There are many great Airbnbs in Cape Town and this is definitely your best accommodation option in the Mother City.
Cape Town is a beautiful city, but also very spread out. The largest city in South Africa by population, this is a place that has tons to offer in terms of attractions and things to do and you can easily spend weeks there without ever being done exploring.
Picking a good place to stay in Cape Town – a place that is nicely located and that offers good services – is key to fully enjoying the city. The good news is that there are a lot of places to stay in Cape Town – so many that picking the best one for your may require quite some research. Airbnbs in Cape Town may well be the perfect solution. Your host can be a great source of local information – sharing tips on places to visit, things to do, local restaurants and more.
If you know where to look, you can easily find a place that is comfortable, charming, cheaper than most hotels and at times even cheaper than hostels, not to mention great value for money (you can have an entire apartment to yourself!) and safe – an aspect which shouldn’t be overlooked in a city that has the reputation of being unsafe at times.
What do you think, then? Continue reading this post and I will help you find the perfect Airbnb in Cape Town for you! I will first give you an overlook of the best neighborhoods in the city, and then pick the best Airbnbs in Cape Town.
A Quick Introduction To Cape Town’s Best Areas To Stay
Cape Town is roughly divided by the iconic Table Mountain into two sections. One side is the Atlantic Seaboard, and the other is referred to as the City Bowl, which is where you’ll find many of the city’s famous locations and tourist sights. There’s bound to be a Cape Town neighborhood that suits you.
These are the best neighborhoods in town:
BO-KAAP – Bo-Kaap is the old Malay quarter of Cape Town. Situated at the bottom of Signal Hill at the edge of the city centre, this historic district actually dates back to the 1760s. Today, Bo-Kaap is a multicultural area, with its heritage houses all painted in a rainbow of bright colors. This is also where the Cape-Malay cuisine was born – of course, there are plenty of eateries where you can sample it for yourself. You can delve into the history of the area at the Bo-Kaap Museum, while the oldest mosque in South Africa is also situated here.
DE WATERKANT – Close to Bo-Kaap, De Waterkant is a chic enclave of small boutiques, independent art galleries and restaurants serving up dishes from around the world. This district is also known as the home to Cape Town’s LGBTQ+ community, with many establishments, bars and clubs catering to the scene. A fairly trendy area, De Waterkant also boasts historic buildings and leafy, cobbled streets to explore.
WOODSTOCK – Perhaps the most hipster corner of Cape Town, Woodstock is a 10-minute stroll from the centre of the City Bowl. Here you can find artists, trend-setters and enterprising restaurateurs living side by side in a neighborhood that likes to push the boundaries. Cool places to visit include the Old Biscuit Mill, which now hosts a weekly market, food stalls and designer boutiques. Woodstock is actually one of the oldest suburbs in the city, and is awash with diverse cultures, resulting in an exciting place in which to base yourself.
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD) – Cape Town’s CBD is the beating heart of the city’s financial core. Naturally a great place to stay in Cape Town for business travelers, there is a wide range of hotel options in this skyscraper-clad part of the city. Along with its modern buildings, there are many restaurants to choose from, as well as art galleries, museums, and theaters. The CBD is a hub of nightlife, with a wide selection of bars and clubs to choose from. Visit Long Street for a broad selection of bars and clubs!
GARDENS – Situated just south of the CBD is the Gardens district. This inner-city suburb, situated on the slopes of Table Mountain itself, is named for being home to many of the city’s top green spaces. One example is Company’s Garden, an historic park originally planted in 1652 for the Dutch East India Company. There’s also Deer Park, a hidden gem good for strolls and yoga sessions alike. Among the leafy streets of this fairly residential area, visitors will find various eateries and cafes that make Gardens almost like a village within the city. Perseverance Tavern, for example, has a long history of serving travelers since its founding in 1808.
ORANJEZICHT, TAMBOERSKLOOF AND HIGGOVALE – These three areas, bordering the suburb of Gardens, form a distinct collective district among themselves. All three are affluent neighborhoods, characterized by luxury homes with views that look out across the harbor to Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. Staying in Oranjezicht, Tamboerskloof or Higgovale means being just minutes away from beaches as well as close to the CBD too. There are also public parks, such as the popular De Waal Park, to relax in.
