Where to Stay

Most visitors prefer not to stay in the centre of Cape Town since there are more attractive areas in the surrounding suburbs, and the city is well served by fast freeways. Families may wish to be within walking distance of the Waterfront, while others may prefer to be near beaches. The Winelands, Hout Bay and Constantia offer very beautiful surroundings and the South Peninsula would be perfect for those who don't want to rush around. Gardens is very convenient.

Beaches

There are over 100 beaches around the Cape Peninsula but the "classic" beaches are in Camps Bay and Clifton. Accommodation in these areas is priced at the higher end of the scale. Staying a few minutes' away in Sea Point will save you a lot of money and cost you little time.

The classic view of Cape Town (two peaks with the "Table Top" between) is from Blouberg beach, which is a little far out but has a great view.

Anywhere in the South Peninsula will be within easy reach of beaches such as the vast Muizenberg beach, Noordhoek, Kommetjie, Fishhoek and Scarborough. This area is relaxed and very pretty, but also affordable and within easy reach of Cape Point. The seaside villages and harbours are most attractive. However, it will take an hour to get to the city center and a little more to the winelands so this area suits those who want to "chill out." Monkey Valley in Noordhoek is a popular place to stay, so too are the guesthouses of Kommetjie and Simon's Town.

Hout Bay has a good beach, in a very beautiful setting, and some lovely places to stay. Great fish is to be had in the harbour and horse-riding is very popular too. It is in easy (and magnificent) contact with Cape Town but is, of course, more expensive.

Waterfront & Sea Point / Green Ponit

The Waterfront complex will suit any age or person but families, in particular, will appreciate the array of shops, restaurants and entertainment in the Waterfront. The Cape Grace, The Table Bay and the Radisson Hotel Waterfront are very fine five star hotels. At the other end of the price range the Breakwater Lodge is excellent value for money.

Near to the Waterfront are Green Point, a busy area but very well located, and the next suburb, Sea Point. They are well positioned and Sea Point has a superb promenade for sunset walks. It also has many restaurants and shops, although the area can be a little seedy. There is a very great deal of accommodation of all standards available, so if you arrive at the airport and need a place to stay head for Green Point/Sea Point.

City Centre

During the '90s the city centre became rather unsafe. This situation has improved (with extensive use of surveillance cameras), but it is still not the best area to choose for a relaxing holiday and tends to be rather quiet at night. The exception is Long Street, which is a great evening "hang-out" for the young at heart, and some inexpensive accommodation is available.

Gardens

Above the city centre is Gardens, which is a leafy and very elegant area. Kloof Road has a fine concentration of restaurants and cafes. There are some beautiful homes and many have been converted into excellent guesthouses. The most historic hotel in Cape Town, the Mount Nelson, is in Gardens and retains a distinctly colonial class.

Constantia

Constantia has long been a favored destination of the rich classes of England. It is leafy and elegant, terribly civilized and properly wealthy. The oldest wine farms are in this area (although it is remarkably close to the center). There are a number of excellent restaurants and some very fine accommodation. Expect high prices.

The Southern Suburbs

Middle-class areas such as Newlands (home of the major sports venues) Rondebosch and Claremont are leafy and well-located for all the attractions. Some visitors may find them too suburban for holiday making.

The Northern Surburbs

As these are predominantly Afrikaans and traditionally conservative, English speakers may prefer not to stay in these suburbs, although areas like Tygervalley and Durbanville are a little more culturally accessible.

The Winelands

It can be a good idea to spend a night or two staying in the winelands, not only to cut out the hour journey from Cape Town but to enjoy the very dignified and certainly spectacular scenery of the area and some excellent restaurants and wine farms. Stellenbosch is very beautiful, charming and sophisticated and the oldest town in South Africa. Paarl is also pretty; the Grande Roche is popular with German visitors. The Franschhoek valley is gorgeous and very French in its style. Here, you will fine superb cuisine. Somerset West is a larger town, but also comfortable and well-located. The prestigious Erinvale golf course is on its fringes.

Hermanus

Hermanus is an hour- and a-half from Cape Town. It is famous for whale spotting during the months of July through December. It is a pleasant seaside town with fine coastal walks and some good accommodation. It is well-located for the Walker Bay wine farms and drives into the lovely Overburg region.

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