Cape Town holidays

How to reach Cape Town

• Flight time: Flights to Cape Town from Ireland typically take just over 11 hours. Direct flights are available from London, so Irish travellers usually connect via London, European hubs like Amsterdam or Frankfurt, or through the Middle East. Another common route is via Johannesburg with a short domestic connection.

• Transfer time: Cape Town International Airport is around 30 to 50 minutes from the city centre by taxi or app-based services like Uber, depending on traffic. Some hotels also offer airport pickup, so it’s worth checking when booking.

• Price: Taxi fares from the airport to central Cape Town generally range from R300–R600 (€13–€26), depending on distance and time of day.

Best time to visit Cape Town

Cape Town offers a mix of beach time, wine tours, city sightseeing and outdoor adventure, but your ideal time to visit depends on the experience you want.

• November to February is summer and peak holiday season. Expect long, sunny days with temperatures from 25°C to 30°C. It's the best time for beach days and rooftop bars, but also the busiest and most expensive period, especially around Christmas and New Year.

• March to May is autumn and considered a shoulder season. Temperatures are milder (18°C to 25°C), crowds ease, and accommodation becomes more affordable. It’s an excellent time for hiking, wine tasting and enjoying the outdoors.

• June to August is winter, with daytime highs between 11°C and 18°C. While you’ll encounter some rain, it's a great time for quiet sightseeing and whale watching along the coast. You’ll also benefit from low-season prices.

• September to October is spring and a lovely time to visit. With temperatures between 15°C and 23°C, fewer tourists, and blooming wildflowers, it’s a great time for exploring nature and enjoying the city without the peak-season buzz.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is one of South Africa’s 11 official languages and is widely spoken, especially in Cape Town. Afrikaans and Xhosa are also common.

• Local habits and customs: South Africans are warm and welcoming. Tipping is expected in restaurants (around 10%), and it's customary to tip petrol station attendants and car guards a few rand for their service.

• Health and safety: Cape Town is generally safe for visitors, but do take usual precautions—avoid walking alone at night in quiet areas and keep valuables out of sight. Tap water is safe to drink, and having travel insurance is recommended.

• Currency: The local currency is the South African Rand (R). ATMs are widespread, and cards are widely accepted. Carrying a small amount of cash is useful for tips and smaller purchases.

• Getting around: The MyCiti bus network is clean, efficient and great for tourists. Uber is widely available and affordable. If you want to explore the Cape Winelands or the Garden Route, hiring a car is a great option.

• Electricity and plug types: South Africa uses 220/230V power and Type M plugs. Irish travellers will need a travel adaptor.

• Time zone: Cape Town is 2 hours ahead of Irish time (GMT+2) and does not observe daylight saving.

Best things to do in Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and most visited cities in Africa. Whether you're here for the scenic views, rich history or outdoor adventures, it is an exciting destination for every type of traveller.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Table Mountain: The most iconic view of Cape Town comes from the top of Table Mountain, accessible by the famous rotating cable car or a tough hike. The views stretch over the city, across the peninsula and out to the Atlantic Ocean.

• Lion's Head: For a slightly less strenuous climb, Lion's Head offers a fantastic vantage point. It's particularly popular for sunset hikes, giving sweeping views over the Atlantic and the city bowl.

The best districts

• V&A Waterfront: A bustling hub for shopping, dining and entertainment, the V&A Waterfront is a must-visit. It offers great views of the harbour and Table Mountain, with a lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings.

• Bo-Kaap: Known for its brightly painted houses and cobbled streets, Bo-Kaap is the historic heart of Cape Town's Malay community. Wander around to take in the colourful facades and visit the Bo-Kaap Museum to learn about the area's history.

• Long Street: Famous for its vibrant nightlife, Long Street is lined with backpackers' hostels and hotels, bars, restaurants and quirky shops. It's the go-to area if you want to experience Cape Town's lively social scene.

Historic monuments

• Robben Island: A short boat trip from the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island is one of Cape Town's most famous historic sites. Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years imprisoned on the island, and today it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided tours are led by former political prisoners, providing a personal insight into the island's history.

