Cape Town

Getting In and Around

Besides exploring Cape Town’s city center on foot, a great way to get around the area is by shuttle bus. We recommend lines such as the Cape Town Explorer and the V&A Waterfront bus that will take you around to the city’s finest attractions, allowing you to get on and off as you please. Unlike many other South African cities, Cape Town roads have minimal traffic jams so for those who want a more flexible trip, renting a car or bike is also an option.

Two car companies, Penny K’s and Value, offer reasonable rental deals and for something more adventurous, rent a Vespa Scooter or motorbike from Vespa Café and Motorcycle Tours. When going out on the town, never walk home alone at night. Instead, take rikkis, a cheap, safe, and reliable taxi service. 

Safety and Security

The crime rate in Cape Town has drastically declined since the implementation of their Central City Improvement District (CCID), a program that includes closed circuit cameras, an active police force, as well as 24-hour care centers for abandoned children. However, traveling in any new city can be risky, so take the same precautions when visiting Cape Town. Always keep a charged mobile phone on you at all times, guard your belongings, and stay aware of what’s going on around you.

The Top 3: Local Advice

1. European traders for the Dutch East India Company founded Cape Town in 1652 and it is South Africa’s oldest city. Today, the Mother City is not only the second most populous in South Africa (the first being Johannesburg), but it is the country’s most visited destination.

2. Cape Town’s major newspapers include the Cape Times, a morning news publication, and its evening version, the Cape Argus. These are the city’s main English-language newspapers, in addition to an array of dailies in Afrikaans, Cape Town’s other main spoken language.

3. Though South Africa is known to be a predominantly Christian country, large Jewish and Muslim communities can be found in many areas, specifically Cape Town and its surrounding neighbors. For example, in Bo-Kaap, a nearby suburb, the inhabitants are mostly Muslim, so keep in mind to dress and act accordingly when traveling throughout the different areas of the city.