Where to Stay in Cape Town: Best Area and 5 Runners Up for 2025
Planning a trip to the Mother City? Then you’ll need to know the best area to stay in!
Cape Town, South Africa is one of my all time favourite cities, and I visit for as long as I can, every time I’m in South Africa.
I’ve come to have favourite areas to stay in, and have learned to keep my distance from others.
My number one criteria for the best area tends to be safety, as I’m a woman travelling solo. I also like have a lot of things to do and see near by, and be close to other safe areas with things to see and do.
I also like it to be not too far from central Cape Town, with more than one way to get there.
Below I’m going to share my top area to stay in Cape Town and why. I’m also including my next 5 favourites. At least one of these will be perfect for your best stay in this spectacular city.
Let’s go!
Best Location to Stay in Cape Town
⭐️ Camps Bay
– 7 kilometres southwest of Cape Town’s city centre
Safety:
• It’s generally safe but still be cautious of petty theft, like pickpockets.
• There’s a high police presence and private security in tourist areas, which makes me feel even safer.
Attractions & Activities:
• I love the stunning beaches with white sand and turquoise waters. Camps Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cape Town, and both locals and tourists. Sunbathe, play volleyball, or have a picnic.
The water can be very cold for swimming – sooo refreshing on hot days, but stick to summertime!
Plus, the beach has incredible views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and Lion’s Head. It’s also a prime spot for watching the sunset.
There are a lot of fun, trendy restaurants, cafes, and bars along Victoria Road, which runs parallel to the beach. Don’t miss these spots:
• Café Caprice: This is my pick for a sundowner. The laid-back atmosphere and stunning ocean views are the perfect way to wind down the day.
• The Bungalow: Perfect for lunch, it’s known for its seafood and sushi, and has a chic beachside setting.
• Paranga: You’ll love this for dinner. It’s a bit of fine dining, with a focus on seafood and modern, fancy dishes.
• The 41: If you feel like spending an afternoon with people, music, and unbelievable, Mediterranean cuisine and a lively bar scene, the 41 is for you.
▶ Lion’s Head and Table Mountain hiking trails are nearby for some great time outdoors. The Lion’s Head hike is moderately difficult, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit. It’s fantastic for sunrise and sunset hikes. But don’t hike alone.
Table Mountain has a few stellar hikes:
• Platteklip Gorge: This is the most direct route to the top, but it’s steep and challenging.
• Skeleton Gorge: Starts in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and is a scenic, climb, but longer. Then go back to explore the Gardens – they’re so worth it!
• India Venster: This one’s more adventurous, and has some scrambling sections.
Nearby Areas:
- Camp’s Bay is close to Clifton beaches and the V&A Waterfront.
- It’s about 15 minutes by car from the centre of Cape Town.
My Recommended Camp’s Bay Accommodation:
🏨 Living Hotel Lions Eye – rated 10 out of 10, the Lion’s Eye has gorgeous rooms, with incredibly decadent linens, a pillow menu, and heated floors! There’s an airport shuttle and free parking, too.
Try to get a beach view!
5 Runners Up for Best Areas to Stay
1. Sea Point
– one of the ‘coolest neighbourhood in the world‘!
– about 3-4 kilometres west of the central business district of Cape Town
Safety:
• It’s regularly patrolled by police and private security.
• Still – stay alert in less crowded areas, especially at night.
Attractions & Activities:
• Sea Point Promenade for walking, jogging, and cycling. Usually just called ‘the Promenade’, the path along the sea is about 11 kms long. Along with a great place for a run, it has different art installations, so you can gain a bit of culture while you’re out.
• There are also the Sea Point Pavilion outdoor pools, including an Olympic-sized pool, diving pool, and kids splash pool. There’s even an onsite café.
And if you’re missing your workouts, there are several outdoor gym facilities along the Promenade, equipped with pull-up bars, parallel bars, benches, and more. If you have to work out, this outdoor setting is the way to do it.
• Don’t miss out on the dining and shopping the area has to offer:
- Three Wise Monkeys is my favourite restaurant. If you like ramen, sushi, and other Asian fusion dishes, it’s going to be yours, too.
- Jarryds is how I love to start my day. They have the best coffee, and are famous for their all-day breakfast and brunch menu. The focus on fresh, local ingredients can’t be beat.