• Castle of Good Hope: This 17th-century fortress is the oldest official building in South Africa. Once the centre of political and military life in the Cape, it's now a museum that offers insight into Cape Town's colonial past.

Activities for families in Cape Town

Cape Town is an exciting destination for families, offering plenty of activities to keep kids entertained while also being fun for adults.

• Boulders Beach: A must for families, Boulders Beach is home to a colony of African penguins. The sheltered beach is perfect for a swim, and you can watch these adorable creatures up close from the boardwalk.

• Parks and gardens: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is one of the best botanical gardens in the world; it's perfect for families, with expansive lawns, stunning plant life and the Tree Canopy Walkway, which provides a fun aerial view. Company's Garden is another green oasis in the heart of the city that offers a peaceful spot for a stroll.

Free things to do in Cape Town

Cape Town may be known for its luxury holidays, but there are plenty of things you can enjoy without spending a penny.

• Free events: Cape Town's outdoor lifestyle means there are many free events throughout the year, from open-air concerts at Kirstenbosch in the summer to festivals like the Cape Town Carnival in March. There's always something happening in the city's public spaces.

• Beaches: Cape Town's beaches are free to access. You'll find a range of different types, from family-friendly swimming beaches like Clifton and Camps Bay to more rugged spots like Noordhoek, for those wanting a bit more solitude.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Table Mountain is the crown jewel of Cape Town's hiking trails, and its towering presence beckons visitors to explore its numerous routes. Whether you choose the challenging ascent up Platteklip Gorge or the more moderate Pipe Track, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views over the city and ocean.

• Paragliding: For thrill-seekers, paragliding off Signal Hill or Lion's Head offers unforgettable aerial views of Cape Town's natural beauty. Gliding over the Atlantic Ocean and the city's iconic coastline is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Watersports: Cape Town's beaches aren't just for sunbathing. The city's Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines offer some of the best surfing in South Africa. Muizenberg Beach is particularly good for beginners, with plenty of surf schools offering lessons. If you prefer something calmer, paddleboarding is also popular along quieter stretches of the coastline.

Local dishes in Cape Town

Influenced by its multicultural history, Cape Town's food is a fusion of flavours from Africa, Europe and Asia. Here are some typical dishes and drinks you won't want to miss.

Some typical dishes

• Braai: More than just a barbecue, a South African braai is a social event that's very much part of the national identity. Traditionally seen on the grill are huge steaks, lamb and sausages, with ostrich and venison also becoming popular. Side dishes include vegetables cooked in the embers or chakalaka.

• Bobotie: A fragrant Cape Malay dish made from spiced minced meat, baked with apricots and almonds, with a creamy egg topping. Often served with yellow rice and sambals, it's a delicious combination of sweet and savoury.

• Chakalaka and Pap: Chakalaka is a spicy vegetable relish, often served alongside pap, a traditional maize porridge. Together, they're a staple in South African households and an excellent accompaniment to braais.

Meat dishes

• Boerewors: A spiced "farmer's sausage" grilled on the braai, Boerewors is a favourite at South African barbecues. It's usually served with pap and gravy or a simple tomato relish.

• Biltong: A popular snack, Biltong is dried, cured meat (usually beef or game), spiced and sun-dried. It's similar to beef jerky but with a distinctly South African flavour.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Cape Malay Curry: This fragrant curry, often made with fish or seafood, is mildly spiced and slightly sweet, and is a Cape Town classic.

• Kerrievis: Typically served at Easter, Kerrievis, also known as Cape Malay Pickled Fish, features white fish that's marinated in a tangy blend of vinegar, onions and spices. It's eaten cold and is both sweet and sour.

Local drinks

• Wine: South Africa is one of the world's great winemakers, and close to Cape Town, places like the Winelands offer picturesque vineyards and world-class wine tastings. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the most famous spots, with rolling hills, excellent dining and charming old-world architecture.

• Rooibos tea: A caffeine-free herbal tea made from the fynbos plant, rooibos is quintessentially South African. It has a slightly sweet, earthy flavour and is often enjoyed with milk or honey.