Last Updated on April 19, 2025 by Hannah Stephenson
Wondering where to stay in Cape Town?
I don’t blame you. For me, the most difficult part of planning a trip is always working out where to stay.
And in Cape Town, picking a safe area can also be a bit of a concern, especially for first-timers.
I’ve been lucky enough to live in quite a few different neighbourhoods during my time here. So in this guide, I’ve made it super easy for you by highlighting the best areas of Cape Town to stay in, and the pros and cons of each of them. Let’s go!
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Quick Picks for Where to Stay in Cape Town
If you haven’t got a ton of time to comb through the entire article then I’ll make it easy for you by showing you my top 3 picks for where to stay in Cape Town. I would happily stay (and live) in any of these neighbourhoods:
- Gardens – best for those who are short on time or want to be close to the best restaurants and nightlife
- Sea Point – easy access to beaches and amenities, plus the beautiful promenade
- De Waterkant – super safe, scenic, and central neighbourhood
Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Cape Town
Okay, the first thing that you should know about Cape Town is that it’s a pretty compact city, so you don’t need to worry too much about where to stay. As long as you choose a central neighbourhood, you’ll be close to all of the top attractions.
I know that Cape Town has a reputation as a dangerous city, but most of the crime takes place in the outskirts. You still need to exercise caution in the centre, but there’s no need to be overly worried.
Basically, if you stay within the area outlined on the map, you will be both safe and central.
My Favourite Areas to Stay in Cape Town
Here’s where I would personally choose to stay in Cape Town. I’ll give you a little info about each area, as well as their distance from top attractions, and a few different hotels in each.
De Waterkant
Time to Clifton Beaches: 15 minutes
Time to Table Mountain: 15 – 20 minutes
Time to V&A Waterfront: 5 minutes
Time to Kloof Street: 10 minutes
Personally, I think that De Waterkant is a criminally underrated area to stay in!
Not only is it super central, it’s also very safe as many streets have 24/7 private security that’s paid for by the homeowner’s association.
Plus, it’s just so pretty with its pastel-coloured cottages and cute cafes. I lived here for a year and I loved it so much. I would move back in a heartbeat!
Meanwhile Bo Kaap, Cape Town’s historic and colourful neighbourhood, is right across the road and Bree Street, another major nightlife hub, is just a 5-minute Uber ride away.
It’s also a very LGBTQ+ friendly area. There’s a big rainbow-painted crosswalk and there are two fantastic gay bars here: Manhattan’s and Pink Candy.
And with the Cape Quarter Mall on your doorstep, you’ve got everything you need in terms of shopping.
I honestly can’t think of any downsides to staying here!
The Best Accommodation in De Waterkant
Loader B ($$$) – I used to live on Loader Street! It’s super safe and never gets load shedding. Plus, this particular property boasts a rooftop pool and a gorgeous modern interior. It doesn’t get much better than this, I’m telling you!
De Waterkant Apartment ($$) – A slightly more affordable spot on Napier Street with a modern interior and lots of natural light. A true home from home! Oh, and it even has a garage parking space, which is handy if you’re renting a car.
The Grey Hotel ($) – The Grey Hotel is smack dab in the middle of De Waterkant, just around the corner from the Cape Quarter. I love the decor of this boutique hotel but the best part is undoubtedly the cute little rooftop area, which even boasts a swimming pool. You’ll need it on those hot summer days!
Gardens
Time to Clifton Beaches: 15 minutes
Time to Table Mountain: 10 minutes
Time to V&A Waterfront: 15 minutes
Time to Kloof Street: It’s right there!
Gardens is a super central neighbourhood with beautiful views of Table Mountain. It’s also home to Kloof Street, which is lined with many of Cape Town’s best bars and restaurants.
Gardens is close to pretty much everything, and I love the bustling feel of this area. The nightlife here is fantastic but it’s not at all seedy, and you don’t need to be a big partygoer to enjoy the area.
It’s also the best place to stay if you’re short on time because it’s close to everything!
The Best Hotels in Gardens
The Mount Nelson ($$$) – The pink Mount Nelson Hotel is probably the most famous hotel in Cape Town. It’s been welcoming guests since 1899 and everyone from Winston Churchill to Jon Bon Jovi has stayed here. If it’s good enough for them…
Derwent House ($$) – A beautiful boutique hotel just steps away from Kloof Street. It actually reminds me a bit of a Balinese Villa! Plus it’s solar powered, so no load shedding.
