South Africa’s capital city Capetown

I had the good fortune to spend a week or so in Cape Town on my first trip to the African continent. The following year, I relocated to, where I lived for over three years. The seaside city features amazing natural scenery, a wide variety of mouthwatering foods, and a tonne of activities for people of all ages. Additionally, it is a multicultural city with an abundance of historical attractions, a thriving café scene, and a fun nightlife. See my recommendations for the best places to eat, stay, and see in Cape Town!

EXPECTATIONS IN

Capetown

Language: Although South Africa claims a whopping eleven official languages, English, the language of business and the media, is the one you’ll hear the most in and around Cape Town, followed by Afrikaans and Xhosa on the streets.

The Rand is the name of the currency used in South Africa.

Banks and credit cards: Most shops and eateries accept debit cards as payment.

The summers in Cape Town are hot but not excessively humid because of the city’s low levels of humidity. However, due to the ocean winds coming in from the southeast, winter is frigid. The transitional months of October and November are the finest seasons to go.

South Africa’s springtime, or the hottest and longest days occur from December through February. Winter from June to August is typically cold and rainy.

Plugs are either 2- or 3-prong in South Africa, so make sure to pack both power adapters so you’re ready wherever you go.

Safety: While there are still occasional minor crimes, Cape Town is one of South Africa’s safer cities. Lock up your valuables and keep necessary items close to you at all times.

My Traveling in South Africa as an LGBTQ+ Traveler
On our honeymoon, my wife and I traveled to Cape Town and the surrounding area. For LGBTQ+ tourists, South Africa is the ideal place to start their trip to Africa because, unlike the rest of the continent, same-sex marriage is allowed there and there are legislative safeguards against discrimination. We liked exploring a new region of the world while also feeling comfortable and welcomed as LGBT tourists!

HOW TO GET AROUND Capetown

Uber: One of the finest methods to travel in Cape Town is by using Uber. Since most of the main sites are close together, traveling there is an economical choice. Additionally, you can use the free WiFi at Cape Town International Airport to hail a taxi.

My CitiBus: The My CitiBus service offers an additional, reasonably priced option for getting around the city. From one of the stations, you can purchase a transport code and top it off as you go. You can download a free app that provides a route planner, prices, and timetables for each stop.

Rent a Car: Due to Cape Town’s size and the abundance of things to see and do nearby and beyond, I advise renting a car. Keep in mind that here, you must drive on the left. Although the city is auto-friendly with plenty of parking and little traffic, the street signage can be a little misleading.

Not all gas stations take credit cards, but some do. If they accept credit cards, it will be stated on a sign outside, but it’s a good idea to always have cash just in case. For the tolls on the main roads, you’ll also need a little change.

Rent a scooter: In Cape Town, scooters and Vespas are fairly common. They’re an incredibly quick and practical mode of transportation, but don’t forget your helmet!

Accommodations in Cape Town
Cape Town is a vibrant, buzzing city! Due to this, there are a wide variety of neighbourhoods to discover. The majority of the hotels and lodging options are concentrated around the beaches or the V&A Waterfront region. My favourite areas in Cape Town are Sea Point, Green Point, and Camps Bay, so if this is your first time here, I strongly suggest staying there.

However, for a breathtaking, unwinding, and tranquil setting, there are a few lovely boutique hotels (and ultra-romantic hotels!) in and near Cape Town that are worth the extra journey. The top hotels in Cape Town are listed below.

BAY OF ODDS CAMPS
POD A lovely boutique hotel called Camps Bay is located directly on Camps Bay beach. A variety of bars and restaurants are nearby, and their breakfast is excellent. If you’re searching for a 5-Star stay, this is it—I couldn’t suggest the location more.

BOUTIQUE GUEST HOUSE MANNABAY
A chic hotel with quirky decor, a lovely pool, a fire pit, and breathtaking views of Cape Town is called MannaBay. Huge rooms with walk-in showers, under-floor heating, and roomy bathrooms make for a perfect stay! See my hotel review right here.

In Cape Town, there are many VRBO vacation rentals that provide lovely homes at reasonable costs. Consider renting a lovely apartment or villa by the beach if you want more privacy or to explore the local parts of the city.

The elegant and spotless Cape View Clifton is the ideal location for relaxation. The rooms are roomy and provide beautiful panoramic views, a contemporary design, and a made-to-order breakfast.

AFTER CAPE TOWN

My favourite low-cost accommodation in Cape Town is ONCE! It is at a fantastic position close to many stores, eateries, clubs, and cafés. Additionally, there are 3 of their own eateries on the premises. The personnel is always welcoming. There are several options for rooms, and guests can unwind in the meditation garden and wonderful outdoor fire pit.

TINTSWALO

Tintswalo, a 5-star award-winning lodge that provides vistas unlike any other, is referred to as Cape Town’s hidden gem. Although it is a bit outside of town in Hout Bay, all of the rooms provide a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and make you feel at home. From the convenience of your own room, you may observe whales! See my hotel review right here.

BELMOND MOUNT NELSON

The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel has a captivating ambience that combines Old Hollywood glitz and colonial majesty. This hotel is a luxurious retreat in the middle of Cape Town, tucked away at the base of the famous Table Mountain. See my hotel review right here!