Camps Bay Cape Town
A luxurious waterfront suburb in Cape Town, famous for its white sandy beach, stunning mountain backdrop, and world-class sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unforgettable sunset views
Camps Bay Cape Town
Best Time
Unforgettable sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A luxurious waterfront suburb in Cape Town, famous for its white sandy beach, stunning mountain backdrop, and world-class sunset views.
"The sunsets here are truly magical, making it a must-visit for any Cape Town trip."
🌅 Sunset Cocktails
Sip cocktails and soak in the iconic Camps Bay sunsets from a beachfront bar.
🚗 Consider Your Base
Camps Bay is beautiful but less central; Sea Point offers more walkability.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Camps Bay Beach
Camps Bay beachfront
Expansive white sands meet the turquoise Atlantic, backed by the majestic Twelve Apostles mountains.

Sunset Views
Along the Camps Bay promenade
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun dips below the horizon, a truly magical daily event.

Camps Bay Tidal Pool
Northern end of Camps Bay Beach
A sheltered, natural swimming pool offering a calmer dip with stunning ocean vistas.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Sunset Spectacle
Navigating Camps Bay & Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Cocktails
Sip cocktails and soak in the iconic Camps Bay sunsets from a beachfront bar.
🚗 Consider Your Base
Camps Bay is beautiful but less central; Sea Point offers more walkability.
Camps Bay vs Sea Point
Camps Bay Safety
🍽️ Dining Beyond Camps Bay
For superior food, explore Bree Street in the CBD; Camps Bay is better for drinks.
🌊 Tidal Pool Dip
Enjoy a calmer swim in the sheltered Camps Bay tidal pool.
Safely from Camps Bay to Airport at 10pm
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Cocktails
Sip cocktails and soak in the iconic Camps Bay sunsets from a beachfront bar.
🚗 Consider Your Base
Camps Bay is beautiful but less central; Sea Point offers more walkability.
🍽️ Dining Beyond Camps Bay
For superior food, explore Bree Street in the CBD; Camps Bay is better for drinks.
🌊 Tidal Pool Dip
Enjoy a calmer swim in the sheltered Camps Bay tidal pool.
🛡️ Safety Awareness
Camps Bay is upscale, but always remain aware of your surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Camps Bay is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its expansive beach and the dramatic Twelve Apostles mountains. Visitors rave about the spectacular sunset views and the upscale, luxurious atmosphere. However, some find the beachfront restaurants to be overpriced with inconsistent food quality, suggesting alternative dining spots in the city center.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Camps Bay from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is by taxi or ride-sharing service (like Uber), which typically takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Renting a car is also an option if you plan to explore further afield. Some Reddit users suggest taking an Uber for airport transfers, especially for late-night departures, to avoid potential N2 highway concerns.
While Camps Bay itself is walkable for its beachfront and main strip of restaurants, getting to other parts of Cape Town without a car can be challenging. Ride-sharing services are readily available and recommended for exploring areas like the city center or other beaches.
Uber or other ride-sharing services are the most popular and convenient options for traveling between Camps Bay and the Cape Town CBD, taking approximately 10-15 minutes. Taxis are also available.
Public transport directly to Camps Bay can be limited compared to other areas. While MyCiTi buses do service the area, they may not be as frequent or direct as ride-sharing options for many tourist routes.
Driving to the airport at night from Camps Bay is generally considered safe if you stick to the main highway (N2) and avoid taking wrong turns, particularly near the Nyanga area. However, if you feel concerned, taking an Uber or leaving a few hours earlier before dark is a recommended alternative.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Camps Bay Beach is a public beach and does not require any tickets or entry fees. You can access it freely to enjoy the sand, sea, and sun.
Camps Bay Beach is open 24 hours a day, as it is a public space. However, amenities like restaurants and bars along the beachfront will have their own operating hours.
The Camps Bay tidal pool is also freely accessible to the public, with no entry fees required.
Accommodation in Camps Bay ranges from luxury hotels to guesthouses and self-catering apartments. Popular options include The Bay Hotel, The Marly Hotel, and various boutique guesthouses. Booking can be done through major online travel agencies or directly with the hotels.
Many Cape Town tours include Camps Bay as a scenic stop, often as part of a city tour or a coastal drive. These tours typically allow time for photos and enjoying the views.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main draw is relaxing on Camps Bay Beach, swimming in the ocean or tidal pool, and enjoying the spectacular sunset views. The promenade is lined with restaurants and bars perfect for a sundowner.
Camps Bay is generally considered one of the safer suburbs in Cape Town due to its upscale nature and high tourist presence. However, like anywhere, it's important to remain vigilant, especially after dark, and avoid displaying valuables openly.
