Wondering where to stay in Cape Town?
Cape Town isn’t a one-neighbourhood city. Its magic lies in its diversity—from the vineyard valleys of Constantia to the sun-drenched Atlantic Seaboard. The “best” area depends on what you want: beach time, fine dining, mountain hikes, or boutique city buzz. The V&A Waterfront may be the most famous, but it’s far from the only option—and often not the best one. Here’s our insider guide to help you find your perfect base in the Mother City.
Cape Town Isn’t Just One Place
A few days ago, I found myself enjoying a glass of wine under centuries-old oak trees at Steenberg in Constantia, with the mountains glowing pink at sunset. (See my review HERE). It was a sybaritic mix of beautiful scenery, vineyards, wine-tasting, and gourmet food. The following morning, I was back in the city—25 minutes away; walking the V&A Waterfront promenade, watching yacht trips head out across the bay.
It struck me again: Cape Town isn’t one destination. It’s several all in one.
And yet, most first-time visitors assume the V&A Waterfront is the place to stay. It’s not their fault; their marketing has been impeccable. But ask any local, and they’ll tell you they dont understand why! Cape Town’s charm lies in its contrasts.
Cape Town Table Mountain
Cape Town is NOT like most cities
So, the answer to ‘what is the best area of Cape Town to stay’ is varied. Your perfect place depends entirely on what YOU want to do.
The reason why the Waterfront is not necessarily the best place to stay in Cape Town is because Cape Town is different. In nearly every city in the world, the top attractions are right in the city centre. Think about London, Paris or New York.
But Cape Town has a socking great mountain in the middle of it! And most people enjoy exploring both the city and the different facets of the mountain’s national park.
Where to Stay in Cape Town: Start with What You Love
Before you pick a hotel, ask yourself:
- Do you crave mountain hikes or sea breezes?
- Is fine dining and wine tasting high on your list?
- Do the beaches of Cape Town appeal to you?
- Do you want city buzz and late-night bars and clubs, or peace and greenery?
- Are you happiest near boutiques, museums and art galleries, or bird calls and vineyards?
Once you answer these, Cape Town’s patchwork of neighbourhoods starts to make sense. Depending on your interests, we may recommend a very different part of the city.
The most common attractions for a 1st-time stay in Cape Town
- Table Mountain (City bowl)
- V&A Waterfront
- Kirstenbosch (Southern)
- Cape Peninsula tour
- Visiting the Winelands
- Beaches (Atlantic)
- Visiting the markets (City)
- Robben Island (Waterfront)
Of these eight attractions, only THREE are in the City Centre, four if you include the mountain.
Cape Town V&A Waterfront
1) V&A Waterfront: Convenient, Central, and Polished
Best For: First-time visitors who love convenience and city buzz
The V&A Waterfront is the perennial favourite of 1st-time visitors. And it’s easy to see the appeal: hotels, shops, restaurants, boat cruises, and Robben Island ferries all in one place. It’s polished and safe, with a holiday atmosphere and sweeping harbour views. Great for some people but not for all!
Pros
- Fairly central for sightseeing
- Walkable and safe
- Great for shopping and casual dining
- Zeitz MOCAA modern art gallery
- Easy access to Robben Island boat trips
- Boat cruises into the bay
Cons
- Crowded
- Pricey (as touristy)
- Lacking Cape Town’s soul – it could be anyway in the world!
- Traffic congestion getting in and out of the Waterfront
- Only one boutique hotel (The Dockhouse)
Type of Hotel: Mainly medium to large hotels
Insider tip: Visit the Waterfront for an afternoon and evening but consider staying elsewhere for a richer Cape Town experience.
Our favourite places to stay in the V&A Waterfront:
2) City Centre – Urban Energy Meets Table Mountain
Best For: Food lovers, culture seekers, and night owls
The city centre has reinvented itself, buzzing with art galleries, boutique hotels, and some of the best restaurants in Africa.
Pros
- Walk to restaurants and markets,
- Easy Taxi & Uber access
- Company Gardens, Museums, Galleries
- Street markets
- City vibe and nightlife in Long Street
Cons
- Traffic noise (if staying on lower hotel floors)
- Limited evening stroll options in city centre
Type of Hotel: Medium to large hotels, some secret boutique options
Our favourite places to stay in Cape Town city centre
3) Best Areas to Stay in Cape Town: City Bowl
Best For: Hedging your Bets: calmer & greener but close to the city
The leafy ‘City Bowl‘ neighbourhoods of Oranjezicht, Tamboerskloof and Gardens just below Table Mountain. But naturally there’s some cross-over. These offer a quieter base, but still close to the action (sometimes walking distance or a quick taxi ride). The area around Kloof Street shares some of the vibe of the city centre with restaurants, bars and boutiques.
Pros
- Closest to Table Mountain
- Quieter and greener
- Easy access to both the city centre (10 mins), Waterfront (15 and Atlantic beaches (both 15 mins).
- Many local eateries, cafes & boutiques on Kloof Street.
Cons
- Some hotel options are just a little too far to walk to Kloof Street.
- Too quiet for some
Type of Hotel: Mostly small boutique guest houses, plus a couple of hotels
Insider tip: Decide whether you want to be able to walk places or if you are happy taking taxis/Uber. And check out the exact location of the hotel.