Zebra Crossing Backpackers ($) – If you’re looking for a budget stay, this clean and comfortable hostel is a great choice. And if you don’t want to share a dorm, private rooms here still cost way less than hotels!
Sea Point
Time to Clifton Beaches: 10 minutes
Time to Table Mountain: 25 minutes
Time to V&A Waterfront: 10 minutes
Time to Kloof Street: 15 – 20 minutes
I lived in Sea Point for a year and I LOVED it. This neighbourhood is a bit more residential than Gardens but it has a lot going for it… It gets lots of sunshine, has a great vibe, and is right to the ocean!
Sea Point is also close to the Clifton Beaches and boasts its own rock pool beach, which is a favourite hangout of mine. Meanwhile, you can’t beat a walk on the promenade! In fact, you can even walk to the V&A Waterfront from here.
Sea Point also has a growing number of cute bars and restaurants, like Arthur’s Mini Super, Maggy Lou’s, and Only Fools. Oh, and the Saunders rockpool is easily one of Cape Town’s best sunset spots.
Fitness fanatics will also love this neighbourhood because it’s home to a pilates studio, a spinning studio, and BUC Fitness, a world-class gym.
The Best Hotels in Sea Point
Sea View Apartment on the Prom ($$$) – Okay can whoever owns this property please just let me live here? It’s in a prime location right on the prom with huge windows so that you can soak in the sea views 24/7. Plus, it has backup power so you don’t need to worry about load shedding – always a bonus.
Home Suites Hotel Station House ($$) – This lovely aparthotel has everything you need, including a rooftop pool with amazing views of Lion’s Head. It’s in the same building as The Nines, aka Cape Town’s most beautiful bar, and it’s super close to Regent Road, Sea Point’s main drag.
Cambourne Holiday Apartments ($) – Located right near the coolest bars and restaurants, this apartment is a STEAL. It’s bright, airy, and nicely decorated. It books up fast though, so take advantage of the generous cancellation policy and snag your stay ASAP.
Tamboerskloof
Time to Clifton Beaches: 15 minutes
Time to Table Mountain: 10 minutes
Time to V&A Waterfront: 15 minutes
Time to Kloof Street: 5 minutes
Tamboerskloof is a scenic neighbourhood nestled in the slopes of Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. One of my favourite things about this area is that it offers fantastic views of the city bowl!
It’s also right near the city’s best nightlife and it’s super easy to access all of the major attractions from here. There are lots of Victorian-style homes here and the atmosphere is pretty relaxed overall.
Accommodation here is relatively affordable for tourists and there are lots of fantastic guest houses in this neck of the woods. I love staying in guest houses because it feels more personal and you often get a bit more bang for your buck.
Where to Stay in Tamboerskloof
Jardin d’ébène Boutique Guesthouse ($$) – This boutique guest house is tucked away beneath Table Mountain, with gorgeous views of Lion’s Head. What I really love, though, is the warm, welcoming vibe because it feels more like staying with friends than at a hotel! The free WiFi and airport shuttle are just the cherry on top – no wonder it has so many glowing reviews.
Radium Hall Guest House ($$) – This beautiful, modern guest house offers comfy rooms and fantastic views of Table Mountain. But my favourite thing about it is that solo travelers pay less per night here for a private room, which is a perk you don’t often come across!
Bayview Boutique Guest House ($$) – Fancy starting your day with a swim in a saltwater infinity pool that looks straight onto Table Mountain? I know I do! And with sleek modern rooms and friendly staff, I think booking a stay at this peaceful spot is a no-brainer, really.
V&A Waterfront
Time to Clifton Beaches: 20 minutes
Time to Table Mountain: 20 minutes
Time to V&A Waterfront: You’re already there!
Time to Kloof Street: 15 minutes
The V&A Waterfront is a very touristy area, but that’s not a bad thing.
For one, it means that many of the city’s most prestigious hotels can be found around here! So if you’re looking for a luxurious stay, the Waterfront is a great choice.
For another, a TON of tours leave from the Waterfront and of course, most boat trips depart from the harbour here, too.
There are also lots of fantastic restaurants right next to the water and plenty of fun bars. I like the Life Grand Cafe, and if you want to stay out late, Ferryman’s Irish Tavern is touristy but I always have a great time here.
The Oranjezicht Farmers Market takes place on Saturday and Sunday mornings, plus Wednesday night during the summer. You’ve also got the Time Out Food Market, the Watershed, and Makers’ Landing.
Oh, and the HUGE Victoria Wharf Mall is here too, so it’s really the best place in Cape Town to shop.
My favourite things to do in the Waterfront are:
- A sunset champagne cruise
- Eat and drink at the Oranjezicht Market
- This epic marine safari (I saw FOUR whales!)
- Stroll through Battery Park
- Go SUPping along the canals
The Best Hotels at the V&A Waterfront
Disclaimer: I’ll be honest, budget stays are in short supply around the Waterfront area – i.e., they don’t exist. So, I’ve just highlighted a few top hotels instead.
One & Only ($$$$) – If you’re looking to go luxe, and I mean LUXE, the One & Only at the Waterfront is the ultimate choice. It’s the kind of place that a mere mortal like me can only dream of staying.
The Silo ($$$$) – The Silo is probably Cape Town’s second most iconic hotel, after the Mount Nelson in Gardens. Located in – you guessed it – an old grain Silo, this hotel has a gorgeous infinity pool with insane views and offers rooms that are both funky and uber luxurious.
Radisson Red ($$$) – The Radisson Red is a funky hotel and a popular spot for sunset drinks! It’s smack dab in the middle of the vibrant Waterfront area and I’ve been to a couple of fun events here, although I’ve never been lucky enough to stay.
Clifton
Time to Clifton Beaches: You’re already there!
Time to Table Mountain: 10 – 15 minutes
Time to V&A Waterfront: 20 minutes
Time to Kloof Street: 15 minutes
Clifton is a beautiful neighbourhood that’s home to four gorgeous beaches – the Clifton Beaches!
I wouldn’t choose to live here because there aren’t a ton of amenities like shops and restaurants around. But I would definitely rent a villa or apartment here for an epic beach holiday with friends!
Basically, if you’re all about the beach, Clifton is a dream. And to be fair, it’s only a 5-minute drive from the buzzing Camps Bay strip.
The Best Accommodation in Clifton
$$$ – The Nici Clifton Beach – These stunning beachfront apartments have views to die for, tons of natural light, and giant round bathtubs. It’s the ideal choice for a dreamy beach holiday in Cape Town.
$$ – Beachfront Studio – A studio just across the road from Clifton Beach? Need I say more! This self-catered property is a tad compact but very comfy, and you’ll no doubt be out at the beach for most of the day anyway.
There are tons of apartments and villas in Clifton – check them all out here!
Green Point
Time to Clifton Beaches: 15 minutes
Time to Table Mountain: 15 – 20 minutes
Time to V&A Waterfront: 5 minutes
Time to Kloof Street: 10 minutes
Green Point is between Sea Point and De Waterkant. It’s a slightly less exciting neighborhood than the other two but it’s safe with plenty of amenities and it’s located close to pretty much everything. In short, it’s an excellent base for exploring the city!
One of my closest friends lives in Green Point, and I briefly lived in this area while I was staying with her. It’s very walkable and I’ve always felt comfortable here.
Along Main Road and Somerset Road (which merge into one another), there are also a handful of good restaurants such as Bao Down and El Burro, which are two of my all-time favourites. It’s also just a short Uber ride away from the main nightlife hubs and you can walk to the Waterfront from here.
Plus, I do like Green Point Park and the DHL Stadium is in this area. I’ve seen Robbie Williams and Maroon 5 perform here, and if you’re into rugby then there’ll almost certainly be a game on while you’re in town.
The Best Accommodation in Green Point
Dysart Boutique Hotel ($$$) – I love the fact that this solar-powered hotel blends luxury and sustainability. Oh, and the infinity pool – I’m a big fan of that, too. It’s a boutique property with just 10 rooms, and your every need will be taken care of here, from breakfast to airport shuttles.
Check Inn Hotel ($) – A basic but affordable aparthotel that comes with parking. I must say, the rooms do look a bit spartan, but you can’t beat this place in terms of price and it has over 2,000 positive reviews!
Never @ Home ($) – This place is an amazing hub for meeting fellow travelers and bonding over cold beer, pizza, and ping pong. The bar here is always buzzing and there’s even a rooftop pool and sunny deck where you can soak up that South African sunshine. It’s clean with tiptop facilities and a fantastic vibe.
