Is Cape Town Safe for Families?
Yes, Cape Town can be safe for families if you stay in the right neighborhoods, use common sense, and follow local advice. Most violent crime happens away from tourist areas, and millions of travelers visit every year without issues. Like any big city, it’s about knowing where to go, what to avoid, and how to stay alert.
One South African friend told us the other day that Cape Town is the city of extremes: It is extremely safe in some areas and extremely unsafe in others. So, try to stay in the extremely safe ones!
Why Cape Town Feels Different for Us
The first time we came here was back in 2017. It was our honeymoon; I was six months pregnant with Lila, and honestly, people would say we were crazy. South Africa? Pregnant? Safety?
But the truth? We felt perfectly fine. We explored the Waterfront, drove around the Cape Peninsula, did the touristy Table Mountain cable car, and even parts of the Garden Route. At no point did we feel unsafe. The only time we got a reality check was when we parked our rental car overnight on a public street in the CBD. The next morning, the row covers had been stolen. Lesson learned. I wouldn’t do that again.
Fast forward to today. We’re back, this time not as honeymooners, but as a family of four. Lila is eight now, Ruby is four, and we’ve settled here for three months. The kids go to an international school, we work from cafés or at home, and our weekends are packed with family adventures.
I actually feel safer today than I did back then. Maybe because we live more like locals now. We stick to family-friendly places, we know which areas to avoid, and we use Uber or drive our rental car everywhere. Cape Town is now our everyday life, not just a holiday destination, and it’s working out.
👉 Don’t have time to read the whole article? These are the best Cape Town Tours!
👉 Find Family-Friendly Hotels in Cape Town.
What the Official Warnings Say
If you read government websites before coming, you’ll probably panic.
The U.S. State Department says “exercise increased caution.” The UK travel advice mentions violent crime and carjackings. Australia and Canada warn about petty theft, ATM scams, and township safety.
And yes, all of that exists. South Africa has a high crime rate compared to Europe or North America. But here’s the important bit: most crime happens in neighborhoods where tourists don’t go. Stick to safe areas, stay aware, and you’ll likely be fine—just like us and the millions of other travelers who pass through every year.
The Real Risks in Cape Town
Let’s not sugarcoat it. There are risks, but they’re manageable if you know about them.
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching: especially in crowded spots like Long Street or busy markets.
- Car break-ins: don’t leave bags in your rental. Even empty bags tempt thieves.
- ATM scams: use machines inside malls or banks, never random ones on the street.
- Driving risks: carjackings and smash-and-grabs do happen, especially if you stop at traffic lights with windows open.
- Hiking muggings: a real thing. If you hike Table Mountain or Lion’s Head, go in a group.
Does this mean you’ll definitely run into trouble? No. But it means you should treat Cape Town like a big city. Same rules as New York, Rio, or Barcelona.
Where to Stay (and Where Not To)
When people ask, “Is Cape Town safe?”, what they really mean is: where should I book my hotel?
Best areas for tourists and families:
- City Bowl: Gardens, Tamboerskloof, Oranjezicht (central and lively)
- Sea Point & Green Point: walkable, close to the Waterfront, family-friendly
- Camps Bay & Clifton: upscale, beach views, great for holidays
- Constantia & Southern Suburbs: peaceful, family lifestyle (this is where we live now)
Here are a few of the amazing hotels I can recommend in these safe areas:
Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town
- From $210 (€180) per night (Standard Room)
- Modern family-friendly hotel near the V&A Waterfront with pool, gym, and free shuttle to main attractions
Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
- From $400 (€431) per night (Classic Room)
- Rooms with ocean views, kids staying free, 2 pools, gardens, and even a private cinema
Lagoon Beach Hotel
- From $150 (€140) per night (2-bdr Apartment)
- Beachfront hotel, 2 pools, kids staying free, and stunning Table Mountain views
Trendy but mixed: Woodstock & Observatory. Lots of cool cafés and art, but safety depends on the street. When we went thrifting in Woodstock the other evening, I had mixed feelings. Quite a few homeless people approached us. Nothing happened, but it didn’t feel great, and I thought, ‘this is fine on my own, but not a place I’d bring the girls. But for some shopping or bar hopping without kids, it’s perfect.
