Last Updated on June 5, 2026 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!
Quick Answer
For me, Sea Point, De Waterkant, and Green Point are the best areas to stay in Cape Town!
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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 have lived in all three of these neighbourhoods, so I can personally vouch for the fact that they’re safe, central, and convenient. They’re also close together!
- Sea Point – lots of cool bars and restaurants, plus it’s close to the beaches
- Green Point – central and walkable, a bit quieter than Sea Point
- De Waterkant – super safe and charming
Related read: If you’re still trying to decide whether or not Cape Town is worth visiting, you can read my honest take here!
Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Cape Town
One of the things I love the most about Cape Town is that it’s compact city, even though there’s so much to do here!
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 central areas, 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 close to all of the good stuff!
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.
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
Sea Point is my FAVOURITE neighbourhood in Cape Town.
I lived here for a year and I LOVED it. In fact, I’m planning to move back!
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 several pilates studios, a spinning studio, and BUC Fitness, a world-class gym.
The Best Hotels in Sea Point
The Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa ($$$) – The Glen Hotel is a gorgeous boutique property with lovely decor, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and a full service spa for when you need some rest and relaxation. It’s in an excellent location and the breakfast buffet gets amazing reviews!
Home Suites Hotel Station House ($$) – This lovely aparthotel has everything you need, but the standout feature is the 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.
The Tropicana Hotel ($) – The Tropicana Hotel is right in the heart of Sea Point, just a few minutes’ walk from some of the neighbourhood’s very best bars and restaurants. The apartment-style rooms are decorated in a bit of a retro style, and they come with fully equipped kitchens and balconies. There’s also a rooftop pool, sun terrace, coffee shop, and gym!
Check out more top-rated Sea Point Hotels here!
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. Okay, fine, I might be biased because this is where I live. But I really do love it here. I feel very privileged to live in such a wonderful area and I have no desire to move.
Another thing I love about De Waterkant is how central it is. It’s super close to Bo Kaap and the CBD, but I can also run to Sea Point from here and enjoy the beauty of the promenade.
De Waterkant is also a very LGBTQ+ friendly area. If you stay here, I recommend going to Manhattan’s for a drink, as it’s such a fun and friendly gay bar with a great vibe. And if you want to dance later on, Pink Candy is always a blast!
The Best Accommodation in De Waterkant
The Capital Mirage ($$$) – Not only is this 5-star hotel super central and convenient, it’s a sleek and modern hotel offering spacious suites with full kitchens and awesome views of the city and mountains. The property is also home to a well-equipped gym, and a rooftop bar and restaurant.
Garden Court Victoria Junction ($$) – This 4-star hotel is in an ideal location and offers underground parking for just R50 per day, which is ideal if you’re going to be renting a car. It features a gym and a lovely outdoor pool, and the staff are super friendly and helpful.
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!
You can check out all accommodation options in De Waterkant 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 slightly less exciting and more residential 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 ($$$) – I love the fact that this solar-powered hotel blends luxury and sustainability. Oh, and the infinity pool – I’m a big fan of that, too! It’s a boutique property with just 10 rooms, and your every need will be taken care of here, from breakfast to airport shuttles.
Zest Boutique Hotel ($$) – Villa Zest Boutique Hotel is a stylish little stay in the heart of Green Point, just around the corner from several great restaurants and a Woolies. It has plenty of personality with Bauhaus-inspired design, contemporary art, a Bedouin garden, a 10-metre pool, an outdoor fireplace, and a rooftop terrace.
Never @ Home ($) – This place is an amazing hub for meeting fellow travellers and bonding over cold beer, pizza, and ping pong. The bar here is always buzzing and it’s super clean, with tiptop facilities and a fantastic vibe.
See all Green Point hotel listings here!
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! It has amazing reviews and a 9.7 score on Booking.com – not bad!
BlackBrick Gardens ($) – BlackBrick Gardens is an industrial-chic aparthotel with a rooftop pool and tapas restaurant, a pilates studio, and a co-working space on site. It definitely has than effortless cool, Cape Town vibe that I love!
See all Gardens hotels and find the best deals here!
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! It also has a 9.5 score on Booking.com!
Bayview Boutique Guest House ($$) – Fancy starting your day with a swim in a saltwater infinity pool that looks straight onto Table Mountain? I know I do! This property is stunning, and breakfast is included.
See all Tamboerskloof properties here!
V&A Waterfront
Time to Clifton Beaches: 20 minutes
Time to Table Mountain: 20 minutes
Time to V&A Waterfront: You’re already there!
Time to Kloof Street: 15 minutes
The V&A Waterfront is a very touristy area, but that’s not a bad thing.
For one, it means that many of the city’s most prestigious hotels can be found around here! So if you’re looking for a luxurious stay, the Waterfront is a great choice.
