Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It boasts dramatic mountains and world-class beaches. The vibrant culture and unforgettable food and wine add to its charm. Like any major city, it requires visitors to be aware, informed, and street-smart. The good news is that millions of travellers visit Cape Town safely every year. Understanding the importance of safety in Cape Town, South Africa can enhance your experience. To ensure a worry-free experience, understanding the safety in the Cape Town landscape is crucial.
This guide will help you understand where to stay. You will learn how to get around safely. We will also cover what to know about recent concerns, including the notorious N2 airport road. With this knowledge, especially regarding safety in Cape Town, South Africa, you can enjoy your trip with confidence.
Safe Areas to Stay as a Visitor
Understanding safety in Cape Town, South Africa, is crucial for making the most of your experience in this stunning city.
Most tourists stay in well-developed neighbourhoods with good security, lighting, and transport access. These areas are generally considered safe and visitor-friendly:
Popular & Recommended Areas
- V&A Waterfront – Extremely popular, highly secure, walkable, great for first-time visitors
- Sea Point & Green Point – Lively, well-lit, close to beaches and promenade
- Camps Bay & Clifton – Beautiful coastal suburbs, best if you have transport
- Gardens, Oranjezicht & Tamboerskloof – Central, leafy, close to Table Mountain
- Constantia – Quiet, green, wine farms, great for families
👉 Tip: Choose accommodation with good reviews, secure parking, and 24-hour reception where possible.
The N2 Airport Road: What Visitors Should Know
The N2 highway, which connects Cape Town International Airport to the city, has recently seen an increase in reported incidents, particularly involving:
- Stone-throwing at vehicles
- Attempts to force cars to stop
- Opportunistic crime during traffic slowdowns
How to Stay Safe When Travelling From the Airport
- Use reputable transport: airport shuttles, hotel transfers, or Uber (more on that below)
- Avoid driving yourself at night if you’re unfamiliar with the route
- Keep windows up and doors locked
- Do not stop if something is thrown at your vehicle — drive to a safe, populated area
- Travel during daylight hours where possible
Many locals still use the N2 daily without incident, but awareness is key.
Can I Safely Take an Uber at Night in Cape Town?
Yes — Uber is widely used and generally safe in Cape Town, including at night, especially in tourist areas.
Tips for Using Uber Safely
✔ Always request rides through the app (never accept “cash offers”)
✔ Confirm the number plate and driver’s name before getting in
✔ Sit in the back seat
✔ Share your trip details with a friend via the app
✔ Trust your instincts — cancel if something feels off
Uber is often safer than walking at night, particularly after dinner or drinks.
General Safety Tips for Visitors
These are simple habits that go a long way:
- Don’t display expensive jewellery, cameras, or phones unnecessarily
- Keep bags zipped and worn across the body
- Avoid quiet or poorly lit areas after dark
- Don’t leave valuables visible in parked cars
- Ask locals or your accommodation staff if you’re unsure about an area
Cape Town locals are friendly and usually happy to help — just ask.
What About Exploring Beyond the City?
Day trips to places like Cape Point, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and the Cape Winelands are very popular and safe when:
- Done with a reputable tour operator (like us, of course!)
- Or driven during the day on main routes
For wine tasting days, using a private driver or tour is both safer and more relaxing
Extra Safety Tips for First-Time Visitors
If this is your first time in Cape Town, the biggest adjustment is learning when to relax and when to be alert. The city rewards common sense.
Helpful tips for first-timers:
- Base yourself in a central, well-known neighborhood (Waterfront, Sea Point, Gardens, Camps Bay)
- Use Uber rather than walking after dark, even for short distances
- Stick to busy, populated areas, especially in the evenings
- Ask your hotel, guesthouse, or host for local advice — they know what’s current
👉 Most first-time visitors report feeling surprised at how friendly and welcoming Cape Town feels once they understand how to move around safely.
Solo Travellers: What to Know
Cape Town is a very popular destination for solo travellers, including digital nomads and long-stay visitors.
Why it works well solo:
- Excellent café culture (very normal to sit alone)
- Safe, app-based transport (Uber)
- Many shared experiences, like wine tours, hikes, and surf lessons
- Friendly locals and a strong traveller community
Smart solo habits:
- Let someone know your plans for the day
- Avoid oversharing personal details with strangers
- Trust your instincts — if something feels off, move on
Women Travelling Alone in Cape Town
Many women travel alone in Cape Town every year — safely and confidently.
Is Cape Town Safe for Women?
Yes, with awareness. Cape Town isn’t unique in this regard — it’s similar to many global cities where being alert matters more than being fearful.
Extra tips for women:
- Avoid walking alone at night (even short distances)
- Sit inside restaurants rather than on isolated outdoor edges late at night
- Use Uber door-to-door
- Keep handbags zipped and phones discreet
Most women say they feel very comfortable during the day and safe at night when using transport wisely.
Is It Safe to Eat Out Alone in Cape Town?
Yes — absolutely. Eating alone is very common and socially normal in Cape Town, especially in cafés, wine bars, and casual restaurants.
Best Areas to Eat Out Alone
These neighbourhoods are lively, well-lit, and busy into the evening:
- V&A Waterfront – very safe, lots of solo diners, great atmosphere
- Sea Point Main Road – casual eateries, constant foot traffic
- Camps Bay Strip – beachfront dining, busy and social
- Gardens & Kloof Street – trendy, relaxed, perfect for solo meals
- Constantia – wine farms with restaurants, ideal for lunch
Popular & Comfortable Spots for Solo Dining
These are well-loved, welcoming places where solo diners blend right in:
Cafés & Casual Dining
- The Power & the Glory (Tamboerskloof)
- Jason Bakery (multiple locations)
- Bootlegger Coffee Company
- Truth Coffee Roasting
- Loading Bay (Waterfront)
Wine Bars & Restaurants
- Culture Wine Bar (Bree Street)
- Publik Wine Bar
- La Parada (bar seating works well solo)
- Harbour House (Waterfront)
Waterfront favorites
- Den Anker
- Willoughby & Co
- The Watershed Food Area
👉 Sitting at the bar or window counter is common and comfortable when dining alone.
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Final Thoughts
Cape Town is not a city to fear — it’s a city to respect. With basic awareness, good transport choices, and smart planning, visitors can enjoy everything this incredible destination has to offer.
Stay informed, stay relaxed, and you’ll likely leave wondering why you didn’t come sooner.
We are an email away if you have any questions (discovercapetown360@gmail. com), or we can do a personalized itinerary for you, contact us here.
Nikki, Attie, and Karin.