Areas to avoid: Khayelitsha, Nyanga, and other townships unless you’re on a guided tour. Crime rates are high, and it’s not a place to just wander on your own.
From personal experience: We’ve stayed in the City Bowl and Sea Point before. Now we’re in Constantia. All three feel incredibly safe, especially with kids.
Everyday Safety Tips for your Cape Town Trip
These are the rules we live by here:
- Don’t walk alone at night. Uber is cheap, use it.
- Keep valuables hidden. I don’t wear expensive jewelry.
- At traffic lights, keep windows closed and doors locked.
- Use ATMs in shopping malls, never on the street.
- Don’t flash your phone around, especially in the city center. I always try to hide that I have my laptop and phone with me when I’m on my way to a cafe to work.
- On hikes, always go with others. We’ve hiked Lion’s Head and Table Mountain, but only on busy days.
- For rental cars: never park overnight on the street. Back in 2017, when we left our car in the CBD, someone stole the wheel covers. Since then, I only park on private or guarded premises. Parking garages are my favorite—they feel much safer and are worth every rand.
- When driving at night, keep enough space to the car in front of you at traffic lights. In case someone jumps out of the car, you have enough space to drive away.
Getting Around Safely
This was one of my biggest worries before moving here: I feared being stuck at home after sunset. But that fear turned out to be unnecessary!
Uber works great in Cape Town. Reliable, affordable, and safer than walking after dark.
Driving yourself is totally fine, just don’t leave stuff visible in your car. And yes, lock doors even while driving. But I’ll be honest — that first week, I felt nervous every time we drove after sunset. All those voices were in my head, “don’t drive at night, don’t stop at lights.” I kept glancing in the mirrors, clutching the wheel. Nothing happened, of course, but it took a few days until I could relax.
Public transport is limited. The MyCiTi bus is safe and tourist-friendly. Avoid minibus taxis, they’re confusing and not safe for visitors.
💡 Pro tip: Download the app “inDrive.” It’s much cheaper than Uber, and most of the time it’s the same drivers and the same cars.
Renting a Car in Cape Town
For our three-month stay, having our own car quickly became essential. I can’t bring the girls to school every day with an Uber, and public transport just doesn’t work well for families here (especially in the suburbs).
We picked up our car directly at the airport — a big plus when you arrive in a new city with kids and luggage. After comparing several options, we chose Pace Car Rental because they offered flexible options for long-term car rental in Cape Town, and especially great deals for monthly car rental in Cape Town.
Most of the other companies had terrible insurance packages or exorbitantly high deposits, which didn’t feel right to me. As a safety-conscious German, that’s something I really care about. Pace’s full coverage gave me peace of mind, and switching from a manual to an automatic car in the middle of the rental period was quick and easy.
We rent a small Volkswagen — non-flashy, reliable, and perfect for exploring without drawing unwanted attention. Highly recommended!
Hiking Safety in Cape Town
Cape Town is hiker heaven: Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and the endless trails around the city. But safety matters here.
Go during the day, never at sunrise or sunset alone. Stick to popular trails. Join a guided hike if you want to explore less touristy areas. Carry only what you need—phone, water, maybe a snack.
Here’s my guide on Hiking Lion’s Head safely with kids.
Is Cape Town Safe for Solo Travelers or Women?
Short answer: yes, with extra precautions. Don’t walk at night. Book accommodation in safe areas. Use Uber or reliable taxis. Avoid isolated beaches or trails alone.
I’ve gone on solo coffee runs and shopped alone. I’d never walk alone at night here, but then again, I wouldn’t do that in half the cities in Europe either.
Why Families Actually Love It Here
This part still surprises me. Cape Town has a reputation for danger, yet as a family, we feel so comfortable.
