Cape Town Travel Guide
The exquisite mountain landscape isn't the only thing that Cape Town has to offer - with its stunning wildlife and botanicals and bountiful beachfronts there's much to do in this cultural capital.
When to visit Cape Town?
Cape Town is known for its Mediterranean-style climate with dry, warm summers and shorter wet, cool winters. Summer lasts from November to March and can see temperature in between 20 - 30 degrees Celsius, although the coastal winds make it feel more mild. Winter typically lasts from late-June to September and though it can be cool in the morning, the days tend to be in the high teens, meaning any time of year suits exploring the city and the stunning surrounding landscape. The shoulder season months of October and March offer the perfect combination of good weather, fewer tourists, and better rates.
Travelling to Cape Town?
Cape Town International Airport is your most likely arrival destination. The MyCiTi bus system takes you directly from the airport to Herzog Boulevard in the city centre, with buses running every twenty minutes. You will need a myconnect card or a single-trip card to use the bus network. These can be purchased at the MyCiTi station kiosk in the Transport Plaza, where you will find the bus station.
Getting around Cape Town
Public Transport in Cape Town
An option to get around Cape Town is by using the numerous bus routes across the city. There are two types of bus that operate – MyCiTi and Golden Arrow. The MyCiTi bus system is the newest and most efficient and you can buy and top up a myconnect card from station kiosks and me shops. If you’re looking to travel further afield, the Metrorail runs a commuter rail service that takes you to the suburban areas surrounding the centre.
Cycle hire in Cape Town
Try an online service like ListNRide, which allows you to rent a bicycle for as long as you require through their website. Cape Town is considered one of the most cycle-friendly places in South Africa, with plenty of designated cycle lanes in the centre, and routes out to beautiful natural spaces.
Taxis in Cape Town
Taxis tend to be found around tourist spots but be aware that the fares might be higher as a result. Taxi apps like Ubers and Bolt available and local taxi services. Agree on taxi fare before getting in, lists of fares are posted outside the hotels.
Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR): Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible Platinum Charge Card Members and Centurion® Members. Platinum Credit Card Members who are not also Australian Platinum Charge Card Members or Centurion® Members, are not eligible for FHR program benefits. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be travelling on the itinerary booked. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property. The US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the credit. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. To receive the breakfast credit, the breakfast bill must be charged to your hotel room. The breakfast credit will be applied at check-out. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check-out. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members travelling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, please call the number on the back of your Card.
The Hotel Collection Terms and Conditions
The Hotel Collection (THC): The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more, with participating properties, made through Platinum Travel Service, Centurion Travel Service or American Express Travel Online (americanexpress.com.au/travel or americanexpress.com.au/thc; Online bookings currently only available to Primary Card Members. Bookings are valid only for eligible Card Members of the following American Express Cards: American Express® Rewards Advantage Card, American Express® Explorer Credit Card, American Express® Platinum Reserve Credit Card, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Gold Business Card, American Express® Business Gold Plus Card, American Express® Platinum Card, American Express® Platinum Business Card and American Express® Centurion Card. Excludes Gold Credit Card Members who are not also Australian Rewards Advantage, Gold or Platinum Charge Card Members. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be travelling on the itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described. Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to US$100. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The US$100 credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in US Dollars or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for THC program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.
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