How safe is Cape Town for tourists?

Cape Town is a generally safe place for a holiday or a workation. However, like several cities in South Africa, it has its fair share of crime, especially gang-related activity. Cape Town is also home to the South African parliament, so political demonstrations and rallies are also common.



In 2026, Cape Town remains a popular destination, but safety requires a strategy of informed caution. While the city has high crime rates, most violent incidents are concentrated in specific areas far from tourist hubs. Prime locations like the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, and the Winelands are well-policed and generally very safe for international travelers. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing and "smash-and-grab" car thefts are common in the CBD. Tourists are advised to avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use reputable transport apps like Uber rather than unvetted local taxis. Staying on main roads and using modern tools like the TravelSafe SOS app can significantly reduce risks. Essentially, Cape Town is safe for tourists who stay within recommended zones and maintain situational awareness, much like in other major global cities.

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Yes, South Africa is generally safe for tourists. The areas in which visitors typically stay — Cape Town's city centre and inner suburbs, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route and safari destinations — are among the safest in the country. You should take the usual safety precautions.

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Use Uber if you're out and about after dark The good news is that Ubers are safe and inexpensive. Drivers tend to have thousands of five-star reviews, so you can be sure you're in good hands. For additional safety, you can ask your driver to give you a pin so you can be sure you're getting into the right car.

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Cape Town is not a malaria area. You don't need to worry about malaria tablets unless you are travelling from Cape Town to high-risk parts of the country. There is also a standard list of vaccinations that many countries recommend before travelling abroad that includes rabies, typhoid, and tetanus.

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Though most Capetonians drive everywhere, Cape Town is an extremely walkable city.

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Many use it for their daily commute to and from work because it's cheaper and can reduce the amount of time spent in traffic. Research shows that intra-city buses like MyCiTi and Golden Arrow Bus Services in Cape Town are as safe as rail.

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With four or five days in the city – ideally a week – you can see all the major sights (Cape Town's notoriously fickle weather permitting), pick the perfect restaurant (book a few weeks ahead for big-name fine dining joints) and get a feel for the city's general joie de vivre.

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6 Ways to Feel Safer in Cape Town, South Africa
  1. Don't walk alone. It's best to commute in groups if possible. ...
  2. Uber everywhere after dark. ...
  3. Use a cross-body bag. ...
  4. Lock the doors in your Uber and keep the windows halfway up. ...
  5. Don't be flashy. ...
  6. Simply use common sense.


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Famous for its sun, sea and scenery, Cape Town is a beloved tourist destination for visitors the world over. It's, therefore, no surprise that this coastal gem has been voted the best city in the world seven-years-running!

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Taxis are an extremely efficient means of navigating Cape Town, but their convenience will cost you. Rates are about 10 to 11 ZAR per kilometer (roughly $1.50 USD per mile) depending on the cab company. Also, don't expect to hail a cab directly from the street.

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The good news is that Ubers are safe and inexpensive. Drivers tend to have thousands of five-star reviews, so you can be sure you're in good hands. For additional safety, you can ask your driver to give you a pin so you can be sure you're getting into the right car.

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Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and smash-and-grab attacks on vehicles, is common. There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark.

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