ViewsTable Mountain
A rotating cable car to the top, with the city and ocean below.
Cheap flights to Cape Town
Compare flights to Cape Town, South Africa from anywhere in the world. Add where you're leaving from, pick dates if you have them, and book with the seller.
Cape Town at a glance
- Country
- South Africa
- Airports
- Cape Town International (CPT)
- Search code
CPT- Money
- South African rand (ZAR)
Discover Cape Town
A mountain with a flat top, wild coastline, vineyards and penguins on the beach. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities on earth.
What it's called
- Mother Cityas South Africa's oldest city
- Kaapstadits Afrikaans name
- iKapaits isiXhosa name
Things to do in Cape Town
Views
NatureBoulders Beach
Swim near a colony of African penguins.
NatureCape of Good Hope
Dramatic cliffs at the southwestern tip of Africa.
HistoryRobben Island
Tours led by former political prisoners.
ShoppingV&A Waterfront
Shops, food markets and harbor views.
Day tripWinelands
Wine tasting in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, under an hour away.
About South Africa
South Africa sits at the tip of the continent where two oceans meet. It has 12 official languages, three capital cities and landscapes that run from savanna and safari parks to mountains, wine valleys and wild coastline.
- CapitalPretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein (three capitals)
- MoneySouth African rand (ZAR)
- Language12 official languages, including English, isiZulu, isiXhosa and Afrikaans
Economy
Africa's most industrialized economy. It is the world's biggest platinum producer and mines gold, coal and diamonds; Johannesburg is the continent's financial center, and wine, fruit, cars and tourism are big industries.
Culture
Called the 'Rainbow Nation' for its mix of peoples. Nelson Mandela's story is everywhere, the braai (barbecue) is a national pastime, music runs from jazz to amapiano, and rugby and cricket are passions.
Places to visit
- Kruger National Parklions, elephants and the Big Five
- Garden Routea coastal road trip of forests and lagoons
- Drakensbergdramatic peaks and rock art
- Stellenbosch and Franschhoekwine farms in the mountains
- Boulders Beacha colony of African penguins
Why South Africa is worth it for you
- Safari you can affordDrive yourself through Kruger and stay in park camps.
- Wine at low pricesExcellent local wine at a fraction of European prices.
- Little or no jet lag from EuropeSouth Africa is in a time zone close to Europe's.
- Two oceans, one tripMountains, beaches and the bush in one country.
Travel more of South Africa
Places worth adding to your trip, from Cape Town or on another visit.
NatureKruger National Park
One of Africa's great safari parks for the Big Five.
NatureGarden Route
A coastal road trip of forests, lagoons and beaches.
NatureDrakensberg
Dramatic mountains with ancient San rock art.
BeachDurban
Warm Indian Ocean beaches and a famous curry scene.
HistoryJohannesburg
Soweto, the Apartheid Museum and the gateway to safaris.
See the guide →Eat like a local
- Cape Malay curryFragrant and slightly sweet.
- BobotieSpiced minced meat with an egg topping.
- GatsbyA giant sandwich stuffed with fries and meat.
The story of Cape Town
The Khoikhoi lived here long before the Dutch East India Company set up a supply station in 1652. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years on Robben Island, just offshore.
South Africa through history
- Millions of years ago
Early human ancestors live in the Cradle of Humankind.
- 1652
The Dutch set up a station at the Cape.
- 1886
Gold is found; Johannesburg is founded.
- 1948
Apartheid laws begin.
- 1994
The first democratic elections; Nelson Mandela becomes president.
- 2010
South Africa hosts the FIFA World Cup.
Good to know
- Best time to go
- November to March is warm and dry; whale season runs from June to November.
- Getting around
- MyCiTi buses and rideshare; a car is best for the coast and winelands.
- Language
- 12 official languages, including English, isiZulu, isiXhosa and Afrikaans
Ready to see Cape Town for yourself?
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Flights to Cape Town
Tips for flying to Cape Town
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When you land in Cape Town
Places to stay, things to do and getting around, from trusted travel brands.
Questions about Cape Town
Which airports serve Cape Town?
Cape Town International (CPT). Search code: CPT.
What currency is used in Cape Town?
South African rand (ZAR).
How do I find cheap flights to Cape Town?
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