Your Guide to the Best Bed and Breakfasts in Cape Town, South Africa

Dec 08, 2025 0

Cape Town, a bustling city full of life, offers a diverse range of neighborhoods to explore. From modern to heritage, coastal to country, Cape Town boasts some beautiful and well-priced B&Bs. Home to some grand Cape-Dutch abodes and welcoming locals, our top bed and breakfasts in Cape Town have something to suit every traveler.

If you haven’t got a ton of time to comb through the entire article then I’ll make it easy for you by showing you my top 3 picks for where to stay in Cape Town.

Because of that, there are so many different neighborhoods to explore. You’ll find that most of the hotels and accommodation offerings are centered near the beaches or the V&A Waterfront area. However, there are some magical luxury and boutique hotels (and ultra-romantic hotels!) around Cape Town that are worth a little extra drive for a stunning, relaxing, and serene atmosphere.

Here’s where I would personally choose to stay in Cape Town. Plus, it’s just so pretty with its pastel-coloured cottages and cute cafes. It’s also a very LGBTQ+ friendly area.

Okay, the first thing that you should know about Cape Town is that it’s a pretty compact city, so you don’t need to worry too much about where to stay. I know that Cape Town has a reputation as a dangerous city, but most of the crime takes place in the outskirts.

De Waterkant: Our B&B and two of our self-catering accommodations are based in De Waterkant, one of the most attractive parts of central Cape Town.

Gardens: Gardens is a super central neighbourhood with beautiful views of Table Mountain. Gardens is close to pretty much everything, and I love the bustling feel of this area.

Sea Point: I lived in Sea Point for a year and I LOVED it. Sea Point is also close to the Clifton Beaches and boasts its own rock pool beach, which is a favourite hangout of mine. Meanwhile, you can’t beat a walk on the promenade! Sea Point also has a growing number of cute bars and restaurants, like Arthur’s Mini Super, Maggy Lou’s, and Only Fools.

Tamboerskloof: Tamboerskloof is a scenic neighbourhood nestled in the slopes of Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. It’s also right near the city’s best nightlife and it’s super easy to access all of the major attractions from here. Accommodation here is relatively affordable for tourists and there are lots of fantastic guest houses in this neck of the woods.

V&A Waterfront: For one, it means that many of the city’s most prestigious hotels can be found around here! There are also lots of fantastic restaurants right next to the water and plenty of fun bars. The Oranjezicht Farmers Market takes place on Saturday and Sunday mornings, plus Wednesday night during the summer.

Read also: Bed and Breakfasts in Stellenbosch

Clifton: Basically, if you’re all about the beach, Clifton is a dream.

Green Point: Green Point is between Sea Point and De Waterkant. It’s a slightly less exciting neighborhood than the other two but it’s safe with plenty of amenities and it’s located close to pretty much everything. Along Main Road and Somerset Road (which merge into one another), there are also a handful of good restaurants such as Bao Down and El Burro, which are two of my all-time favourites. Plus, I do like Green Point Park and the DHL Stadium is in this area.

Camps Bay: Okay I know I have to mention Camps Bay, because it’s one of Cape Town’s most famous areas. While I do enjoy coming to Camps Bay to enjoy dinner and drinks on the strip from time to time, it’s a bit too busy and touristy for my liking on the whole. It’s an expensive area.

Vredehoek: Vredehoek is a safe and more residential neighbourhood nestled beneath Table Mountain. The area is pretty peaceful on the whole. One benefit of staying here is that the accommodation tends to be a little more affordable, too. There are lots of friendly guest houses in this area.

If it’s your first time visiting Cape Town, the chances are you’re concerned about safety. For that reason, I would suggest avoiding the following areas.

The CBD: It’s okay and certainly convenient if you’re short on time, but I got cat-called and harassed quite a bit when I stayed here.

