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Cape Town is home to some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world, but not all viewing spots are created equal! This guide covers the best sunset spots in Cape Town, plus insider tips on avoiding the crowds for a perfect end to your day.
See #1 on this list to find out where to get this epic view!
Sunset in Cape Town is a vibe. (#iykyk)
Whether you’re perched on a mountaintop, lounging on a beach, or sipping a cocktail at a seaside restaurant, the combination of vibrant colors, ocean views, and dramatic landscapes makes every sunset feel like an event.
After spending months at a time in Cape Town over the years, I’ve made it a point to chase sunsets all over the city—hiking up Lion’s Head, sailing along the coast, and discovering hidden gems where you can soak in the views without the crowds.
And let me tell you, not all sunset spots are created equal!
My absolute favorite sunset spots in Cape Town
If you’re looking for quick answers, or only have time to check out a few spots, here are my top recommendations!
In this guide, I’ll share all my favorite places to watch the sunset in Cape Town—from the classic must-sees to a few underrated gems. Plus, I’ll give you insider tips on where to avoid the crowds so you can experience the magic in peace.
This unique observation area that was once a hidden gem has become quite popular over the past few years.
Follow Ocean View Drive all the way to its peak and get out where the road comes to and end. There are small foot paths weaving through the shrubbery alongside giant boulders which make great viewing platforms.
Go early and find yourself a boulder to set up camp for the sunset. Different rocks have slightly different vantage points.
Tip: During the summer season, the rocks fill up an hour before sunset. So you’ll want to go really really early to secure one of the prime spots!
You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Twelve Apostles (the west-facing side of the Table Mountain range), Camps Bay and Clifton Beach.
If you’re up for a bit of a hike, but don’t want to exert yourself as much as Lion’s Head or Table Mountain would require, you can hike to Kloof Corner for incredible sunset views.
The quick 25-minute hike starts on Tafelberg Road (the same road you’ll find the cable car station on) and is basically a series of stairs that’ll take you to the “corner” of Table Mountain, which faces Lion’s Head and looks out over the city with 180 degree views.
The well–marked trail won’t be as challenging to descend if you choose to stay past sunset.
3. Signal Hill
Walk a bit further along the hill to escape the crowds that gather right at the top
Stretching out in front of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, nearest to the Waterfront is Signal Hill. Unlike its neighbors, you can actually drive to the top. This makes Signal Hill one of the more accessible sunset views.
A perfect place to enjoy the sunset with panoramic views of the city and sea below. You won’t be the only one up there at sunset, so be sure to go early and get a good spot!
Insider Tip: Sort out your transportation home before you get dropped off. If not, you will be waiting until well after dark for your ride to make it through the downward stream of traffic.
At the western edge of the Sea Point Promenade is Saunders Rocks Beach – a small public beach characterized by giant stone boulders and a man-made tidepool.
Every day at sunset you’ll find locals and tourists gathering on top of the rocks, wine glasses in hand and snacks in tow, to watch the sun set over the Atlantic.
Insider tip: To avoid the crowds, walk to the rocks just north of Saunders Rock (here on Google Maps) where you’ll get the same sunset views without the crowds at the main Saunders Rocks Beach.
For a true Cape Town sunset experience, hiking to the top of Lion’s Head at sunset is hard to beat. This iconic mountain offers a true peak with 360° views of Cape Town, the endless ocean, and Table Mountain as your dramatic backdrop.
There are two routes to the top: one for more experienced hikers, which includes a series of ladders and rock scrambles, and another that takes a bit longer but avoids any climbing. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular sunsets in the city.
Important: Be sure to bring a headlamp or use your phone’s flashlight for the hike down—it gets dark quickly after sunset.
If you want to see the sunset from one of the most famous viewpoints in Cape Townwithout the strenuous hike, the Table Mountain cable car is your best bet.
However, timing is everything. You can only catch sunset from Table Mountain during certain times of the year—when the sun sets before the last cable car down. Be sure to check the current schedule and compare with the sunset times so you know you’ll have enough time on the top.
There are facilities on top of the mountain to get a drink or snack while you’re up there (there is even a full restaurant!). And you can walk around and explore as far as you like.
On clear evenings, you’ll have unobstructed panoramic views of Cape Town as the sky transforms into hues of orange and pink. Just be prepared for crowds—this is a popular spot!
A word of caution: No cable car trip up is guaranteed a trip back down. On days where high winds whip the cape, cable car service is temporarily suspended. You may have to hike back down, so keep this in mind as you plan your adventure.
Purchase tickets online before you go and you’ll avoid the long queues that gather during the high season (late November – February).
For an easy and scenic sunset stroll, head to the Sea Point Promenade—a flat, paved walkway that stretches along Cape Town’s Atlantic coastline. It’s a favorite spot for locals who come here to jog, cycle, or simply relax in the grassy park spaces overlooking the sea.
