Flights from Amsterdam (AMS) to Cape Town (CPT)

About Cape Town

Discover Cape Town

Why visit Cape Town?
Cape Town blends ocean, mountain, and city life in a way that feels effortless and inviting. You will find dramatic coastal drives, colourful neighbourhoods, and a relaxed pace that encourages unhurried exploration.

What to expect
Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, the city stretches from the historic V&A Waterfront to long Atlantic beaches and leafy Southern Suburbs. Creative districts, wineries just beyond the city, and a thriving arts and café scene shape everyday life.

Plan your trip
Cape Town is an ideal base for first-time visitors to South Africa and repeat travellers alike. From here, you can explore the Cape Winelands, the Cape Peninsula, and wider road-trip routes along the coast, making the city both a destination and a gateway.

Top sights in Cape Town

Table Mountain

Ride the cableway or hike to the summit for sweeping views over the city bowl, coastline, and distant peaks.

V&A Waterfront

Stroll a lively harbour precinct filled with shops, restaurants, public art, and sunset views over the working docks.

Boulders Beach

Visit this sheltered cove near Simonstown to see a colony of African penguins on the sand and surrounding rocks.

Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope

Follow a spectacular coastal route through the national park to dramatic cliffs, viewpoints, and walking trails.

Bo-Kaap

Explore steep streets lined with brightly painted houses and learn about the area’s layered heritage and culture.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Wander landscaped gardens on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, with shaded lawns and a canopy walkway.

Chapmans Peak Drive

Take one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, with lookouts over the Atlantic.

Cape Winelands

Spend a day in nearby Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, combining wine tastings with mountain views and historic towns.

Experience Cape Town’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The easiest way to move between central sights is by metered taxi, app-based ride services, or dedicated tourist buses. For a different perspective, join guided cycle tours along the Sea Point Promenade or city bowl. For short distances, walking in busy, well-known areas is a pleasant option in daylight.

Local life & culture
In the city bowl and along Bree and Kloof streets, you will find small galleries, design studios, and cafés that show Cape Town’s creative side. Neighbourhoods from Woodstock to Observatory blend historic buildings with street art, performance venues, and co-working spaces that attract a mix of locals and visitors.

Where to unwind
For time outdoors, the Atlantic Seaboard offers long promenades, tidal pools, and beaches where you can sit, stroll, or watch the sunset. In the early morning or late afternoon, the slopes of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head provide cooler conditions for walks and viewpoints with soft, golden light.

A taste of Cape Town

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local favourites at casual eateries and small cafés across the city bowl and Atlantic Seaboard. Neighbourhood markets often bring together vendors offering grilled dishes, pastries, and global flavours in a relaxed setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
The V&A Waterfront, city centre, and nearby suburbs such as Sea Point and Gardens offer many relaxed restaurants and bistros. Menus tend to mix South African influences with international cuisine, and portion sizes often allow you to share plates and try a variety of dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, consider restaurants set on wine estates around Stellenbosch or Constantia, where you can pair cuisine with views of vineyards and mountains. In the city, some venues overlook the harbour or ocean, offering a striking backdrop for lunch or dinner.

Retail therapy in Cape Town

Malls & lifestyle hubs
The V&A Waterfront is a major shopping destination, combining international brands, local designers, cinemas, and waterfront views. Other malls in the city and Southern Suburbs offer fashion, lifestyle stores, and entertainment in air-conditioned comfort.

Markets & local crafts
If you are looking for handmade items, artisan goods, and art, head to markets and creative districts in Woodstock, the city bowl, and Hout Bay. Here you can find jewellery, textiles, and decor pieces that showcase regional craftsmanship and contemporary design.

Evening retail scene
After dark, areas around the V&A Waterfront and parts of the city centre remain active with late-opening shops, dining, and live music. Some markets also host evening editions with food and craft stalls, and you can reach these districts easily by organised transport or app-based ride services.

Best time to visit Cape Town

Cape summer (peak season)
From December to February, Cape Town enjoys warm, dry weather with average temperatures around 20–27°C (68–81°F). Long days, lively beaches, and outdoor events make this peak season ideal for coastal walks and evening dinners outdoors.

Shoulder seasons of spring and autumn (shoulder season)
September to November and March to May bring mild temperatures of about 15–24°C (59–75°F). You can enjoy clear days, fewer crowds, and colourful gardens, with good conditions for hiking, wine estate visits, and scenic drives.

Cape winter (low season)
June to August is cooler and can be wet, with typical temperatures around 8–18°C (46–64°F). This low season is appealing for cosy indoor experiences, dramatic coastal scenery, and time in the nearby Winelands, where you can enjoy fireplaces and mountain views.

Frequently Asked Questions