Last Updated on May 5, 2026 by Hannah Stephenson
Camps Bay and Sea Point are two of the most popular places to stay in Cape Town, but they offer different experiences.
Now, I can tell you which one I prefer right now, but what’s right for me might not be right for you! So I’ve written this guide to help you choose, and I’ve included all of the need-to-know details.
In case you were wondering, Sea Point would be my personal choice. In fact, I lived here for a year! It’s so much fun and feels a bit more lived-in, while Camps Bay is bougie and beautiful, but a lot more touristy.
They’re also only about a 15-minute drive apart, so I assure you, you don’t need to stress too much.
Should You Stay in Camps Bay or Sea Point?
If you want a bougie, beachy vibe, go for Camps Bay.
If you want a fun and walkable area with lots of cute cafes and restaurants, go for Sea Point!
Sea Point is ideal for longer stays. In fact, it attracts digital nomads in their droves! It’s a more “everyday” neighbourhood but it has a great vibe and it’s one of Cape Town’s most desirable areas to live in.
However, if you’re craving holiday vibes and beach views, you’ll love Camps Bay. There are also more luxury hotels in Camps Bay, so it’s ideal for honeymooners and the like.
Camps Bay vs Sea Point: Quick Comparison
Choose Camps Bay if…
✅ You want to be right by the beach
✅ You’re planning a romantic or luxury trip
✅ You don’t mind spending a little more
Choose Sea Point if…
✅ You want a more everyday feel
✅ You want to be close to lots of casual bars and restaurants
✅ You’re planning a longer stay
What Is Camps Bay Like?
Camps Bay is beautiful! It sits at the foot of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and it has a long, wide beach with pristine white sand.
Right along the beach is the Camps Bay strip, a walkable row of some of Cape Town’s swankiest restaurants. Then as you walk uphill away from the strip, you’ll see that the streets here are lined with some really beautiful, modern homes. I actually attended a baby shower in Camps Bay once and felt like I had stepped into an episode of Selling Sunset!
Now, the strip is super touristy but it’s popular for a reason. I always really enjoy the holiday vibe in Camps Bay, and I think it’s perfect if you want a bougie beach trip.
However, I personally wouldn’t choose to live there because a) I can’t afford it and b) it’s a bit too touristy for me.
It also feels a bit removed from the rest of the city. Geographically speaking, it’s not really – you can drive to Sea Point in 15 minutes, and the CBD or Gardens in about 10 minutes – but it kind of feels like its own bubble. (For more on these areas, check out my guide to where to stay in Cape Town!)
I think that’s partly because Camps Bay sits on the other side of the mountain, and one of its closest neighbours is Clifton, where very few people actually live. So while it’s beautiful, it doesn’t feel as connected as Sea Point.
From Sea Point, you can walk to Green Point, the Waterfront, Bantry Bay, and even Clifton if you’re feeling energetic – actually, I run to Clifton and back all the time! In Camps Bay, you’re more likely to stay around the strip or rely on Ubers to get elsewhere.
For that reason, I’d be more tempted to rent a car if I were staying in Camps Bay, whereas I don’t think you need one at all in Sea Point.
What Is Sea Point Like?
Um, it’s the best!
Well, I’m biased, because I had such a great time living here. However, I will say that it doesn’t have as much of a holiday vibe as Camps Bay, but it’s still a lot of fun. And let’s be honest, everywhere in Cape Town has a bit of a holiday vibe going on!
One of my favourite things about Sea Point is how walkable it is. Along Main Road, there are tons of great cafes, restaurants, and bars – be sure to stop by Maggy Lou’s for a coffee or a pickletini, depending on what time of day it is.
Sea Point also borders Green Point and the Waterfront, so you can easily reach both of those areas on foot.
Speaking of walking, the crown jewel of Sea Point is arguably the promenade, which runs right along the water. Sea Point doesn’t have a big beach like Camps Bay does, but this paved walkway is always full of people running, walking, and cycling. It truly is my happy place!
And Sea Point does have Saunders Rock Beach, which is home to a man-made rockpool that’s a popular spot for people to do their Wim Hof and what not. It’s such a vibe at sunset, and my friends and I often pop down with a picnic on a Friday night.
Sea Point is the perfect neighbourhood if you’re going to be in Cape Town for a while, and it’s also a good choice for anyone who likes more lived-in places over bougie, touristy areas. That’s definitely me!
It has been gentrified a lot in the past few years, but it still feels a lot more local and down-to-earth than Camps Bay, which has always been touristy.
Which Has the Better Beach?
Camps Bay, no contest.
Sea Point is not a beach neighbourhood. I mean, it has a handful of small beaches along the prom but no-one really goes there to hang out. Then, there’s Saunders Rock Beach at the southern end of the prom, where the neighbourhood meets Bantry Bay, but while Saunders is a vibe, it’s not somewhere I’d go to lounge all day.
Camps Bay, on the other hand, has a huge sandy beach with mountain views. It’s absolutely stunning!
For more on the best beaches in Cape Town, check out this guide!
Which Is Better for Restaurants and Bars?
This kind of comes down to personal preference. I would say Sea Point, because it offers more choice and greater variety. However, Camps Bay wins if you like upscale vibes and views.
Sea Point is home to a ton of amazing restaurants, most of which are more casual. If you stay here, you HAVE to go to Jarryds for pancakes – promise me!
Restaurants in Sea Point are also more affordable than the ones in Camps Bay. But if you want beachfront dining, Camps Bay certainly delivers.
My favourite restaurant in Camps Bay is definitely Harry’s. I’ll admit, I thought it might be a bit overhyped, but I was wrong! I had the most amazing kingclip here and my friends and I had a really fun evening. It’s now my go-to for special occasions!
Which Is Better Without a Car?
If you want to visit Cape Town without a car, Sea Point is definitely the better choice. It’s a more walkable area and it’s easy to pop out for coffee and groceries, whereas Camps Bay doesn’t have that many shops aside from the strip.
Sea Point is also better connected to the rest of Cape Town, so if you need to Uber somewhere, the rides are generally pretty short. And if you do plan on using the MyCiti bus to get around, it serves the Sea Point area well.
Now, you could still stay in Camps Bay and just use Uber, but you’d probably need to use it more often. Pretty much all of the amenities in Camps Bay are along the strip and it’s a hilly area, so that’s also something to bear in mind when choosing a hotel!
Which Is Better for First-Time Visitors?
It depends on the type of trip you want – sorry, I know that’s so wishy-washy, but it’s the truth!
If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing and adventure activities, I think Sea Point is the better choice. However, if relaxation and beach time is your main focus, then go for Camps Bay.
And if you’re short on time, Sea Point is the better choice. Speaking of which, I’ve got a handy 3-day itinerary that hits all of the highlights here!
Which Is Safer?
Sea Point and Camps Bay are two of the safest areas in Cape Town.
Camps Bay is super safe around the strip, but the residential streets here are pretty quiet so I wouldn’t recommend roaming around them at night. In the day, it’s totally fine, though!
Sea Point can feel a little more rough around the edges, especially on the end closer to Green Point. (Green Point itself is really nice, so I don’t know why that is!) However, it’s not dangerous, but if it’s your first time in South Africa and you’re nervous, Camps Bay will probably suit you better.
You also tend to encounter more homeless people in Sea Point. They might sometimes approach you for money, but they are not dangerous. I have never had any real trouble. I lived in Sea Point for a year without any issues at all!
Related read: Wondering if Cape Town is safe for solo female travellers? Check out this guide!
Which Is Cheaper?
Sea Point tends to be cheaper than Camps Bay, although it’s still one of the pricier parts of Cape Town.
There are more affordable hotels in Sea Point, and there are TONS of Airbnbs here which allow you to self-cater. The restaurants also tend to be more casual, whereas Camps Bay is where you go for more of a special dinner.
Camps Bay is home to lots of luxury beachfront stays, so it’s not really a budget area. It’s the bougie part of Cape Town, and it’s priced accordingly.
My Honest Pick: Sea Point or Camps Bay?
Okay personally, I prefer Sea Point over Camps Bay. This is where I chose to live, and I want to come back and live here again!
I loved living in Sea Point because it was practical, walkable, and safe – but also lots of fun! Staying in Sea Point makes it easy to get everywhere and I love the upbeat energy of the neighbourhood.
However, that was for day-to-day life. If you’re dreaming of a luxurious beach holiday, go for Camps Bay! In fact, if I were coming to Cape Town to splurge on a glamorous and relaxing trip, I think I’d go for Camps Bay.
Thanks so much for reading this blog post! Hopefully it has helped you make a decision about where to stay in Cape Town. I’ve got so many articles to help you plan your perfect trip, so why not start with one of the following?