V&A WATERFRONT – Named after British monarch Queen Victoria and her second son, Prince Alfred, the V&A Waterfront is one of the most iconic destinations within Cape Town itself, attracting over 23 million visitors annually. Crammed full of top eateries, cafes, and bars, it actually constitutes the oldest working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere.
Not only is it popular for tourists, but the V&A Waterfront is also a sought-after residential area. Attractions include a Ferris wheel and craft markets. It is also from here that you can catch the ferry over to the historical Robben Island on which Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for a large portion of his 27 year sentence. All in all, it’s a safe area, but you can expect to pay more for the location.
OBSERVATORY – Observatory is a hippie hotspot in Cape Town. Here’s where you’ll find cool kids hanging out in vinyl stores housed in old Victorian houses or thrift shopping through vintage threads. Known locally as “Obs,” the district is situated around six kilometers from the CBD, but is still well connected by public transport. With its student population and backpacking credentials, it’s a cheaper option for those traveling on a budget.
Other neighborhoods in Cape Town
Over on the Atlantic Seaboard side of town there are a number of different places to stay, but overall, it’s a more laid-back part of Cape Town. It runs between the northern and western coasts surrounding Table Mountain. As well as beaches and an array of high-end hotels, it’s also an area where many well-to-do Cape Town residents call home.
Many of those live in Fresnaye. With its gorgeous beaches and sea views, it’s the most expensive area to live in the city. Other options for beach lovers include the quiet Bantry Bay and the beautiful Clifton, which boasts four beaches to its name. Llandudno, however, arguably has the best beach. For swimming and surfing, Camps Bay is a great place to stay in Cape Town.
Next door to Camps Bay, Bakoven is something of a hidden coastal gem in Cape Town. Elsewhere, Green Point is home to Cape Town stadium, just a 20-minute walk from the V&A Waterfront. There’s also Sea Point and Three Anchor Bay, which features a long promenade, making it great for jogging, walking, or simply people-watching.
Finally, continue reading for the best Airbnbs in Cape Town. All the properties I mention are listed on Airbnb, some are listed both on Airbnb and Booking.com. In that case, I have included a link to Booking.com as it is my choice for accommodation bookings.
The Best Airbnbs In Cape Town
Studio Pad with Table Mountain Views
Location, location, location! This small studio in the Gardens is primely located right in front of the Company’s Garden and a minute walk from Long Street, where you will find an incredible selection of bars, restaurants and more. Incredibly safe thanks to the guarded entrance, you will find plenty of parking close-by. Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and other attractions are a quick Uber ride too.
The studio is perfect for a solo traveler or for a couple. There is a comfortable bed, a couch and TV set, a fully equipped kitchen, a full bathroom and a large balcony where you can enjoy your morning coffee or your evening vino.
For the latest rates, click here.
Amazing Ocean View Studio
This is a stylish contemporary studio with an open-plan design, allowing plenty of room to let the amazing sea views take center stage. It’s ideal for a couple as it fits two guests, with one bedroom and one bathroom, too. There’s a fully equipped kitchenette to rustle up some meals, as well as a wonderful balcony with views overlooking Camps Bay. There are also two swimming pools for guests to use, too.
For the latest rates, click here.
Designer Art Deco Apartment
Sleek and streamlined, this amazing Cape Town Airbnb located in the CBD features white-washed walls, parquet floors and high ceilings. It’s set within the Mutual Building, an iconic Art Deco style building dating back to the 1940s. The location is ideal for sightseeing, since it’s situated in the heart of the city within easy walking distance of top landmarks. There’s enough space here for two guests, making it another ideal apartment for couples. Staying in this cool Airbnb also means having access to parking, a gym and a communal rooftop pool as well.
For the latest rates, click here.
Luxury Garden Apartment
Situated in laid-back Sea Point, this is one of the best Airbnbs in Cape Town, making the city an ideal vacation destination. What’s more, it’s surrounded by eateries and bars. The interior of the apartment itself is stylish with a vintage, bohemian aesthetic, dotted with indoor houseplants. There’s a private outdoor terrace for sunny evenings with a glass of wine or two.
For the latest rates, click here.
Stunning Vacation Cottage
With its fresh, minimal interiors, this beautiful cottage feels bright and full of light – a relaxing place to unwind, that’s for sure. Complete with a large outdoor area surrounded by trees, the interiors are spacious with plenty of room for guests to make themselves comfortable. Situated in the Constantia Hills, it’s good for a couple or young families who feel like taking a break away from the bustle of central Cape Town.
