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Looking for Flights to Cape Town?
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Flights to Cape Town: Discover the Mother City on a City Trip
Have you booked direct flights to Cape Town? Cape Town is also known as the “Mother City”. Why? Because it’s the oldest city in South Africa. Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, Cape Town offers endless opportunities for hikers. For those who prefer to relax by the beach, the city has plenty to offer as well.
Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This African metropolis is uniquely situated between two oceans: the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the south. Covering an area of approximately 950 square miles, Cape Town is home to nearly 450,000 people. The currency is the Rand, with one dollar equal to roughly 18.5 South African Rand. Here’s everything you need to know before planning your trip to Cape Town.
Cheap Flights to South Africa Cape Town
If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town, flying is the most convenient option. There are several direct flights to Cape Town from major US cities. Alternatively, you can fly to Johannesburg and continue your journey to Cape Town from there.
For a truly unique experience, you might consider traveling to Cape Town by ship if you’re coming from a vacation in Europe. Cruises offer a memorable journey, where the voyage itself becomes part of the adventure.
How Much Time Should You Plan for Your Trip to Cape Town?
Given the long travel time for direct flights to Cape Town from USA, it’s advisable to plan for at least a week’s stay in Cape Town hotels. This gives you enough time to explore the city’s famous landmarks and embark on exciting excursions to the surrounding areas for variety.
The Best Time for a Trip to Cape Town
Are you not a fan of winter? Then a city trip to Cape Town is perfect for you. The best time to visit is between October and April, when the weather in South Africa is sunny and warm, in stark contrast to the gray and cold winters in Europe.
Summer in South Africa runs from December to February, with warm temperatures during the day and cooler at night. Rain is rare, with no more than six rainy days expected during these months. During this time, the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Town has refreshing water perfect for swimming. Great conditions can also be found in October, November, March, and April. Visiting Cape Town during these months has the added advantage of fewer crowds, eliminating the need for reservations at popular spots.
Cape Town enjoys a temperate, subtropical climate, with mild winters thanks to the Benguela Current. The city boasts an impressive 3,100 hours of sunshine annually, with February being the warmest month.
Pirate tip: If you’re into sports, October is an ideal time for wind and kite surfing in Cape Town.
Must-Do Activities in Cape Town
Cape Town offers a wealth of attractions and activities. Whether you’re wandering through its vibrant streets or embarking on outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone.
Food and Drink in Cape Town
Cape Town is renowned for its culinary delights. South African cuisine prominently features meat dishes, with popular options including braais (barbecued dishes), sosaties (meat skewers), and boerewors (a traditional farmer’s sausage). Adventurous eaters might try exotic meats like ostrich, crocodile, or zebra.
For a truly authentic experience, sample Mielie Pap, a cornmeal porridge, or Bobotie, a savory dish of spiced minced meat with a creamy egg topping. Cape Town’s street food markets are a must-visit. Head to the Old Biscuit Mill Market in the Woodstock neighborhood or explore the former slave quarter of Bo-Kaap, known for its colorful houses and vibrant culture.
Here are some top dining locations in Cape Town you should try:
Societi Bistro
City Grill Steakhouse
Bientang’s Cave
Nightlife and Entertainment
After savoring Cape Town’s cuisine, burn off some calories by dancing the night away. The city offers a vibrant nightlife scene, from cozy cocktail bars to lively clubs. Start your evening at the Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar or enjoy modern vibes at Tjing Tjing.
For dancing, check out:
Tiger Tiger for students and young adults
Cocoon Club for a more mature crowd
Decodance Nightclub for classic hits from the 70s and 80s
Shopping in Cape Town
Cape Town is a paradise for shopaholics. The city offers a wide range of shopping options, from traditional markets to modern shopping centers. The weekly markets are a must-see for visitors. Spread across the city, these markets feature fresh produce and handcrafted goods, often accompanied by live music that creates a special atmosphere.
One of the most popular markets is the Bay Harbour Market in the old harbor of Hout Bay. For souvenirs, head to the Rondebosch Craft Market on the second Saturday of every month. In the city center, you can explore the City Bowl Market on Hope Street, which offers a unique after-work shopping experience.
For those who prefer modern shopping, the Canal Walk Shopping Centre at Century City Drive is a must-visit. This large, American-style mall has around 400 stores, making it an ideal indoor destination, especially on rainy days.
Excursions During a City Trip to Cape Town
If you’re visiting Cape Town and want to explore the exciting surroundings of the city, there are plenty of incredible destinations to add to your itinerary.
For wine enthusiasts, a trip to the Swartland region is an unforgettable experience. Over the past few decades, this area has become a sought-after wine-growing destination. Visitors can meet local winemakers, learn about their craft, and enjoy wine tastings in a picturesque setting.
Nature lovers will be enchanted by the De Hoop Nature Reserve, a paradise of pristine beaches and tranquil lagoons. Known as the “Jewel of the Western Cape,” De Hoop offers a serene escape into unspoiled natural beauty.
In Paarl, you’ll find a tribute to the South African language, Afrikaans, at the Afrikaanse Taalmonument. This unique monument, built in 1975, features soaring obelisks that symbolize the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Afrikaans. Perched on a hill, it also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The Most Beautiful Museums in Cape Town
Whether you’re looking to experience cultural highlights or spend a rainy day meaningfully, Cape Town offers a variety of fascinating museums to explore. The city has exhibition spaces to suit every taste, including:
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA)
Iziko South African Museum
South African Jewish Museum
District Six Museum
One museum not to miss is the District Six Museum, which delves into the history of the District Six neighborhood. Established in 1867, this area became home to freed slaves, merchants, artists, laborers, and immigrants. In the 1960s, it was forcibly cleared and designated as a “white residential area” under apartheid. This tragic event serves as a stark example of the inhumane, racist policies of the apartheid regime.