Here are some standout B&Bs in Cape Town, each offering a unique experience:

Featured Bed and Breakfasts

Villa Puccini: Boasting an outdoor swimming pool and views of pool, Villa Puccini is a bed and breakfast set in a historic building in Cape Town, 5.7 km from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. These adult-only luxurious suites include 32 to 40-inch LCD TVs and offer views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Atholl House: Providing city views, Atholl House is located in the Camps Bay district of Cape Town, 1 km from Camps Bay Beach and 4.9 km from Table Mountain.
Jardin d'Ebene Boutique Guesthouse: Jardin d'Ebene Boutique Guesthouse is a very special place - most guests realise that immediately when they come in and see the garden and pool area, very unique in the Central Cape Town area!
Abbey Manor: Abbey Manor nestles on the slopes of Table Mountain in the upmarket and tranquil suburb of Oranjezicht, overlooking the splendor of Cape Town.
Himmelblau Boutique Bed and Breakfast: Set in the suburb of Oranjezicht in Cape Town, Himmelblau Boutique Bed and Breakfast boasts an outdoor pool and views of Table Mountain.
Acorn House: Acorn House is situated in an early 20th-century residence and features views of Lion’s Head, Table Mountain and the City. The property has an outdoor pool surrounded by lush gardens.
LOLOHO LODGE - 24h solar power: 700 metres from Rocklands Beach, LOLOHO LODGE - 24h solar power is a recently renovated 4-star bed and breakfast in Cape Town, providing rooms with free WiFi and outdoor swimming pool. Members of the staff are dedicated to making your stay special.
Radium Hall: Set on the slopes of Cape Town's Signal Hill, in Tamboerskloof, Radium Hall offers views of Table Mountain.
Harfield Guest Villa: Boasting an outdoor swimming pool and views of pool, Harfield Guest Villa is a bed and breakfast set in a historic building in Cape Town, 4.4 km from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Harbour View Lodge: Harbour View Lodge a 4 star guest house situated on the slopes of the mountain overlooking the entire False Bay. We offer 5 double rooms, sea facing, fantastic views. The rooms have en-suite full bathrooms and balconies.

Additional Options:

Le Gouverneur Guesthouse: If it's a view you want, Le Gouverneur is the home for you!
Cheviot Place Guest House: Sit back and let the sun, beautiful views and relaxed atmosphere soothe you in this welcoming 100-year-old Victorian style home.
Blackheath Lodge: Centrally located to the Waterfront, Clifton & Camps Bay beaches, a luxurious 4 star owner/managed guesthouse with 10 beautiful, spacious en-suite rooms & private heated swimming pool. Delicious breakfast served on the terrace.
Valley Heights Guest House B&B: Set in a quiet, safe, leafy suburb, Valley Heights has easy access to the Waterfront, Kirstenbosch, False Bay and Atlantic seaboards.
Jambo Guest House: Jambo is an oasis of peace and tranquility situated at the foot of Signal Hill in bustling Green Point.
Blue on Blue: Romantic, quiet B&B on seaside slope 100m from warm water beach. Spectacular bay and mountain views! Watch whales from your room.
St. Alpha du Cap Guest House & Conference Venue: Conveniently located, AA highly recommended Guest House with garden, swimming pool, whirlpool, all rooms en-suite with TV, iPod, radio & alarm, wireless internet, safe, mini bar. B&B or self catering.

Other Accommodation Types:

Banksia Boutique Hotel & Spa: Banksia Boutique Hotel & Spa features Victorian-style architecture. It has a spa, indoor 12 meter swimming pool and garden.
POD Camps Bay: POD Camps Bay is a stunning boutique hotel, situated right on Camps Bay beach! It’s walkable to a choice of restaurants and bars, plus their breakfast is top-notch.
The Silo Hotel: The Silo Hotel is an old grain silo that was open from 1924 to 2001. It was then turned into a luxurious hotel consisting of 28 rooms including a one-bedroom penthouse. The room categories range from the silos rooms, including harbor views and a balcony, to the royal suites which featured 2 bedrooms and a balcony.
South Beach: South Beach is a gorgeous collection of waterfront apartments in Camps Bay. As you can imagine, they are fairly luxurious and have modern amenities, flat-screen TVs, free WI-FI, oceanfront views, and continental breakfast served in-room.
VRBO rentals: VRBO rentals are abundant in Cape Town and offer some beautiful properties at affordable prices!