For the latest rates, click here.
Cosy Garden Studio
If you’re a fan of good interior design, then this place certainly may catch your eye. Its white-washed interiors are accented with pops of yellow and geometric patterns, with mid-century modern furnishings throughout. Situated inside an historic bungalow, the property comes with its very own sunny front porch and sizable back garden to make the most of. Situated in a local neighborhood south of Observatory and at the foot of Table Mountain, it’s easy to get around the city from here.
For the latest rates, click here.
Stylish Beachfront Apartment
With its location close to the V&A Waterfront, this 1936 Art Deco home has been lovingly restored to include contemporary furnishings and modern interiors throughout. It’s spacious too, with large living areas and a comfortable bedroom. Easily one of Cape Town’s top Airbnbs, this place comes complete with 180-views of the surrounding scenery, but one of the best parts is the lush courtyard to relax in. You’ll also have peace of mind thanks to the 24-hour security offered at this property.
For the latest rates, click here.
Amazing Sea View Apartment
With space enough to sleep up to six guests across three bedrooms and boasting three bathrooms, this is the ideal Airbnb in Cape Town for a family holiday. This unforgettable property has some incredible views – expansive windows in the unique, highly polished living area allow guests to gaze from the lounge out across Camps Bay.
It’s a luxury apartment that’s decorated in a laid-back, nautical theme, with light blues and natural wood making it feel warm and cozy. There’s also free parking on site which is handy if you’re thinking about taking a road trip out to Cape Point Peninsula, for example.
For the latest rates, click here.
CBD Apartment with Rooftop Terrace
Simple but stylish, this compact, one-bedroom apartment actually has room to sleep three people, but it’s probably best for a couple. The location is particularly good, since you’ll find this place in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD right next to the parliament building. Staying in this building also means you’ll have access to secure onsite parking and a rooftop pool. There’s even a 24-hour concierge service to make use of, too.
For the latest rates, click here.
Designer Loft in the heart of De Waterkant
Situated in the De Waterkant neighborhood, and just a 10-minute stroll to the V&A Waterfront, this is truly one of the coolest Airbnbs in Cape Town. This is a refurbished apartment with plenty of up-to-date aesthetics running throughout – from vintage finds, antique furnishings, Smeg appliances, polished concrete floors and marble countertops. Guests can enjoy a morning coffee with a view on the small balcony, or an afternoon dip in the communal pool. This is definitely a cosy and homely place to stay, but it’s also great value for money, too.
For the latest rates, click here.
Beautiful Ocean View Apartment
Decorated throughout with designer touches, including breezy nautical themes and a neutral color palette, this large apartment is a great option for families or a group of friends visiting Cape Town. There are three bedrooms providing space for up to six guests to sleep, with two and a half bathrooms, too. There’s also a spacious, open-plan living space, complete with comfy couches, dining area and fully equipped kitchen.
But one of the best things is the large outdoor balcony which boasts views out over Camps Bay. Staying here also means having the beaches of Clifton in easy strolling distance, plus it’s just a short drive to the restaurants at Camps Bay Strip.
For the latest rates, click here.
Relaxing Family Home
Situated in Kalk Bay, so a bit outside of Cape Town, but in a secure, gated community with 24-hour security, this Airbnb in Cape Town is actually a luxury apartment decorated with beautiful furnishings and drenched with natural sunlight throughout the day. It’s a great place to stay for a family vacation, with enough room for four guests across two bedrooms. There’s also plenty of space in the lounge area. Best of all is how close the beach is from the property – it’s mere steps away.
For the latest rates, click here.
Further Readings
Make sure to check out my other posts about South Africa:
- 17 Absolutely Unmissable Things To Do In Cape Town
- The Best Tips For Visiting Cape Town
- Where To Stay In Cape Town: A First Timers’ Guide
- 10 Great Day Trips From Cape Town
- 3 Unmissable Things To Do In Johannesburg – On A 24 Hours Layover
- 20 Fabulous Places To Visit In South Africa
- 7 Amazing Estates To Do Wine Tasting In Stellenbosch
- 17 Cool Things To Do In Stellenbosch
- A Guide To The Things To Do In Knysna And On The Garden Route
- 6 Areas Where To Find Accommodation In Knysna
- The Best Beaches In South Africa
- 20 Fun Things To Do In Durban
- The Best Beaches In Cape Town
- Is Cape Town Safe For Tourists?
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