- Shopping 🎶: Sea Point Main Road is perfect for a shopping stroll. It’s lined with lovely boutiques and specialty shops. And be sure to stop at the Mojo Market. They have live music, food stalls, and lots of artisanal-type products.
Nearby Areas:
• South Point is close to the Green Point area and the V&A Waterfront.
• It’s about 10 minutes by car from the centre of Cape Town.
My recommended accommodation:
🏨 Home Suite Hotels Sea Point – rated 9.8 out of 10, Home Suite has its own bar and restaurant, a free breakfast buffet, and a pool. You get coworking spaces, concierge services, as well as free parking and an airport shuttle.
2. Green Point
– directly northwest of Cape Town’s city centre, adjacent to the V&A Waterfront
Safety:
• The visible security personnel makes me feel safe. But I still take common-sense precautions.
• It’s well-lit and patrolled, especially near the stadium and the park.
Attractions & Activities:
• Green Point Urban Park and Biodiversity Garden is a beautifully landscaped, eco-friendly space. There are walking and jogging paths, spots for picnics, and it’s all surrounded by gorgeous indigenous flora.
It’s next to the Cape Town Stadium, and is so peaceful, with amazing views of the city and Table Mountain.
• You can’t miss the Cape Town Stadium. It’s an iconic multi-purpose venue that was originally built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. These days it now hosts a variety of events, like sports matches, concerts, and cultural festivals.
Sitting in between the Atlantic Ocean and Signal Hill, the views are fantastic, and it’s surrounded by the scenic Green Point Urban Park, making it a hub for entertainment and recreation in the area.
• Here, too are a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.
- The Bungalow Green Point is an upscale, beachfront restaurant with stunning ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere that still makes me feel sophisticated for just being there. The seafood and sushi are top-notch.
- The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel Rooftop Bar is a laid-back spot with panoramic views of the city and the mountains. Classic cocktails while you watch the sunset will turn it into your spot after your first visit.
- Shopping 🎶: The Green Point Market is always my first stop on Sundays. The busy outdoor market always have a great selection of local crafts, clothing, and food. And it makes me feel like a part of the neighbourhood.
- Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village, on the other hand, is a fairly chic shopping centre with a mix of boutique stores, galleries, and eateries. There is everything from fashion and accessories to home décor and art, and the quality the finest.
Nearby Areas:
- Green Point is adjacent to the V&A Waterfront and to Sea Point.
- It’s just 5 minutes by car from the centre of Cape Town.
My Accommodation Recommendation:
- The Tree House Boutique Hotel – rated 9.6 out of 10. My favourite part of the Tree House is the spa 🧖! Take an afternoon to indulge in a massage and mani-pedi. The service is the high point here, as well as the mountain views.
3. Bloubergstrand
– about 20 kilometers north of Cape Town’s city centre, along the western coastline
Safety:
• I felt safe, with regular police patrols of the area.
• It’s a popular tourist spot, so there is vigilant security.
Attractions & Activities:
The iconic views of Table Mountain are just breathtaking. My go-to vantage points for the best vistas are:
• Bloubergstrand Beach, especially at sunset.
• Big Bay Beach, which also comes with a great beach energy, good surfing, and fun beachside cafés.
• Eden on the Bay, a beachfront shopping and dining complex. You can enjoy the view from many of its restaurants and cafés.
These are some of the best windsurfing and kiteboarding beaches:
• Big Bay Beach is popular for the consistent winds and great waves. It’s good for both beginners and the experienced.
• Dolphin Beach is known for strong winds and flat water conditions. Its ideal for kiteboarding enthusiasts. Please wear sun protection – trust me!
• Kleinbaai Beach has excellent windsurfing conditions. There are fewer crowds, which is perfect if you’re looking for a more serene experience.
I especially like Bloubergstrand for its terrific selection of beachfront restaurants and cafes, like those in Big Bay Beach.
Nearby Areas:
- Bloubergstrand is close to Big Bay and West Coast.
- It’s a bit further out, 20-30 minutes or so by car from the centre of Cape Town.
My Accommodation Recommendation:
- Blue Peter Hotel – rated 9.8 out of 10, is just a stone’s throw from Bloubergstrand Beach and has gorgeous ocean views.
I love the free breakfast buffet, and there are 2 bars, if you were wondering. Rooms are cozy, and there’s laundry service and free parking .
4. Noordhoek
– 35 kilometres southwest of Cape Town’s city centre along coast at the southern end of Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Safety:
• This is a safe, residential area with community security.
