Best Places to Stay in Cape Town South Africa

Where to Stay in Cape Town: A Guide for Every Traveler

Cape Town, with its stunning beaches, vibrant city life, and breathtaking mountain views, offers something for every type of traveler. From budget-friendly hostels to luxurious villas, the city has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

This guide will help you choose the best area in Cape Town to find your perfect place to stay:

Luxury:

  • Bantry Bay & Clifton: These upscale areas offer breathtaking ocean views and access to beautiful beaches. Expect glamorous villas, boutique hotels, and designer apartments.
  • Camps Bay: Known for its trendy restaurants, bars, and white sand beach, Camps Bay is a popular choice for those seeking luxury with a vibrant atmosphere.

Budget-Friendly:

  • Gardens & Observatory: These neighborhoods offer a more relaxed vibe, with access to cafes, markets, and nightlife just a short distance away.
  • City Bowl (Central Cape Town): Centrally located with a variety of accommodation options from hostels to budget apartments, this area offers easy access to the city’s attractions while being close to the action.

Boutique & Stylish:

  • Sea Point: A vibrant mix of beachside living and trendy cafes, boutiques, and nightlife.
  • Bo-Kaap: Colorful houses, vibrant culture, and a picturesque location on a hillside overlooking the city.

Trendy & Boutique:

  • Camps Bay: Offers a stylish blend of beach and luxury with boutique hotels and villas catering to individual tastes.
  • Clifton: A chic neighborhood known for its trendy restaurants, boutiques, and stunning views.

Boutique & Stylish (but with a focus on affordability):

  • Gardens: Explore the vibrant and charming streets of this historic neighborhood, filled with colorful houses, local cafes, and lively nightlife.

Beyond Accommodation Type:

This is just a starting point. Consider these factors when choosing where to stay:

  • Location: Do you want to be near the beach, in the heart of the city, or closer to nature?

  • Budget: Cape Town offers options for all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses.

  • Activities: Are you looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventurous one? Different areas offer different experiences:

    • Luxury & Relaxation: For a luxurious stay with stunning ocean views, consider the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, Clifton, or the trendy neighborhood of De Waterkant.

  • Hiking & Nature: Explore the breathtaking scenery and hiking trails of the Table Mountain range while staying in nearby neighborhoods like Tamboerskloof or the City Bowl for easy access to the mountain’s base.

Consider these questions:

  • Who are you traveling with? Families might find themselves comfortable in quieter, more residential areas.
  • What kind of experience are you looking for? Do you want a bustling city vibe, a secluded beach escape, or something in between?
  • How long are you staying? Longer stays may benefit from self-catering options like apartments or guesthouses.
  • What’s your budget?

While the V&V Waterfront and Camps Bay offer luxurious experiences, some more affordable options are available in other areas of Cape Town.

  • What are your interests?

Activities:

  • Experience the vibrant nightlife: Explore the nightlife scene in areas like Long Street, Kloof Street, and Bree Street.
  • Enjoy the beach: Spend your time relaxing on the beach, swimming, surfing, or simply soaking up the sun at Camps Bay, Clifton, or the more relaxed beaches in the Outer City Bowl.

Choosing a place to stay in Cape Town:

  • For breathtaking views: Consider these locations:
    • Camps Bay: This trendy seaside neighborhood boasts stunning ocean views from its beautiful beaches and coastal trails.
    • Clifton: Enjoy picturesque views of the ocean and the mountain, with a variety of restaurants and bars offering outdoor seating and vibrant atmosphere.

Explore the city and its culture:

  • Visit historic sites: Explore the rich history of the Mother City with tours of Robben Island, the Castle of Good Hope, and the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap.
  • Discover art and design: Cape Town’s diverse neighborhoods offer a range of opportunities to experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Bo-Kaap: This neighbourhood offers a mix of history and culture.

Enjoy the variety of accommodations:

  • V&A Waterfront: From luxury hotels with waterfront views to affordable guesthouses in the heart of the city, you’ll find something for everyone in this bustling area.
  • Boutique & Stylish Hotels: Experience the charm and elegance of these unique accommodations, offering a personalized touch and often stunning views.

Explore different areas:

  • Sea Point: Enjoy beautiful beaches, cafes, and restaurants.

Consider your budget:

  • Affordable Options: Look for guesthouses, hostels, or even Airbnb rentals in neighborhoods like Woodstock, Observatory, and the Southern Suburbs.
  • Luxury Accommodation: Experience the vibrant and luxurious V&A Waterfront or explore the beautiful houses of the City Bowl.

For a unique experience:

  • Stay in a quirky guesthouse: The colorful houses of Bo-Kaap offer a charming backdrop for your stay.

Explore other neighborhoods:

  • Woodstock: Discover its vibrant street art, craft breweries, and independent boutiques.
  • Camps Bay (more expensive) & the Waterfront: Enjoy the trendy atmosphere and stunning views.
  • Camps Bay: A mix of affordability and accessibility to beaches and nightlife.

For a more budget-friendly stay:

Consider the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods of Gardens and Clifton, which are known for their stylish accommodations and a variety of activities.

Beyond the Location:

  • This is just a starting point. Think about what type of accommodation fits your needs:
    • Luxury Hotels: Enjoy breathtaking views of Table Mountain from a luxurious hotel in a place like the luxurious hotels in Camps Bay.

For those on a budget, staying at a guesthouse or hostel in areas like:

  • The Waterfront: Offers stunning views and is close to the beach but with a variety of budget-friendly options available.
  • The City Bowl: Has many trendy hostels and guesthouses that are perfect for meeting other travelers and experiencing the local culture.

Remember:

This is just a guide, and the best place to stay depends on your individual preferences and budget.

For a more luxurious experience, consider staying in a hotel or guesthouse with views of the ocean and the city, like the Cape Grace Hotel or the Twelve Apostles Hotel.

For budget-conscious travelers, areas like Sea Point offer a good balance between affordability and amenities.

  • What’s your budget? Consider these options:
    • Budget: The Waterfront has many affordable accommodation options, such as The Waterfront Apartments or the Cape Town Backpackers.
    • Budgeting: Think about what you want to do with your time.

Enjoy your stay in Cape Town!