Where To Stay In Cape Town: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Cape Town is one of those cities where choosing the right neighborhood can completely change your trip. You can wake up beside the Atlantic, stay under the slopes of Table Mountain, or find yourself in a colourful historic quarter full of Cape Malay food and cobbled streets. The city is spread out, too, so location matters more than you might expect.

The good news is that there’s a neighborhood for almost every kind of traveller. Camps Bay is all about the beach, sunsets and stylish restaurants. Sea Point has a more everyday feel, with its long promenade, cafés and shops. The City Bowl puts you close to nightlife, restaurants and many of the city’s big sights.

Then there’s Bo-Kaap, with its brightly painted houses and fascinating history. The area dates back to the 18th century and is closely connected to Cape Town’s Cape Malay community. Further south, places such as Kalk Bay and Muizenberg feel almost like separate little towns.

We’ve picked the best areas to stay in Cape Town and explained what makes each one worth considering. Whether you want beaches, food, nightlife, history or simply a great view of Table Mountain, there’s a good base for you here.

 

In this travel guide:

 

Green Point

Best area for: nightlife, views

We’ll start with Green Point, one of the most vibrant coastal spots in Cape Town. Back in the 1600s, Dutch settlers used these grassy flatlands for cattle grazing. British forces later took over, running horse races and housing military encampments here.

These days, it hits a sweet spot between an upscale residential neighborhood and a bustling tourist hub. Somerset Road serves as the main artery, lined with sleek apartment blocks, lively bars, and bustling sidewalk spots.

Major landmarks dominate the landscape. The massive, modern Cape Town Stadium hosts huge matches and major concerts right in the middle of town. Just down the road stands the candy-striped Green Point Lighthouse. It was lit way back in 1824 as South Africa’s very first solid lighthouse. Next to the stadium, the lush Green Point Urban Park gives us a peaceful green escape filled with native plants and quiet walking paths.

When we want lunch or a killer espresso, we hit Giovanni’s Deliworld on Somerset Road. It is a crowded, authentic Italian joint where locals grab fresh espresso, cured meats, and warm focaccia. We like standing at the busy counter and soaking in the classic market energy.

Best place to stay in Green Point

O’ Two Boutique Hotel. Address: 3 Surrey Place, Mouille Point, Mouille Point, 8005 Cape Town, South Africa.

 

Sea Point

Best area for: seafront, diversity

We spend a lot of time hanging out in Sea Point, one of Cape Town’s most energetic coastal strips. Back in the 1800s, it grew as a quiet commuter suburb connected to the city by a tramline.

During the apartheid era, it was strictly segregated under the Group Areas Act. It has transformed into a bustling, diverse mix of high-rise residential living and vibrant tourist appeal.

The crown jewel is the Sea Point Promenade. We hit this paved seaside stretch for sunset runs, ocean views, and people-watching. You can take a dip in the famous saltwater Sea Point Pavilion pools right along the water. Salty Atlantic air blows past as dog walkers, cyclists, and families spill across the lawns.

Main Road and Regent Road cut through the center, packed with busy markets, boutiques, and endless dining spots. When we need a fantastic meal or coffee break, we grab a table at Sonny and Irene on Kloof Road.

It is a gorgeous neighborhood spot with incredible fresh bakes, excellent flat whites, and a killer all-day breakfast menu. You get all the ocean-adjacent buzz without missing out on local Cape Town charm.

Best place to stay in Sea Point

President Hotel. Address: 4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay, Sea Point, 8001 Cape Town, South Africa.

 

City Bowl

Best area for: culture, history, shopping

The City Bowl is where Cape Town feels busiest, but also surprisingly relaxed. The area sits between Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak, which gives it that dramatic mountain backdrop wherever you happen to be.

We spent quite a bit of time around the City Bowl and found it easy to get around from here. The central streets are packed with restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. Long Street is the liveliest part, especially after dark. Kloof Street is a little more polished, with independent shops, restaurants and plenty of places to grab coffee.

It is not just a tourist district, either. People actually live here. Gardens, Tamboerskloof and the surrounding neighborhoods have a residential feel, while the city centre brings more offices, hotels and visitors. That mix makes the area feel more like a real part of Cape Town than a resort bubble.

History is everywhere. The Company’s Garden dates back to the 1650s, when it was used to grow fresh produce for ships passing the Cape. Today, it is a lovely green escape in the middle of the city, with museums and the National Gallery nearby.

We would also make time for the Bo-Kaap, with its colourful houses, steep cobbled streets and strong Cape Malay heritage. Its history goes back to the 1760s.

Best place to stay in City Bowl

Cape Heritage Hotel. Address: 90 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.

 

Gardens

Best area for: views, quiet life

Gardens is one of those Cape Town neighborhoods where we can stay for a few days and barely need the car. It sits just above the city centre, with Table Mountain rising behind it and Kloof Street cutting through the middle. It feels residential in places, but there is plenty going on. Cafés, restaurants, small shops and guesthouses give it a lively edge.

The area has some serious history too. Gardens takes its name from the Company’s Garden, which was started in 1652 to grow fresh fruit and vegetables for the Dutch East India Company and passing ships. Today, the garden is a peaceful green patch in the middle of the city. It is also home to the South African Museum and National Gallery. There is even a pear tree dating back to around 1652.

For us, Kloof Street is one of the best parts. The street is packed with restaurants, cafés, bars and independent shops. It has changed a lot over the years. Many of the old boarding houses were eventually turned into restaurants, boutiques and hotels.