Additionally, we recommend visiting the World of Birds, where you can marvel at a wide variety of exotic bird species. It’s an excellent spot for nature lovers and families alike.
Hiking in Cape Town
Certain highlights should be on every itinerary during a city trip to Cape Town, and hiking is one of them. A trek up Table Mountain is an absolute must. Several trails lead to the summit, offering diverse starting points and experiences. You might begin your ascent in Camps Bay or the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, with the journey to the top taking roughly two and a half hours.
Take your time exploring the vast plateau at the summit — it’s much larger than most expect. If hiking isn’t your preference, you can opt for the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, which offers a quicker and equally scenic way to reach the top.
Pirate tip: Move away from the busy area around the cableway station at the summit. Just a few hundred feet away, you’ll find yourself in a serene, dreamlike landscape surrounded by unique fynbos vegetation.
For another unforgettable experience, take a drive along one of the world’s most beautiful roads: Chapman's Peak Drive. Located south of Cape Town, this six-mile-long coastal route features 114 curves and offers breathtaking panoramic views. It’s a must for those spending their vacation in Cape Town.
Beaches of Cape Town
Cape Town’s beaches are an essential part of any summer trip, and Camps Bay stands out as a must-see and must-do destination. With its white sandy beaches and the clear Atlantic Ocean, you’re in for a real treat. Honestly, it’s hard to find more beautiful beaches anywhere in the world. With warm temperatures, it’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind. In the backdrop, the 12 Apostles mountain range and Table Mountain rise dramatically, creating an unforgettable view.
Action in Cape Town
For those seeking a bucket-list adventure, Cape Town has plenty to offer beyond its beaches. You can go shark diving, soar above the city on a helicopter flight, or even abseil down the mountains. Tourist information brochures are available almost everywhere, offering details on all the thrilling experiences.
A particularly special highlight awaits in Simon’s Town. Here, you might find your towel neighbor a little different from what you’d expect — penguins! These adorable black-and-white creatures waddle around, adding a playful charm to your visit. If you’re feeling adventurous, dive into the waters with them and enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience.
Another unforgettable activity is swimming with seals in Hout Bay, which promises another unique and exciting memory of your Cape Town vacation.
Viewpoints in Cape Town
No trip to Cape Town is complete without visiting Cape Point, a must-see destination. This dramatic cliff marks the southernmost point of the Cape Peninsula, located near the famous Cape of Good Hope, which you can photograph from here in breathtaking perspective. At Cape Point, the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean meet, creating a stunning natural spectacle. The area is also known for its crisp, fresh air. To reach the summit, you can either climb a staircase or take a small funicular. One of the two lighthouses at Cape Point offers an observation platform with panoramic views.
East of Signal Hill, at the base of Lion’s Head, you’ll find a great spot to enjoy a sunset with a bottle of sparkling wine or a cold beer. The sunsets here are truly spectacular. For those early risers, the sunrises are just as beautiful, but for the best view, hike up Lion’s Head, which stands almost a half-mile tall. The hike takes about 1.5 hours, but the rewarding view from the top makes it worth every step.
For another elevated experience, take the cable car up to Table Mountain, which rises 3,550 feet above sea level and dominates the Cape Town skyline. Once at the top, you’ll find stunning views. If it’s too windy or the clouds are too low, the cable car may be closed, and you’ll have to embark on a 2-3 hour hike instead. The cable car ride itself lasts about 7 minutes, and during the ascent, the gondola rotates 360° for a complete panoramic view.
Cape Town’s Most Popular Attractions
Cape Town is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its landmarks that reflect the country’s turbulent history.
Robben Island
Located about 7.5 miles off the mainland, Robben Island has been used as a prison since the 17th century. A 25-minute boat ride takes you to this historic site. Once there, you will explore the region by bus. One of the main attractions is the former prison where Nelson Mandela, the political leader and activist, was imprisoned for 27 years until 1990. The tour includes a visit to the cell where Mandela was held.
Bo-Kaap
Originally slated for demolition during apartheid, Bo-Kaap resisted, thanks to the determination of its residents. Today, it stands as one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Cape Town, renowned for its colorful homes. The area is home to many artists, and walking through the narrow, cobbled streets offers excellent opportunities to snap photos of houses in every shade — from pink to turquoise, orange to green, making it a photographer’s paradise.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
During your visit to Cape Town, don’t miss the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a revitalized harbor district. Here, you’ll find numerous yachts docked and enjoy the sounds of street musicians performing by the two basins in Table Bay. On Noble Square, you can find sculptures of four South African Nobel Peace Prize laureates — Albert John Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, Frederik Willem de Klerk, and Nelson Mandela — as well as a symbolic fifth sculpture representing the women and children who contributed to the country’s peace and democratic transition.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is considered one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Today, one of the highlights is the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway, offering visitors a bird’s-eye view of the landscape as they walk along a path through the treetops. The walkway, called the Boomslang (meaning “tree snake”), provides a unique perspective of the park.
The Company’s Gardens
For a peaceful break from the city hustle and bustle, head to The Company’s Gardens, a tranquil green space in the heart of Cape Town. Once an orchard and vegetable farm, the gardens now offer a serene escape with ancient trees, exotic birds, and numerous benches and shady spots perfect for relaxation.
From delicious food to handmade crafts and traditional South African music, your family vacation or solo trip to Cape Town will leave you with lasting memories. The city boasts many attractions and landmarks that will surely captivate you, and its surrounding area offers beautiful landscapes to explore.
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