Deciding where to stay in Cape Town is a hard decision, as there are so many options and lots of factors to consider like budget, your itinerary and perhaps if you are going with children. And of course, safety plays a huge part in deciding the location (check out our post on safety in Cape Town).

As a couple who likes to be central to the areas we plan to spend the most time in, we did a lot of research on what would work well for us, we also consider things like local restaurants and bars and if these are in a walkable distance and also grocery stores, as we mostly stay in AirBnBs and like the option to be able to cook for ourselves or at least have the facilities to keep drinks, snacks and not fully rely on having to eat out every day.

The Area We Stayed in: Green Point (Our Honest Experience)

Green Point is the area we decided to stay in during our time in Cape Town, and overall it worked extremely well for us as a couple. We stayed in an AirBnB close to the seafront and Cape Town Stadium, which meant we were in walking distance of the V&A Waterfront, as well as plenty of restaurants and bars.  We found this a very central location enabling us to fit in all of our itinerary. Our AirBnB also came with a secure parking space, which was essential for us having hired a car.

From a safety point of view, Green Point felt comfortable and well populated, particularly during the day and early evenings. On a couple of occasions, we walked to and from dinner and didn’t feel uneasy doing so, even when it was a bit later at night. The area felt calm but still lively enough that there were always people around, which definitely added to the sense of security.

Location-wise, Green Point was ideal for getting around Cape Town. It was a short walk to the V&A Waterfront, where we spent many mornings and afternoons, and also a short drive to Sea Point, Camps Bay and the city centre. This made day trips to Table Mountain, Boulders Beach and Cape Winelands very easy. Having a central base meant we felt like we were never spending too much time in the car.

One of the things we really liked about staying in Green Point was that it felt less touristy than some areas, while still being visitor friendly. It had a good balance between feeling local and feeling safe, which is something we value when travelling as a couple. It is also budget friendly, not the cheapest area but also not the most expensive.

When we visit Cape Town again, Green Point is definitely an area we would consider again.

Other Popular Areas to Stay in Cape Town (Based on our research)

V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is one of the most popular areas to stay in Cape Town, particularly for first time visitors. It is still very central and you are surrounded by restaurants, shops and attractions. It’s considered one of the safest areas in Cape Town, largely because it’s very tourist-focused and has higher security measures in place. Because of that, accommodation is a bit more on the expensive side. However, it is a great option if you want convenience and you also don’t plan on hiring a car, as you have many transport options.

Sea Point

Sea Point is lively, still pretty central and known for its promenade, cafes and ocean view properties. It is popular with the locals and tourists and it does offer a good range of accommodation options. It is slightly more expensive and busier than Green Point but still a solid choice for couples who want to be closer to the action and nightlife.

When driving through Sea Point, it did look like an area we would consider staying in a future visit to Cape Town. However, it is a bit more of a walk to the V&A Waterfront.

Camps Bay

Camps Bay is known for its beach, sunsets and luxury feel. While it is definitely one of the more beautiful areas to stay in Cape Town, it’s also one of the most expensive and less central for sightseeing. We feel this area would be more suited to couples who have maybe been to Cape Town before and are looking for a more relaxed, beach-focused stay over the tourist attractions.

Budget Tips for Accommodation in Cape Town

Apartment vs Hotel

For couples travelling to Cape Town, we feel apartments (such as AirBnBs) often offer better value for money than hotels, especially for longer stays. Having access to a kitchen can significantly reduce food costs, particularly if, like us, you don’t want to eat out for every breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Apartments also tend to feel more local, which we personally prefer when travelling as a couple. Hotels can still be a good option for shorter stays or if you value on-site amenities, such as housekeeping, a pool or breakfast included, but from a budget and flexibility point of view, we’d personally choose an apartment.  

Location over Luxury

We feel location is far more important than luxury when it comes to budget. Staying in a central, well connected area sometimes can be more costly per night, but you are saving money on transport and time spent travelling across the city. Green Point, Sea Point and V&A Waterfront all easy access to major attractions, restaurants and beaches so you are less reliant on taxis or long drives. Higher- end stays, perhaps in Camps Bay or even in the Winelands, would be more suited to couples who aren’t looking to travel around as much or visit the tourist attractions.

Car Hire vs Walkability

Whether or not you hire a car or not can have an impact on accommodation budget. If you choose a walkable area close to restaurants, shops and attractions, you may not need to hire a car at all as you can use Uber for the slightly longer journeys. On the other hand, hiring a car can be worthwhile for longer stays and if you plan to explore Cape Point, Boulders Beach and the Winelands. With hiring a car, you also need to think about choosing accommodation with secure parking.

We personally did hire a car for our first trip to Cape Town, as we wanted the freedom to explore the further afield attractions however if we do go back, we wouldn’t feel like it’s necessary if we were still staying in a central location.  Car hire and Ubers are both relatively affordable in Cape Town, so it really comes down to personal preference and your itinerary.  

Final Thoughts: Best Areas to Stay in Cape Town for Couples

Choosing where to stay in Cape Town really depends on your travel style, budget and what you want to prioritise during your trip.

For us a couple, Green Point offered best balance of location safety, walkability and value for money. Being so central made getting around Cape Town incredibly easy.

If it’s your first time visiting and you want maximum convenience, the V&A Waterfront is a great option, especially if you don’t plan to hire a car. Sea Point is ideal if you want a lively atmosphere with great food options, while Camps Bay suits couples looking for a more relaxed, beach-focused stay, maybe best for second visits.

Wherever you choose to stay, doing a bit of research and picking an area which suits your itinerary will make a huge difference to your overall experience in Cape Town.

You can also read our full post on Is Cape Town safe for Tourists? to help you decide which area feels right for you.