We would happily base ourselves here. It is close to the city centre, but feels less hectic. Table Mountain is nearby, and the beaches around Camps Bay and Clifton are easy to reach over Kloof Nek.

For coffee, we would stop at Coffee on Orange. For dinner, Kloof Street House is a fun choice. Gardens is a good mix of local life and sightseeing, without feeling like we are sleeping in the middle of a tourist zone.

Best place to stay in Gardens

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. Address: 76 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.

Cheaper alternative:

Hotel Du Parc. Address: 19 Park Road 19, Gardens, 8001 Cape Town, South Africa.

 

Camps Bay

Best area for: beachfront, nightlife, families

Our final neighborhood recommendation is Camps Bay, Cape Town’s undisputed coastal showstopper. Back in the 1700s, this area was mostly a quiet farm owned by a sailor named von Kamptz. It eventually transformed into a glam seaside getaway once the local tramline opened up access in the early 1900s.

It is a bustling, wealthy tourist hotspot. You will find ultra-luxurious hillside mansions here, but the main strip functions strictly like a resort playground. High-end beachgoers, models, and international travelers constantly crowd the main drag.

The geographic setup here is flat-out ridiculous. Massive granite boulders border a wide crescent of powdery white sand. Straight behind the beach, the giant Twelve Apostles mountain range towers directly into the sky. The Atlantic water stays icy cold year-round, so most people stick to sunbathing or watching the epic sunsets.

When we want breakfast with a view, we head straight to Mantra Café upstairs on Victoria Road. Their coffee is brilliant. We love ordering their sourdough toast topped with creamy poached eggs while watching the waves crash across the street. It gives you front-row seats to the action before the afternoon crowds pack the boulevard.

Best place to stay in Camps Bay

Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa. Address: Victoria Street, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa.

 

Where travel critics stay in Cape Town

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Cape Town? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Cape Town.

 

Budget

The B.I.G Backpackers Hostel.

“B.I.G. is a wonderful hybrid backpacker and b&b, with 12 en-suite private double/triple/family rooms, six en-suite dorms and the most engaging hosts you could hope for. A fun, vibrant, affordable option that will introduce you to the best the city has to offer.” — Telegraph.

Address: 18 Thornhill Road, Green Point, Green Point, 8005 Cape Town, South Africa.

 

Mid-range

Guesthouse La Grenadine.

“Expat couple Maxime and Mélodie ladle on the Gallic charm at this imaginatively renovated former stables, where the ancient stone walls are a feature of the rooms.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 15 Park Rd, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.

 

Luxury

Lodge Tintswalo Atlantic.

“Directly off Chapman’s Peak Drive and built around a wonderland of native fynbos and milk wood trees, Tintswalo Atlantic is the only beachfront development in Table Mountain National Park.” — Fodor’s.

Address: Chapmans Peak Dr, Hout Bay, 7806, South Africa.

 

FAQ: Cape Town hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Cape Town? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Cape Town hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Cape Town.

 

Best time to visit Cape Town

The best time to visit Cape Town is during the summer season, which runs from December through February. The weather during this time is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, beach visits, and safari tours.

The city is bustling with events and festivals, which include the famous Cape Town Carnival and the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts.

However, summer is also the peak tourist season in Cape Town, which means that the prices for accommodation and activities can be quite high. So, if you want to avoid the crowds and save some money, it’s best to visit during the shoulder seasons of spring (September-November) or fall (March-May).

During these seasons, the weather is still pleasant, and the city is less crowded, making it a great time to explore the city’s attractions such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape of Good Hope.

 

Best things to do in Cape Town

There are a lot of things to do in Cape Town and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in Cape Town:

 

Table Mountain Cable Car Ticket & Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Combo

See the best of Cape Town with this combined Table Mountain return cable car ticket, Cape Town hop-on hop-off bus ticket and, free walking tour. Use the bus to be dropped at the door of the Cableway station. Price: $41. More info.

 

Full-Day Cape Point & Cape Peninsula Sightseeing Tour from Cape Town

Visit Boulders Beach, Cape Fur, and Cape Point Nature Reserve, and see a penguin colony as well as other wildlife. Price: $62. More info.

 

Robben Island: Ferry Ticket and Tour

Secure a ticket for the ferry to Robben Island and visit the prison where Nelson Mandela was kept during Apartheid. Learn about the dramatic history of South Africa through the voice of one of the former prisoners. Price: $65. More info.

 

More things to do in Cape Town

 

Deciding where to stay in Cape Town

Let’s recap what we just learned in this article. We’ve covered the best areas of Cape Town above. Now you can decide where to stay while visiting!

 

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Cape Town

• Green Point
• City Bowl
• Sea Point
• Camps Bay
• Gardens

 

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Cape Town is important. Whether you stay in Green Point, City Bowl, Sea Point, Camps Bay or Gardens, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Cape Town.

 

Cape Town overview

🏨 Hotel prices:	Cheap
🛏 Budget hotel:	$72
💑 Boutique hotel:	$100
⭐ 5-star hotel:	$220
🌎 Best area for first visit:	City Bowl
👪 Best area for families:	Camps Bay
💎 Best luxury hotel:	Belmond Mount Nelson
👫 Best boutique hotel:	Welgelegen Hotel
💰 Best cheap hotel:	BlackBrick Cape Town
🎒 Best hostel:	91 Loop

 

More Cape Town tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Cape Town:

Hotels in Cape Town

Cheap hotels in Cape Town

Hostels in Cape Town

Boutique hotels in Cape Town

Luxury hotels in Cape Town

Sustainable hotels in Cape Town