Additional Information:

Car hire is available at this bed and breakfast and the area is popular for golfing.
The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at the bed and breakfast.

Cape Town offers breathtaking views from every angle.

Table: Transportation Options in Cape Town

Transportation	Description	Notes
Uber	One of the best ways to get around Cape Town.	Cost-effective due to short distances between attractions.
My CitiBus	Affordable way to get around the city.	Buy a transport code from stations and top it up.
Rent a Car	Recommended for exploring around the Cape and beyond.	Gas stations accept cash and credit.
Rent a Scooter	Popular in Cape Town.	Great for scenic drives around Cape Point.

Dining and Nightlife in Cape Town

One of my favorite things about Cape Town is that the city has an almost endless list of places to eat. And don’t get me started on the Cape Town markets! Cape Town also has an incredible coffee culture. There are loads of cute cafes all around the CBD and the city is even home to one of the best coffee shops in the world!

Truth Coffee: Grab your daily cup of joe at Truth Coffee!
Tribe Coffee: Tribe is an exceptional café in the heart of Cape Town.
Bootlegger Coffee: A small chain across Cape Town, Bootlegger coffee shops have quickly become my favorite.
Clark’s: Perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Jason’s Bakery: I highly recommend The Bomb Breakfast and Jason’s Bakery.
Loading Bay: Located on the Waterfront, the Loading Bay is a beautiful place to grab a quick morning meal.
Bobo’s Brasserie: Bobo’s Brasserie is a good beachfront spot in Mouille Point that’s perfect for brunch or lunch.
The Old Biscuit Mill: The Old Biscuit Mill is a heartfelt collaboration between chefs, designers, photographers, and other artists in and around town.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market: The Oranjezicht Market is open every Saturday and Sunday and has quickly become my favorite market in the city.
Test Kitchen: Located in The Old Biscuit Mill, The Test Kitchen is a blend of South African and Latin cuisine with inventive dishes.
Shortmarket Club: With the same owners as The Pot Luck Club and The Test Kitchen, this restaurant is another big hit.
The Stack: Named one of the top restaurants in Cape Town, you can’t go wrong with a visit to The Stack.
Kloof Street House: Located at the foot of the city’s vibrant Kloof Street, is a beautiful Victorian house.
Tjing Tjing: A 200-year-old house in the heart of Cape Town is where you’ll find some of the best Japanese food in the city.
Hesheng: For authentic Chinese food on a budget, visit Hesheng in Sea Point.
Kyoto Garden: An award-winning Japanese restaurant in the trendy suburb of Gardens.
Obi: Located on Cape Town’s vibrant Long Street, Obi serves up some of the city’s best ramen and sushi.
Hokey Poke: From the shores of Hawaii to Cape Town is the latest trend to hit the city: poke bowls.
Cod Father: Codfather Seafood & Sushi is a lively restaurant that’s always full of hungry patrons.
Sevruga: With incredible views of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, Sevruga is a delicious fine dining experience.

There are tons of things to do in Cape Town during the day, and the city doesn’t slow down after sunset.

Village Idiot: If you want to grab a drink with the locals, head to The Village Idiot.
The Gin Bar: Tucked away behind Honest Chocolate in a hidden courtyard is The Gin Bar.
The Stack: Located in the center of Gardens, The Stack is one of Cape Town’s most Instagrammable bars.
The Silo Hotel Bar: The Silo Hotel has one of the best rooftop bars in Cape Town to watch the sunset.