We live in the suburbs, the girls go to school, we shop, we eat out, we go on adventures. Our neighborhood has kids riding bikes, people jogging, parents walking dogs. The restaurants we go to are buzzing with families. And the amount of playgrounds, beaches, farms, and family-friendly wineries is incredible.
If you come with kids, you’ll naturally end up in the safest, most relaxed places—because that’s where the families hang out.
Here are some of my girls’ favorites:
Blockhouse Kitchen: Constantia, on a big farm complex. Yummy food and a fabulous wooden kids playground with mountain views (beware of the baboons who occasionally come to steal your food).
Dunes Beach Restaurant & Bar: Hout Bay, directly on the beach. The food is average, but the kids playground with real beach sand is amazing.
Varsity Club: Indoor Playground in Plumstead. Super cute place with lots of different role play worlds and an outdoor area with three fluffy bunnies.
Our Family Life in Cape Town
Cape Town feels so different from anywhere we’ve lived before. Our days start early here. School drop-off is at 7:30, and classes begin at 8.
And the drop-off? Honestly, it’s the smoothest I’ve ever seen. You drive slowly through a roundabout on the school grounds, a friendly guard opens the back door, and walks your child to the entrance. The headteacher is already waiting there, saying good morning to every single pupil. How lovely is that?
With aftercare and ECAs, both girls stay until 4 pm. That gives Dustin and me time to work. He sets up at home. I usually head to a café, get some writing done, and sometimes sneak in a gym session or a short hike. Cape Town makes it easy to mix work and little adventures.
At 4pm, I pick up the girls. I always have a small chat with their teachers — something I wasn’t used to in Thailand, but I love it. Then we often stop at one of the shopping villages. You find everything in one spot — Woolworths, Pick’n Pay, pharmacies, hairdressers. It makes life so simple.
Back at the house, the girls do homework, play with the dogs, and help feed the chickens and geese. We’re renting a beautiful place from a family who, in a way, has adopted our kids.
Dinner is early, and bedtime is by 8 pm — school starts too early to push it. By then, we’re all tired anyway.
Weekends are when Cape Town shows off. We finally have time for adventures: driving to the Cape of Good Hope, spotting penguins at Boulders Beach, or just exploring somewhere new.
👉 You might also like:
– Lion’s Head Hike with Kids – Is It Safe? Honest Family Guide
– Cape of Good Hope Day Trip – Family Fun in South Africa
– See Penguins in Cape Town – Boulders Beach with Kids
– Lion’s Head Hike in Cape Town: Routes, Tips & Epic Views
Key Takeaways
- Cape Town can be safe if you know where to go
- Stick to areas like Sea Point, Green Point, Camps Bay, Southern Suburbs
- Don’t walk alone at night—Uber instead
- Hide your valuables and keep your car locked
- Hike in groups, never alone
- Families usually feel very comfortable here
Final Thoughts: Is Cape Town Safe?
Yes, if you’re smart about it. Cape Town isn’t the kind of place where you can switch off completely. You do need to pay attention. But we felt safe here on our honeymoon in 2017. We feel even safer now as parents. That says a lot.
What’s your experience with safety in Cape Town? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day. Yours, Lulu
FAQ About Cape Town Safety
Is it safe to walk around Cape Town city centre?
During the day, the city centre is busy with workers, tourists, and students. Walking around is generally fine, especially in popular tourist spots like the V&A Waterfront or Kloof Street. At night, it’s not a good idea to walk around alone. Use Uber instead.
What is the biggest safety concern for tourists in Cape Town?
The biggest problem is petty crime—pickpocketing, bag snatching, and car break-ins. Violent attacks are far less common in tourist areas. The most important thing is to keep your valuable items out of sight and be alert, just like in any major city.
Is Cape Town safe at night?
Not really. Even locals avoid walking at night in most areas. The best way to stay safe is to use Uber or another ride app. You’ll see people out in restaurants and coffee shops on the Atlantic Seaboard, in the City Bowl and in the suburbs, but getting home by car is the right precaution.
Which areas of Cape Town should tourists avoid?
