Safety
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 Town is comparably safe to any other major city — with common sense.
Basic Rules
- Use Uber: Always use Uber at night instead of walking, especially in Long Street and surrounding areas.
- Don't show valuables: Don't flaunt expensive cameras, jewelry, and smartphones. Only bring what you need to the beach.
- Car: Don't leave anything in the car — even an empty bag can mean a broken window. Keep windows closed in the city.
- ATMs: Withdraw money only in enclosed spaces (supermarkets, malls), never at freestanding ATMs on the street.
- Township visits: Only with a local guide, not alone. Most township tours are safe and an enriching experience.
- Hiking: Don't hike Table Mountain or Lion's Head alone — go in groups of at least three people or with a guide.
| Risk | Rating | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pickpocketing | Medium | Normal city precautions, especially Long Street |
| Car break-ins | Medium | Don't leave anything in the car, use guarded parking |
| Violent crime (tourist) | Low | Rare in tourist areas |
| Road traffic | Medium | Left-hand traffic, minibus taxis drive aggressively |
Achtung
Don't pick up hitchhikers, don't engage in "sightseeing offers" from strangers on the street, and don't walk alone through dark streets at night — the same rules as in any major city. Cape Town is not a dangerous place for tourists as long as you exercise basic caution.
