As a Capetonian, I’ve had plenty of solo adventures around Cape Town and absolutely love exploring the city on my own. Over the years, I’ve discovered a lot about traveling alone here. Plus, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a few international friends who visited Cape Town, and their perspectives, combined with my local insights, should give you all the information you need for a great solo trip in the Mother City.
1. Safety first
Crime is a reality in everyday life, so it’s important to stay alert. Avoid flaunting cash, cameras, or phones, as pickpocketing and bag snatching are common issues. I typically keep my bags slung across the front and ensure zippers and openings face my body. Hiking alone can be risky—you might get mugged, lost, or hurt with no one around to help. Always decline offers of assistance from “friendly strangers,” especially at places like ATMs. Cape Town has its share of thieves and scammers, so be vigilant. Back up important documents by emailing them to yourself or storing them on Google Drive, and spread out your cards and cash to minimize loss. Research your destinations beforehand to gauge their safety. And remember, if you need help, call 112—South Africa’s emergency number—from any cellphone.
2. Join a walking tour
There are free walking tours available daily in Cape Town. You’re welcome to make a donation to the tour guides if you’d like. Tours run from 11 am to 2 pm, and you don’t need to book in advance—just show up on time. The meeting point is at Motherland Coffee on Wale Street in the City Bowl District. It’s a great way to explore the city, meet new people, and delve into Cape Town’s fascinating history. For more details, check out Free Walking Tours Cape Town.
3. Take the red bus
The City Sightseeing bus offers a convenient hop-on, hop-off service covering various routes and key landmarks. I recommended it to a friend from the US for visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens. It’s more affordable than renting a car and a great way to see Cape Town. The open-top bus is perfect for sunny days. I’ve used it several times, and many locals do too.
4. Go wine tasting
South Africa boasts the world’s longest wine route, and it’s worth visiting even if you don’t drink wine. Many estates offer juice tastings for kids or just a delicious meal without alcohol. You can reach the estates by hiring a car, taking an Uber, or booking a tour here . If that’s too much effort, join a daily wine tasting at Wine Concepts on Kloof Street from 3 pm to 6 pm. Just be aware that Cape Town is generous with wine pours—so opt for an Uber, Lyft, or Bolt for your return journey.
5. Hike in a group
Hiking alone is not advisable as you might end up getting mugged. Joining a hiking group can help solve this issue. Facebook hiking groups often organise group hikes. Kloof Corner is a relatively easy hike, taking about 15-20 minutes to the top and another 20 minutes down. Elephant’s Eye is also beginner-friendly. Guides will recommend Table Mountain or Lion’s Head for a more challenging hike—suitable if you’re moderately fit.
6. Homestay or hostel
Staying at a homestay offers insights into local culture and is often more affordable than a hostel. Hostels are fantastic for meeting other solo travelers. Once is a great option, connected to my favourite night spot, Yours Truly.
7. Don’t let fear hold you back
I’ve heard travellers from the UK say they were advised never to leave their hotel rooms in Cape Town. They ignored this advice and had a great time. While crime is a concern, it’s not as severe as some reports suggest. You can walk alone at night depending on the area and presence of others. Blend in, avoid obvious tourist gear, and use your instincts. If uncomfortable, opt for an Uber to get to and from places. Don’t let fear confine you to your room.
8. Treat yourself
Cape Town offers top-notch dining. For a special experience, try Salon, though it has a long waiting list. If fine dining isn’t your thing, Casa Labia, Harbour House, or Mariners Wharf offer delicious meals with better portion sizes. There are also plenty of spas in Cape Town to pamper yourself. Check out a list of top picks here.
9. Talk to me
By, me I mean locals. We are friendly people. Talking to locals is the best way to learn about a place and you will get valuable insider information. Locals can direct you to hidden gems like Kalky’s for seafood or Seaforth Beach for penguins if Boulders Beach feels too touristy.
10. Try local food
Sampling local dishes is a must. Try a Gatsby sandwich, babootie, milk tart, koeksisters, and a braai. Even if you crave familiar comfort food, trying local cuisine connects you to the culture. If you struggle with relaxing whilst eating alone check out my tips.
11. Take good solo shots
Learn to take photos of yourself. A selfie stick can help, and practicing before your trip will make you more comfortable. Expect some stares, but it’s worth it for capturing your solo adventures. Check out my tips here.
What Are the Best Neighbourhoods for Solo Travelers in Cape Town?
I think it’s best to stay in areas with lower crime rates and which are more central to tourist areas. That way you will feel safer and see more of the attractions.
Seapoint
Seapoint is by the beach. There’s the popular promenade with many ice-cream stores, runners, dog walkers, families, etc. along the way. It’s always buzzing. You will also find Mojo Market, which is a wonderful food market with different kinds of food all under one roof. Seapoint has many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops as well. It’s also super close to the CBD.
Greenpoint
It’s more expensive than Seapoint. There are classier restaurants, and it’s closer to the waterfront. Overall, Greenpoint does feel similar to Seapoint. It’s home to Cape Town Stadium, where FIFA 2010 matches were hosted, so if you are a big sports or concert fan, it’s a good place to stay.
Camps Bay & Clifton
Close to the city, but you will have to Uber or take a city bus. Camps Bay and Clifton have an icy ocean with soft sand and many bars, cafés, a theatre, and spas. It’s the trendier part of Cape Town that locals and celebrities visit.
The Waterfront
If you have the money to spare, stay at the Waterfront; it’s full of attractions. It’s a working harbour; there are often seals, live musicians, two food markets, and the biggest art gallery in Africa (The Zeitz Mocca). Need I say more? I recommend you stay at the Silo Hotel since it’s gorgeous; it’s also super pricey, or at the Radisson Red, which is cheaper but offers spectacular views of Cape Town. You can walk from the waterfront to the CBD as well, although it’s a cheap taxi ride.
Observatory (Obz)
It’s full of students studying at the nearby UCT. And there’s always lots of foreigners, interns, and students from all over. One of my US friends, stayed in Obz for 6 months. I met her through my internship back in 2012. I love the area because it has a young feel to it. There’s lots of creative murals all over. People also sometimes walk the streets barefoot. There’s great bars like Stones and one of my favourites, Trenchtown. A Touch of Madness, which is a beautiful Victorian-era house turned wonderful restaurant, is also located in Obz. You will also be able to find many “vintage” shops and Never New (a fantastic secondhand clothes store) all in one spot.
The City Bowl District (CBD)
Cartwright apartments on Adderly Street have listings. If you are looking for a fancier hotel, The Onyx is super classy, with a rootop bar, a pool, and a spa. My boyfriend is in the photo below. The security at Cartwright and Onyx is super strict; you can’t enter without a keycard, and the elevator doesn’t work with it either. Once is more relaxed, but it is safe. I’ve never heard complaints.
Extra Notes
I haven’t mentioned Woodstock or Bo-Kaap due to safety concerns and the ever increasing gentrification of these areas. Instead, consider home-stays or cooking classes if you want to experience these areas to support locals. Read more about Cape Town’s best areas to stay here.
How to travel
Use Uber, Lyft, or Bolt for convenience. MyCiTi buses are safe and affordable. Golden Arrow buses are slower and less safe. Metered taxis are expensive, and minibuses can be unreliable. Always ask about fare and safety before boarding.
I’ve updated this travel blog post to reflect recent changes—some of the places listed are no longer in operation. Please follow the provided links to verify current details, as everything was accurate at the time of writing.
Thank you for reading! love hearing from readers, so feel free to comment and share your experiences.
Nikkidiscovers 