Avoid informal settlements and high-risk areas like parts of the Cape Flats, Nyanga, and Khayelitsha unless you are with a reputable tour operator or local guide. Stick to safer neighborhoods like Sea Point, Camps Bay, Constantia, and Green Point.
How safe is public transportation in Cape Town?
Public transport is limited. The MyCiTi bus is safe and useful for certain routes, like to Cape Town International Airport. Minibus taxis are not recommended for tourists—they’re confusing and not safe. Renting a car or using Uber is usually the best option.
Is it safe to drive in Cape Town?
Yes, but keep car windows up and doors locked, even at traffic lights. Only park in guarded premises, a parking garage, or where there’s a security guard. Avoid leaving valuables in the car, even if it’s just a jacket or a bag. Secondary roads in rural areas can be poorly lit, so try to drive during daylight hours.
Do tourists need to worry about wild animals in Cape Town?
Not in the city itself. The only wild animals you’ll meet are baboons near Cape Point and penguins at Boulders Beach. For safari experiences and the chance to see the Big Five, you’ll need to visit Kruger National Park or other reserves in South Africa.
How do I keep my personal safety in check in Cape Town?
Carry only what you need—cell phone, debit card or credit card, and copies of travel documents. Keep original passports safe at your accommodation. Share your travel plans with a family member, check local news for updates, and save emergency numbers for police stations and hospitals in the Western Cape Province. Travel insurance is always a good idea.
Is Cape Town safe compared to other South African cities?
Cape Town, like most major cities in South Africa, has higher crime rates than many places in Europe or the US. Crime statistics show more issues in Johannesburg and Durban, while Cape Town’s tourist areas are generally safer. With security measures in place and awareness, most visitors enjoy an incident-free trip.
Is Cape Town worth visiting despite the safety issues?
Absolutely. The Mother City is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with stunning beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain, and world-famous wine farms. With the right precautions, you can have an enjoyable experience exploring popular tourist destinations like the V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, and the many coffee shops, restaurants, and beautiful beaches.
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4 Responses
We just got back from Cape Town about 3 weeks ago. We happened to stay 3 nights at the Urban Elephant 16 on Bree, the very hotel (more like a studio apartment) you mentioned. We COULD NOT WALK OUTSIDE, even during the day, even to a grocery store .25 miles away, even to the V&A Waterfront (which was maybe 1/2 a mile away). The reception desk and security guys warned us. The time we tried to run to the grocery store, we were immediately confronted with a homeless guy who would not take no for an answer. He followed us for blocks. He was not threatening, but it was uncomfortable. Another time we tried to walk back from V&A in broad day light. A uniformed security officer intercepted us and escorted us back to the hotel. This area is too close to the CBD and as much as we loved the accommodation itself, I would go stay near the beach if I went back.
Hi Mary, I’m really sorry to hear that you felt unsafe. The guy following you persistently…That sounds so bad! 🙁
I’m actually in Bree Street multiple times per week because I love the cafés there for co-working, and I’ve personally never had a bad experience. That said, I completely understand how it can feel different for each visitor.
Just a little further down in Kloof Street, we once had a slightly uncomfortable encounter too — someone approached us while we were walking from a dinner restaurant back to our car (in the dark). It wasn’t threatening, but as you said, it felt very uncomfortable.
Thanky again! I really appreciate you sharing your perspective, and I’m sure other readers will too.
I just stumbled on your blog while searching for digital nomad family blogs! I am so glad that I did. I am a fellow mom from Cape Town, South Africa — and while this specific blog post might be directed towards travelers, it comes useful to locals as well! Thank you for writing so respectfully while still highlighting the dangers in our city. Safety is a big deal even for us, so reading your advice is a breath of fresh air.
Also, I am only 2 blog posts in, but I am so in love with your writing. I might be late to the party, but I am staying 💃🤓
Hi Tiffany,
Aaawh… thank you SO MUCH for your kind words! That truly means the world to me. I’m really happy to hear that the post felt respectful and still useful from a local perspective. I’m so glad you found my blog and are enjoying it. Please let me know anytime I get something wrong. 😉
Warm greetings from the south! 🫶🏻