Cape Town is the capital of the Western Cape province of South Africa. A Cape Town honeymoon includes stunning mountain and ocean views, fascinating culture, unique cuisine, and warm-hearted locals. Commonly known as the "Mother City," you'll never run out of things to explore here.
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Is Cape Town a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Cape Town has a unique mix of culture, beauty, and adventure. It has gorgeous beaches on the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, beautiful mountains and terrains, and charming towns. Newlyweds dreaming of an unforgettable getaway should consider this place in South Africa’s southwestern tip as their top choice.
If you can extend your trip a few days, a South Africa honeymoon isn’t complete without stops in Johannesburg and Kruger National Park; the latter—home to many game reserves—gives you the perfect setting for an African safari honeymoon. Each destination is about two hours away by plane.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Cape Town?
- Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain. Table Mountain National Park is a top destination in Cape Town. After all, the landmark serves as the backdrop of the cosmopolitan city. There are hiking trails there and places where you can picnic. But taking a cable car will give you sweeping views of the area. Lion’s Head is another popular mountain if you love to hike.
- Be surrounded by beautiful flora. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the world’s best botanical gardens. The 528-hectare property is situated at the foot of Table Mountain and is home to gorgeous seasonal floral species.
- Bask in the stunning views of nature at Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope. At the southern section of Table Mountain National Park lies Cape Point; a little to its south is the Cape of Good Hope. Views of dramatic stone cliffs, breathtaking bays, beaches, and rolling hills will greet you. Many companies offer a private tour of these two spots.
- Go penguin or whale watching. Want to spot penguins or whales? Cape Town has excellent places for those. Boulders Beach, an inlet in Simon’s Town, is notable for its penguin colonies, while Hermanus and Gansbaai are famous places to watch whales.
- Explore iconic areas and neighborhoods. Victoria and Alfred, or V&A Waterfront, is South Africa’s oldest functional harbor. It’s along the Atlantic coast and has cafes, shops, and restaurants. Bo-Kaap is a colorful town that was once the home of Muslims and enslaved people. Robben Island, a ferry ride from Cape Town, will take you back in time: It’s where Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned.
- Visit wineries. If you want wine tasting to be part of your itinerary, set aside time to visit Cape Winelands. It encompasses Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, among others, and offers you wineries where you can taste South African wine.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Cape Town?
Fall, from March to May, and spring, from September to November, are the best times to visit the city. You’ll enjoy temperatures that range from 70 to 80+ degrees Fahrenheit.
The peak of summer (December and February) is not an ideal time to visit since it coincides with students on summer break and the holiday season.
Is Cape Town Expensive?
A Cape Town holiday can be economical. You and your new spouse can comfortably enjoy seven days in Cape Town for as little as $1,800. However, you can easily stretch that number to $5,000 depending on your excursions, food choices, and accommodations.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Cape Town
- Stay at cheaper accommodations. Accommodations outside the city center are usually still walkable and significantly more affordable.
- Find free walking and sightseeing tours or get a Cape Town City Pass.
- Opt for low-cost tourist attractions (for instance, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens has an entrance fee of around $5, and certain museums offer free entrance on commemorative days)
- Look for budget eateries, or if your lodging allows, buy ingredients at the supermarket and cook them there.
5 Best Areas to Stay In Cape Town
V&A Waterfront
Technically, this is not a neighborhood, but many tourists choose this area as their home base because it’s where the action takes place.
It has top-rated hotels, recommended restaurants, and tourist attractions like the Robben Island Museum and the Aquarium. If you want to be close to the action but not in it, consider staying in City Bowl or Woodstock.
Clifton
Located near Camps Bay, this is popular for couples who want to enjoy Cape Town’s white, sandy beaches. Beachfront areas here are well and alive either day or night, so if you enjoy a touristy setting, you’ll love it here.
You can head to Lion’s Head from Clifton and take on the moderately challenging hiking trail. Also, the Cape Malay community in Bo-Kaap is already nearby. Visit this unique neighborhood to learn more about the area’s past and advancements.
