Cape Town

Cape Town Travel Guide

South Africa's top tourist city, where Table Mountain meets the Atlantic. Gateway to the Cape of Good Hope. The V&A Waterfront is the shopping, dining, and entertainment hub, while Boulders Beach lets you get close to African penguins. The Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine lands pour world-class vintages, and Bo-Kaap's pastel houses are an Instagram-perfect photo spot.

Essential Cape Town Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Cape Town

★ 4.8

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is Cape Town's signature 1,085m flat-topped peak and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The rotating cable car reaches the summit in about 5 minutes, where a 360-degree panorama opens over the city, the Atlantic, and the Cape Peninsula. Unique fynbos vegetation thrives on top, and small mammals called dassies (rock hyrax) live among the rocks. Cloud sometimes drapes the summit like a tablecloth - another distinctive charm of the mountain.

HoursCable car 08:00-19:30 (varies seasonally; suspended in high winds)

LocationTable Mountain, Cape Town

TipsThe cable car shuts down on windy days, so check operating status in advance. Clear mornings offer the best views, and online tickets come with a discount.

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★ 4.6

Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is a historic promontory at the southwestern tip of Africa, located within Table Mountain National Park (Cape Point Nature Reserve). Discovered in 1488 by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, it became a key landmark of the Age of Exploration. From the nearby Cape Point lighthouse you can take in sweeping views where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans appear to meet, and the reserve is home to ostriches, baboons, and antelope.

HoursApril-September 07:00-17:00; October-March 06:00-18:00

LocationCape Point, Cape Town

TipsAbout 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Cape Town; the scenic Chapman's Peak Drive is a stunning detour. Combine with the penguin colony at Boulders Beach as a full-day tour.

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★ 4.7

Robben Island

Robben Island lies about 7km off the Cape Town coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that held Nelson Mandela for 18 of his 27 years in prison. Former political prisoners lead the tours, guiding visitors through Mandela's cell, the lime quarry, and the prison facilities while sharing firsthand stories of apartheid and the struggle for freedom. Standing in Mandela's cell and imagining the time he spent there is a deeply moving experience.

HoursFerry departures: 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 (varies seasonally)

LocationRobben Island, Cape Town

TipsFerries from V&A Waterfront take 30 minutes, and tickets must be booked online at least 1-2 weeks ahead. Seas can be rough, so bring motion sickness medication. The full tour lasts about 3.5 hours.

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★ 4.4

Bo-Kaap

Nestled at the foot of Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap is the historic home of the Cape Malay community — descendants of enslaved people and political exiles brought from Southeast Asia by the Dutch East India Company in the 18th century. Houses painted in pastel pinks, blues, yellows, and greens line the cobbled hillside streets, making it Cape Town's most photogenic neighbourhood. The Bo-Kaap Museum traces the area's cultural history, and the district's traditional curry is considered the most authentic in South Africa. Free to wander (Bo-Kaap Museum ZAR 30). About 15 minutes on foot from the city centre.

HoursOpen 24 hours (Bo-Kaap Museum: Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00)

LocationBo-Kaap, Cape Town

TipsBe respectful of residents' privacy when taking photos. Bo-Kaap Kombuis serves authentic Cape Malay curry.

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★ 4.5

V&A Waterfront

Centred on the Victoria and Alfred Basins, this is Cape Town's largest shopping and entertainment district, attracting more than 24 million visitors a year — South Africa's most popular destination. Over 450 shops and 100+ restaurants sit alongside the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) and the Two Oceans Aquarium, all set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and the working harbour. The Robben Island ferry terminal is also here, making it a starting point for many itineraries. Free to enter (individual venue fees vary). About 10 minutes by Uber from the city centre.

HoursShops 09:00-21:00; restaurants 12:00-22:00 (individual venues vary)

LocationV&A Waterfront, Cape Town

TipsZeitz MOCAA is free for South African citizens after 17:00 on Wednesdays, and the architecture alone is worth a visit. A sunset dinner at a harbourside restaurant is the ultimate atmosphere.

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★ 4.6

Boulders Beach

Near Simon's Town, Boulders Beach is a world-renowned beach home to some 3,000 African penguins. A single pair settled here in 1982, and it has since grown into one of South Africa's largest African penguin colonies. Elevated wooden boardwalks let you observe the penguins up close, and during breeding season (February–August) you may spot fluffy chicks. Massive granite boulders shelter the cove, creating calm waters safe for swimming. Admission ZAR 176 (about KRW 13,000). About 45 minutes by car from Cape Town.

HoursApril-September 08:00-17:00; October-March 07:00-19:00

LocationSimon's Town, Cape Town

TipsCombine with a Cape of Good Hope day tour for efficiency. Feeding or touching the penguins is strictly prohibited.

