Cape Town Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
Safety & General Concerns:
Is Cape Town safe for tourists? Generally, yes, but exercise common sense. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid flashing valuables.
What areas should I avoid in Cape Town? Specific townships are generally not recommended for tourists to walk around in unguided. Stick to well-known tourist areas and main roads.
Is it safe to walk around at night? It’s generally advised to use ride-sharing services or taxis at night, even in seemingly safe areas.
How can I stay safe from crime? Don’t travel with valuables visible, don’t flash cash, avoid engaging with people who approach with sob stories, and be aware of your surroundings.
Are car guards legitimate? Most car guards are friendly and provide a service, but some in areas like Bo-Kaap can be pushy. Parking a few streets away from busy areas can help.
Should I carry cash? It’s mostly a cashless city, with cards widely accepted. Carry a small amount (R100-R200) for tips or small purchases, but most transactions can be done by card.
What about ATMs? Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas, ideally inside a bank or mall. Be cautious of strangers approaching you at ATMs.
Is it safe for solo female travelers? Many solo female travelers report positive experiences, emphasizing caution, staying in tourist areas, and using ride-sharing.
What about load shedding (power outages)? It happens, but hotels and many businesses have generators. It’s becoming less impactful on tourists, but be aware it can affect traffic lights or power.
Do I need an onward ticket to enter South Africa? Generally, yes, or proof of onward travel.
Do I need a visa for South Africa? This depends on your nationality. Many countries are visa-free for stays under 90 days, but always check official government sources for your specific country.
What’s the general vibe of Cape Town? Beautiful, vibrant, friendly people, with a lot to see and do.
Getting Around:
What’s the best way to get around Cape Town? Uber is highly recommended and affordable.
Is public transport reliable? MyCiTi bus system is good for certain routes, but not as comprehensive as Uber. Trains can be unreliable and have safety concerns in some areas.
Should I rent a car? Recommended for exploring beyond the city center, especially for day trips like Cape Point or the Winelands.
Are driving conditions easy for tourists? Driving is on the left. Be aware of Google Maps sometimes routing through less safe areas – stick to main roads.
What about car security? Always lock your car, close windows, and keep valuables out of sight.
Can I use my international driving license? Generally, yes, but it’s advisable to check specific requirements.
How far is the airport from the city center? It’s a drive, and areas nearest the airport aren’t the safest to walk around. Go directly to your accommodation.
Are there shuttle services? Yes, especially for areas further out like the Deep South.
Is it easy to get Ubers from more remote areas? Can be harder in very remote spots like Scarborough, sometimes tipping drivers in advance helps secure a ride.
What’s the Hop-on Hop-off bus like? A good option for tourists to see many main attractions.
Accommodation:
What are the best areas to stay in Cape Town? Green Point, Sea Point, Camps Bay, and De Waterkant are popular and generally safe areas with good access to attractions and social life.
Are hotels or Airbnbs better? Both are popular. Airbnbs offer more local experiences, while hotels provide amenities and often better security.
What’s a good budget-friendly area to stay? Sea Point often offers good value and is still well-located.
Recommendations for luxury hotels? 12 Apostles, Cellars-Hohenort, The One & Only (though noted as being expensive).
What about hotels with good views? 12 Apostles is known for epic views.
Is the V&A Waterfront a good place to stay? Very central, safe, and lots of amenities, but can be more expensive.
Are there family-friendly accommodation options? Many hotels and Airbnbs cater to families. Look for places with pools or proximity to parks.
Things to Do & Itineraries:
Must-do attractions in Cape Town? Table Mountain, Robben Island, Bo-Kaap, V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Point.
What are some unique or less-missed experiences? Driving Chapman’s Peak, visiting Simon’s Town (penguins), Hout Bay Market, Old Biscuit Mill (Neighbourgoods Market on Saturdays), West Coast Fossil Park (a drive), The Spice Route, Noordhoek Farmers Market.
