One of the oldest settlements of South Africa, the country’s capital Cape Town was founded as a waystation in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company. Through the centuries from that point the town has grown up into a bustling and cosmopolitan city – the 10th most populous on the African continent, it is also one of the world’s most multicultural cities.
Take a stroll through the old streets, past its jigsaw of traditional buildings painted in pops of pink and yellow, admire the Cape Dutch architecture mixed with Victorian styles, nestled between the skyscrapers that make up this modern city.
Located on the West Coast of South Africa, visitors can also enjoy what the sea has to offer. With the imposing table mountain towering as an icon of the city at 1,084 meters (330 feet) above sea-level, you can see why visitors flock to this metropolis year on year.
Map of Cape Town’s Neighborhoods
As a city as defined by its different districts as many others around the world, where should you choose to stay in Cape Town that will most suit you? That’s where this list comes in handy.
City Bowl
The natural amphitheater that creates the City Bowl area is made up of a magnificent sculpted dome that is nestled in the middle of Table Mountain and Table Bay edged by the waterfront. Staying in City Bowl is the perfect choice if you want a mix of everything Cape Town has to offer.
It has a range of accommodation options right at the foot of Table Mountain and easy to use public transport connections – you can even rent a bicycle and see the sights on two wheels!
The area is where the Central Business District is located and is packed full of dynamic culture with lively bars, some of the best restaurants in the city and late night clubs. The City Bowl district is also home to various interesting sites – explore streets with lines of pretty colonial buildings, art galleries and the oldest building in South Africa: the Castle of Good Hope.
Where to Stay in the City Bowl
- Cape Heritage Hotel – A stylish hotel in the center of the city, this is the place to stay if you want to be surrounded by elegance and sophistication.
- Cape Town Lodge Hotel – Sat at the foot of Bo-kaap, next to Lon Street, some rooms even boast spectacular views of Table Mountain.
Bo-Kaap
Colorful Bo-Kaap is bursting with culture. Packed full of cafes, bars and restaurants, the multicultural district is also known as the Malay Quarter, after the large Malay population which has settled there.
The quarter is a network of charming streets, each revealing a mix of architecture and culture that makes the area unique. Take a walk around the area’s cobbled streets and discover interesting attractions such as the Bo-Kaap Museum and delve into delicious curries that are served up in simple Malay eateries.
Stay in one of the mid-range, old colonial buildings that have been converted into hotels or a more modern hotel that has a roof terrace with views of the city. Traveling around the rest of the city is straightforward by the bus network that connects to all of the city’s top tourist destinations.
Where to Stay in Bo-Kaap
- Signal Hill Lodge – Eat your breakfast as you take in the panoramas of city life below and enjoy relaxing in the hotel’s outdoor pool and garden area.
De Waterkant
Trendy, upmarket De Waterkant is a fashionable area, crammed full of bars and restaurants that are all centred around the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village. The area’s cobbled streets are lined with trees and cafes serving single origin coffee and boutiques selling the latest fashion.
De Waterkant has a bohemian atmosphere and is known for being a gay-friendly neighborhood. It’s easy to walk from here to the iconic V&A Waterfront and also the dynamic center of the city.
Stay in one of the quaint mid-range cottages with modernized interiors and flowers under the window sills, beautiful balconies and roof top terraces. Take the bus to other parts of the city or you can rent a bicycle and cycle though the old streets in the sunshine.
Where to Stay in De Waterkant
- The Capital Mirage Hotel – There’s a range of suites and apartments on offer here and each comes with a lounge area as well as a kitchen. Enjoy dining at one of the hotel’s three on-site restaurants.
Green Point
The trendy suburb of Green Point is where you will find the Cape Town Stadium which was built for the World Cup in 2010. The area’s central location, just outside the city center, means that it is close to Cape Town’s big attractions, such as Sea Point and the beaches in Clifton.
Green Point is made up of narrow lanes and old Victorian villas which create a welcoming, safe atmosphere. Nightlife is a big draw to the district with its liberal, gay-friendly social scene which welcomes everyone into the area’s bars and clubs.
Accommodation in Green Point is made up of low-priced guest houses and mid-range villas, with a selection of luxury hotels also available. The area has seen a lot of improvements in recent years and has become a trendy quarter to hangout for locals and visitors alike. It’s easy to walk to the city centre from Green Point and, of course, to the stadium which often hosts local markets selling African goods.
Where to Stay in Green Point
- The Cape Royale – Rooms are modern, with large windows and amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a selection of eateries within the hotel itself – including a French café – but it’s also within walking distance of the waterfront and various restaurants.
- never@home Cape Town – This is a fun and youthful hotel that has a wide selection of room choices to suit different traveler’s budgets. The hostel also has a bar and grill attached to it, which serves tasty meals.
Mouille Point
Cradling the Atlantic Ocean, Mouille Point boasts stunning views of both Robben Island and Table Mountain. Stay in a beachside hotel or a villa with sea views in Mouille Point and enjoy laid back life just outside of the city center.
Find yourself among the city’s joggers, dog walkers and young families as they stroll along the seaside promenade that begins in Mouille Point and extends around the bay to Sea Point. The area is well known for its standout lighthouse which, with its red and white stripes, is an iconic landmark.
It’s easy to travel on foot into the center of the city or to discover the area’s plentiful restaurants and local cafes. If you fancy traveling further afield then you can hop on the affordable bus service.