Some of our favourite City Bowl Boutique Hotels
City Bowl with Table Mountain
4) Constantia: Wine Country Without Leaving the City
Best For: Hedging your Bets:Wine lovers, walker, and relaxed explorers
Set among vineyards and mountain trails, Constantia is a prosperous semi-rural area of historic Cape Town offering elegance and calm. You can explore historic wine estates, world-class restaurants, and the nearby Kirstenbosch Gardens. Yet still reach the city or Waterfront in 25–30 minutes. Plus it easily cuts 60 minutes of driving from a tour of the Cape Peninsula which means more time when you get there, or time for some late afternoon pool time.
Newlands and Bishopscourt are between the city centre and Constantia (15 mins in either direction) so make a great base to cover several options, including nearby Kirstenbosch Gardens. So it shares some of the characteristics of the City Bowl.
Good for
- Beautiful scenery & peaceful,
- great restaurants and wine estates,
- Easier, quicker access to the tour of Cape Peninsula
- Kirstenbosch Gardens,
- Great for hikers and mountain bikers
- Selection of excellent golf courses
Not so Good
- No city nightlife or vibe
- Be careful to avoid the late afternoon rush hour traffic when leaving the city
Type of Hotel: Mix of small guesthouses, boutique & mid-sized hotels
Some of our favourite hotels in Constantia & Newlands:
Atlantic Coast – from Sea Point to Camps Bay
5) Atlantic Coast – Beach Bliss and Ocean Views
Best For: Sunseekers, couples, and those who love a scenic drive
We love the upmarket beach resort vibe of the Atlantic Seaboard, stretching from Sea Point to Camps Bay, is pure coastal glamour. Expect palm-lined promenades, ocean-front dining, and those famous sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
It has a quite different vibe from both the city centre and Constantia with an upmarket beach resort vibe. Yet it also offers fantastic hiking on Table Mountain via the scenic Pipe Track.
Good for
- Beaches
- Sunset over the Atlantic
- Ocean views
- Ocean-front restaurants within walking distance
- Plus, it’s as accessible to Table Mountain as the city centre, & closer than Waterfront
Not so Good
- Probably the least accessible area of the city from the airport
- Summer wind can be fierce
- Traffic to the city is slow at peak times
- Plus the water is cold!
Type of Hotel: Mix of boutique guesthouses, small/mid-sized hotels & private villas.
Our Favourite Places to Stay on the Atlantic:
6) Cape Peninsula: The Wild Edge of the City
Best For: Repeat visitors and nature lovers
The Cape Peninsula is broadly the area beyond Chapmans Peak Drive through to Noordhoek, Kommetjie and then around to Simonstown and Kalk Bay. This is rural; think quirky seaside towns, charming eateries and eclectic shops, plus easy access to mountain trails.
It’s too far from central Cape Town for first-timers (e.g. from 45 mins to well over an hour to get into the city centre). But perfect for a few nights of peace after the bustle of the city. And – as with Constantia – it easily cuts 60 to 90 minutes of driving from a tour of the Cape Peninsula (depending on where you stay).
Pros: Magical scenery, slower pace, great for self-drive explorers or hikers
Cons: Distance from city centre & Waterfront
Some of our Favourite Places to stay on the Cape Peninsula
Tintswalo Atlantic
The Last Word Long Beach,
Future Found Sanctuary
Cape Peninsula & Boulders Beach
So … Where Should You Stay in Cape Town?
In truth, there’s no single “best” area. The right area depends on you. Not the place that your book club friend recommended.
Yes, most people will want to visit the Waterfront for half a day or more. Perhaps to enjoy a boat cruise or a waterside lunch. But do you need to stay there?
TIP
Many of our repeat guests split their stay—perhaps 2-3 nights in the city or V&A Waterfront, then 2-3 nights on the Atlantic seaboard, Constantia or even further out. That way, you experience at least two sides of the Mother City.
FAQs about Where to stay in Cape Town
Is it safe to stay outside the Waterfront in Cape Town?
Yes. Many neighbourhoods like Constantia, the City Bowl, and Camps Bay are safe to walk around, especially when you use common sense and reputable accommodation. Plus taxis and Ubers are easy and cheap in Cape Town for night-time restaurants further away.
What’s the best area for first-time visitors?
Depends on you! The City Bowl offers the best balance of access, atmosphere, and views, especially for those who like to explore both city and nature. But the Southern Suburbs also have a lot to offer.
How many nights should I stay in Cape Town?
Four nights minimum – and ideally 5 or 6 – to allow time to visit Table Mountain, the Peninsula, wine estates, and a beach day.
Ready to find your perfect Cape Town base?
- Tell us your travel style—wine, waves, or city views.
- We’ll match you with the right neighbourhood and hotels.
- You sit back while we craft your Cape Town itinerary.
Chat to us about what you're looking for
So many properties to choose from! Not sure where to start? Book a call.
Contact Us“Where to stay in Cape town” was written by Kate of Cedarberg Africa
Kate co-founded Cedarberg Africa in 1995 and has lived near Cape Town for over 30 years. From self-drive safaris to urban escapes, she’s explored every corner of the Mother City. Her first-hand experience helps travellers discover the Cape Town that locals love, beyond the edited Instagram reels and postcard views.