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★ 4.7

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Founded in 1913, Kirstenbosch spans 528 hectares on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and is one of the world's six greatest botanical gardens. Over 7,000 species of southern African plants, including the unique fynbos biome, are on display, and hiking trails connect to Table Mountain. The Boomslang — a treetop canopy walkway opened in 2014 — offers elevated views of the gardens and the city. In summer (Dec–Feb), Sunday open-air concerts turn it into a beloved picnic spot. Admission ZAR 250 (about KRW 18,500). About 20 minutes by car from the city centre.

Hours08:00-19:00 (winter 08:00-18:00)

LocationNewlands, Cape Town

TipsBook ahead for the Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts on Sundays. The Boomslang canopy walkway is the most popular photo spot.

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★ 4.6

Chapman's Peak Drive

A roughly 9km coastal road linking Hout Bay and Noordhoek, widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world. Its 114 curves are carved into the cliff face, with sheer rock on one side and the deep blue Atlantic on the other. Built between 1915 and 1922 using convict labour, the road features several lookout points where you can stop for photos. It is also a highlight of the popular Cape of Good Hope day tour. Toll ZAR 52 (about KRW 3,850). About 20 minutes from Hout Bay to Noordhoek.

Hours06:00-21:00 (varies by season and weather conditions)

LocationHout Bay - Noordhoek, Cape Town

TipsSunset drives are the most beautiful. Stop at the lookout points for photos. The road may close due to high winds or rockfall risk.

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Things to Do in Cape Town

Nature

Table Mountain Cable Car

Ride the revolving cable car to Table Mountain's summit for panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding peaks.

Price ZAR 395 (about USD 21, round trip)Duration 2-3 hours

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Culture

Bo-Kaap Colorful Street Tour

Walk through the colorful pastel-painted houses of Bo-Kaap, learning about Cape Malay culture and history.

Price Free (self-guided) to ZAR 250 (guided)Duration 1-2 hours

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Adventure

Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope Drive

Drive along Chapman's Peak to visit the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point lighthouse, reaching the southwestern tip of Africa.

Price ZAR 376 (about USD 20, entrance fee)Duration Half day to full day

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Culture

Robben Island Tour

Ferry to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Former political prisoners serve as guides, sharing firsthand accounts.

Price ZAR 400 (about USD 22, includes ferry)Duration 3.5-4 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Adventure

Shark Cage Diving

Get up close with great white sharks in a cage off Gansbaai coast, South Africa's premier adrenaline adventure activity.

Price ZAR 2,500-3,500 (about USD 135-190)Duration Full day (including travel)

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Tour

Stellenbosch Wine Tour

Tour Stellenbosch wineries near Cape Town, sampling Pinotage, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, and other varietals with vineyard views.

Price ZAR 500-1,000 (about USD 27-55)Duration 4-6 hours

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Must-Try Food in Cape Town

Bobotie

🍱 Traditional

A traditional South African dish of curry-spiced minced meat baked with an egg custard topping. ZAR 120-200 per serving. Try Gold Restaurant at V&A Waterfront or Bo-Kaap Kombuis in the Bo-Kaap.

Braai

🍱 Traditional

South African barbecue: beef, lamb, and boerewors sausage grilled over charcoal. ZAR 100-250 per serving. Enjoy at beachfront restaurants in Camps Bay or Hout Bay.

Cape Malay Curry

🍱 Traditional

A fragrant, spice-rich curry passed down through the Malay community of the Bo-Kaap district. ZAR 100-180. Bo-Kaap Kombuis serves the authentic version.

Gatsby Sandwich

🍢 Street Food

A massive French roll stuffed with fries, meat, and sauce, a Cape Town original. ZAR 60-100 (about USD 3-5). Golden Dish in Athlone is the legendary original.

Koeksisters

🍰 Dessert

Braided dough deep-fried and coated in sweet syrup, a traditional South African treat. ZAR 15-30 (about USD 1-2). Available at Bo-Kaap cafés and bakeries.

Pinotage Wine

🍵 Drink

South Africa's signature grape variety producing fruity, smoky wines. ZAR 50-100 per glass (about USD 3-5). Best experienced at Stellenbosch wineries.

Boerewors Roll

🍢 Street Food

A traditional boerewors sausage in a hot dog bun topped with chakalaka sauce. ZAR 40-60 (about USD 2-3). Popular from stalls near stadiums and markets.

Cape Town Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Cape Town?

October-March (Southern Hemisphere summer) is ideal, with December-February the warmest and clearest.

How much does it cost to travel in Cape Town?

Daily budget approx. $55-130 (lodging $30-70, food $15-30, transport and admissions $15-30)

How do I get around in Cape Town?

About 20 minutes by taxi or Uber from Cape Town Airport to downtown. MyCiti buses and Uber serve the city, and a rental car is also convenient. SIM cards (Vodacom, MTN) available at the airport (ZAR 50-200). Cards accepted at tourist spots; cash also used. Restaurant tipping of 10-15% is standard.

Do I need a visa to visit Cape Town?

Korean passport holders may stay visa-free for 30 days (extendable up to 90 days).

Is Cape Town safe for tourists?

Tourist areas are safe, but avoid walking at night. Watch your belongings and use Uber or taxis.

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