Best Sunset Spots in Cape Town

5 min read

Sunset in Cape Town is one of the most memorable events of visiting the city – and it happens every day! With the city being surrounded by mountains and the ocean, you can try a different spot each day and have an entirely unique experience each time. Here are our favourite sunset spots that every tourist and local alike must try.

1. Table Mountain

Cape Town’s most famous landmark is an excellent trip for all of your sunset needs. A stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles Mountain range, with Cape Town sprawling below you. You can either hike up to the top or take the cable car. Be sure to bring a warm jacket as it can get quite chilly up there and some snacks to enjoy while you take in the beautiful views. If you want a small competition between you and your friends, have a champagne bottle ready for the first to spot a dassie scurrying about!

2. Lion’s Head

Lion’s Head is the perfect location for those who would like to include a hike along with their sunset. The top of the peak offers breath-taking views of Cape Town, the ocean, and the surrounding mountain ranges, at its best at sunset time. The hike takes about an hour to complete, so be sure to plan ahead to ensure that you arrive before sunset and bring a flashlight or headlight for the way down, as it may get dark before you’ve reached the bottom.

3. Signal Hill

For those who would like the height, but not the hike (we’ve all been there!), Signal Hill is a must. Similar to Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, Signal Hill offers fantastic scenery – ocean, mountains, and city. Arrive early to ensure a parking space, but also space on the hill. The green tarp laid out for sitting fills up quickly on clear days. Bring along a bottle of champers and some snacks – perfect excuse (and place) for a sunset picnic! Signal Hill is also a launch point for paragliding, so if you want to experience the Cape Town sunset from the sky, this is the perfect opportunity.

4. Clifton

Cape Town has some amazing beaches with amazing views to watch the sunset from. The stretch of beach from Clifton to Llandudno offers many popular sunset spots. Clifton has four beaches alone, the most popular being Fourth Beach. This is the perfect spot for golden hour photos – sand, sea, mountain, and the famous boulders Clifton is known for. Or, perhaps, you would like to join one of the silent discos that often take place at sunset. A boogie with a view, what’s not to love!

5. Llandudno Beach

Llandudno is a great spot if you want the scenery of Clifton, but without the hordes of people. A beautiful 20-minute drive away, Llandudno is a more private, secluded beach with boulders to clamber on and watch the sunset from. This beach is another perfect opportunity for photos, a sunset picnic, and a swim in the ocean – if you can withstand the cold!

6. Camps Bay

Camps Bay offers the best of both world: the beach and the bars! Whether you choose to watch the sunset from the sand or from within one of the trendy beach-side bars or restaurants, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable Cape Town sunset.

7. Blouberg

At Blouberg Beach Table Mountain is on full display and alongside the colourful paragliders and wind surfers dotting the sky, your pictures are bound to be exquisite. This beach is also popular with surfers, so if you want to watch the sunset from a surfboard, this is the beach for you! If the beach is not your vibe, why not visit Blowfish Restaurant at Dolphin Beach, where you can have a great view of the sunset from the conservatory. Drinks, food, and air conditioner – perfect for a summer’s sunset!

8. Melkbosstrand

Melkbos is a bit further than Blouberg, but definitely worth the trip. This beach is a wider, longer stretch of beach ideal for those who enjoy a walk along with the sunset. Due to its size, it’s also often less cramped than Blouberg. If you’re driving to Melkbos along the West Coast Road, there are also many smaller beaches you can stop at. Melkbos itself has a few beach-side restaurants where you can enjoy dinner and drinks.

9. Rooftop Bar

Cape Town has many rooftop bars in the city that are amazing spots to watch the sunset from. Some offer views of the dying sun rays on Table Mountain, while others enable you to see District Six, the city, and the V&A Waterfront. All this while sipping on a cocktail and eating dinner with your favourite people!

10. Sunset cruise

For those who would like to experience the sunset from a different angle, why not go off land? Imagine it: you are lounging on a boat, mimosa in hand, with your loved ones and an orange and pink sunset around you. This idyllic image is possible with one of Cape Town’s many sunset cruises. Launching locations are easily accessible and scattered all along the Peninsula.

11. Chapman’s Peak Drive

With Cape Town being surrounded with mountains, there are quite a few passes and elevated roads with stopping points to enjoy the scenery from. These are bound to be less busy than the famous beaches and mountain tops and offer a more unique view for the sunset. Chapman’s Peak is one such drive that is worth the trip! This route follows along the mountain, with viewing points looking out at the sea and surrounding mountain ranges. Be sure to only stop at designated viewing points, for your and others’ safety.

Cape Town has so many great sunset spots and this list is not nearly complete! Feel free to ask our friendly staff at reception for further suggestions and don’t hesitate to share your favourite spots with us. Don’t forget to tag us in your sunset pictures and to share your amazing stories with us.

ALSO READ:

• 10 Most Instagrammable Spots in Cape Town
• 5 Reasons Why Cape Town is One of The Best Cities for Remote Working
• 6 Fun Activities To Do in And Around Century City in Cape Town
• Top Beaches To Visit In Cape Town