Simon’s Town
Known for its maritime history, Simon’s Town is also popular among vacationers who want to experience water-based activities in Cape Town. If you and your loved one find happiness in surfing and diving or want to swim and relax, then this is where you should stay.
South Africa’s largest navy base is in Simon’s town. The mountains and beaches make it a picturesque area, and it’s about a mile from Boulder’s Beach, where you’ll find the famous penguins.
Bloubergstand
A sought-after destination in Cape Town’s seaside suburbs, Bloubergstand offers majestic views of Table Mountain. It’s a budget-friendly area as it’s primarily residential. There are two main beautiful beaches to explore.
You can try kitesurfing in Big Bay and enjoy a romantic picnic in Little Bay. If you want to see pieces from local artists, photographers, sculptors, and jewelers, Studio 46 is a must-visit.
Constantia
Constantia is located along the wine route of Cape Town. It’s home to upscale estates and lush suburbs. While the terrain and vineyards will make you feel like you’ve traveled far, it’s only about twenty minutes from the center of Cape Town.
Besides exploring vineyards, tasting local wines, and seeing wine-making plants, you can have the ultimate gourmet experience at its fine-dining restaurants. There are also biking and hiking trails if you want to break a sweat.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Cape Town?
From the US, fly into Cape Town International Airport, which is about 12 miles away from the city center.
Traveling Within Cape Town
You can rent a car from the airport, which is the best way to get around Cape Town. The city has an unreliable public transport system, and taxis can make a dent in your budget. If you’re not in a bind and want a more affordable option, try their shared cabs called rikkis.
What Types of Accommodations Are Available in Cape Town?
You can find luxury hotels like Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, but you can also book your stay at a boutique hotel or an Airbnb property for rent if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative. The city also boasts unique lodging, such as a Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve cave suite or a tented tree house in Teniqua Treetops.
What Type of Food Should You Try in Cape Town?
- Game meat. African cuisine highlights various game meat—from zebra and warthog to kudu and springbok. You can find grilled game meat offered at multiple tourist spots, while fine-dining restaurants will offer them in more sophisticated versions.
- Gatsby. This sub-style sandwich is full of fries, meats, and delicious sauces. It originated in the Cape Flats area.
- Bobotie. This culinary piece is an original from Cape Malay. It’s essentially minced beef with an egg custard topping.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Cape Town Honeymoon?
As South Africa’s oldest city, Cape Town boasts a long history. Apart from the abovementioned tour in Robben Island and Bo-Kaap, Cape Town has many other interesting cultural and historical spots, such as the Company Gardens and the Castle of Good Hope.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Cape Town
Cape Town has a casual vibe, but apart from your casual attire and suitable footwear, bring jackets and layers to keep you warm at night. Sunscreen, broad-brimmed hats, and swimwear are essentials, and so are adapters (they require 220/230 volts). Refillable water bottles, bug sprays, and hand sanitizers will also be helpful.
Is Cape Town Safe to Visit?
In recent years, Cape Town has seen a reduction in violent crimes, so it’s a generally safe destination. Remember these tips for your safety:
- Don’t accommodate anyone asking to help you with your luggage at the airport.
Be vigilant because petty thefts and credit card fraud still happen. - Never walk around at night unless you’re in a resort or tourist-filled place.
- It’s best to avoid Langa and Nyanga are these areas have high crime rates. Cape Flats also witnesses gang violence.
- Visit township areas with a local guide.
- Keep an eye out for and be careful around street beggars.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit South Africa?
You do not need a visa as a US citizen visiting South Africa for less than 90 days. However, a yellow fever vaccine, administered at least ten days before your arrival, is required.
Bonus: Cape Town Honeymoon Travel Tips
- In urban areas, tap water is potable and safe to drink and cook. But if you want to be safer, opt for bottled water.
- While South Africa has 11 official languages, most speak English.
- Carry some cash, as not all establishments and facilities (like gas stations) accept cards. Bank and ATM rates are also usually better than money exchangers in hotels.
- Avoid using standalone ATMs on the street. Withdraw cash in ATMs located in safer places or, better yet, in a bank.
- Use plenty of sunscreen and wear hats, as the sun can be very intense. It’s best not to swim or do outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.