Travel Keyring

Cape Town travel guide

South Africa

Basics

CountrySouth Africa

Time zoneAfrica/Johannesburg

CurrencyZAR

Official language(s)English

Immerse yourself in the local culture while exploring.

Places to visit

Bo-Kaap Museum

A small museum that offers insight into Malay-Cape culture, set in a historic house in the Bo-Kaap area.

HoursDaily 09:00–17:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipGreat to combine with neighborhood photography, but be respectful because it is a lived-in community.

Iziko South African National Gallery

A leading art museum with a wide range of South African and international works, from colonial-era pieces to contemporary art.

HoursDaily 09:00–17:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipIf you enjoy art, combine it with a walk in nearby Company’s Garden.

Castle of Good Hope

A 17th-century fort built by the Dutch East India Company, and one of Cape Town’s most iconic sites for early colonial history.

HoursDaily 09:00–17:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipConsider joining a guided tour to see both the fortifications and museum spaces.

Iziko Slave Lodge

One of Cape Town’s oldest buildings, this museum explores the history of slavery and the colonial era in South Africa.

HoursDaily 09:00–17:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipA good stop on a city-center walking route; allow extra time if you want to read the exhibits in depth.

Company's Garden

A historic garden in the heart of the city, with paths, lawns, and nearby museums that make it a pleasant place to relax.

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipBest visited in daylight and paired with nearby museums.

V&A Waterfront

Cape Town’s iconic mixed-use harbor district with shops, restaurants, piers, and scenic viewpoints.

LocationV&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa

Nearest stationV&A Waterfront

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt’s especially popular for evening strolls thanks to the lights, restaurants, and generally safer environment.

Robben Island

The island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, now a powerful site for learning about South Africa’s democratic history and human rights.

LocationDeparts from V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Nearest stationV&A Waterfront Ferry Terminal

HoursVaries by tour schedule

AdmissionTicketed

Travel tipFerries are weather-dependent, so book ahead and confirm departures before you go.

Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is the southernmost point of the African continent, known for stunning views and marine life.

HoursDaily 06:00 - 18:00

AdmissionR360

Travel tipVisiting during sunrise or sunset offers especially beautiful sights.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch is a beautiful garden showcasing diverse South African flora.

HoursDaily 08:00 - 19:00

AdmissionR75

Travel tipEnjoy picnics during weekend afternoons.

South African Museum

The South African Museum offers a variety of exhibits on history and natural history.

HoursDaily 09:00 - 17:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisiting on weekends can offer special exhibitions.

Food to try

Mama Africa

A South African restaurant with live music, known for game meat and braai-style dishes.

HoursDaily 18:00–23:00

AdmissionVaries by menu

Travel tipEvening visits are great for the live-music atmosphere; reservations are worth considering.

Bunny Chow

Bunny Chow is a popular South African street food, known for its tasty and affordable bites.

HoursDaily 10:00 - 21:00

AdmissionR50

Travel tipIf you're in the mood for a light snack, be sure to check it out.

Events

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival

A traditional parade and music festival, also known as Kaapse Klopse, celebrating the city’s multicultural heritage.

WhenAround April each year

LocationCape Town city center and nearby areas

Nearest stationCape Town city bus stop

HoursVaries by event schedule

AdmissionFree

Travel tipThe busiest sections are in and around the city center, so plan for a mix of public transport and walking.

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

An annual jazz music festival featuring artists from around the world.

WhenEvery February

HoursVaries by event schedule

AdmissionTicketed

Travel tipIt's best to purchase tickets in advance.

Basic travel phrases (English)

Hello

Hello · Greeting

Thank you

Thank you · Thanks

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you · Nice to meet you

Have a great day

Have a great day · Wishing a good day

Welcome

Welcome · Welcome

See all travel guides