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Cape Town Travel Guide

If cities were romances, Cape Town would be the love-at-first-sight kind: That first glimpse of Table Mountain from the sky, presiding over a gently curving coastline lapped by brilliant blue waters, is an image that leaves you instantly hooked. But there’s plenty to pull you in long after landing, from its chic hotels, world-class restaurants, and thriving art scene, to its dazzling cultural diversity and rich, if complex, history. Each day in the Mother City will see you unearthing new details that will have you falling in love all over again.

Plan Your Cape Town Trip

Winter in the Winelands Is South Africa's Best-Kept Secret
Capetonians know July is the best time to visit the nearby Winelands.
Cape Town's Business District Is Now Also Its Coolest Neighborhood
Thanks to a landmark hotel, groundbreaking art spaces, and some rather exceptional pani puri ceviche.
16 Best Hotels in Cape Town
Helping you make one of the hardest decisions about visiting this fine city.
4 South African Safari Destinations You Can Get to from Cape Town
The Big Five are only a short drive away.
My Favorite Airbnb in Cape Town: A Modern Apartment Minutes From the V&A Waterfront
Stroll over to the V&A Waterfront or relax at the rooftop pool.

More from Cape Town

Destinations
Ask a Local: Designer Sindiso Khumalo on Cape Town’s Coolest Spots
From eclectic art galleries to creative concept stores, designer Sindiso Khumalo recommends the best spots around Cape Town.
Destinations
South Africa's Vibrant Cape Malay Community Is Synonymous With Creativity
How Cape Town's innovative artists, designers, and chefs are bringing attention to the city's Cape Malay heritage.
Style & Culture
On Location: ‘The Woman King’ Takes Viewers to South African Game Reserves, Beaches, and Castles
Lifting the curtain on the destinations behind the season’s most exciting new releases.
Inspiration
How South Africa’s First Black African Free-Diving Instructor Spends a Day in Cape Town, From Sunrise Swims to Solo Hikes
Unsurprisingly, Zandile Ndhlovu—who is also the founder of the Black Mermaid Foundation—likes to hang out by the water.
News & Advice
United Airlines Just Launched the U.S.'s Only Nonstop to Cape Town
The only nonstop route between North America and the South African city saves a whopping eight hours of travel time.
News & Advice
United Returns to Africa With a Direct Flight to Cape Town
The airline plans to launch the only non-stop flight between the U.S. and Cape Town in December.
Destinations
What to Do in Cape Town This Spring
Here's what's happening in the city in April, May, and June 2019.
Adventure
Africa Is Surfing's Next Frontier
A Cape Town surf brand that draws on inspiration from across the continent is making waves from Morocco to Mozambique.
Destinations
South Africa’s Other Big Five
The animals have competition from the country's vibrant culture, food, design, fashion, and art scenes.
Inspiration
South Africa's Top Sommelier on Where to Find the Best Wine
One&Only Cape Town's Luvo Ntezo tells us the most underrated wine regions in South Africa.
News & Advice
You Can Have Dinner With Cape Town's Top Chef
Do you love to eat? You'll love this trip.
News & Advice
Cape Town Has Avoided 'Day Zero,' But Water Conservation Is Still in Effect
Here's what to know when planning your visit.
Destinations
Beyond the Basics: Cape Town
Plan your trip to Cape Town with Condé Nast Traveler’s guide to the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do.
News & Advice
Cape Town Is Running Out of Water
The city is suffering from the worst drought in over a century—and it will affect your trip.
Shopping
Brother Vellies Founder Aurora James On Her Favorite Things to Do in Cape Town
The designer shares her South African hit list—plus advice for first timers.