Flights from Shanghai (PVG) 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 natural scenery and urban energy sit side by side. You can spend your days between beaches, vineyards, and a compact city centre filled with galleries, cafés, and historic streets.

What to expect
The city is anchored by Table Mountain, with neighbourhoods like the V&A Waterfront, City Bowl, and Atlantic Seaboard offering different views and atmospheres. You will find relaxed outdoor living, a creative arts scene, and a diverse blend of cultures expressed in architecture, music, and everyday life.

Plan your trip
Cape Town works well as both a stand-alone destination and a gateway to the Western Cape. From here, you can reach wine regions, coastal drives, and nature reserves in just a few hours. Planning a few extra days allows you to balance city experiences with day trips into the surrounding landscapes.

Top sights in Cape Town

Table Mountain

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

V&A Waterfront

Stroll the harbour, visit attractions, and enjoy dining and entertainment in a lively, walkable district.

Cape Point

Travel along a scenic peninsula to dramatic cliffs, coastal trails, and lookouts over two meeting oceans.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Explore landscaped gardens on the mountain slopes, with walking paths and seasonal floral displays.

Bo-Kaap

Wander through streets of brightly painted houses and learn about the area’s layered heritage.

Camps Bay Beach

Relax on a wide sandy beach backed by mountain peaks, with sunset views and seaside cafés nearby.

Cape Winelands

Take a day trip to nearby wine towns for vineyard visits, cellar tours, and views of rolling valleys.

Two Oceans Aquarium

Discover marine life from local and global waters in an engaging, family-friendly space at the V&A Waterfront.

Experience Cape Town’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Cape Town is easiest to explore by combining taxi or ride-hailing services with the MyCiTi bus network on key routes. Scenic drives, such as Chapman’s Peak, are best enjoyed by car or organised tour. For short distances, walking in central areas and the Waterfront works well in daylight hours.

Local life & culture
The city’s rhythm is shaped by outdoor living, with residents meeting in seaside suburbs, cafés, and markets on weekends. Creative districts host galleries, design studios, and performance spaces. You will notice a mix of languages and influences, reflected in music, building styles, and the way people socialise.

Where to unwind
You can slow down in green spaces like Kirstenbosch, city parks, and seaside promenades that invite gentle walks. Early mornings bring soft light on the mountains and quieter beaches, while late afternoons are ideal for watching the sunset over the Atlantic. Choose viewpoints or coastal paths to enjoy the fresh ocean air.

A taste of Cape Town

Street food & local specialties
Cape Town offers hearty grills, seafood from nearby waters, and baked treats found in cafés and casual eateries. Neighbourhoods close to the city centre and the V&A Waterfront make it easy to sample local flavours in a relaxed setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find many informal restaurants in converted warehouses, waterfront precincts, and contemporary shopping centres. Menus often mix local ingredients with global inspirations, and sharing-style portions make it simple to try several dishes in one meal with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, consider restaurants with views of Table Mountain, the harbour, or coastal sunsets. Some venues are set on wine estates just outside the city, pairing refined dishes with vineyard scenery. Booking ahead is recommended for popular spots with panoramic outlooks.

Retail therapy in Cape Town

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls and lifestyle centres bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining in one place. The V&A Waterfront, in particular, offers a mix of fashion, homeware, and galleries, making it a convenient stop during city sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and boutique-lined streets are ideal for finding crafts, textiles, and design pieces made in the region. Areas such as the City Bowl, Woodstock, and parts of the Atlantic Seaboard often host creative spaces where you can discover work by local makers.

Evening retail scene
After dark, waterfront promenades and key shopping streets stay active with illuminated shopfronts and restaurants. Weekend markets may host extended opening hours with music and food stalls, creating a lively atmosphere. Public transport and taxis help you move easily between districts in the evening.

Best time to visit Cape Town

Cape Town summer (December to February, peak season)
Summer brings warm, dry weather with average daytime temperatures around 25°C to 27°C (77°F to 81°F). Long days and clear skies are ideal for beaches, outdoor dining, and sunset viewing, and the city has a lively holiday atmosphere during this peak season.

Cape Town autumn and spring (March to May, and September to November, shoulder season)
These months offer mild temperatures, roughly 17°C to 23°C (63°F to 73°F), and a pleasant balance of sunshine and cooler evenings. It is a comfortable time for walking trails, wine region visits, and city exploring, with a more relaxed feel in this shoulder season.

Cape Town winter (June to August, low season)
Winters are cool and can be rainy, with average temperatures around 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F). Clear days still bring crisp mountain views, and indoor attractions, cafés, and cultural venues feel welcoming during this low season.

Frequently Asked Questions