Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by Hannah Stephenson
Now I hate packing, but packing for Cape Town? That’s a sacrifice I’ll make any day.
It really isn’t too difficult to prepare for a trip to the Mother City, but thanks to its diverse landscape and unique climate, there are a few things to bear in mind.
I was lucky when I first traveled here because I already had local friends to tell me what to bring. There are a few things I definitely would have left home without otherwise!
So to ensure that you’re totally ready for your trip, I’ve compiled this comprehensive Cape Town packing list. Grab your suitcase and let’s get into it!
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What to Pack for Cape Town
Water bottle
We’re starting out simple. Cape Town gets hot and there are tons of epic hikes here, so bringing an insulated water bottle will really help cool things down a bit. The Chilly’s bottle is my personal favourite but anything will do! And if you’ve got room, a bigger flask is great for beach days.
Power adapters
Yes, adapters, plural!
The South African standard plug adapter is a must but you often also come across European plugs here, so I suggest bringing both. You may well already have some but if not these ones are cheap, well-rated, and worth having. After all, you can then use them all over Europe!
Power bank
A power bank is a MUST in Cape Town. Not just for when you’re out and about, either!
South Africa often faces load shedding, which means scheduled power outages for 2-4 hours at a time. Cape Town doesn’t suffer as badly as the rest of the country and it’s a bit on and off at the moment, but recently the government sprung load shedding on us one weekend after almost a year without it. Moral of the story: always have a power bank handy!
I have a power bank very similar to this one, but any will do. Just remember not to pack it in your checked luggage.
Quality sunscreen
Cape Town has very high UV. In fact, it regularly gets up to 10 or 11 during the summer, so sunscreen is a must.
Of course, you can buy sunscreen in Cape Town but they don’t have tons of choices for great face sunscreen here. I always arrive from the UK with tons of this Beauty of Joseon rice relief sunscreen. It just feels like a moisturiser, so if you hate greasy, smelly sunscreen like I do then it’s a dream come true! To be honest, I often use this on my body as well because it’s just SO much more pleasant than regular sunscreen.
I actually love this Skin1004 centella sunscreen even more but it’s often sold out! If I have time, I order it in bulk from K-Beauty sites like Stylevana but it takes a few weeks to arrive, so it’s not a good last-minute option.
Activewear and hiking shoes
Cape Town is home to some epic hikes, so expect to put your feet to work! I usually just hike in my running trainers and they’re absolutely fine. And of course, activewear is a must if you’re clambering up a mountain.
I actually wore my running vest the last time I hiked up Table Mountain so that I could bring water bottles while remaining hands free. But this isn’t something you need to buy especially if you don’t hike or run regularly.
Swimwear
Duh! With the beach right on your doorstep, of course you’ll need to bring your swimmers with you. But I will warn you, the water’s cold, so you might not be in the sea for long.
Discover the best swimming spots in Cape Town here!
Light jacket
Before I first arrived in Cape Town, my friend warned me that I would need a light jacket or windbreaker for the evenings. Temperature usually cools down quite a lot at night and if the wind picks up, you’ll definitely want an extra layer.
Belt bag
A belt bag – or bumbag, if you will – is a must when visiting Cape Town. While there’s no need to be paranoid about safety, I always much prefer to wear a bag that’s attached to my body. It makes you way less of a target for muggers!
I have this Lululemon belt bag which I like to wear over one shoulder. However, Amazon also offers a much more affordable dupe. It’s ⅓ of the price!
Tote bag
I never go anywhere without my belt bag, but a tote bag always comes in useful for groceries and beach days. I usually put my larger, less valuable items in there, like my sunscreen and water bottle.
You probably already have several totes at home, but if not I think that this one is super cute!
Backpack
The humble backpack really needs no introduction, but it’s a good idea to bring one for hiking or just exploring in the daytime. Amazon has tons of affordable options if you don’t have a good one at home!
Kindle
Books are super expensive in Cape Town! I was really surprised when I first got here. You’re looking at R300 minimum for a paperback. Books are basically twice as expensive here as they are in the UK, so I highly recommend bringing your Kindle with you.
And of course, a Kindle is a great space saver when you’re traveling. I have this green one and it barely weighs anything! I love it so much and I have any book I want right at my fingertips – what more could a bookworm ask for?
Travel insurance
I know, I know, it’s not the sexiest item on a packing list but travel insurance is always a smart idea. It’s an additional cost but SafetyWing offers very budget-friendly packages. They’re also really easy to use and you can tailor your coverage to suit you.
Where to stay in Cape Town
So now that you know what to pack for Cape Town, you just need to decide where to stay! I find that this can be the hardest part of planning a trip, especially if it’s your first time in a new city!
In Cape Town, you want to make sure that you stay in an area that’s both safe and close to all of the city’s top attractions. With that in mind, I recommend the following…
Luxury – The Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa
The Glen is a little slice of paradise tucked away in Sea Point, which just happens to be one of Cape Town’s coolest neighbourhoods! It’s within walking distance of Sea Point’s fun bars and restaurants, as well as the promenade and Saunders rock pool.
This boutique hotel boasts stylish modern rooms that come with everything you need – and more! Some rooms also offer ocean or mountain views, and they’ve got a lovely outdoor pool which, trust me, you will be VERY grateful for during the Cape Town summer. Oh, and did I mention free breakfast?
I would honestly stay here for the beautiful dining terrace alone! But you don’t have to take my word for it because you can read 1,350+ 5-star reviews here.
Check prices and book your stay here!
Mid-range – The Tropicana
The Tropicana Hotel is a real goldilocks spot. It gets everything just right!
The hotel offers spacious family rooms and apartments which even come with their own kitchens! But my personal favourite thing about this place is that the rooms have air-conditioning, which you won’t find in most Airbnbs.
Location-wise, this place honestly couldn’t be better. It’s smack dab in the middle of Sea Point, steps away from some of my favourite spots like The Nines and Mojo Market.
Find out more and book your stay at the Tropicana here!
Budget – Never At Home
If you’re looking for an affordable stay with a great vibe, then allow me to introduce you to Never At Home!
This is THE place to meet new people and party the night away. Even if you don’t end up staying here, it’s definitely worth swinging by for a beer, a pizza, and a round of ping pong.
When I lived in Green Point, I walked past this place pretty much every day and let me tell you, the bar is always packed, no matter the time of day!
Speaking of which, Green Point is an ideal area to stay because it’s within easy reach of all of Cape Town’s top attractions, including the nightlife on Bree and Kloof Street!
The hostel has dorms, private rooms, and even female-only accommodations. Plus, there’s a rooftop pool and sun deck.
Check out all of the great reviews and book your stay here!