Best way to experience Table Mountain? Cable car for convenience, or hike up for a challenge (Platteklip Gorge is tough but popular, Nursery Ravine easier). Always check weather conditions.
Is Lions Head worth the hike? Many say it’s overrated but offers fantastic city views. It’s a popular hike.
What about the penguins? Visit Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town.
Are wine tours worth it? Absolutely! Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are highly recommended. Consider the Franschhoek wine tram.
Recommended wine farms? Vergelegen, Spier, Babylonstoren, Cape Point Vineyards, Boschendal.
What museums should I visit? District Six Museum (highly recommended for understanding apartheid history), Iziko South African Museum, Slave Lodge, Zeitz MOCAA Museum.
Any free activities? Company Gardens (feed squirrels), walking the Sea Point Promenade, Signal Hill for sunset views, exploring Bo-Kaap’s colorful houses, many local parks.
What’s the “Noon Day Gun”? A historic cannon fired daily (except Sunday) at noon.
Are there good markets? Mojo Market (Sea Point), Old Biscuit Mill (Neighbourgoods Market, Saturdays), Noordhoek Farmers Market.
What about cultural experiences beyond museums? Take a cooking tour in Bo-Kaap, visit Mzoli’s for a unique local braai experience.
Any interesting walks/hikes for beginners? Pipe Track, contour path between Lions Head and Signal Hill, routes at Tygerberg Nature Reserve, Alphen Trail, Cecilia Forest.
Is paragliding an option? Yes, tandem paragliding is popular.
What’s the Cape of Good Hope like? Requires a car to explore properly.
Can I visit a township? Best to do so with an organized tour for safety and cultural respect.
What about day trips outside Cape Town? Cape Point, Winelands (Franschhoek, Stellenbosch), Hermanus (whale watching in season), Garden Route (if you have more time).
Is it worth staying overnight in the Winelands? Yes, especially Franschhoek, to fully experience it.
What about the underground tunnels from Table Mountain? There are tours for these old stormwater tunnels, offering a unique perspective.
Are there any hidden gems? Travelers suggest things like West Coast Fossil Park, the Spice Route, certain smaller markets, and specific, less-trekked hiking routes (with caution).
What’s there to do for families with young children? Kirstenbosch, V&A Waterfront, beaches (Clifton), wine farms with playgrounds, Two Oceans Aquarium.
Food & Drink:
What’s the food scene like in Cape Town? World-class, with high-quality produce and diverse options, from fine dining to casual.
Any fine dining recommendations? La Colombe, La Petite Colombe (Franschhoek), Protoge, Miko, Haute Cabriere.
Where can I get good steak? Hussar (Rondebosch), Fat Butcher (Stellenbosch), Nelson’s Eye.
Best seafood in Cape Town? Codfather (Camps Bay) is highly recommended.
Where to find good pizza? Massimo’s (Hout Bay), Ginos (Stellenbosch).
Recommendations for coffee shops? Mischu (Sea Point), Motherland (Claremont), and generally high-quality coffee culture throughout.
Any unique food experiences? Addis in Cape Town (Ethiopian food eaten with hands), Rick’s Cafe (Moroccan), Thali (Indian).
What about markets for food? Oranjezicht City Farm Market, Montebello Produce Market.
Is there good craft beer? Woodstock Brewery is recommended for local beers.
Where can I try traditional South African food? Look for places offering dishes like pickled fish, bobotie, or a braai.
Recommendations for high tea? The Vineyard Hotel, The Mount Nelson, The One & Only.
What’s “Woolworths” and why is it mentioned for food? It’s a popular grocery store chain, often compared to Whole Foods, known for high-quality fresh produce.
Any specific dessert recommendations? Kristen’s Kick-Ass Ice Cream (Noordhoek Farmers Market), The Scone Shack.
What’s the consensus on food prices? Generally good value for money, especially compared to major global cities.
