Visiting Cape Town and have a few questions relating to your trip? We’ve broken down some frequently asked questions when visiting the city, from the best time to visit and how to get around to safety, attractions, weather and where to stay.
I am visiting Cape Town for the Cricket World Cup? What should I know?
For cricket fans visiting the Cape Town region, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 will offer the chance to watch matches at two very different venues: Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town and Boland Park in Paarl. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, Newlands is one of South Africa’s most iconic cricket grounds. In Paarl, Boland Park brings the Cricket World Cup to the heart of the Cape Winelands, giving travelling fans the chance to combine match day with wine tastings, scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures. Find out more here.
How many days do you need in Cape Town?
It depends on your schedule. To fully enjoy your time, we recommend 5-7 days. However, you can enjoy the city in 2-3 days.
Is Cape Town safe for tourists?
Cape Town is a major, modern cosmopolitan South African city. As such, we would advise travellers to exercise the same level of vigilance they would exercise when visiting any major city in the world.
This includes ensuring you follow basic safety tips such as keeping emergency numbers on hand, avoiding carrying large sums of cash and keeping your valuables safe at all times. The destination is frequently cited as among the world’s best holiday destinations and has a high return visitor rate, proving that those who visit our destination once, fall in love with it, and want to discover it again.
What is the weather like in Cape Town?
The city has a mild Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers from November to March. Due to the Cape Peninsula’s diverse geography, Cape Town is renowned for its microclimates, and locals often joke that you can experience all four seasons in a single day. And when the clouds gather over Table Mountain, best hold on to your hat, because the south-easterly wind, nicknamed the Cape Doctor, can really cause havoc in summer!
Do I need a visa?
Travellers from many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most EU countries, can visit South Africa without a traditional visitor visa for stays of up to 90 days, subject to the applicable entry conditions. If your passport requires a visa, you’ll need to apply before travelling. Some nationalities may also be eligible to use South Africa’s electronic visa system. Because visa and entry rules can change, it’s always worth checking the latest requirements for your passport before travelling. Learn more.
What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) everyone is taking about?
South Africa has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system as part of its move towards a more digital border process. The system lets eligible international travellers complete parts of the pre-travel process online, helping streamline border crossings. Read more here.
And, what about the Online Traveller Declaration?
Add another digital form to your pre-travel checklist. International travellers arriving in or departing from South Africa must complete the online traveller declaration via the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS). Find out more here.
Can you drink tap water?
Yes. Cape Town’s tap water is generally safe to drink, so there’s no need to pack bottled water before you arrive. Bring a reusable bottle instead and refill it as you go.
What types of power plugs and sockets does South Africa use?
For South Africa, pack a travel adaptor that explicitly supports Type M (the large three-round-pin outlet), and ideally one that also covers Type N (the newer compact standard). If your devices use a different plug type, bring a South African travel adaptor or a high-quality universal adaptor.
What is the best way to get around Cape Town?
You have plenty of options for getting around Cape Town, and the best choice depends on where you’re staying, what you want to see, and whether you’re comfortable driving. For budget-conscious travellers, the MyCiTi bus is a convenient way to travel around many parts of the city, particularly between the city centre and popular surrounding areas. Uber and other e-hailing services are also widely used and offer a convenient alternative if you prefer not to drive or use public transport. If you’re planning to explore beyond the city, hiring a car can give you greater freedom and flexibility. South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road, and rental cars are generally right-hand drive, so take extra care if you’re not used to driving on the left.
Cape Town also has a rail network and minibus taxis, although these may be more suitable for experienced travellers familiar with local transport. For a more active way to explore, you can make use of cycling routes, bicycle rentals and guided cycling tours, while the City Sightseeing hop-on, hop-off buses are an easy option for visiting the city’s main attractions without the hassle of driving or finding parking.
What currency is used in Cape Town?
South Africa’s currency is the South African rand (ZAR). Cards are widely accepted across Cape Town, including at most restaurants, shops, hotels and attractions. It’s still wise to carry a small amount of cash for small purchases, tips or places where card facilities may not be available.
Is Cape Town suitable for families?
Absolutely. If you’re travelling with children, check the documentation requirements well in advance. Additional documents may be required depending on who is travelling with the child. It’s much easier to sort this out at home than at the airport!
What are the best day trips from Cape Town?
Cape Town is a good base for day trips: within roughly 1–2 hours you can go from dramatic Atlantic cliffs to vineyards, whale-watching, penguins, and even safari. Some locations include Cape Point, the Winelands, Hermanus, the West Coast, and Aquila Private Game Reserve if you fancy a safari.
