Why Go to Cape Town
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Cape Town might be the most beautiful city on Earth. The Mother City wraps around the foot of flat-topped Table Mountain, between two oceans, and pairs a stylish, sociable city with some of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere. Add golden beaches, rolling vineyards, terrific food and lively nightlife, and it's easy to fall head over heels. The 2010 World Cup put it in the global spotlight, and it has only grown more popular since.
Cape Town is South Africa's most cosmopolitan city, a mix of cultures that shapes its music, food and festivals. Ride the cable car up Table Mountain, drive to the Cape of Good Hope and meet the penguins at Boulders Beach, and spend a day tasting wine in nearby Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. To understand the city fully, also take time with its history. Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and the District Six Museum, which tells the story of a community torn apart under apartheid. These moving experiences add depth to an otherwise joyful city.
I'll plan your Cape Town stay, wine country days and guided history tours, and combine it all with a safari in Kruger or a luxury rail journey.
BEST FOR
Nature lovers, foodies, photographers and culture seekers
BEST MONTHS
November–March
EXPLORE
The City Bowl lies beneath Table Mountain; the V&A Waterfront is a visitor hub; Camps Bay has Atlantic beaches; Constantia has vineyards and leafy suburbs.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Cape Town
Africa › Southern Africa › South Africa › Western Cape
Mountain panoramas, ocean drives and cultural discovery
Urban & Culture
Mountain & Alpine
Wine Country
Wildlife
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Book Table Mountain experiences with weather flexibility and follow local safety guidance on trails.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Check cableway operations immediately before visiting; strong winds can suspend service.
Table Mountain
An iconic flat-topped mountain reached by trails or a weather-dependent cableway.
Combine waterfront shopping with a harbor walk and allow extra time for popular restaurants.
V&A Waterfront
A bustling harbor precinct with shops, museums and restaurants.
Use an authorized ferry departure and reserve ahead; trips can be canceled by weather.
Robben Island
A historic island prison site visited on organized tours, subject to sea conditions.
Allow a relaxed garden walk and carry a layer for changing mountain weather.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
A botanical garden at the eastern foot of Table Mountain.
Budget plenty of driving time and check park opening hours and weather before departure.
Cape Point
Dramatic cliffs and ocean views in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park.
This historic hotel sits in landscaped grounds near the Company’s Garden and central Cape Town. It suits travelers seeking an elegant city base with easy access by car to Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront; allow for traffic between neighborhoods.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
Gardens / City Bowl
Hotel Tags
Set at the V&A Waterfront, this upscale resort makes harbor dining, shopping, and boat excursions convenient. It is a strong choice for first-time visitors who want a waterfront base, while beaches and Table Mountain require a drive.
One&Only Cape Town
V&A Waterfront
Hotel Tags
This luxury waterfront hotel is positioned near the marina and the V&A Waterfront’s restaurants and attractions. It is a practical base for harbor activities and guided city outings, though busy waterfront areas can attract crowds.
Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
V&A Waterfront
Hotel Tags
This design-focused hotel occupies a landmark building above the Zeitz MOCAA museum in the Silo District. It particularly appeals to art and architecture enthusiasts who want waterfront dining and shopping nearby.
The Silo Hotel
V&A Waterfront / Silo District
Hotel Tags
Set along the Atlantic coast outside the central business district, this hotel favors dramatic ocean-and-mountain scenery and a quieter resort atmosphere. Plan private transfers or a rental car for city sightseeing and waterfront activities.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Victoria Road / Atlantic Seaboard
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Cape Town
High 74°F · Low 55°F · Rain 0.6 in
Warm days and beach season begin at Camps Bay and Clifton.
Late spring through early autumn is popular for outdoor days; conditions on Table Mountain can change rapidly.
Best Times to Visit Cape Town
WHEN TO GO
06
Walking and Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront and some central tourist areas are walkable by day. Protect valuables and use established routes.
05
Personal Safety and Taxis
Use trusted transport after dark, avoid isolated walking routes and consult current local safety advice.
04
Guided Excursion Transfers
The Cape Peninsula, winelands and distant viewpoints may require a car or licensed guide. Check road conditions and pickup times.
03
MyCiTi Buses
MyCiTi buses serve selected city and airport corridors. Check active routes and payment requirements before using them.
02
Planning tip
Book Table Mountain experiences with weather flexibility and follow local safety guidance on trails.
01
Arrival and getting around
Use reputable prearranged transport or rideshares for longer trips; the central waterfront is walkable.
Use reputable prearranged transport or rideshares for longer trips; the central waterfront is walkable.
Getting Around Cape Town