Where to Stay in CAPE TOWN • City Center vs V&A Waterfront vs Stellenbosch

Cape Town. The city where you’ll instantly fall in love with the views, the food, and the occasional dose of adrenaline. But while this city is a total charmer, it’s also got a bit of a rep for being, well, let’s say, ‘exciting’ in ways you don’t always want after dark. But is it true? Should you be worried? And which area should you stay?

To say that Cape Town is complicated is an understatement. It’s where the mountains are epic, the seascapes are majestic, and figuring out where to stay is harder than choosing between wine and more wine. But don’t worry, in this article, we’ll help you figure out where to stay based on our personal experience when we traveled to South Africa.

Will it be the affordability and easy access to key attractions of the city center? Maybe the V&A Waterfront, where you can shop, eat, and take Instagram-worthy photos every five steps? Or, perhaps Stellenbosch, which is technically outside Cape Town, but hey, nothing says secure like being surrounded by endless vineyards and the worst that can happen is maxing out your credit card?

Cape Town City Center (aka City Bowl)

City center, City Bowl, downtown. Don’t be confused. They all refer to the same thing. The Cape Town city center is called the City Bowl because of its unique geographic shape, like a bowl surrounded by mountains. But whatever you want to call it, one thing is true: it is the heart of the city — vibrant and full of life.

Staying here gives you quick access to some of the best restaurants, museums, and shops. By day, it’s a fun place to explore, and you’ll find yourself bouncing between coffee shops, snapping pics of Table Mountain, and maybe catching a quirky street performance. Plus, you’re close to public transport, making it super easy to get around.

But here’s the catch—once the sun goes down, it gets a little… well, complicated. Cape Town is consistently among the most dangerous cities on earth.

We intentionally spent some nights in the city center to debunk its reputation for being unsafe. The locals we met told us much of it is overblown because most crimes are concentrated in certain areas — areas that tourists don’t normally go to anyway. But they also discouraged us from roaming the streets downtown after dark, especially alone. That includes the staff of the hotel we were staying in. This kind of made us slightly more nervous.

So yeah, City Bowl’s great, we didn’t have any bad experience here but we were cautious. Maybe use Uber when you get caught outside past sunset.

But why do tourists still choose to stay here? Aside from accessibility, it’s also very budget-friendly. On our last few nights in Cape Town, we stayed at Daddy Long Legs, which was cool, funky, and a little offbeat. Far from your typical chain accommodation, it’s known for its artsy vibe, where each room is individually designed by local artists. Staying here feels like stepping into Cape Town’s creative scene itself.

As for amenities, the rooms are cozy and they come with just the basics: comfy beds, ensuite bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi, but don’t expect lavish extras like room service or a pool. And they got the friendliest, most helpful staff. They helped us pick where to eat, where to get a cup of good coffee or cocoa, and whether or not we should go to the places on our itinerary.

Historically, Daddy Long Legs started as a boutique art hotel and has since become a go-to for travelers looking for something with character and charm. It’s not the fanciest hotel in the city, but it’s definitely got soul.

V&A Waterfront

Now we’re talking! But before I discuss V&A Waterfront, let’s talk about the greater Atlantic Seaboard first. Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard is a section of the city’s coastline that runs along the western side of the Cape Peninsula, bordering the Atlantic Ocean (hence the name).

It’s best known for its breathtaking views, beautiful beaches, and vibrant neighborhoods that are more affluent than downtown including Camps Bay, Bantry Bay, Sea Point, and Green Point. All of these are generally safe choices for tourists, but the most ideal of them all is V&A Waterfront.

Why? It offers the vibe and views of the other neighborhoods — Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, ocean and all that jazz — but more accessible. It’s closer to the city center, where most museums and historic landmarks are located. And it’s also the jump off point for many other activities like sunset cruises and helicopter rides. Plus, Sea Point and Green Point are nearby if you want a quieter stay with beaches, cool promenade walks, and trendy brunch spots. You’ll get the best of both worlds here.

Downsides? It can get touristy and a bit pricey, but honestly, the convenience and vibe are worth it. Here at V&A, we stayed at Radisson RED Cape Town V&A, right in the middle of the action. Radisson RED is the hip, modern cousin of the Radisson family.

It’s got a funky, youthful vibe, with bold scarlet colors and a very Instagrammable aesthetic. Think giant murals and rooftop pools. Yes, rooftop pool. And by the pool is a bar — the RED Rooftop — which is great for spectacular views of the Table Mountain and the waterfront.

Even our room had a vista that was pretty hard to match. We never closed our blinds, not even once, during our stay here. The room assigned to us was spacious, too!

And while it’s minimalistic, the attention to detail is refreshing. For example, the closet door handles also double as hooks. And the graphic typography on the door also reminded us of the important details of our stay.

In terms of price, Radisson RED sits in the middle. It’s not a budget hotel, but despite the convenience, it’s not too expensive. Expect prices to skyrocket in peak season like all things do, but in lean and shoulder months, the rates are reasonable. No wonder most travel agencies like Constellation Travels choose this as lodging for their clients.

If you want easy access to Cape Town’s best attractions, good vibes, and a little luxury without going overboard, Radisson RED nails it.

Stellenbosch

OK, let’s clarify first. Stellenbosch is NOT within Cape Town, but it is very close —- about 50 minutes northeast– and is a favorite among those who want a more relaxing, more romantic, more special South African getaway. It’s part of the Cape Winelands region and is known for its beautiful vineyards, historic architecture, and university town atmosphere.

Staying here gives you access to some incredible wineries, where you can taste wine, wander the gardens, and live out your “I’m in a vineyard scene from a rom-com” fantasy. It’s also got a pretty notable food scene, with restaurants serving everything from fine dining to farm-to-table fare.

We recently got an invite to stay overnight at Lanzerac Hotel and Spa in Stellenbosch, and it hits different. If you’re after old-world elegance and pure indulgence, this five-star hotel might be for you. The hotel is housed in one of the oldest wine estates in the country, dating back to 1692! The estate itself is historic, blending Cape Dutch architecture with modern luxury.

As we drove into the property, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d somehow stumble onto a movie set. The first that greeted us was its cinematic rows of oak trees, surrounded by majestic mountains and sprawling vineyards. And at the end of this tree tunnel was Cape Dutch architecture that made me feel out-of-words and very out-of-place. You see, we came straight from a game drive in Kruger National Park then flew to Cape Town Airport to get here. We were not appropriately dressed for all this opulence.

After checking in and a delicious welcome drink, we were taken to our spacious room with a chandelier, plush furnishings, a marshmallow-soft bed, antique decors, and a terrace that opened up to courtyard views. I stood there for a moment, trying to figure out if I was dreaming or if someone had mixed up my reservation with a celebrity.

After settling in, just when the sun was about to set, I ventured out to explore the estate. The sprawling grounds were a delight, with beautifully manicured gardens and pathways.

Now, let’s talk about the food. Lanzerac has four on-site dining spots:

• Manor Kitchen
• Lanzerac Deli
• Taphuis
• Craven Lounge

We only got to try the Manor Kitchen, but its menu was filled with gourmet dishes that sounded fancy enough to have their own wine estate. For starters, I had crispy pork belly and king oyster scallops served with apple celeriac puree and spiced mushroom juice (ZAR 160) which I paired with Lanzerac’s homegrown Pinotage Rosé 2023, which is made from 100% Pinotage grapes. That might not be a good pairing at all, but I wanted something aromatic to flush down the savoriness of my appetizer.

Vins, on the other hand, had crayfish cacio e pepe (ZAR 325), which used chive linguini with thermidor. It’s seafood and cheese goodness, balanced well by the pink peppers. I know because I had a taste of it. He paired it with fruity Lanzerac 2023 sauvingnon blanc to cut the richness.

For mains, I had a duo of lamb belly and cutlet (ZAR 310), which was so tender it practically sang to me. It was served with artichoke, potato gratin, and lemon onion soubise. Paired it with a glass of smoky 2021 pinotage, which was matured for 16 months in French oak. I thought its spicy notes complemented the dish really well.

Vins had the smoked fillet mignon (ZAR 290), served with sweetbreads, roast heirloom carrots and garlic potato puree. It was a perfect medium rare and the light seasoning of the steak went well with the plum and berry notes of his merlot. But don’t trust us. We don’t know half of the things we’re saying when it comes to wine.

If you’re interested in wines, we were told the wine-tasting room is a must for guests who want to sample their award-winning vintages. But because we had very limited time, we didn’t get to try it. We didn’t get to explore the rest of the property as we would be leaving early the next morning.

On the flip side, Stellenbosch is a bit far from the main Cape Town attractions, so if you’re looking to mix up your beach and city sightseeing with wine tastings, the travel time can be a drag. But if your main goal is to unwind and sip vino or you simply want to get away from it all, Stellenbosch might just be for you!

Which Area is the Best?

We’ve tried staying at all these districts, and we found them to be completely different from each other. But ultimately, it all boils down to why you’re in South Africa and how much you’re willing to spend.

• If you’re on a budget or on a backpacking trip, the City Bowl (city center) offers a lot of affordable lodging options with strong sense of community and in close proximity to a lot of key attractions. Just be cautious when going around at night.
• If you’re after convenience and safety, the V&A Waterfront really is the best place to stay. Everything is within easy reach from here, from shopping spots to tours to restaurants. Even the other famous neighborhoods can be easily reached when you’re staying here.
• If you’re after a luxurious stay away from it all, then choose Stellenbosch. It’s also ideal for those who are celebrating something special like honeymoon or anniversary.

Each has its own character and appeals to very different markets and types of travelers.

Tour Package vs DIY

Our stay in Cape Town was half-DIY, half-collaboration with Constellation Travels. And I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that it can be explored DIY-style. There are some areas where you must observe extra caution and areas you must avoid, but it can be done.

That said, for Filipinos like us, South Africa is one of those destinations that feel like once-in-a-lifetime, and if you’re in Cape Town to relax and don’t want to think of anything else, then go ahead and book a tour package. It does come with benefits.

As one of the most established travel agencies in the Philippines, Constellation Travels has been helping Filipino travelers explore the world since 1970. From group tours to custom itineraries, they offer South Africa packages that take the hassle out of planning, letting you focus on what really matters: enjoying your vacation.

Traveling in a foreign country can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you have more budget than time, go for it. They’ll take care of your visas, flight bookings, and accommodations. Plus, they offer 24/7 support, so you’re never left hanging.

Get in touch with Constellation Travels through these contact numbers and email address, or visit their official website at constellationtravels.com.ph.