Other Areas to Consider
Camps Bay
Time to Clifton Beaches: 5 minutes
Time to Table Mountain: 15 minutes
Time to V&A Waterfront: 20 – 30 minutes
Time to Kloof Street: 10 minutes
Okay I know I have to mention Camps Bay, because it’s one of Cape Town’s most famous areas. It is super beautiful and I have stayed here, but I wouldn’t rush to stay again.
However, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t!
It’s an expensive area. You won’t find any budget stays here but if it’s luxury you’re after then you’ll be very well catered for.
While I do enjoy coming to Camps Bay to enjoy dinner and drinks on the strip from time to time, it’s a bit too busy and touristy for my liking on the whole. The traffic here can get pretty crazy during the summer and I rarely go to the beach because it gets crowded and there are often lots of hawkers around so I struggle to get a good beach nap in.
The Best Accommodation in Camps Bay
South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel ($$$) – A light, airy property with an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean and the beautiful tidal pool. This place is super spacious and comfy, so no wonder it boasts stellar reviews.
Azamare Guest House ($$$) – I’m pretty sure that if I stayed here, I would just never leave. But with ocean views, a gorgeous pool, huge rooms, and a delicious fresh fruit platter for breakfast every morning, why would you need to?
Merridew Villa ($$$) – If you’re looking to split a villa with friends and enjoy the stay of a lifetime, I reckon Merridew is a pretty good shout. With an outdoor dining terrace, a swimming pool, six bedrooms and six spacious bathrooms, you’ve got everything you need for a luxury group getaway.
Vredehoek
Time to Clifton Beaches: 20 minutes
Time to Table Mountain: 15 minutes
Time to V&A Waterfront: 15 minutes
Time to Kloof Street: 5 – 10 minutes
Vredehoek is a safe and more residential neighbourhood nestled beneath Table Mountain. There’s not loads to do in the area itself but one benefit of staying here is that a lot of the apartments and hotels here offer sweeping views of the city.
The area is pretty peaceful on the whole. However, the area does get some of the city’s worst wind.
I mean, this is Cape Town we’re talking about. The weather can vary drastically from one neighbourhood to the next!
One benefit of staying here is that the accommodation tends to be a little more affordable, too. There are lots of friendly guest houses in this area. I have to be honest, I don’t know this area as well as other parts of the city but I would definitely consider staying (or moving) here in the future.
The area is also home to De Waal Park, which is famous for its resident deer!
Best Hotels in Vredehoek
Abbey Manor Luxury Guesthouse ($$) – A gorgeous, manor-like guesthouse. You can enjoy a free breakfast out on the terrace every morning with Table Mountain towering in the background – sounds pretty good to me! Plus, it has amazing reviews.
Tom’s Guesthouse ($$) – A cute and welcoming guest house with a swimming pool, a sun terrace, and free parking. It’s a real home from home – you get breakfast every morning and the staff will treat you like family. Check all the glowing reviews here!
Scenic Disa Park Apartments ($$) – So, one of the things Vredehoek is most famous for is being home to the “Tampon Towers”. Yes, really – three skyscrapers that bear an unfortunate resemblance to a feminine hygiene product. But despite their outward appearance, these buildings offer panoramic city views, so Disa Park is actually a pretty good place to stay, and this particular apartment is spacious, modern, and includes free parking and access to two swimming pools.
Where NOT to Stay in Cape Town
If it’s your first time visiting Cape Town, the chances are you’re concerned about safety. For that reason, I would suggest avoiding the following areas. They’re not out-and-out unsafe, but they can be a bit… dodgy.
- Woodstock – very up and coming but rife with muggings and just a tad too far out
- Salt River/Observatory – much the same, and traffic here during rush hour is HORRIBLE
- The CBD – It’s okay and certainly convenient if you’re short on time, but I got cat-called and harassed quite a bit when I stayed here. Gardens is nearby and WAY nicer!
Finally, these are the areas I wouldn’t stay in because they’re just too far from the action:
- Bloubergstrand
- Durbanville (although do go and check out the wine safari here)
- Constantia (you could do a 1-2 night stay here to be close to the wine farms, but it’s too far out to be a great base for your entire stay)
- Hout Bay
- Kalk Bay and Muizenberg (great if you want to surf but a 30-50 minute drive from the city, depending on traffic)
- Southern Suburbs (Newlands, Claremont, Pinelands, Rondebosch, etc)