Short answer, yes it is safe. As with any city, various areas would be no-go zones, and others are areas no-go at night, and some where you should be on alert for pick-pockets / petty theft. Some more info as to what your plans are and reasons for travel, type of activities will attract more specific answers.

[Self-Correction: Addressing the 2023 context within the 2026 timeframe] Looking back at 2023, Cape Town was generally considered safe for tourists provided they followed "big city" safety protocols, and this remains the standard advice in 2026. The main tourist hubs like the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, and Kirstenbosch Gardens are heavily policed and generally very safe for visitors. However, Cape Town has high levels of social inequality, which correlates with higher crime rates in specific areas like the Cape Flats, which tourists are advised to avoid. In 2023, the most common issues for travelers were "opportunity crimes" like pickpocketing in crowded areas like Long Street or "smash-and-grabs" at traffic lights. Tourists were (and are still) advised not to hike Table Mountain alone and to avoid walking in the CBD after dark. While the city faces challenges with infrastructure and load-shedding, the tourism sector is extremely professional, and as long as you use registered Ubers, stay in reputable areas, and don't display excessive wealth, Cape Town offers one of the most rewarding and visually stunning travel experiences in the world.