Is Cape Town Safe for Tourists? An Honest Local Guide

Yes. Cape Town is a safe destination for tourists who take the same sensible precautions they would in any major city. Millions of people visit the Mother City every year, and the vast majority experience nothing worse than a windy day on top of Table Mountain. The picture gets even calmer the moment you cross to the False Bay coast: villages like Simon's Town, where our guesthouse sits, are among the most relaxed corners of the Cape Peninsula.

This guide comes from our day-to-day experience as hosts at Aqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse in Simon's Town. Here is what we tell friends before their first visit.

What is the honest safety picture for visitors?

Cape Town is a city of sharp contrasts, and most of the crime that makes headlines happens far from the places tourists actually go. The areas you will likely visit, including the V&A Waterfront, the City Bowl, Camps Bay, Kirstenbosch and the peninsula villages, are well-patrolled and accustomed to international visitors. Typical advice applies: keep your phone tucked away in busy public spaces, do not leave valuables visible in a parked car, and use ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt after dark rather than walking long distances.

Is Simon's Town safe for tourists?

Very much so. Simon's Town is a small naval village with a single main road, a walkable centre, and a slow evening rhythm. Guests at Aqua Terra regularly stroll down to Jubilee Square, the harbour and local restaurants after sunset without a second thought. Our property sits in the secure Rocklands Fynbos Estate above the village, with secure off-street parking behind remote-controlled gates, so your car and luggage are looked after from the moment you arrive.

Getting around safely

• Use Uber or Bolt for city trips at night; they are widely used, affordable and trackable.
• If you hire a car, keep bags and phones out of sight, park in busy well-lit areas, and never leave items on seats.
• Ask your hosts before walking anywhere unfamiliar after dark. Locals always know which routes feel right.
• Book guided hikes rather than walking mountain trails alone; Platteklip Gorge and Lion's Head are best enjoyed with company or a group.

Ocean and wildlife safety

The sea deserves respect here. Swim at lifeguarded beaches and pay attention to the flag system; False Bay is home to sharks, and warning systems operate at key beaches such as Fish Hoek and Muizenberg. At Boulders Beach, enjoy the African penguins from the designated boardwalks and viewing areas rather than approaching them. In the Cape of Good Hope section, keep your distance from baboons and never leave car windows open with food visible. Our Boulders Beach penguin guide covers the do's and don'ts in detail.

Is Cape Town safe for solo travellers and women?

Solo travellers, including women, visit Cape Town in large numbers and travel happily with standard city awareness. Choosing accommodation in a quiet, secure setting makes a big difference to how relaxed your evenings feel. At Aqua Terra, three of our five suites have private sea-facing balconies where you can watch the sun set over False Bay without going anywhere at all.

The local's summary

Use your street sense, plan your evenings, and base yourself somewhere calm. Do that, and Cape Town rewards you with some of the most extraordinary scenery on the planet, from Table Mountain to Cape Point.

Planning a trip? Explore our five suites or contact us directly for honest, up-to-date local advice. You may also enjoy our two-day Simon's Town itinerary and our guide to restaurants in Simon's Town.