Camps Bay has a strip of restaurants along the beachfront, many offering stunning ocean views. While popular for cocktails and ambiance, some travelers suggest that the food quality can be inconsistent and overpriced, recommending Bree Street for better culinary experiences.
Yes, you can swim at Camps Bay Beach, but be aware of the strong Atlantic currents and cold water. The tidal pool offers a more sheltered and calmer swimming experience.
The entire beachfront offers incredible photo opportunities, especially with the Twelve Apostles mountains as a backdrop. The tidal pool and the promenade itself are also popular for capturing the essence of Camps Bay.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Camps Bay has many beachfront restaurants known for their views and cocktails, some travelers suggest that the food quality can be average and expensive. For a superior dining experience, consider heading to Bree Street in the city center, which is a short Uber ride away and offers a wider array of excellent restaurants.
Yes, restaurants in Camps Bay tend to be on the pricier side, reflecting their prime beachfront location and the upscale nature of the suburb. Expect to pay a premium for the views and ambiance.
You'll find a variety of cuisines, with many restaurants focusing on seafood, international dishes, and contemporary South African fare. The emphasis is often on enjoying a meal with a view.
Beyond the main strip of restaurants, there are some cafes and more casual eateries. However, for a truly diverse and high-quality casual dining scene, exploring areas like Sea Point or the CBD might be more rewarding.
Many of the beachfront restaurants have bars that are perfect for sunset drinks. Look for places with outdoor seating that directly face the ocean for the best experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset are spectacular for photography in Camps Bay. The soft light beautifully illuminates the beach, ocean, and the Twelve Apostles mountains. Sunset, in particular, is a must-capture moment.
The entire stretch of Camps Bay Beach offers stunning vistas. Don't miss the Camps Bay tidal pool for unique shots, and the promenade provides excellent vantage points for capturing the vibrant atmosphere and mountain backdrop.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive beach and mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing distant wildlife if any. A polarizing filter can help enhance the blues of the ocean and sky.
Generally, there are no specific photography restrictions for personal use in Camps Bay. However, for commercial photography or drone usage, permits might be required. Always be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
To capture the iconic sunset, use a tripod for stability, especially in lower light. Experiment with different compositions, including the beach, the ocean, or silhouettes of people. Consider shooting in RAW format to allow for more editing flexibility.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more central experience with easier access to amenities and a more walkable environment, Sea Point might be a slightly better option for families who prefer to be closer to shops and cafes. However, if your family prioritizes stunning natural scenery and beach time, Camps Bay is a wonderful choice. Just be mindful of the cold water if swimming in the ocean.
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Honeymooners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Camps Bay Beach
While the ocean is inviting, visitors should be aware that the Atlantic waters are notoriously cold, and currents can be strong. For a more sheltered and calmer swimming experience, the Camps Bay tidal pool, located at the northern end of the beach, is a fantastic alternative. This natural rock pool offers a protected environment to cool off while still enjoying the ocean vistas.
Beyond the sand and sea, the Camps Bay promenade runs parallel to the beach, offering a picturesque walkway lined with trendy restaurants, cafes, and bars. This is the prime location to witness the world-famous Camps Bay sunsets, a daily spectacle that draws crowds and photographers alike.
Dining and Nightlife in Camps Bay
However, a common sentiment echoed by travelers on Reddit is that while the views and ambiance in Camps Bay are exceptional, the food quality can sometimes be inconsistent and overpriced. For those seeking a more robust culinary adventure or better value, many locals and experienced visitors recommend venturing to Bree Street in the Cape Town CBD. This vibrant street, a short Uber ride away, is renowned for its innovative restaurants, diverse eateries, and lively atmosphere, offering a wider range of gastronomic delights.
Despite this, Camps Bay remains a prime destination for enjoying a cocktail or a glass of wine while watching the sunset. The energy of the beachfront bars, especially as evening falls, is palpable and contributes significantly to the Camps Bay experience. It’s a place to see and be seen, offering a taste of Cape Town’s upscale leisure scene.
Safety and Practicalities in Camps Bay
When it comes to transportation, particularly for airport transfers at night, some travelers express concerns about driving the N2 highway. While generally safe if sticking to the main route, taking an Uber or leaving a few hours earlier before sunset are frequently suggested alternatives for peace of mind. This allows for a more relaxed journey, potentially including a final dinner before heading to the airport.
For those considering Camps Bay as a base for their Cape Town visit, it's worth noting its location. While offering unparalleled natural beauty, it is less central than areas like Sea Point for accessing many of Cape Town's attractions on foot. If walkability to shops, restaurants, and a promenade is a priority, Sea Point might be a more practical choice. However, for those prioritizing luxurious surroundings and iconic sunset views, Camps Bay remains a top contender.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit