By Kaylin Bailey

Kaylin Bailey

Hi there! I'm Kaylin, and I am from sunny South Africa. For the past eight years, I've been living abroad and exploring the world. My adventures have taken me to some of the most beautiful places and hidden gems around the globe. I thrive on the island lifestyle, but love exploring the hustle and bustle of city life too. My passion is uncovering the coolest activities, the best places to stay, and the most aesthetic beach bars that offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you're looking for travel tips, stunning destinations, or just a slice of paradise, I’m here to inspire and guide you on your own adventures 🌴✨

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August 14, 2024

What to Do in Cape Town: The Only Travel Guide You Need in 2024

Cape Town is no stranger to being hailed as the best city for travelers. It is often cited as the number one most enjoyable and beautiful city to travel to in the world, and rightfully so. Cape Town is a place where the ocean meets mountains; as you can imagine, this makes for a beautiful landscape.

Cape Town's delectable landscape and landmarks, such as Table Mountain and Point Cape, are only a part of why it's so highly rated among travelers. The city itself is incredibly unique. There are probably some of the world's best vineyards and an endless number of white-sand beaches.

Adrenaline seekers and paradise lovers alike can enjoy this beautiful land. From hiking, surfing, paragliding, and shark cage diving to history, culture, art, and shopping, there is something for everyone.

This Cape Town Travel Guide is an honest and accurate reflection of what to expect written by a girl that has already been through it. That's why it will start with safety concerns and inconveniences and then go into what you can do, accommodation options, and ways to explore Cape Town's West Coast.

Sometimes, the places with imperfections can lead to the greatest of adventures, so stay tuned and read all the way to the end.

Is Cape Town Safe?

Answering this question is complex, and there is no simple yes or no answer. Cape Town is considered to be safer than many other major cities in South Africa, but theft, muggings, and pickpocketing still occur.

However, there are precautions that you should take during your visit. Taking these precautions would mean that you will be safe and avoid any situations on your trip:

Safe Areas and Precautions

Just as in any country, there are areas where crime is more prominent than others. Cape Town is very safe during the day, but it is advised to avoid being alone outside at night time, even in the safe areas mentioned below:

• The City Bowl (Central Business District)
• Camps Bay
• Sea Point
• Hout Bay

In these safe areas, some precautions are still advised. You should keep an emergency number on hand, avoid carrying large sums of cash, be mindful of your surroundings when walking around, lock your doors at night, and consider using Uber or metered taxis to get places.

Dealing with Beggars and Homeless Individuals

You will most probably have encounters with beggars or homeless individuals in Cape Town and South Africa in general. Most of the time they are hungry and thirsty and they will confront you and ask for some loose change.

Most of the time, they are not bad or dangerous people, but sometimes, they can catch you off guard, which can make you feel uncomfortable.

If you want to help them out, you can do so by giving them some money, or you can ask if they want some food instead.

On the other hand, you don’t have to feel obliged to help them. Just say I'm sorry, I don't have any cash, and walk away.

Inconveniences Traveling in Cape Town

No matter where you go in this world, there will always be some sort of inconvenience or things you need to be used to dealing with. Luckily, when it comes to Cape Town, you are able to work around these inconveniences and have a more enjoyable trip. Here are some of the most prominent inconveniences and some tips to deal with them:

Traffic Congestion

Cape Town has blown up in the last few years and without sufficient road infrastructure it has lead to some congestion issues.

The city has narrow streets, which can cause a high volume of vehicles.

However, peak hours (7 am—9 am and 4 pm—6 pm) can be avoided, and this makes a huge difference.

Limited Public Transportation

Public transport in Cape Town is lacking but improving. Cape Town introduced the MyCITI bus system, which is an excellent public transport option. However, it may not serve all the popular tourist destinations you would like to visit.

Uber is probably the safest and best way to get around. Luckily, it’s much cheaper than in many other countries, so it won't burn a hole in your budget.

Load Shedding (electricity blackouts)

South Africa, including Cape Town, experiences electricity blackouts daily. Depending on the stage of load shedding, the times can vary. They might happen for only two hours a day or for longer periods.

