Cape Town Guidebook

Quick facts

• Currency: South African rand (ZAR). Cards are widely accepted; keep some cash for tips and small purchases.
• Language: English is widely spoken, alongside Afrikaans and Xhosa.
• Time zone: South Africa Standard Time (UTC+2). There is no daylight saving.
• Power outlets: South Africa mainly uses Type M plugs, 230V. Bring an adapter.
• Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants is customary, and small tips are usual for parking and fuel attendants.

When to go

Summer (November-March) is warm and dry, with strong winds. December and January are the busiest and most expensive months.

Autumn and spring are pleasant, with fewer crowds and good hiking weather.

Winter (June-August) is cool and rainy, though whales can often be seen from the coast from about June to November.

What to pack

• Layers; the wind and the mountain weather can change quickly.
• Sun protection: a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
• Sturdy shoes for hikes and slippery rocks, and a windproof jacket for the cableway.
• A small day bag; keep valuables out of sight.

Getting there & around

• From the airport: Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is about 20 km east of the center. The MyCiTi bus runs to the city, and taxis and rideshare are also available.
• Rideshare: Uber and Bolt are widely used and are the simplest way to get around, especially after dark.
• Rental car: A car is useful for Cape Point, the Winelands, and the coast. Drive on the left.
• On foot: Walk in busy daytime areas such as the V&A Waterfront; use transport between neighborhoods.

Good to know before you go

• The Table Mountain cableway closes in strong wind or cloud, so check its status the morning you go.
• Book Robben Island well ahead; crossings are also cancelled in rough weather.
• Do not leave valuables visible in a parked car, and avoid walking alone in quiet areas at night.
• When hiking, go in a group, carry water, and start early. Tap water is safe to drink in Cape Town.

Neighborhoods to know

• Bo-Kaap: A hillside district of brightly painted houses and Cape Malay food.
• The V&A Waterfront: A working harbour with shops, restaurants, and the Robben Island ferry.
• Simon's Town: A naval town on False Bay, close to the Boulders Beach penguin colony.

Don't miss in Cape Town

• Table Mountain: A rotating cable car to the flat summit above the city.
• Robben Island: The prison island where Nelson Mandela was held.
• Cape Point: Dramatic cliffs and a lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula.
• Kirstenbosch and the Cape Winelands: A botanical garden on the mountain, and wine estates within an hour.