Cape Town is a fantastically beautiful city, with epic mountains, oceans abundant with life, unique biospheres of plantlife, and a wonderful local culture of diversity and joy-despite-hardship. It’s a great city. But the question most foreigners I’ve talked to ask me is the crime and danger aspect. Isn’t Cape Town unsafe? Because of course, it is a real concern!
So, since there are genuine concerns about safety in Cape Town, I’ve put together this post on tips to avoid danger and frequently asked questions. As well as transport options and safety tips, helpful local resources, emergency numbers, and areas to avoid.
Is Cape Town safe?
The short answer is, no, not entirely. The city consistently ranks among the top 10-15 most violent cities in the world and pickpocketing is even more common than violent crime.
However, despite the bleakness of the short answer, most people find living in Cape Town comfortably safe if they follow the below advice. Almost all violent crime in the city is restricted to the densely packed impoverished communities, which, while the conditions are deplorable, form kind of a second city alongside the far safer center and coastal region.
So, despite the city being rife with crime, that crime is unlikely to be within your realm of experience, or directed at you. If that doesn’t sound very reassuring, I’ve got plenty of tips from years of walking and catching public transport around our fair city.
Cape Town safety FAQs
Well, now that we’ve covered the big one, let’s get into more detail! I’ve gathered the most common questions around safety in Cape Town, to help you understand the city’s safety sore points and plan around them.
Is Cape Town safe to walk around?
This really depends on the area and your awareness level. In areas popular with tourists, like Sea Point, Camps Bay and Hout Bay, you can walk around comfortably. Other areas are still walkable, you just need to stay vigilant – don’t keep your eyes glued to your phone, and don’t walk on empty roads.
Is Cape Town safe for tourists?
Yes! Tourists are well-liked in Cape Town and you’ll find that most locals are really friendly and helpful.
You do, however, need to keep a watch out for people looking to take advantage of a tourist’s naivety and unawareness. Scammers, petty thieves and other criminals tend to watch for ‘easy prey’. So if you look too doe-eyed and unsure, you may be targeted. Walk confidently and briskly, don’t take your phone out too often, and ask for assistance when you need it!
Is Cape Town safe at night?
Parts of Cape Town are safe at night, others aren’t. If in doubt, ask the front desk (or Airbnb owner) of your accommodation!
In general, though, it’s best not to walk solo past dark, and even in a group, to stick to well-lit and well-frequented areas. For example, people are still hiking up and down Lion’s Head well into the night. As long as others are doing it with you, it’s safe!
Parts of Cape Town aren’t safe at night even for groups, so do some research on your planned neighbourhood – there’s a lot of variation in this city!
Is Cape Town safe for solo females?
If you’ve travelled solo before, Cape Town is a great place to explore on your own. The locals are very friendly, and you’ll make friends very quickly (if you’re looking to). You’ll also adore the nature and culture! Woman to woman, I’d highly recommend the neighbourhood of Observatory – I used to live nearby it, and the charming cafes, local music haunts, and snazzy thrift stores are wonderful. It’s also my favourite place to visit solo (that is, outside of nature).
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Cape Town for a first-time solo female traveller, though. Simply because some skills in self-awareness and vigilance are important, and these are things you naturally build up while travelling.
Is Cape Town LGBT+ friendly?
Definitely! Cape Town, in fact, is regarded as the gay capital of Africa. The city hosts multiple queer events throughout the year, and has B&Bs, bars and clubs specifically catering to the queer community. This LGBT guide to Cape Town offers more detailed info!
South Africa was the first African country to legalise gay marriage, and one of the first countries in the world to constitutionally protect people against discrimination based on their sexual orientations.
Which is the safest city in South Africa?
It’s Cape Town! My home city is the safest major city in South Africa. It’s also the most popular with tourists, thanks to our incredible natural scenery, diverse culture and other big advantages.
Is Cape Town a good place to live?
Coming from a local – Cape Town is a fantastic place to live. Quality of life is great, with so much to do and see, decent infrastructure, and so many world-class cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs.
You can also find a good apartment with a great view for a reasonable price, which is a pretty big deal these days. If you’re considering living here, check out my guide to moving to Cape Town, with all its pros, cons, and nitty-gritty!
General tips to avoid danger
1 . Don’t walk around alone at night
Most parts of the city are less safe in the dark, and locals avoid being outside unless in a large group or in a well-lit, well-populated area.
2. Don’t walk in places you don’t know well at night, even in a group
Certain areas are dangerous even to groups – unless you’re walking with people who are confident about what they’re doing and where they’re going, rather catch an uber.
3. Don’t resist if you’re robbed
It does happen – you can be robbed at knife or gunpoint, or just through physical intimidation. Don’t resist this; losing your things is always better than risking your life.
4. Leave your valuables at home
If you don’t need your passport or your favourite jewellery on a trip about town, the surest option is to leave them at home. The same goes with any wads of cash!
5. Carry a R100 note within your clothing or shoes
A bag is relatively easy to steal, or steal from, if you’re not paying attention, and you don’t want to be left with nothing if your bag is snatched. So, an easy option to mitigate risk is to carry a note or two in your shoe, bra, or in a tight pocket. It also doesn’t hurt to have the number of your accommodation and the South African emergency number (112) on a slip of paper on your person.
6. If you want to give money to beggars, keep some change in your pocket
Taking your wallet out in the street and fumbling around with it is risky in many areas.
It’s also, technically, a greater kindness to buy that person some food (unless they’re specifically asking for money to access one of the Haven shelters, which cost R15 per night). Drug addiction is unfortunately something many of our homeless are struggling with, so directly buying food is the best way to ensure they’re using the charity to eat.
You will find that some beggars ask persistently for money as they follow you down the street. Really, they’re demanding not asking. Your best response here is to say ‘no’ firmly and just keep walking. It’s intimidating, but they will eventually drop away.
7. Don’t use your cellphone in the street
Of course, sometimes you have to use your phone. But when you do, stay conscious of your surroundings. It’s also best to check your map route while you’re indoors, and keep eyes-on-phone to a minimum while walking.
8. Avoid the eastern outskirts of town
Most of the crime that happens in Cape Town happens in the impoverished communities in and beyond the city’s eastern suburbs. However, tourists usually have no exposure to these areas. No guidebook will ever recommend them, and they’re far from the popular tourist neighbourhoods, so they’re easy to avoid.
9. When hiking alone or in pairs, be vigilant
Cape Town has some of the most