• I like the rural setting with a close-knit community feel.
Attractions & Activities:
• Long Beach is an 8 km stretch of sandy coastline that’s known for its natural beauty and uncrowded environment. It’s one of the few places in Cape Town where you can ride horses along the beach.
Long Beach is also terrific for surfers. It has nice, consistent waves suitable for surfers of all levels. Local surf schools give lessons and provide equipment rentals for beginners and visitors.
• Noordhoek Farm Village is a shopping and dining complex designed to resemble a village. At the foot of Chapman’s Peak Drive, it’s actually the gateway to exploring the scenic beauty of the Cape Peninsula.
When it comes to where to eat in the Village, I can definitely recommend The Toad in the Village. It’s a casual pub with many different of dishes and a great, relaxed ambiance.
If you love to shop, you’ll love the local, handmade products sold here. From boutiques to farm stalls to art galleries, I’ve spent hours wandering here.
• Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world, winding along the cliffs between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Spend a couple of hours on a leisurely drive.
Stop at some of the several lookout points to take in the breathtaking views, hiking the nearby trails, and maybe enjoy a picnic.
Nearby Areas:
- Noordhoek is close to Hout Bay and Cape Point.
- It’s about 35 minutes by car from the centre of Cape Town.
My Accommodation Recommendation:
- Noordhoek Village Hotel – This snug, homey hotel has free breakfast an outdoor pool, extended free parking, and local meal delivery.
Plus, there’s a coffee shop on-site and a fireplace in the lobby to relax by! You can even grab a coffee or tea from the lobby on your way out!
5. Somerset West
– about 45 kilometres east of Cape Town’s city centre, at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains in the Western Cape’s Winelands region.
Safety:
• This is a generally safe area with active neighbourhood watches.
• It has a more suburban feel, with lower crime rates compared to the city.
Attractions & Activities:
• Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West is widely known for its stunning historical grounds, exquisite gardens, and award-winning wines. It’s an impressive blend of heritage and modern vine growing.
The area is also home to several other vineyards. Each one is a unique tasting experience with beautiful landscapes, and opportunities to explore the Western Cape’s Winelands.
• Helderberg Nature Reserve is a peaceful escape with some great hiking trails, amazing birdlife, and stunning views of the Helderberg Mountains and False Bay.
You also find nice picnic spots and a visitor centre. It’s an ideal spot if you love the outdoors.
• Somerset Mall is a big modern shopping centre with a wide variety of stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities. It’s a one-stop destination for whatever you need.
Nearby Areas:
- Close to Stellenbosch and the Winelands.
- Approximately 45 minutes by car from the center of Cape Town.
My Accommodation Recommendation:
- Silver Forest Boutique Hotel and Spa – rated 9.4 out of 10. Another great spa! I definitely recommend the hot stone massage, and lunch afterward by the pool at the Eatery. The rainfall showers are amazing, and of course there’s free parking. Try for a courtyard view in the garden area!
Summary of Cape Town Areas
| Area | Distance from City Center | Transportation | Nearby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camps Bay | 15 minutes | Car, taxi, MyCiTi bus | Clifton, V&A Waterfront |
| Sea Point | 10 minutes | Car, taxi, MyCiTi bus | Green Point, V&A |
| Green Point | 5 minutes | Car, taxi, MyCiTi bus | Sea Point, V&A |
| Bloubergstrand | 20-30 minutes | Car, taxi, MyCiTi bus | Big Bay, West Coast |
| Noordhoek | 35 minutes | Car | Hout Bay, Cape Point |
| Somerset West | 45 minutes | Car, taxi, train | Stellenbosch, Winelands |
Summing It Up: Best Area To Stay In Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa, is an incredible city, and choosing the right area to stay can make all the difference in your experience.
You might be a solo traveler like me, and prioritize safety and convenience, or someone who’s all about activities and attractions. Either way, there’s a perfect spot for you in this stunning metropolis.
From the beachfront beauty of Camps Bay to the animated streets of Sea Point, each area has its unique charm and benefits.
In this guide, I’ve highlighted my top area to stay in Cape Town and why it stands out as a favourite. I’ve also included five other excellent options. Each one offers a blend of safety, accessibility, and its own attractions.
With these recommendations, you’re sure to find the ideal location for your stay. I’m sure this won’t be your last visit to Cape Town!
Happy travels!
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