Plan your trip to

Cape Town, South Africa

Discover Cape Town

Explore South Africa's complex history; rich, creative culture; and stunning scenery of towering Table Mountain and wild blue Atlantic

Cape Town is where mountains meet the sea in spectacular fashion, with jagged peaks rising behind colorful neighborhoods, and the Atlantic stretching endlessly toward the horizon.

The vibe’s lively and soulful, a mix of surfers, students, artists, and activists all hanging out on the same winding streets. Every view looks like it belongs on a postcard.

You can feel the history everywhere, from the heavy stories of Robben Island and District Six, to the bold spirit in township art, the spicy smells of Bo-Kaap markets, and music floating through open windows on warm nights.

The food scene’s a global mix of flavors, all local and fresh. Whether you’re sipping wine out in the Winelands, digging into Cape Malay curries at a family spot, or enjoying fresh seafood with a salty ocean breeze, you’re set.

In Cape Town, you could start your day hiking up Table Mountain, check out cool galleries in Woodstock, or chill with a glass of Pinotage while watching the sun dip behind Lion’s Head.

Why we love Cape Town

Why we love Cape Town (1 of 5)
Cape Town is a city where mountains, ocean, and history converge in jaw-dropping harmony, with Table Mountain towering above beaches, vineyards, and neighborhoods steeped in story.
The vibe is adventurous, creative, and deeply rooted, where surfboards and start-ups coexist, and every day might include a hike, a gallery stroll, and a sunset braai with friends.
History is front and center, from Robben Island and District Six to centuries-old gardens and mosques in Bo-Kaap — Cape Town wears its scars and its resilience with grace and power.
The food scene is bold, diverse, and proudly local, whether you're sampling Cape Malay curry, slurping oysters by the sea, sipping pinotage in the Winelands, or hitting up a weekend market for biltong and craft gin.
Whether you're paragliding off Signal Hill, exploring tide pools at the Cape of Good Hope, or wandering colorful streets beneath Lion’s Head, Cape Town feels wild, layered, and full of contrasts — in the best, most breathtaking way.

Cape Town at a glance

When to go

winterAvg temp80° / 58°
springAvg temp78° / 47°

Visa information

U.S. State Department guidance

Safety

World Peace Index rankingEqualdex score

Getting There

Cape Town International Airport is the city's only airport, serving international, regional and domestic flights. Cape Town is also well connected to other South African cities and African countries by train and regional bus lines.

Cape Town airports

  • Cape Town International AirportCPT
    20km / 12mito city center
    TaxiShuttle bus
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Cape Town flight trends

Analysis based on point.me exclusive flight data

Average fares

economy class

1.6¢/pointFare value

Typical cash

$1,968

Typical points

120,000pts

Lowest points

120,000pts
Average fares

business class

2.19¢/pointFare value

Typical cash

$8,489

Typical points

392,500pts

Lowest points

392,500pts

Recent award fares to Cape Town

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  • San Francisco (SFO)Cape Town (CPT)

    Nov 03, 2026business | multi-stop
    17h ago
    $0 Cashabout75,000 pts

  • San Francisco (SFO)Cape Town (CPT)

    May 20, 2027economy | multi-stop
    17h ago
    $0 Cashabout40,000 pts

  • Newark (EWR)Cape Town (CPT)

    Mar 16, 2027economy | multi-stop
    17h ago
    $1,190 Cashabout45,000 pts

  • Atlanta (ATL)Cape Town (CPT)

    Apr 19, 2027economy | multi-stop
    17h ago
    $0 Cashabout27,000 pts

  • Washington D.C. (IAD)Cape Town (CPT)

    Jul 12, 2027business | multi-stop
    17h ago
    $0 Cashabout88,000 pts

  • Washington D.C. (IAD)Cape Town (CPT)

    Feb 25, 2027economy | multi-stop
    17h ago
    $0 Cashabout45,000 pts

  • New York (JFK)Cape Town (CPT)

    Mar 29, 2027business | multi-stop
    17h ago
    $0 Cashabout115,000 pts

  • Atlanta (ATL)Cape Town (CPT)

    Dec 09, 2026business | multi-stop
    17h ago
    $0 Cashabout127,500 pts

  • Newark (EWR)Cape Town (CPT)

    Apr 18, 2027business | multi-stop
    17h ago
    $0 Cashabout88,000 pts

  • New York (JFK)Cape Town (CPT)

    Nov 25, 2026economy | multi-stop
    17h ago
    $0 Cashabout40,000 pts

Explore Cape Town

Cape Town is packed with amazing things to see and do, but here are five top must-dos to get that true Cape Townian experience.

Table Mountain National Park
The District Six Museum
Camps Bay
Maker’s Landing
Wineries

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Frequently asked questions

  • How many days is enough for Cape Town?

    Three days will give you a sense of Cape Town's historical sites, beaches, and striking topography. Four days or more will allow time to explore the Cape Peninsula and/or wineries in the surrounding Cape Winelands.

  • When is the best weather in Cape Town?

    Summer (December-February) has the warmest, sunniest weather, with temperatures in the 70s, and the least rainfall.

  • When is the cheapest time to go to Cape Town?

    Hotel rates and flight fares tend to be at their lowest in winter (June-August), when rain is common and temperatures average in the low 60s.

  • How far is the Cape Town airport from the city?

    The city's main airport, CPT, is about 20kms (12 mi) from the city center, accessible via taxi or shuttle bus, in about 20 minutes.

  • Is Cape Town safe?

    Cape Town is generally considered a safe city, though it is a major metro area that sees a lot of tourists, so you should exercise caution and keep your eyes on your valuables, especially at night or in crowded areas.

  • Do I need to rent a car in Cape Town?

    It's ideal to have a car in Cape Town, as public transportation is unreliable and taxis are very expensive.

  • Is Cape Town expensive?

    Cape Town is on the more expensive side, particularly for hotels. A four-star hotel in a popular neighborhood will generally run $325-$500 per night during the high summer season, but $120-$200 a night during the low winter season.