The short answer is to stay at Seapoint or Greenpoint. It’s safe. You will have access to the outdoor lifestyle, plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars, easy access to the city, and you can escape to the other suburbs of Cape Town.

Cape Town, often called the “Mother City,” is one of South Africa’s most beloved destinations. It’s a place shaped by centuries of maritime trade, cultural exchange, and colonial history—a history that has profoundly influenced the layout and character of the city we see today.

Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town’s geography is as diverse as its cultural heritage. But to understand where to stay in Cape Town, it helps to know how the city is spread out across its stunning natural amphitheater and along its sweeping coastline.

Cape Town is relatively easy to get around—especially if you have access to a car—although you can also rely on affordable Uber rides. Each neighbourhood offers a different atmosphere, and your choice of where to stay can strongly shape the kind of trip you have.

Based on our month-long stay in 2025, This guide breaks down the main areas of Cape Town into four sections (Click to jump to each section):

The Atlantic Seaboard (Our top place to stay)
The City (often referred to as the City Bowl and its surrounds)
The Suburbs
The Winelands

The Atlantic Seaboard

V&A Waterfront | De Waterkant | Greenpoint | Seapoint | Clifton | Camps Bay

Stretching along the coast from the V&A Waterfront down to the scenic enclave of Hout Bay, the Atlantic Seaboard is where most tourists and digital nomads choose to stay. With unbeatable ocean views, easy access to restaurants and bars, and a generally safe and lively atmosphere, it offers an incredible Cape Town experience. Here’s a rundown of the main spots:

*View of the Atlantic Seaboard (Camp’s Bay section)*

V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is a redeveloped harbour area packed with shops, restaurants, and family-friendly entertainment. It’s extremely clean and feels like a resort—some might describe it as a bit “plastic.” While it’s absolutely worth visiting for a day of shopping or dining by the water, we don’t necessarily recommend staying here if you want a more authentic Cape Town experience.

De Waterkant

Best for: City access and local vibe

Popular among young locals, De Waterkant is perched on the slope between the city centre and the Atlantic Seaboard. It’s closer to the urban hustle, with great proximity to both the central business district and the coastline. It can feel a bit busier, with a grittier, more urban charm, but it’s fantastic if you want access to everything Cape Town has to offer.

Green Point

Best for: A well rounded location

Green Point offers a balanced mix of residential comfort and urban convenience. Its central location places you a short distance from both the CBD and the Atlantic beaches. Expect plenty of cafés, gyms, grocery stores, and restaurants—ideal for travellers who want a well-rounded stay.

Sea Point (Our top pick)

Best for: A well-rounded location

Sea Point is our top pick in the Atlantic Seaboard. It has an outstanding location by the promenade, which is perfect for morning runs, scenic strolls, or simply enjoying sea views. You’ll also find many restaurants, shops, and nightlife spots. Sea Point provides quick access to central Cape Town while staying in a vibrant yet relatively safe area.

We spent 2 weeks in Sea Point and absolutely loved it!

Try to find a place near the south end of Sea Point near Mojo Market, where most of the action happens.

Clifton

Best for: Luxury stays in villas and hotels

Known for its exclusive cliffside properties and four sheltered beaches, Clifton is the place for a luxurious, relaxed stay. It’s a top choice if you’re seeking five-star hotels or villas with spectacular ocean vistas and a more tranquil atmosphere.

Camps Bay

Best for: Luxury stays in villas and hotels

With its wide sandy beach lined by a lively strip of bars, cafés, and restaurants, Camps Bay is another favourite for those seeking a relaxed seaside vibe. While it’s slightly more laid-back than Sea Point, it still offers a good range of facilities. If you’re planning a villa or hotel stay with stunning mountain-and-sea backdrops, Camps Bay could be your perfect fit.

You also get to admire the stunning backdrop featuring the 12 Apostles mountain range.

The City Bowl

Bo Kaap | CBD | Gardens | Woodstock | Observatory

The “City Bowl” of Cape Town is so named because it’s essentially a natural amphitheatre framed by Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill. This is Cape Town’s central business district and includes some of the most historic neighbourhoods.

However, if your main interest is the beach or the outdoorsy side of Cape Town, you might not want to base yourself here. Unlike other cities we have written guides on, Cape Town isn’t really a place you want to be out casually exploring on foot at all hours, so we don’t recommend staying in the centre for a casual holiday.

Green Point and Sea Point give you convenient access to the city without the hustle and bustle—but if you have a short trip or need to be in the city for business, here are some notable areas:

Bo-Kaap

Best for: History buffs and city access

Famous for its brightly coloured houses and strong Cape Malay culture, Bo-Kaap offers an immersive cultural experience. However, do be mindful of safety; it’s best to stay here if you are comfortable in more urban environments and plan a short visit (perhaps a night or two) for a true local/historic flavour.

