City guides / Cape Town
Cape Town travel guide
Table Mountain, winelands and beaches within one day's drive.
Western Cape, South Africa · Local currency ZAR · Time zone Africa/Johannesburg
Best time to visit Cape Town
Flights and hotels are cheapest in May, June, July, August. Expect to pay the most in January, February, November, December.
Peak summer tourism season.
Ongoing summer tourism and local events.
Transition to autumn; still pleasant weather.
Mild weather, good for outdoor activities.
Start of winter; less tourist traffic.
Cold and rainy season, few tourists.
Continuing winter; many attractions see reduced visitors.
Cold and damp; low travel costs.
End of winter; early spring activities begin.
Spring season brings more tourists.
Start of summer; high travel season begins.
Festive season with many local events.
Getting around Cape Town
Public transport
Public transport quality varies, with the MyCiTi bus system being the most reliable option, offering regular services. Payment is done through a rechargeable MyCiTi card available at stations.
Driving and parking (4/10 difficulty)
Parking can be challenging in the city center, with limited spaces and metered street parking. Using secure parking lots is recommended to avoid theft.
How locals get around
Many locals use taxis or ride-sharing services like Bolt or Uber for convenience, particularly at night.
Local customs in Cape Town
Tipping
Tipping is expected in Cape Town, typically around 10-15% in restaurants and cafés if service is not included in the bill.
What to wear
Visitors are encouraged to dress smart-casual in most places. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach or pools, and modest clothing is advisable when visiting religious sites such as churches.
Cards and cash
Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's wise to carry some cash for small purchases or markets. The currency is South African Rand (ZAR).
Phrases worth knowing
- Howzit?
- — A casual greeting, similar to 'How are you?'.
- Lekker!
- — Means 'nice' or 'great', often used to describe food or experiences.
- Sharp!
- — Can mean 'cool' or 'okay', used in affirmation.
- Eish!
- — An expression of disbelief or frustration.
- Bokkie
- — An endearing term like 'babe' or 'sweetheart'.
Plan a Cape Town trip in a couple of minutes
Journi builds a day-by-day Cape Town itinerary around how you travel — stays, food near each day's activities, hidden gems and a packing list, with costs as you go.
Plan a trip to Cape Town