You’re getting ready for Cape Town and already have so many tabs open that all that’s left is to find one more so you don’t lose the others? Let’s start with the essentials 💜
I’ve collected the first steps here: how to choose an area and accommodation, how to get from the airport, and where to look for food and shops. Jump straight to whatever you need right now.
📍 Start by choosing an area
Think about what kind of rhythm suits you best: waking up by the ocean, staying close to restaurants or choosing a quieter part of the city. Look at where you plan to spend your time, how you will get around and what is close to your accommodation.
In Cape Town, it is important to look not only at the neighbourhood itself, but also at the specific street, what time you will be returning home and how you plan to get around. Before booking, check the location carefully and ask your host about safety.
📖 How to choose an area in Cape Town
📍 Explore Cape Town neighbourhoods
🏡 How to choose accommodation
Hotel, apartment or a house by the ocean?
First, check the exact location, cancellation policy, total price and recent reviews. Find out how check-in works, whether there is parking and internet, and whether you can leave your luggage if you arrive before check-in time.
If you are planning to leave your luggage somewhere for several days, ask in advance about the storage period, cost, conditions and responsibility for belongings. It is better to keep valuables and documents with you.
We are still preparing our selection of specific places to stay. For now, start with the neighbourhoods and mark the places on the map that you want to be able to reach easily.
🚗 How to get there and get around
After a long flight, it is nice to know exactly who is meeting you and where.
If you are renting a car, check the collection and return conditions in advance. And if you are not planning to drive, look at the different ways to get around the city.
✈️ How to get from Cape Town Airport
🍽 Where to eat
Want to start the day with breakfast, find a restaurant for the evening or simply grab a coffee after the journey?
We have collected places into separate cards so you can read the description and choose what works best for your route.
🛒 Where to find groceries and gifts
For everyday shopping, supermarkets will come in handy, and if you want to bring something tasty home, have a look at our delicatessen selection.
You can also find markets and local shops in the general places catalogue.
🍒 What to bring back from Cape Town
📱 What else will be useful before your trip
Check your documents and mobile connection, save the apps you will need and think through your first few hours after landing.
Weather and prices depend on the season, and specific booking conditions are always better checked for your own dates.
📱 Apps to download before your trip
☀️ First 24 hours in Cape Town
Do not try to plan absolutely everything.
Choose a convenient base, save a few places nearby and leave some time for spontaneous discoveries 🐸
Officially, I'm an editor of city media around the world. But really, I'm just that traveling frog who chases adventures, connects people, and discovers new ways to make life a little more meaningful, exciting, and full of wonder every day