Cape Town CBD

The Central Business District is packed with high-rise hotels and backpacker lodges. While you’ll be in the thick of city life—close to museums, markets, and nightlife—we think you should stick to visiting the CBD from other areas.

Gardens

Best for: City access

Just south of the city centre, Gardens is a residential area with leafy streets, some boutique hotels, and nice cafés. It’s quieter than the CBD but still part of the wider city environment. While not as high on most tourists’ lists, it’s an option if you prefer being closer to Table Mountain’s trails while remaining near the central area.

Technically not within the City Bowl but often grouped with inner-city areas are:

Woodstock

Best for: Hipsters, backpackers

An emerging hipster and creative hub, Woodstock is home to art galleries, eclectic markets (like the famous Old Biscuit Mill), and craft breweries. It’s more “edgy” and up-and-coming, so it can feel a bit gritty. Still, it’s a great spot if you want to explore local culture beyond the tourist mainstream.

Observatory

Best for: Hipsters, backpackers

Known as “Obs,” Observatory is a bohemian neighbourhood popular with students and artists. It has a vibrant nightlife with live music, secondhand bookstores, and quirky coffee shops. It’s close to the University of Cape Town, making it youthful and eclectic.

The Suburbs of Cape Town

Hout Bay | Constantia | Muizenberg | Kalk Bay | Century City

These areas are still part of Cape Town but sit further out—usually anywhere from a 20- to 40-minute drive (depending on traffic). If you’re looking for a more laid-back environment or a base to explore the wider Cape region, these suburbs might be perfect:

Hout Bay

Best for: Coastal access and quieter vibe

Technically at the southwestern edge of the Atlantic Seaboard, Hout Bay has a small harbour, scenic valley, and a charming, quieter vibe. If you enjoy cycling, breathtaking coastal roads, and a more relaxed pace, Hout Bay is ideal. It also has a handful of good coffee shops and restaurants.

Constantia

Best for: Exploring the local wine farms

On the other side of Table Mountain from the city, Constantia is Cape Town’s oldest wine-producing region. It's rolling vineyards and prestigious wine estates make it a great place to stay if you’re keen to explore local wineries without venturing too far from the city centre.

Muizenberg

Best for: Surfers

Famous for its long sandy beach and colourful beach huts, Muizenberg is a surfer’s paradise. If you plan to spend most of your time catching waves, it’s worth the 45-minute drive from central Cape Town. Otherwise, you might find it a bit out of the way for general sightseeing.

Kalk Bay

Situated on the False Bay coastline, Kalk Bay is a quaint fishing village known for its harbour, indie boutiques, and seafood eateries. It’s a lovely spot to visit—great for day trips, exploring tide pools, and vintage shopping—but it’s pretty far from many of Cape Town’s central attractions.

Century City

Best for: Feeling safe and away from Cape Town

A modern, built-up area located about 15 minutes from the CBD (with no traffic), Century City is home to a large shopping mall (Canal Walk), commercial offices, and some hotels. It’s convenient if you’re attending a conference or just need a quick business-focused stay, but otherwise, you don’t really want to stay there.

The Winelands

Franschhoek | Stellenbosch | Paarl

Technically, outside of Cape Town proper, the Cape Winelands are located about 60 to 90 minutes from the city. They offer a completely different atmosphere—rolling vineyards, majestic mountains, and some of the best wine estates in South Africa. Even if you choose not to stay overnight, a day trip to the Winelands is highly recommended.

If you do want to base yourself in the region (we recommend staying for at least a couple of nights), here are the top destinations:

Franschhoek

Often considered the crown jewel of the Winelands, Franschhoek has a picturesque village feel, excellent restaurants, and the famous wine tram that shuttles visitors between various estates. It’s a romantic getaway spot—ideal for honeymoons or relaxed wine-centric holidays.

Stellenbosch

A university town with historic Cape Dutch architecture, Stellenbosch has more of a city feel than Franschhoek. You’ll find plenty of modern amenities, museums, galleries, and a dynamic student culture amidst world-renowned wine farms.

Paarl

A bit less touristy than Franschhoek or Stellenbosch, Paarl is a quieter option with big-name wine farms and lovely scenery. If you prefer a more peaceful environment with fewer crowds, Paarl could be a great pick. It’s also a cheaper options compared to Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

Final Thoughts

Cape Town’s diversity means there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you want a beachfront base with easy access to the city (try Sea Point or Camps Bay), a central urban spot (perhaps De Waterkant or the CBD for a short business trip), or a tranquil retreat among vineyards (head to Constantia or the Winelands), you’ll find that each area offers its own unique slice of the Cape.

Remember, you can always visit the city’s many districts even if you don’t stay there. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your travel style, interests, and how much you want to explore beyond central Cape Town.

Wherever you choose to stay, this city rewards curiosity—so get out there, take in the stunning mountain-and-sea vistas, and enjoy the eclectic mix of cultures and cuisines that make Cape Town so remarkable.

Where to Stay in Cape Town: A Comprehensive Guide