Where to Stay in Mouille Point
- Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront – The rooms are simple, comfortable, and have incredible views of Robben Island and the Atlantic Ocean. Round off your day with a drink from the hotel bar and watch the sunset from the hotel terrace.
Sea Point
Sociable Sea Point is an area full of energy, nestled between Mouille Point and Bantry Bay. Take a walk along its beachside promenade and watch the active locals skate, run and cycle in the sunshine – you can even try out the watersports on offer along the beach.
The perfect area for foodies, Sea Point is where you will find various types of cuisine along the beachfront, especially freshly caught grilled fish served alongside a glass of South African wine.
As a cosmopolitan suburb, Sea Point is home to a multitude of people and religions and has some of the most expensive homes in the city. Along the beachfront are upper-end, luxury hotels and apartments which offer a great location and easy transport links into the city center.
Where to Stay in Sea Point
- The Glen Boutique Hotel – Modern and boutique in style, the luxury rooms come with private balconies and feature sea or mountain views.
- President Hotel – A family-friendly place to stay, there is a large outdoor area with an infinity pool surrounded by sun loungers, so guests can spend time relaxing in the African sunshine.
V&A Waterfront
Named after Queen Victoria and her son Alfred, the V&A Waterfront is right in middle of Cape Town’s harbor, set against the magnificent backdrop that is Table Mountain.
The V&A Waterfront is a big attraction for locals and tourists alike, drawn there for the world famous view and the social buzz of the cafes and restaurants. The area is full of fun, family friendly attractions such as an aquarium, a maritime museum and cinemas.
Hotels along the waterfront are luxury and in a prime location, each offering up stunning views of the city and bay. From this coastal district, it’s an easy and safe walk to the centre of the city and other surrounding districts, where you can discover for yourself what Cape Town has to offer.
Where to Stay in V&A Waterfront
- The Table Bay Hotel – Historical architecture combined with incredible views of Table Mountain make this hotel a special place to stay in Cape Town.
- Victoria & Alfred Hotel – A fantastic location right on the waterfront, this hotel’s sun terrace is an amazing place to unwind with a drink and take in the views across the water.
Camps Bay
Set on a swathe of a white sandy beach and with a wide choice of hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, Camps Bay is an attractive location to stay during a visit to the South African capital. Camps Bay is a fantastic spot for a refreshing ocean swim – or for a more relaxing dip try swimming at the seawater pool at the end of the beach.
The area has a friendly, fun-loving young atmosphere and is home to welcoming locals who like the laid back lifestyle of the coastal district. If you choose to stay in Camps Bay, you will be in walking distance to many of Cape Town’s other top waterfronts and popular tourist attractions.
Where to Stay in Camps Bay
- South Beach Camps Bay – Rooms come with kitchens and a fully stocked fridge, and you can tuck into the fresh bread and pastries that are delivered daily. The ideal location for beach lovers, this hotel is set right on Camp’s Bay Beach itself. There is also the choice of two pools – including a heated rooftop pool.
- Primi Royal – A small and secluded boutique hotel great for a romantic seaside getaway, rooms are carefully designed with comfort in mind and have immense views across the beach and Lion’s Head. There is also a peaceful outdoor pool, providing a pleasant spot to spend time reclining in the sun.
Bantry Bay
This where you will find the high-end, luxury apartments and villas where the elite of Cape Town live. These extravagant villas are set in the city’s mountainous landscape and look out across the ocean.
Just a few minutes from the city center, the area is also near to the V&A Waterfront and the famous Table Mountain Cable Car which, apart from being a fantastic mode of transport, has stunning views of the cityscape.
The sunsets across Bantry Bay are unimaginably beautiful, lighting up the bay and the surrounding area. Bantry Bay is ideal for couples and families, as there is a choice of accommodation – it is more expensive than other districts, but visitors do have a choice of mid-range to luxury hotels.
Where to Stay in Bantry Bay
- 52 De Wet Luxury Boutique Hotel – Swim in the infinity pool and luxuriate in the panoramic views across the water of Sunset Beach, Clifton 4th Beach and Broken Bath Beach, which are all within easy walking distance from here.
Clifton
Stay in a luxury beachfront apartment or spend days in your very own beach bungalow in this very popular area. Clifton is a top location for people who love to spend their holiday on the beach, in the sunshine with their friends and family as there are easily accessible facilities and a clean environment.
As there are only a couple of restaurants and shops in Clifton, once evening falls the daytime’s visitors drift away leaving people who stay on the beach with serene surroundings. It is easy to get to nearby resorts by driving, or catching the bus for a spot of dinner at Camps Bay, and the vibrant nightlife and restaurants of Sea Point – all with the looming backdrop of Table Mountain for shelter.
Where to Stay in Clifton
- Cape View Clifton – The various suites on offer all have something different and unique about them and make for a great place to stay for a couples retreat.
Hello! I was just wondering what you think about the Woodstock neighborhood. I noticed that it has a lot of breweries and very clean / comfortable AirBnBs available in the area. Thank you.
I actually visited Cape Town last year and spent some time in the Woodstock neighborhood. It’s a really cool area with a lot of character and plenty of things to do. There are some great craft breweries in the area that are definitely worth checking out. I’d say it’s a great spot to stay if you’re looking for a more local experience in Cape Town