About Cape Town
Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa. It is the country's oldest city and the seat of the Parliament of South Africa. Cape Town is the capital and largest city of the Western Cape, and the country's second-most populous city, after Johannesburg. The city is part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality.
Cheap flights to Cape Town
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,461 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
Airlines travellers compared most often: Kenya Airways.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to Cape TownPlaces to visit in Cape Town
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Table Mountain
Nature · 3 mi from centreThe flat-topped mountain above the city, accessible by rotating cable car or several hiking trails. Views over the city, Robben Island and the coast are excellent on a clear day.
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Robben Island
Historic · 9 mi from centreThe island prison where Nelson Mandela was held for many years, reached by ferry from the V&A Waterfront. Tours are often led by former political prisoners.
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Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Neighborhood · 2 mi from centreA working harbor with shops, restaurants, street performers and the Two Oceans Aquarium. It is also the departure point for Robben Island ferries and harbor cruises.
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Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Park · 4 mi from centreBotanical gardens on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain showcasing native plants such as proteas. Walk the curving canopy walkway through the treetops, or enjoy summer concerts on the lawns.
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Bo-Kaap
NeighborhoodA historic neighborhood on the slopes of Signal Hill with brightly painted houses and cobbled streets. It is the heart of Cape Malay heritage, with a small museum and spice shops.
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Cape Point
Nature · 30 mi from centreA dramatic headland at the tip of the Cape Peninsula within Table Mountain National Park, with sea cliffs, a lighthouse, hiking trails, baboons and antelope. Allow a full day for the drive.
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Boulders Beach
Beach · 19 mi from centreA sheltered beach near Simon's Town, home to a colony of African penguins that can be watched from boardwalks. Swimming is possible in the calm coves between granite boulders.
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Zeitz MOCAA
MuseumA museum of contemporary African art inside a converted grain silo at the waterfront. The atrium carved out of the old concrete tubes is as memorable as the art.
Things to do in Cape Town by type
54 tours, tickets and experiences across 8 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Gastronomy & nightlife 16 experiences African Dinner and Drumming Experience -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 14 experiences Cage Diving with Great White Sharks - Small Group Full-Day Tour -
Day Trips & Excursions 11 experiences An Evening in the Townships - Small Group Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 8 experiences Aquila Wildlife Safari Tour: Big 5 -
Art & culture 7 experiences An Evening in the Townships - Small Group Tour -
City tours 7 experiences An Evening in Cape Town - Small Group Tour -
Cruise & Water Tours 4 experiences Marine Ecosystem of Table Bay Boat Tour -
Transport & Rentals 2 experiences Full Day Cape Town Private Chauffeur Services
- Over 6 hours 12
- 3-6 hours 8
- 1-3 hours 3
- Flexible 2
- Youth 11
- Senior 10
- Couples 10
- Families 9
- Families with kids 1
- Small group 26
- Private 15
Top experiences in Cape Town
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 54 available.
Wine Tour Through Cape Town - Full-Day Tour
From $149 per adult
Cape Town City - Half-Day Tour
From $65 per adult
Stellenbosch Wine Tasting - Half-Day Tour
From $108 per adult
E-Bike Safari in the West Coast National Park - Full-Day Small Group Tour
From $245 per adult
Ground Transportation Chauffeur Service with English Driver
From $129 per adult
Aquila Wildlife Safari Tour: Big 5
From $221 per adult
Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving
From $289 per adult
Half Day Table Mountain & City Tour
From $50 per adult
Full Day Marine Big 5 Safari
From $250 per adult
Cape Town Peninsula - Full-Day Tour
From $123 per adult
Cage Diving with Great White Sharks - Small Group Full-Day Tour
From $222 per adult
Cape Town Safari - Small Group Full-Day Tour
From $268 per adult
Best time to visit Cape Town
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cape Town is October to May, when average daytime highs are around 69–80°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Cape Town weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 65° 57° 100%
- Thu 22 Oct 65° 54° 75%
- Fri 23 Oct 69° 53° 20%
- Sat 24 Oct 74° 56° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 72° 61° 1%
- Mon 26 Oct 82° 62° 8%
Know before you go
- Currency
- South African rand (ZAR)1 US dollar ≈ R16.4
- Languages
- Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho
- Calling code
- +27
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Africa/JohannesburgUTC+2
- Capital
- Pretoria
Upcoming public holidays in South Africa
- Election Day
- Day of Reconciliation
- Christmas Day
- Day of GoodwillSt. Stephen's Day
- New Year's Day
- Human Rights Day
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Cape Town
These are the airports closest to central Cape Town. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CPT Cape Town International Airport10 mi (17 km) from the city centre
Getting around Cape Town
Cape Town is not the most pedestrian-friendly city in the world. There are areas that are ideal for walking, such as the St George's Mall and Greenmarket Square areas in the city centre, the V&A Waterfront or some beach areas.
By bicycle
It is possible to get around by bicycle. There are some bike lanes in the center. More information about cycling in and near the city.
By car
Many car hire companies are based in the airport as well as being found all over town. Note that South Africa is a left-hand traffic country. Visitors from countries where traffic moves on the right-hand side may need to take some time to get familiar with the different road rules. Getting a car with automatic transmission at some rental services is not always easy so try to reserve a car in advance if you prefer an automatic.
By metered taxi
Metered taxis are controlled by the city council and can be considered safe and reliable. The price per kilometer is around R8-R10 and can often be read at the taxis side door. You can also set a fixed price with the driver, especially when going to a far away destination such as the airport which is about 21 km from city center and the fare can be bargained down to R150.
Cape Town travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cape Town is October to May, when average daytime highs are around 69–80°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Cape Town?
January is usually the warmest month in Cape Town, with average highs of 80°F (27°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 49°F (10°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 216 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Cape Town?
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the closest airport, about 10 miles (17 km) from the centre of Cape Town.
How much are flights to Cape Town?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Cape Town in the last 30 days was $1,461 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec.
What currency is used in Cape Town?
Cape Town uses the South African rand (ZAR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ R16.4.
What time zone is Cape Town in?
Cape Town uses the Africa/Johannesburg time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Cape Town?
Cape Town is not the most pedestrian-friendly city in the world. There are areas that are ideal for walking, such as the St George's Mall and Greenmarket Square areas in the city centre, the V&A Waterfront or some beach areas.
What are the best places to visit in Cape Town?
Top sights in Cape Town include Table Mountain, Robben Island, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The flat-topped mountain above the city, accessible by rotating cable car or several hiking trails. Views over the city, Robben Island and the coast are excellent on a clear day.
What are the top things to do in Cape Town?
Popular experiences you can book in Cape Town include Wine Tour Through Cape Town - Full-Day Tour, Cape Town City - Half-Day Tour and Stellenbosch Wine Tasting - Half-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 54 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Cape Town?
The most popular types of experiences in Cape Town are gastronomy & nightlife (16), outdoor activities & adventure (14), day trips & excursions (11) and zoo, aquarium & nature (8). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
