

Chapter 5

Table Mountain & Cape Peninsula

6 Sections

Chapter 6

Winelands: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek & Paarl

3 Sections

Chapter 7

Garden Route Start & Whale Coast

3 Sections

Understanding· 3 Chapters

Chapter 8

History

2 Sections

Chapter 9

Culture & Society

2 Sections

Chapter 10

Nature & Environment

2 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 11

Arrival & Transport

2 Sections

Chapter 12

Practical A–Z

4 Sections

Discover More Travel Guides

Regions at a Glance

City Bowl & Waterfront

The vibrant heart of Cape Town — the V&A Waterfront with Zeitz MOCAA, the colorful Bo-Kaap, Robben Island, Long Street with its nightlife, and the city's best restaurants, framed by Table Mountain and the sea.

V&A Waterfront & Zeitz MOCAABo-KaapRobben Island (UNESCO)Long Street & Woodstock+1

Suedafrika

Table Mountain & Cape Peninsula

The entire Cape Peninsula is a natural wonder — Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch, Chapman's Peak Drive, the penguins at Boulders Beach, the Cape of Good Hope, and the surf beaches of Muizenberg.

Table Mountain (New Wonder of the World)Boulders Beach PenguinsCape of Good HopeChapman's Peak Drive+1

Suedafrika

Winelands: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek & Paarl

World-class wines, Cape Dutch architecture, and culinary excellence — the Winelands offer over 200 wineries in a breathtaking mountain setting, just 45 minutes from Cape Town.

Stellenbosch WineriesFranschhoek Wine TramBabylonstorenPinotage & Chenin Blanc+1

Suedafrika

Garden Route Beginning & Whale Coast

Whale watching in Hermanus, the picturesque Overberg region, and the start of the legendary Garden Route — perfect as a day trip or multi-day extension from Cape Town.

Whale Watching HermanusClarence DriveOverberg RegionKogelberg Biosphere Reserve+1

Suedafrika