For another, a TON of tours leave from the Waterfront and of course, most boat trips depart from the harbour here, too.
There are also lots of fantastic restaurants right next to the water and plenty of fun bars. I like the Life Grand Cafe, and if you want to stay out late, Ferryman’s Irish Tavern is touristy but I always have a great time here.
The Oranjezicht Farmers Market takes place on Saturday and Sunday mornings, plus Wednesday night during the summer. You’ve also got the Time Out Food Market, the Watershed, and Makers’ Landing.
Oh, and the HUGE Victoria Wharf Mall is here too, so it’s really the best place in Cape Town to shop.
My favourite things to do in the Waterfront are:
- A sunset champagne cruise
- Eat and drink at the Oranjezicht Market
- This epic marine safari (I saw FOUR whales!)
- Stroll through Battery Park
- Go SUPping along the canals
The Best Hotels at the V&A Waterfront
Disclaimer: I’ll be honest, budget stays are in short supply around the Waterfront area – i.e., they don’t exist. So, I’ve just highlighted a few top hotels instead.
One & Only ($$$$) – If you’re looking to go luxe, and I mean LUXE, the One & Only at the Waterfront is the ultimate choice. It’s the kind of place that a mere mortal like me can only dream of staying.
The Silo ($$$$) – The Silo is probably Cape Town’s second most iconic hotel, after the Mount Nelson in Gardens. Located in – you guessed it – an old grain Silo, this hotel has a gorgeous infinity pool with insane views and offers rooms that are both funky and uber luxurious.
Radisson Red ($$$) – 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.
Need more options? Check out all V&A Waterfront hotels here!
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’s super beautiful and beachy, wth stunning views of the Twelve Apostles, but it’s just a bit too touristy for my liking!
However, I probably feel this way because I live in Cape Town. If I were just coming for a holiday, I would totally consider staying in Camps Bay.
The first thing that you need to know about Camps Bay is that it’s bougie! It’s the most expensive area of Cape Town to stay in, but if it’s luxury you’re after then you’ll be very well catered for.
Most of the action in Camps Bay is centred around the Camps Bay strip. This is a buzzing and walkable section of Victoria Road that runs parallel to the beach. There are lots of bars and restaurants along here, including Harry’s, which is one of my favourite restaurants in the entire city.
Away from the strip, the neighbourhood is very hilly and is home to some gorgeous homes that look like they belong in Selling Sunset. So if you’re planning a luxury vacation, this is the place to stay!
Related article: Still not sure where to stay? Check out my breakdown of Sea Point vs. Camps Bay!
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?
Pod Camps Bay ($$$) – POD Camps Bay is a gorgeous 5-star boutique hotel just 50 metres from the famous Camps Bay beachfront, so you’re right by the beach, bars, and restaurants. It’s sleek and stylish, with an infinity pool and a lovely bar serving Cape wines and cocktails.
See all of Camps Bay’s top-rated hotels and read reviews here!
Vredehoek
Time to Clifton Beaches: 20 minutes
Time to Table Mountain: 15 minutes
Time to V&A Waterfront: 15 minutes
Time to Kloof Street: 5 – 10 minutes
Vredehoek is a safe and more residential neighbourhood nestled beneath Table Mountain. There’s not loads to do in the area itself but one benefit of staying here is that a lot of the apartments and hotels here offer sweeping views of the city.
The area is pretty peaceful on the whole. However, the area does get some of the city’s worst wind.
I mean, this is Cape Town we’re talking about. The weather can vary drastically from one neighbourhood to the next!
One benefit of staying here is that the accommodation tends to be a little more affordable, too. There are lots of friendly guest houses in this area. I have to be honest, I don’t know this area as well as other parts of the city but I would definitely consider staying (or moving) here in the future.
The area is also home to De Waal Park, which is famous for its resident deer!
Best Hotels in Vredehoek
Abbey Manor Luxury Guesthouse ($$) – 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!
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.
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, especially for solo female travellers.
- 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 and De Waterkant are both right nearby and WAY nicer!
Finally, these are the areas I wouldn’t stay in because they’re just too far from the action:
- Bloubergstrand – the beach here is gorgeous, but it’s about a 25-minute drive from the city centre
- Durbanville – Again, it’s just a bit too far out, although it is worth visiting to check out the wine safari
- Constantia – I love the wine farms in this leafy suburb but it’s not very central and you’d definitely need a car to get around
- Hout Bay – Pretty, but
- Kalk Bay and Muizenberg – These hippie areas are great if you want to surf but they’re a 30-50 minute drive from the city, depending on traffic
- Southern Suburbs – Newlands, Claremont, Pinelands, Rondebosch, etc