Nightlife:
Where’s the best nightlife? Kloof Street is a popular starting point with many trendy spots.
Any specific bar recommendations on Kloof Street? Our Local, Blondie (hotspot), Van Hunk’s.
Where to go for live music? OnePark (check Instagram for events).
Good places for cocktails? Asoka Bar and Lounge (Kloof Street).
Any unique nightlife experiences? Barcadia (old-school arcade and bar), karaoke bars (often packed), Dias Tavern (Portuguese restaurant with a lively atmosphere), the “cowboy bar” across from Dias.
Clubs for electronic music/techno? Halo Nightclub (check Instagram for events, go before 10 PM for free entrance), Evol, Modular.
Pub recommendations? Armchair, Stones (Observatory), Twelve Bells, The Power and Glory, Forrester’s Arms.
Is it safe to go out at night? Be cautious, use Uber/taxis, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas.
Any specific areas for a more “local” nightlife feel? Lower Main Road in Observatory.
What about late-night food? Bodega Ramen (Observatory) and Ganesh Obs are mentioned for late-night food.
Best Time to Visit:
When is the best time to visit Cape Town for good weather? Mid-January to mid-April is often cited as the best, with March/April being particularly good (warm but calmer winds, fewer tourists).
What’s summer like (Dec-Feb)? Hot and often windy.
What’s winter like (June-August)? Wet, windy, and cold by South African standards, but can still have sunny days. Less crowded.
Is November a good time to visit? Generally good, with high energy as winter ends and good weather before peak summer winds.
What about May and August for nature activities? May is often better for wind, August for greenery. Expect some rain and wind in both.
When is whale watching season? Generally June to November, with peak sightings in Hermanus from July to October.
Miscellaneous:
What’s the currency in South Africa? South African Rand (ZAR).
Do most places accept credit cards? Yes, almost everywhere accepts Visa and Mastercard. Apple Pay/Google Wallet are also widely used.
Should I tip in Cape Town? Yes, tipping is customary for service staff (waiters, car guards, tour guides). Cash tips are often preferred for workers to receive the full amount.
What kind of clothing should I pack? Layers are always a good idea due to changeable weather. Summer is hot but can be windy, winter requires warmer clothing and rain gear.
What’s the “Cape Doctor”? The strong southeasterly wind that often blows in summer.
Is it expensive to visit Cape Town? Generally considered good value for money, especially compared to European or North American cities.
What should I know about local etiquette? Be polite, respectful, and generally friendly.
Are there good surfing spots? Muizenberg is known for beginner-friendly waves.
What about shark sightings? While sharks are in the ocean, most popular swimming beaches have shark spotters. Be aware of signage and warnings.
Can I visit Robben Island? Yes, boat tours run daily. Book in advance as they often sell out.
What are the Company Gardens? Historic public gardens in the city center, good for a relaxed stroll and feeding squirrels.
Are there any good museums about pre-colonial history? Iziko South African Museum covers natural history and some cultural aspects.
What’s the difference between the District Six Museum and the Slave Lodge? District Six Museum focuses on forced removals during apartheid, while the Slave Lodge deals with the history of slavery in the Cape. Both are important.
Any unique local products to buy? Local crafts, fynbos-infused products, wine, Biltong (dried meat).
What’s the local lingo I might hear? “Howzit” (hello), “lekker” (nice/good), “robot” (traffic light), “braai” (barbecue).
Is it easy to get a local SIM card? Yes, readily available at the airport and shops.
What about internet access? Good in most tourist areas, hotels, and cafes.
Should I get travel insurance? Always highly recommended for any international travel.
Is Cape Town a good base for exploring the wider Western Cape? Absolutely, it’s a perfect hub for day trips to the Winelands, coastal towns, and nature reserves.
Overall impression from travelers? Overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it one of the most beautiful cities in the world, despite safety concerns that require common sense.