Flights from London (LON) to Cape Town (CPT)

About Cape Town

Discover Cape Town

Why visit Cape Town?
Cape Town is a coastal city where mountains meet the ocean, known for its dramatic scenery, creative culture, and relaxed pace. You can explore neighbourhoods framed by vineyards, beaches, and rugged cliffs, all within easy reach of the city centre.

What to expect
You will find a compact downtown around the V&A Waterfront and City Bowl, backed by the flat-topped silhouette of Table Mountain. Seaside suburbs stretch along the Atlantic Seaboard, while historic streets, modern galleries, and outdoor cafés give the city a distinct, easy-going character.

Plan your trip
Cape Town works well as both a standalone city break and a gateway to the wider Western Cape. From here you can set out on drives along the Cape Peninsula, visit nearby winelands, or connect to other regions, making it a versatile base for longer journeys.

Top sights in Cape Town

Table Mountain

Ride the cableway or hike to the summit for sweeping views over the city, the coastline, and offshore islands.

V&A Waterfront

Stroll a lively harbour precinct filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions, all set against a working port backdrop.

Cape Point

Travel down the Cape Peninsula to dramatic cliffs, coastal walks, and scenic viewpoints at the tip of the headland.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Explore landscaped gardens on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, linked by walking paths and a treetop canopy walkway.

Bo-Kaap

Walk through steep cobbled streets lined with brightly painted houses and learn about the area’s layered heritage.

Camps Bay Beach

Relax on a wide sandy beach framed by palm trees and mountain peaks, with a strip of cafés and bars across the road.

Robben Island Museum

Take a boat trip across Table Bay to tour the island, its historic prison buildings, and coastal viewpoints.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

Follow a cliff-hugging coastal road between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, stopping at viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic.

Experience Cape Town’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Cape Town is easiest to explore using a mix of rideshare services, metered taxis, and organised transfers for longer day trips. In the city centre, you can walk between many sights, while hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses give you a straightforward overview and connect key coastal suburbs.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Cape Town often centres on the outdoors, from morning walks on the Sea Point Promenade to afternoons in neighbourhood cafés. Areas like Woodstock and the East City showcase street art, design studios, and small galleries, while the V&A Waterfront hosts regular cultural events and performances.

Where to unwind
To slow the pace, seek out green spaces such as Kirstenbosch or the Company’s Garden in the heart of the city. Coastal paths and viewpoints around Sea Point, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill are popular for sunset, when the city lights up below and the Atlantic turns a deeper shade of blue.

A taste of Cape Town

Street food & local specialties
Cape Town’s food scene blends influences from across the region, with local favourites available at casual cafés, bakeries, and small eateries. You will find grilled seafood, flavourful stews, and baked treats in neighbourhood spots from the City Bowl to the seaside suburbs.

Casual & modern dining hubs
The V&A Waterfront and city centre offer many relaxed restaurants, food halls, and cafés where you can try a variety of flavours in one place. Portion sizes are often generous, so sharing small plates or mains is a good way to sample more dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for restaurants with terraces overlooking the harbour, the Atlantic Seaboard, or the city skyline. Wine estates on the city’s fringe and in nearby valleys also pair refined menus with vineyard views, making them ideal for unhurried lunches and special evenings.

Retail therapy in Cape Town

Malls & lifestyle hubs
The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s best-known shopping destination, mixing international brands, local boutiques, and entertainment in a harbourfront setting. Other central malls and lifestyle centres combine retail with cinemas, eateries, and open-air spaces where you can pause between shops.

Markets & local crafts
For local design and handmade pieces, visit markets and creative districts around the city. Neighbourhoods such as Woodstock, the East City, and parts of the Atlantic Seaboard feature studios, galleries, and small stores showcasing textiles, art, and contemporary South African design.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, the V&A Waterfront remains lively, with illuminated walkways and shops that stay open later into the night. Some neighbourhood markets and precincts also host occasional night events, and you can reach these areas easily with rideshare services or taxis after dark.

Best time to visit Cape Town

Cape summer (peak season)
From November to March, Cape Town’s summer brings warm, dry days with average temperatures around 22–25°C (72–77°F). Beaches, outdoor dining, and sunset viewpoints are popular, and the city feels energetic with many events and long, bright evenings.

Green winter (shoulder season)
From May to August, cooler weather and occasional rain bring average temperatures of about 12–17°C (54–63°F). The surrounding mountains turn lush and green, the air is crisp and clear, and quieter attractions and scenic drives can feel especially peaceful.

Mild spring and autumn (low season)
April and September to October offer mild, changeable days with average temperatures around 16–20°C (61–68°F). Wildflowers, softer light, and fewer crowds make this a gentle time to explore, whether you are walking coastal paths or visiting nearby winelands.

Frequently Asked Questions