Activities and Excursions

You can’t run out of things to do in Cape Town. If you’re an adventure lover, it’s especially a great place for you-from water sports to hiking, windsurfing, paragliding, and helicopter tours, you can get your adrenaline fix. Depending on the time of year you’ll be visiting, I’ve also rounded up my favorite things to do in Cape Town in the summer and in the winter months.

Take a drive along the beautiful coastal road to scenic Cape Point. The highway will take you through stunning coastal views-Muizenberg’s colorful beach huts, Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach (penguins!), Sentinel Peak and to the winding Chapman’s Peak Road.
You can hop on the cable car to scale nearby Table Mountain and see its panoramic views.
Cape Town is home to quite a few beautiful beaches. The most famous beach is Clifton 2nd located on the western coast.
Several companies offer scenic helicopter flights of Cape Town with stunning views of the city and the Cape!
Since 2010, Woodstock has been the epicenter for street art, and these days you can hire a guide to take you around to see more than 40 pieces of artwork from local and international artists.
Take a trip a few hours out of the city and get your chance to see the Big 5 on a real African game drive!
Located an hour outside of Cape Town, the Atlantis Sand Dunes are the city’s best-kept secret.
Formerly known as the Malay Quarter, Bo Kaap is situated at the foot of Signal Hill. The colorful houses date back to the 1760s when rental houses were leased to slaves.
Another great experience is a traditional Cape Malay meal at one of the many restaurants. These usually consist of fruit, spices, veggies, and meat.

Hiking Trails

Lion’s Head: One of the more popular hikes in Cape Town is Lion’s Head.
Skelton Gorge: For a longer hike, make your way up Skelton Gorge.
Newlands Forest: There are multiple hikes that you can take inside Newlands Forest.
Kloof Corner: Only a 20-minute hike up the slopes of Table Mountain, this is one of the best short hikes in the city.

Lion's Head is a popular hiking destination in Cape Town.

LGBTQ+ travelers: South Africa is the perfect introduction to the African continent for LGBTQ+ travelers because unlike the rest of Africa, same-sex marriage is legal and there are legal protections against discrimination.

One of our favorite B&Bs in Cape Town, perfectly placed for near all the best restaurants and bars, Glen Hotel sets itself apart by being the city's number one gay-friendly stay.

Tucked away in leafy Higgovale, Alta Bay is a small stylish B&B with gorgeous airy suites and leafy private terraces.

The CUBE Guest House enjoys an elevated position in Houts Bay so has fabulous views both over the sea and mountains. It's a five star property with six individually designed modern rooms and suites, most with private terrace to soak up the views. Lovely gardens with a pool for relaxing complete the picture.

A firm favourite bed and breakfast in Cape Town, 2inn1 Kensington is a 'one of a kind'. The best of both world's, Four Rosmead is a perfectly located bed and breakfast between Cape Town's city centre and Table Mountain National Park.

Certain units in the bed and breakfast have private entrance and are equipped with desk and wardrobe.

These adult-only luxurious suites include 32 to 40-inch LCD TVs and offer views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The units are equipped with air conditioning, a fridge, a minibar, a kettle, a shower, bathrobes and a desk.

This family heritage home offers luxury accommodation for weary travelers.

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I don’t blame you. I’ve been lucky enough to live in quite a few different neighbourhoods during my time here.

So in this guide, I’ve made it super easy for you by highlighting the best areas of Cape Town to stay in, and the pros and cons of each of them.

Thanks so much for reading this blog post! I hope it gave you a much clearer idea of where to stay in Cape Town.

Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Ashbourne bed and breakfast is located in Hazyview, a 20-minute drive from the entrance to Kruger National Park.

Located just a short walk from the centre of Montagu, a town along Route 62, this charming bed and breakfast impresses with genuine hospitality and a spectacular setting.

Situated in the heart of Franschhoek, Les Chambres Guest House is only a 2-minute walk from some of the Cape Wineland’s finest restaurants.