Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Cape Town (CPT)

About Cape Town

Discover Cape Town

Why visit Cape Town?
Cape Town sits between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, offering striking scenery, golden beaches, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. You will find historic neighbourhoods, creative districts, and easy access to wine country and nature, all within a short drive of the city.

What to expect
The city centre is compact and lively, with the V&A Waterfront, City Bowl, and colourful Bo-Kaap among the most recognisable areas. Each district has its own feel, from beachside promenades in Sea Point and Camps Bay to quieter suburbs with leafy streets and mountain views.

Plan your trip
Cape Town works well as both a city break and a base for a longer journey. From here, you can explore the Cape Peninsula, nearby wine routes, and coastal drives towards the Garden Route, making the city a useful gateway to the wider region of southern Africa.

Top sights in Cape Town

Table Mountain

Ride the cableway or hike to the summit for panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding peaks.

V&A Waterfront

Stroll around this working harbour with shops, dining, galleries, and views of Table Mountain from the waterside.

Bo-Kaap

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

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Explore landscaped gardens on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, including forest walks and a canopy walkway.

Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope

Take a day trip along the peninsula to see rugged cliffs, coastal viewpoints, and scenic bays.

Camps Bay Beach

Relax on the sandy shore backed by the Twelve Apostles mountain range and a lively beachfront strip.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

Enjoy one of the region’s most scenic coastal roads, with viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Hout Bay.

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa

Visit this modern art museum in a converted grain silo, showcasing contemporary works from across Africa and its diaspora.

Experience Cape Town’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Cape Town’s central areas are best explored by a mix of taxis, app-based rides, and dedicated tourist buses connecting key sights. For scenic views, coastal drives around the peninsula are especially rewarding. In compact neighbourhoods, walking along promenades and village-style streets makes the last stretch of any journey enjoyable.

Local life & culture
Daily life is centred around the outdoors, with residents making the most of mountain trails, beaches, and open-air cafés. You will notice a strong creative scene in design, art, and live music, particularly in emerging precincts close to the city centre. Weekend routines often revolve around leisurely meet-ups, markets, and time spent by the ocean.

Where to unwind
Kirstenbosch, the Sea Point Promenade, and the city’s many beaches offer space to slow down and enjoy the landscape. Early mornings are ideal for quieter walks and cooler temperatures, while late afternoons bring softer light along the coast. Around sunset, viewpoints on the mountain slopes and by the water become peaceful places to end the day.

A taste of Cape Town

Street food & local specialties
Cape Town’s food reflects a mix of local traditions and global influences, with grills, stews, and baked goods found in small cafés and simple eateries. Neighbourhoods close to the city centre and harbour offer plenty of casual spots where you can try regional flavours in an informal setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around the V&A Waterfront, central streets, and modern mixed-use districts, you will find a wide range of dining options. Menus often blend international ideas with local ingredients, and many places offer smaller plates or sharing-style dishes, making it easy to sample different flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, consider restaurants overlooking the harbour, the Atlantic coastline, or the slopes of Table Mountain. Some venues make the most of their setting with outdoor terraces and large windows, so you can enjoy the view along with your meal. Booking ahead is recommended for popular places with notable views.

Retail therapy in Cape Town

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Cape Town offers several large shopping centres where you can find international brands, local designers, and entertainment under one roof. The V&A Waterfront is particularly convenient, combining retail with dining and harbour views, and acting as a social meeting point for both residents and visitors.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and studio-lined streets are good places to look for handmade goods, design items, and local labels. Neighbourhoods such as Woodstock, central city streets, and select weekend markets showcase art, textiles, accessories, and décor that reflect the city’s creative energy.

Evening retail scene
In the evenings, waterfront areas and some central streets stay active, with shops, restaurants, and informal stalls creating a relaxed atmosphere. Night-time events and late-opening markets sometimes add to the buzz. Local public transport, taxis, and app-based rides make it straightforward to reach these areas after dark.

Best time to visit Cape Town

Cape summer (December to March, peak season)
During the warm summer months, average daytime temperatures sit around 25°C (77°F), with plenty of sunny days and long evenings. This is an excellent time for beaches, outdoor dining, and sunset viewpoints, and the city has a lively holiday atmosphere by the coast.

Cape autumn and spring (April to May, September to November, shoulder season)
These shoulder seasons bring mild temperatures, usually 18–23°C (64–73°F), with a mix of sunny and cooler days. They are ideal for hiking, exploring wine regions, and city sightseeing, as major attractions are generally less busy while the scenery remains vibrant.

Cape winter (June to August, low season)
Winter is cooler, with average temperatures around 12–18°C (54–64°F), and occasional rain fronts rolling in from the Atlantic. Clear days in between offer crisp views of the mountains and coastline, and this period can be especially appealing for cosy indoor experiences and scenic drives without peak-season crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions