Cape Town stays that matches your energy

Cape Town isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people come for activities, waves and wine; others want galleries, jazz bars, and tiny bookshops. If you’re looking for Cape Town stays that matches your energy… Here are a few pointers.

There’s no single way to experience the city, but where you choose to stay can have a big impact on the kind of trip you end up having. This is not a typical “stay in the city centre if you like museums” guide.

It’s more like: What’s your energy? Let’s match that to a neighbourhood that gets you.

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She is flexible, I mean, once we planned a stay in Constantia, it wasn’t to our vibe when we got there, we left and settled on a place in Blouberg.

Here to Chill? Blouberg or Noordhoek

You want your feet in the sand, a sunset beer in hand, and no traffic within earshot. Wake up slow. Maybe go for a surf. Maybe just read your book and nap to the sound of the waves.

• Blouberg: Great for apartment stays with ocean views and windsurfer watching. Beach walks for days.
• Noordhoek: More remote, horse trails on the beach, mountain views, and character-filled stays with wooden floors, crackling fireplaces, and big windows looking out onto trees. Perfect if you want to wind down.

The Red Bull King of the Air is a major annual event in Cape Town that draws kiteboarding enthusiasts from around the world.

Held at Kite Beach on Marine Drive in Blouberg, this competition showcases the world’s top kiteboarders performing gravity-defying tricks against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain.

The event typically takes place between late November and early December, with the exact dates depending on optimal wind conditions. ​Here’s what happened in 2024.

Where to stay: Look for self-catering places with sea views or cozy cabins tucked under the mountain.

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Slow-Morning, Coffee-First? Observatory or Gardens

You’re not here for a tight itinerary. You’re here for interesting streets, secondhand bookshops, and good coffee before noon. Maybe a vinyl store or gallery in the afternoon. Something low-key but with character. Observatory is about 5km from Gardens.

• Observatory: Bohemian and a little grungy, in a good way. Student energy, small cafes, live music at night.
• Gardens: Quieter, leafy, closer to the mountain. Wine bars, design stores, that kind of thing.

Where to stay: Converted Victorian guesthouses or arty Airbnb flats with record players and quirky decor.

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Wine Without Leaving the City? Constantia

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Want to Go Out-Out: Green Point or Long Street Area

You’ve got energy to burn. You want rooftop bars, late-night pizza, and somewhere to sleep off the fun till late morning.

• Green Point: Walkable to the promenade, the stadium, and a bunch of clubs and cocktail bars.
• Long Street area: Central and loud. It’s not for early sleepers. But if you want to be where the party is, this is it.

Where to stay: Hotels with blackout curtains, decent soundproofing, and a pool for that hungover recovery session.

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Outdoorsy? Hout Bay or Kalk Bay

You packed your trail shoes but left the tent at home. Weather permitting, you want hikes, sea spray, and outdoor markets, but a proper bed and maybe a hot tub after.

• Hout Bay: Surrounded by mountains and coastline. Great base for hiking and boat trips.
• Kalk Bay: Quirky fishing village with coastal walks, tidal pools, and amazing seafood.

Where to stay: Self-catering cottages or modern eco-stays with big windows and mountain views.

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Travelling With Kids? Newlands or Muizenberg

You want playgrounds, calm beaches, and activities that don’t involve queues or crowds.

• Newlands: Shady, green, with parks, museums, and good bakeries.
• Muizenberg: Great beach for beginner surfers, colourful beach huts, and a chilled pace.
• Goudini Spa: An ATKV resort for families and couples alike, featuring heated pools, water slides, and spa facilities, it’s the perfect getaway.

Where to stay: Family-friendly guesthouses or spacious homes with a garden and a braai area.

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If You Want It All: City Bowl

You’re not trying to choose. You want markets, museums, quick Uber rides to beaches, and mountain hikes in the same afternoon. The City Bowl’s got you.

• Bree Street restaurants
• The Company’s Garden
• Quick access to Table Mountain

Personally, I think City Bowl is busier than the photo above suggests… This photo does not include the noise. You have been warned, by me… who lives far enough from City bowl as possible.

Cape Town Carnivals

In March, every year, there’s the Cape Town Carnival. This is an amazing experience. Take a look at Carnivals gone by.

Where to stay: Apartments with balconies, close to the action but high enough up to escape the street noise.

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Wherever you end up staying, Cape Town will show up with something good. But the right base makes it all easier, and way more fun. Find a place that matches your pace, and the city kind of unfolds around you.

Where to Eat and Grab a Coffee in Cape Town

Travelling Cape Town is tiring, and luckily Cape Town’s CBD is packed with decent stops.

• Truth Coffee: Steampunk vibes, award-winning beans, strong as hell. A bit theatrical, but the coffee slaps. Makes for great photos.
• Molten Toffee: Bree Street’s go-to for a solid flat white and a breather from the buzz.
• Mulberry & Prince: Upscale lunch spot, nice when you need to recalibrate after a morning of heavy history.
• Eastern Food Bazaar: For something loud, fast, and delicious. Massive variety, from curries to shawarmas. Cheap and cheerful.

Let us know if you know of another place that deserves a spot on this list. We’ll go check it out and consider adding them.