But don't worry; these blackouts are scheduled, and you can find information about them weeks in advance. You might need to purchase a power bank to charge your essentials. Luckily, Cape Town is so beautiful that you can find loads of cute places that have generators too.

Unstable Internet in Cape Town

A large factor of Cape Town's sometimes unreliable internet comes from the load shedding mentioned above. The signal can sometimes be lost and because of no electricity WIFI routers turn off. This has made it particularly challenging for visitors to rely on a stable Internet connection.

The solution to this is getting an eSim. An eSim is very easy to install and can be done online. There is no need to change your SIM card, and you can also keep your number while traveling.

South Africa has some of the most expensive data in the world, and using local SIMSs can become a big expense. That's why opting for a South African eSIM would be the best answer.

Remember that these are issues that a lot of countries in the world face, and it shouldn’t be a deciding factor on whether you should be visiting Cape Town or not. Just take the few precautions mentioned, and you will be fine.

Cape Town is taking active steps to ensure these problems are solved, and the business community and local authorities have taken steps in deploying visible safety officers in tourist areas, which has helped keep the hotspots safe.

Now, let's get into all the fantastic things that Cape Town has to offer.

What to do in Cape Town

From the summit of Table Mountain to the penguins on Boulders Beach, boredom is the only thing that isn’t on the menu in Cape Town. Cape Town is the kind of place that genuinely provides entertainment for every type of person. Here are some of our suggestions on what to do in Cape Town:

10 Fun Different things to do in Cape Town

Classic Rides: Explore in a Classic Car

Travel in style through the Cape Peninsula or the beautiful Winelands in classic cars like a 1959 K=Jagurar. MK.9 or a 1967 Mustang Fastback. If you want to drive these cars, you can, considering you have the correct documentation. You can also get your private chauffeur.

• Cost: The cheapest R990 for full-day tours is R3900.
• Location: Gardens, Cape Town.

Nerf Battles in Cape Town

Make your childhood dreams come true by joining a Nerf battle with your friends or family. Feel as if you are playing a PlayStation game. Great for kids.

• Cost: R99-R199 per person
• Location: Anywhere you want

Vine Bikes: Electrical Bicycle Tours

Take a little drive outside Cape Town's city center and explore Stellenbosch and Franschhoek by electric bicycle. Enjoy the wine farms and beautiful scenery without all the effort of traditional cycling.

• Cost: R 885 per person
• Location: 1 Lanzerac Road, Krinidal, Stellenbosch

Harley Davidson Tours

Enjoy the thrills of riding a Harley Davidson through Cape Town's beautiful ocean scenery and windy roads. Drive yourself with the correct documents or get a chauffeur.

• Cost: R1800 - R3000 per person.
• Location: 6 Esso Rd, Montague Gardens

The Galileo Open-Air Cinema

Who said open-air CInemas had to be a thing of the past? Enjoy your favorite movie under the stars with great food options and a cozy atmosphere.

• Cost: Starts from R129 per person
• Location: Kirstenbosch gardens

Hotpod Yoga: Heated Yoga in a Pod

Do you need a good stretch after all your exploring? You can try Vinyasa-style yoga, which is yoga in a head-pod. It's great for mental clarity and your body.

• Cost: From R140-R700
• Location: Unit C6, Salt Orchard, 44 Yew Street, Salt River

Nature-Focused Activities in Cape Town

Cape Town's natural beauty is unmatched. With all this natural beauty comes a plethora of activities for you to do:

• Hike Table Mountain: Go for a hike up the famous Table Mountain.
• Visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: Enjoy an incredible diversity of indigenous flora and fauna.

• Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve: Part of the Table Mountain National Park is a marvel at the stunning coastal scenery and wildlife.
• Go Whale Watching: Take a boat tour to visit some prime viewing spots to witness the southern right whales in their home waters.
• Hike the Silvermine nature reserve: Besides all the beautiful flora and fauna, you can enjoy some excellent birdwatching.
• Go stargazing at the South African Astronomical Observation: Visit an event to witness the wonders of the night sky.
• Take a scenic drive along Chapman Peak: Go for a breathtaking drive along Chapman Peak. Winding coastal roads that have panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Visit wine farms: Explore many different wine farms in Groot Constantia and Stellenbosch. Walk through grape vineyards, drink some great-quality wine, and eat some amazing food.
• Kayaking with penguins: Paddle around with African penguins in the water of Simon's town. You will get up close to these birds in their natural environment.
• Paragliding in paradise: Jump off a mountain and paraglide into the views you can only dream about.
• Surfing the cold waters: Learn how to surf, or if you are a seasoned surfer, experience some world-class surf breaks.

City-Centric Experiences in Cape Town

Cape Town’s city life is bustling, with excellent restaurants, shops, art exhibitions, and museums.
Exploring the city is a must, and here is a list of some things to do in the city:

• Explore Bo-Kapp Neighborhood: Walk through the colorful stress of Bo-Kaap. This neighborhood has a rich cultural heritage and showcases the vibrant Cape Malay architecture.

• Learn at the Zeitz MOCCA Museum: Interested in contemporary African Art? Visit this museum and see just that.
• Experience the V&A Waterfront: Spend a day at the V&A Waterfront. Where you can watch entertainment like bands and dances, eat good food, shop, and see views of the harbor.
• Go for a walk or run on Sea Point Promenade: Go for a nice long walk on the promenade and take in the ocean views.
• Visit the South African Jewish Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the Jewish community in South Africa.
• The Oranjezicht City Farm: View an urban farm that is community-driven and promotes sustainable agriculture and education.
• Visit the Langa Pass Museum: Get insights into the harsh realities of apartheid.
• Eat Cape Town's best: There are many unique markets, trendy restaurants, and food trucks serving a delicious array of cuisines.

Accommodation in Cape Town

In Cape Town, you are not short on places to stay, but it all depends on the areas you want to stay in. Below is a list of the areas and two recommendations for each:

Camps Bay

• The Bay Hotel: For more pampered accommodation with views of the Camps Bay Ocean, stay here.
• POD Camps Bay: Design enthusiast paradise. This is a stunning, modern boutique hotel.

Sea Point

• Winchester Mansions: A beachfront hotel with a more historic kind of charm. Entertainment is provided, like jazz brunches.
• The Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa: A very intimate and beautifully designed hotel. It has a pool and spa.

V&A Waterfront

• The Silo Hotel: This is rated one of the world's best hotels. It has world-class service and stunning interiors. It is worth checking out.
• One&Only Cape Town: A very luxurious resort with excellent amenities, and it is super aesthetic.

City Bowl

• Taj Cape Town: A combination of the old and the new. Perfect location for exploring.
• The Cape Royale: Big rooms with city views and a rooftop pool. Close to the City Center.

Constantia

• The Cellars-Hohenort: A tranquil retreat in the Cape Winelands.
• Steenberg Hotel & Spa: A luxury stay on a historic wine farm and championship golf course.

Woodstock

• DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town: Ideal for business or leisure travelers wanting to be in the trendy Woodstock area.
• The Silo Hotel: An architectural beauty that is located above the Zeitz MOCAA.

Remember, the best way to choose accommodation is by considering your personal preferences, budget, and the type of experiences you wish to have in Cape Town.

Discovering the West Coast

As you leave the busy streets of Cape Town, the West Coast will invite you to a slower and more relaxed pace of life. Here, there are endless stretches of windswept beaches and tranquil night skies.

The West Coast has become so popular amongst travelers because of its salty ocean air, white-washed walls, and the comforting scent of woodsmoke.

When traveling to Cape Town, it is a must to experience the West Coast for at least a day or two.

Charming Coastal Towns to Visit

Conclusion

In closing, Cape Town is a true bucket list kind of holiday destination. This will be a holiday that will never be forgotten with experiences from nature to culture and rich history. Soak up the beauty, experience the culture, and do something you won't get to experience anywhere else in the world.

If safety has you concerned, we hope this blog eases your mind and will change your mind from maybe to let's definitely go to Cape Town.

When exploring the cities, remember to stay vigilant and follow our safety tips and guidelines, and you will have no reason to worry.

Enjoy your trip!