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South Africa · Western Cape

Cape Town travel guide

Table Mountain, beaches and penguins

Table Mountain above Cape Town. Photo: Danie van der Merwe, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

12h 15mflight from London
CPTnearest main airport
20° in Febwarmest month
14° in Augcoolest month

Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities, with Table Mountain behind it and the Atlantic in front. Ride the cable car up the mountain, visit Robben Island and drive to Cape Point.

The Winelands, whale watching and penguins at Boulders Beach are all within an hour or two.

Good forCity breaksBeachesFoodNature

What Cape Town is known for

  • Table Mountain

    A cable car or hike.

  • Boulders Beach

    African penguins.

  • Robben Island

    Where Mandela was held.

  • Cape Point

    The tip of the peninsula.

Top things to do in Cape Town

  1. 1

    Table Mountain

    Cable car up, views of the city.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Boulders Beach

    Walk among penguins.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    Robben Island

    Tours led by former prisoners.

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  4. 4

    Chapman's Peak Drive

    A spectacular coast road.

    Find tours and tickets
  5. 5

    Bo-Kaap

    Colourful houses and Cape Malay food.

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  6. 6

    Kirstenbosch Gardens

    Botanic gardens below the mountain.

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See all tours and tickets in Cape Town

Where to stay in Cape Town

Find a hotel in Cape Town

Best time to visit Cape Town

Best value: Apr–May, Sep–Nov. November to March for summer; March to May and September to November for fewer crowds.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
20 C20°J20.3 C20°F19.3 C19°M17.7 C18°A16.5 C16°M15.1 C15°J14.4 C14°J14.3 C14°A15 C15°S16.2 C16°O17.4 C17°N19.1 C19°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Cape Town, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 12h 15m from London to CPT, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Use Uber or hire a car. The MyCiTi bus covers some routes.

Car hire in Cape Town Airport transfer to Cape Town

Find flights to Cape Town (CPT)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • The cable car closes in strong wind: check before going.
  • Use Uber after dark rather than walking.
  • Book Robben Island tickets ahead.
South Africa guidesTravel safetyPlugs & adaptersWhen to goFlight times

Cape Town FAQ

How many days in Cape Town?

Five days, including day trips.

Is Cape Town safe?

Take city precautions and use Uber at night.

More places in South Africa

Back to the South Africa travel guide + Add Cape Town to your bucket list