Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Cape Town (CPT)

About Cape Town

Discover Cape Town

Why visit Cape Town?
Cape Town is a coastal city framed by mountains and ocean, where dramatic scenery meets a relaxed, creative urban lifestyle. You can explore beaches, vineyards, and historic neighbourhoods all in a single day, with a climate that encourages time outdoors year round.

What to expect
The city centre and V&A Waterfront blend heritage architecture, museums, and dining with easy access to Table Mountain and Lion's Head. Neighbourhoods such as Camps Bay, Sea Point, and Woodstock each offer a distinct atmosphere, from sunset promenades to design studios and street art.

Plan your trip
Cape Town works well as both a standalone city break and a base for wider adventures along the Cape Peninsula or into nearby winelands. Many travellers pair a few days in the city with coastal drives, nature reserves, and longer journeys into other regions of South Africa.

Top sights in Cape Town

Table Mountain

Ride the cableway or hike to the summit for panoramic views over the city, Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding peaks.

V&A Waterfront

Stroll a lively harbour precinct filled with shops, restaurants, galleries, and an aquarium with marine life displays.

Cape Peninsula

Drive the coastline to visit Cape Point, scenic lookouts, and sheltered bays where wildlife and sea views meet.

Bo-Kaap

Walk the cobbled streets lined with brightly painted houses and learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Explore indigenous plant collections beneath the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, including a treetop canopy walkway.

Camps Bay and Clifton beaches

Relax on soft sand framed by the Twelve Apostles mountains and enjoy memorable sunset views over the ocean.

Cape Winelands

Take a day trip to historic towns surrounded by vineyards, mountain scenery, and elegant estates offering tastings.

Sea Point Promenade

Join locals walking, jogging, or cycling along a scenic oceanfront path with wide views of the Atlantic coast.

Experience Cape Town’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
MyCiTi buses link the airport, city centre, and major coastal areas, making it easy to move between districts. Metered taxis and app-based rides work well for late evenings or cross-town journeys, while walking is ideal within compact areas like the Waterfront and central city.

Local life & culture
Cape Town’s rhythm is shaped by outdoor living, design, and a strong creative scene. You will find galleries, street art, and live music venues alongside coffee shops where people work and socialise. Weekends often revolve around markets, beach visits, and relaxed gatherings with friends and family.

Where to unwind
When you need a pause, city beaches, tidal pools, and mountain trails offer restful spaces with wide views. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times to enjoy the Sea Point Promenade or a gentle walk in the foothills of Table Mountain, when the light is soft and the air is cooler.

A taste of Cape Town

Street food & local specialties
Compact food markets and casual eateries around the city centre, V&A Waterfront, and Woodstock serve local specialities and quick snacks. You can sample favourites influenced by Southern African and wider global flavours in one place, ideal for trying a variety of small plates.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods such as Kloof Street, Bree Street, and De Waterkant are known for relaxed restaurants, cafés, and bars. Many menus mix local produce with international styles, and smaller sharing plates or tasting options make it easy to explore different flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, try restaurants that overlook the harbour, city skyline, or Atlantic coastline. Waterfront venues, mountain-side locations, and beach-facing terraces offer settings that complement fine cooking, especially at sunset when the sky shifts colour over the ocean and peaks.

Retail therapy in Cape Town

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres such as those at the V&A Waterfront bring together international brands, local designers, supermarkets, and cinemas. These multi-purpose spaces are popular meeting points, with plenty of cafés and casual dining for a break between browsing.

Markets & local crafts
If you are looking for locally made items, visit markets and streets in areas such as Woodstock, the city centre, and Hout Bay. Here you can find handmade crafts, design pieces, artwork, and textiles that reflect regional influences and contemporary Cape Town style.

Evening retail scene
After dark, the Waterfront and some inner-city streets stay lively, with illuminated shopfronts and restaurants creating an inviting atmosphere. Occasional evening markets add to the choice, and reliable public transport and ride-hail services make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your accommodation.

Best time to visit Cape Town

Summer season (December to February, peak season)
Cape Town’s summer brings warm, dry weather, with average daytime temperatures around 25°C to 27°C (77°F to 81°F). Long days, lively beaches, and outdoor events make this a popular time, especially for coastal drives and sunset views along the Atlantic seaboard.

Green season (June to August, shoulder season)
In winter, cooler temperatures average 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F), with occasional rain that keeps the landscape green. This is a pleasant time for exploring museums, markets, and nearby winelands, and the softer light can make mountain and ocean scenery especially striking.

Transition months (March to May and September to November, low season)
These months offer mild conditions, typically 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F), with fewer crowds and a relaxed atmosphere. It is an appealing period for hiking, coastal walks, and city exploring, with comfortable temperatures that suit both outdoor activities and urban sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions