I’ve told this story a million times, and honestly, I’m still not tired of telling it.
The day I decided to move to Cape Town, It wasn’t a ceremonious affair. I threw my bags in the car and drove for 16hrs from Joburg to Cape Town. Driving into Cape Town felt like getting closer to heaven than I’d ever been.
I had been here before, pre-pandemic, but nothing prepared me for the awe I felt.
And after many years living here, I still feel the same way.
Cape Town is a backpackers paradise. Actually, scratch that, it’s a paradise, period.
And with the exchange rate (if you’re coming with dollars or euros), you can get the full experience on a frugal budget.
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The city offers endless breathtaking scenery, lots of hiking spots, mountains and oceans flowing into each other in a way that you would only expect to see in paintings.
And it never sleeps. You’ll find bars, clubs, coffee shops, and restaurants for every taste. You’ll meet travelers from around the world who fell in love with Cape Town just like you and I have. Some leave, but most start counting the days until they’re back.
I know this because I’ve been there and I’ve made countless friends and connections who do that too.
After backpacking Cape Town and now living here for a few years, here’s everything you should know for your next backpacking trip to Cape Town.
Getting around in Cape Town: Everything from chaotic to reliable
Transportation in Cape Town is a bit like dating, a few safe options, cheap but chaotic ones and “stand up, leave everything and run” options:
- MyCiti buses: When they work, they really work. With these buses you enjoy: exclusive bus lanes, so no sitting in traffic and very inexpensive fares.
But they run on “African time” (if you know, you know), but you can find their timetables online. If you’re okay with them being late sometimes, the occasional breakdowns, faults and strikes. They’re a budget-friendly way to get around Cape Town.
Here’s a redditor sharing their MyCiTi bus morning experience.
- City train: Half of Capetonians will tell you trains are safe, half will tell you they aren’t. Your choice about which half you listen to. While I’ve never taken them before, if you do:
- Don’t travel alone, ride the train with a friend.
- Keep your valuables out of sight
- Maintain situational awareness at all times.
- Some routes are much safer than others, so ask before you go.
- Taxis: Minibus taxi drivers treat the traffic rules like suggestions. They’ll stop anywhere, overtake anything, drive on red and make turns where they please.
Any driver on the road apart from taxi drivers will be happy to rant about their dislikes for taxis if you ask.
But, they’re cheap, fast and could make for a very unique experience.
- Uber: Comfortable, safe and cheap by all standards. A 5 – 10 km trip from the city center is under R100 (about €5/$6). Perfect for late nights, lazy mornings, or when you’re carrying too much to bother with the public transport.
- Carsharing: This is a perfect choice iff you want the comfort and freedom of driving yourself around.
Carsharing platforms like Tarlen gives you access to rent cars from local owners around you.
You get to skip the queue at the airport and the hassle of dealing with a car rental agent. Booking is made online and you can request delivery to the airport curbside of directly to your hotel.
Staying safe while backpacking in Cape Town
Cape Town is safe for tourists but like any new city, you need an abundance of caution when you visit for the first time. There are places in Cape Town to completely avoid. There are other areas you can visit if you’re with a local guide or a group of friends that know the area.
There are places that are safe in the day, but could be unsafe to walk alone at night.
Here are some rules to stay safe without killing the fun in Cape Town:
- Pick a good area to stay in, location and on-site security matters.
- Leave the flashy jewelry and valuables in your room. Go out with the bare essentials: phone, a bit of cash, ID, that’s it.
- Blend in as much as you can.
- Townships tours are wonderful, but go with a local guide.
- Don’t hike alone.
- Double check that your doors are locked. Key jamming (where someone blocks the remote signal) is a real threat in South Africa.
- Befriend a local and seek their advice whenever you’re uncertain.
Some safe areas where you can relax a bit: Camps Bay, Clifton, Hout Bay, Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Bakoven, Mouille Point, Fresnaye, Green Point, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Southern Suburbs, Noordhoek, City Bowl, Stellenbosch, Blouberg, Milnerton, Sunset Beach, Constantia, Franshhoek, Rondebosch, Claremont, Vredehoek, Gardens, Durbanville, Brakenfell, Bellville, Pinelands…
Areas to avoid: Nyanga, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Philippi, Kraaifontein, Langa, Mitchell’s Plain, Delft, Manenberg, Elsies River, Grassy Park, Eerste River, Maitland, Blue Downs, Hanover Park, Du Noon, and most of the Cape Flats.
Most of the areas to avoid are townships and low income districts prone to gangsterism, shootings, murder and hijackings.
Even in “safe” areas, remember: opportunistic crime is just that, opportunistic. Keep your wits about you regardless.
Best accommodation for backpackers in Cape Town
Cape Town has no shortage of lodges and backpacker spots, from the kind of cozy old houses that feel like grandma’s (if grandma served beer) to full-on hostels where you could end up at 4 a.m. swapping life stories with someone from Argentina.
When deciding where to stay, choose lodges that are centrally located, secured and have security guards at the foyer.
#1. Ashanti Lodge, Gardens, Cape Town
Think old Victorian mansion but with palm trees, a pool, and a bar downstairs.
Clean rooms, personal safes, and you can roll straight from your sun lounger to happy hour in Kumasi bar. Breakfast if you’re up early enough or just roll in from the night before ;-).
#2. Riverlodge backpackers, Cape Town
In an eco-village about 10 minutes from the city. It’s quieter here, has Wi-Fi, laundry, parking, and a “you’re at home” vibe. I stayed once and found myself cooking pasta with a German couple who were halfway through a year-long Africa trip.
#3. Lighthouse farm backpackers, Cape Town
Same eco-village as Riverlodge, but with Table Mountain views and beautiful sunsets. Dorms, self-catering, open fields and the occasional chicken wandering past.
#4. Wish u were here backpacker lodge, Woodstock, Cape Town
In the arty and colourful woodstock. This place is full of character. Offers a mix of private ensuite rooms, dorms and communal space to connect with fellow travellers.
#5. Never at home hostel, Cape Town
Colourful and built for the adventurer is how I would describe these hostels. There’s 2 of them, one in the vibrant Green Point area on Main Road and the other in Kloof street, Gardens.
They provide different room options, food, beverages and a space to connect with kindred spirits.
#6. The Kimberley hotel aka Kimbo backpackers lodge, Gardens, Cape Town
Kimbo lodge is a charming accommodation built in 1895 with a lot of old-world history.
It got renovated recently, so you get the charm plus modern amenities to make your stay comfortable. You also get access to shops, bars and nightclubs for a lively and social time in Cape Town.
#7. Stumble Inn backpacker, Stellenbosch
If you decide to take a break from the city, head to Stellies and stumble into Stumble Inn(see what I did there?). Everything it has to offer from wine tours, bike hires, pool tables, plus it’s in the winelands. You’ll probably drink better wine here than anywhere else on your trip.
Cycle around, or rent a car from Tarlen to explore the wine farms. There are great hike spots in the mountains, trout fishing, museums, galleries and amphitheatres…
#8. Hermanus backpackers, Stellenbosch
Two hours away, but if whale watching is on your list, this is the place to base yourself. Pool, ensuite rooms, and they can sort you out with shark cage diving if you’re feeling brave (or foolish, depending who you ask).
Other notable mentions:
- 91loop,
- Villa Viva,
- Long street backpackers among others.
Unique places to visit in Cape Town
There’s an abundance of things to do and places to visit. The only problem you might run into is feeling like you’ve missed out on a few spots by the time your trip ends.
The best way to approach your backpacking adventure is to plan out some key stops, but leave enough wiggle room for delays and a bit of spontaneity.
Some of Cape Town’s favorite attractions include: Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Town Stadium, Sea Point Beach, Bo-Kaap, Camps Bay Beach, Two Oceans Aquarium, Oranjezicht City Farm Market, Cape Winelands.
Summer activities worth the sweat: Paragliding, Abseiling, Horse Riding on Noordhoek Beach, Kite surfing, Safaris, Visit Cape Point, Visit the Cape Town Diamond Museum, Hot Air Ballooning.
Best backpacking trails in Cape Town
Cape Town offers about a million different hikes, catering to different fitness levels and time requirements. Before you decide what hike to do, first consider your fitness level (or your group’s collective ability). Then think about how much time you actually have to hike.
#1. Lionshead
Probably the most popular hikes in South Africa. It’s a moderate – hard climb that’ll take you 3 – 4 hours up and down. But the peak, 669m above sea level offers a 360 degree view of the city making it worth the effort.
Pro tip: Go for sunrise or sunset hikes for the best experience. And park a headlamp for the hike.
#2. Devils peak
Another popular peak that’ll test your lungs. The difficulty level is moderate to hard and could take 4-5 hours up and down. Hold onto your hat because it gets incredibly windy and rocky as you ascend. It’s called Devil’s Peak for a reason, the mountain has attitude.
#3. Chapman’s peak
If you have time during your Chapman’s Peak drive, you can stop midway to hike its trail. This hike is short, taking only 2-3 hours, and it’s a great opportunity to stretch your legs and take in the beauty of Cape Town.
It’s a rocky climb with moderate difficulty, and the peak offers a 360-degree view of Hout Bay and the surrounding areas.
#4. Pipe Track from Kloof Nek
This is an easy to moderate hike that follows the western contour of Table Mountain. The hike is mostly flat and easy, only getting slightly tougher after Slangolie Ravine.
The route offers beautiful views of Camps Bay and the ocean. Perfect for morning or evening hikes. Just avoid the afternoon as it gets quite hot.
#5. Newland forest
Green, shady hike on the eastern side of Table Mountain that leads you through paths, rocky and wooden walkways, streams and waterfalls. You know, everything you’d be hoping for on a proper hike.
Depending on your route, the hike could be moderate or hard and could last 1 or 4 hours. It’s closed from June to September and gets busy when it reopens, so go as early as possible, or risk hiking with half of Cape Town.
#6. Elephant eye:
This section of Constantiaberg resembles an elephant’s head, and the cave is where the eye would be, hence the name. It’s an easy 5km round trip, and there’s a reservoir to cool off afterward.
There’s an entrance fee: R42 for South Africans and up to R184 for foreigners.
#7. Platteklip Gorge
This route is popular and considered the “easiest” way up Table Mountain. But that’s misleading, it’s still a proper hard hike that requires good fitness. It’s only popular because it offers the most direct route up.
There’s not much rock climbing but a lot of upward walking for 3km straight. It’s a 3-hour round trip, but you can take the cable car down after you summit (your knees will thank you).
#8. Constantia Nek
Constantia Nek offers a 6km walk along the eastern part of Table Mountain that’s as easy as hiking gets.
Lots of greenery, streams, ravines, and gorges with waterfalls and views of the Constantia Winelands.
Afterwards, you can end your walk at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and reward yourself with lunch at their café. Because you would have earned it.
#9. Skeleton Gorge
Starting at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, this trail is a 7km, 3-hour round trip on the eastern side of Table Mountain.
It’s a moderate to hard hike with long, steep sections and ladders to help climbers. You need to be reasonably fit for this one.
Entry fee to Kirstenbosch: R100 for South Africans, R140 for Africans, and R250 for international adults.
#10. Jonkershoek nature reserve
Jonkershoek offers some of the best hiking trails around Cape Town. The reserve closes around 4-5pm, so be early if you want to make the most of it.
The popular Panorama Route is a 17km trail that can take up to 8 hours and gets steep in sections, with a total elevation gain of 1000m. It’s not messing around.
Bring a swimsuit, you’ll find small waterfalls perfect for cooling down, and you’ll need it.
Cape Town’s best food markets for Backpackers
A Prapa South African experience is not complete without the food, and Cape Town has some of the best food markets in the country. Some markets have music and entertainment and are perfect hangout spots to socialize. Plus you’ll eat better than you thought you could on a backpacker’s budget.
- Old Biscuit Mill’s Neighbourgoods market: The Neighbourgoods weekend market brings local artists, designers, and foodies to the Old Biscuit Mill. Expect plenty of art and crafts, and expect to meet some cool people here. Fair warning: you might leave with more handmade jewelry than food. And that’s okay 😉
- Oranjezicht Market: Located near the V&A Waterfront and open weekends only. You’ll find fresh, locally sourced produce, artisan food, and a lively spot where locals and visitors come to connect. The coffee is good, the craft beer is phenomenal but the vibe is what brings you back.
- Mojo Market: Mojo is a food and lifestyle market open 7 days a week (thank goodness, ehh?). The market has a variety of food and beverage vendors and live entertainment. It’s the kind of place where you go for lunch and somehow end up staying until the sunsets.
- Hout Bay’s The Bay Harbour Market: This vibrant outdoor community market offers a friendly shopping experience with that proper Cape Town vibe. Expect live music, creativity, fashion, and jewelry plus fantastic food.
Bars and lounges backpackers frequent and love in Cape Town
One thing you’ll quickly discover about Cape Town is that there’s no shortage of jol in the city. From Long Street to Camps Bay, Green Point, and Sea Point, there are different bars and restaurants with different vibes to suit whatever mood you’re in.
Some bars to try out: Village Idiot, Beerhouse, Cause and Effect, Tiger’s milk, Cafe Caprice, Yours Truly, Arcade, Mantra, Fable, Asoka, The list goes on…
Best coffee shops for Digital-Nomads Backpackers.
Cape Town is pretty popular with digital nomads, and the work-from-anywhere lifestyle is now supported by businesses in the city that have gotten used to Europeans escaping winter for somewhere warm between November and March.
This might come in handy since South Africa has a load shedding problem where power gets cut off at certain times of the day. Most of these locations have backup generators that kick in until the lights come back on, because nothing kills productivity like a dead laptop battery.
Here’s a list of cafés where you can easily get free Wi-Fi and get your work done while enjoying great coffee and brunch:
- Bootleggers: Pretty much any bootlegger location in the Atlantic Seaboard is solid. They don’t get raving reviews for their coffee or food but hey, at least they stay open until very late and let you camp out for hours without giving you dirty looks.
- Truth Coffee: Offers great coffee, free WiFi and charging point for your device. But it’s not ideal if you need a quiet work environment. Truth cafe has character and volume.
- Café Neo: Located in Mouille Point with beachside views. Offers good coffee, free Wi-Fi, and a long bench with power points. Perfect if you’ve ever dreamt of “working from the beach.”
- Shift Espresso: Both Sea Point and Green Point locations offer excellent coffee and food, plus they’re great spots to work from your laptop or have meetings over coffee.
Best beaches for backpackers
Most popular beaches in Cape Town are safe to visit and great for swimming. But fair warning, the waters are cold all year long. We’re talking “Polar bear training camp” cold.
But if you don’t mind the shock therapy, here are the most popular beaches in the city: Clifton 1, 2, 3, and 4 Beaches (yes, they’re numbered like a parking garage), Camps Bay Beach, Llandudno Beach, Blouberg Beach, Fish Hoek Beach, Muizenberg Beach, Kommetjie Beach, Sea Point Beach, Noordhoek Beach, Beta Beach…
You can find a longer list on trip advisor.
The backpacking culture in Cape Town
Cape Town’s backpacking culture, although still young, is flourishing and driven by millennials and Gen Z with a passport and a lot of curiosity.
Modern travelers are intentional, skipping the fancy hotel snobbery for authentic experiences that actually makes them feel something. Cape Town offers all of that and more. To make the most of your trip in Cape Town trip:
- Travel slower: Leave space for your curiosity, a second cup of coffee, an unplanned but interesting conversation with a local or fellow backpacker.
- Support local: Book places that are part of the community and have stories to tell. Rent cars from local car owners on car-sharing platforms instead of the big corporate chains. Your rand goes further, and you get the inside scoop on everything.
- Talk to people: You never know where a simple “howzit” might lead. So open yourself up to casual conversations with locals and ask questions when you’re not sure. Capetonians love sharing their city with people who genuinely want to experience it.
Backpacking in Cape Town is more than just chasing the cheapest, it’s about connecting and living the Cape Town experience even if it’s only for a few weeks.