There is no bad view along the promenade as the entire thing winds against the shore. Bring a picnic or grab an ice cream from one of the nearby vendors and soak in the view.
The Clifton beaches, which line up in order from 1st to 4th, separated only by boulders, make a great spot for catching the sunset.
You’ll join other beach goers doing everything from body surfing to playing paddle ball while awaiting the golden hour. Just be sure to pack a light jacket as it can get quite chilly down by the water once the sun has set.
Accessibility note: The only way to access Clifton Beach is by stairs.
Insider tip: My favorite Clifton beach for watching the sunset is Clifton 2nd, location linked above.
As the largest of the beaches in Cape Town, you’ll have no trouble finding a place to plop down and admire the sunset at Camps Bay. I’d recommend facing the water and walking to your right, then climbing the bluffs to find a perch a bit higher up.
This is another one of the more accessible sunset spots in Cape Town.
View of Lion’s Head at sunset from Camp’s Bay Beach
Just be sure to check the weather ahead of time. If it’s windy, this beach can turn into a bit of a sand storm. In that case, head across the street to one of the rooftop bars and see if you can get a table on the edge. Mantra Cafe, Surfshack and Chinchilla Rooftop all have great sunset views.
Insider tip: Nearby Col’Cacchio will hand deliver pizzas directly to the beach. Just phone in your order and describe your location on the sand. This is a great way to have a little pizza picnic while enjoying the sunset.
If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Camps Bay and Clifton, Bakoven Beach is a bit of a hidden gem worth seeking out. Tucked between residential homes, this small beach is scattered with large granite boulders, similar to Saunders Rocks, creating natural seats with perfect sunset views.
Pack a little picnic and find a rock to spread out on while enjoying the show as the sun dips below the Atlantic. Just be sure to bring a light jacket as it can get quite chilly as soon as the sun goes down.
11. Rooftop bars
The view from Chinchilla Rooftop in Camps Bay
We couldn’t write a list of best sunsets in Cape Town without including a nice rooftop moment. If you do find yourself in the mood for a sundowner (it’s what the locals call sunset cocktails!), head to one of Cape Town’s many rooftop bars.
If you’d rather enjoy sunset with a delicious meal, Cape Town has plenty of restaurants with stunning ocean views. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual drink or an upscale dining experience, these spots offer front-row seats to an unforgettable sunset:
The Bungalow – A chic, oceanfront restaurant in Clifton with a stylish atmosphere and great seafood.
The Nines – A rooftop restaurant in Sea Point with panoramic views and an upscale, modern menu.
Strolla – A relaxed, family-friendly spot along the Sea Point Promenade, perfect for casual drinks at sunset.
The Lawns – A laid-back venue at the foot of Table Mountain, offering beautiful views of the ocean and lush greenery.
Mantra Café – A trendy café in Camps Bay with balcony seating overlooking the beach and a fantastic cocktail menu.
Insider tip: Book a table in advance, especially in summer, to secure the best sunset-viewing spot!
A bit further out, take a 15-minute drive down the coast from Camp’s Bay and you’ll find Llandudno Beach (20-30 min from the city depending where you’re coming from).
This beautiful stretch of sand is popular among locals. If you follow the beach all the way to the south and climb the boulders, you’ll find an excellent perch for sunset.
Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most scenic drives I have ever taken and well-worth the R10 or so it costs per car. The road hugs the coastline along the cliff side, similar to the drive along the Amalfi Coast in Italy. And the views are just as stunning!
For the best sunset views, head to the Lookout Point (linked above) where you’ll find a small parking lot (get there early or you won’t get a spot!). The viewing platform is perched on a cliff overlooking Hout Bay to the right and breath-taking views of the ocean to the left.
You can imagine why everyone tries to get here for sunset!
Bonus: You can also hike Chapmans Peak and watch the sunset from the top if you want a little extra challenge.
For a sunset experience that combines great food, local wine, and breathtaking views, head to the Thursday Night Market at Cape Point Vineyards.
Set on a hill overlooking Noordhoek Beach, this lively market is the perfect place to unwind with a picnic-style dinner and a glass of wine as the sun sets over the Atlantic.
With a wide variety of artisanal food stalls, craft drinks, and live music, the market has a laid-back, festive atmosphere that’s popular with both locals and visitors.
The market runs every Thursday from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM (closed during winter). Arrive early to grab a prime spot on the lawn, and don’t forget to bring a blanket for a cozy evening under the stars.
For a postcard-perfect sunset with Table Mountain as your backdrop, Bloubergstrand Beach is the place to be. Located about 30 minutes outside of Cape Town, this long, sandy beach is famous for its epic views of the city skyline and mountain across the bay.
It’s also a hotspot for kite surfers, so you’ll likely see colorful kites dancing in the sky as the sun sets. The wide-open space means you won’t have to fight for a spot, making this one of the best sunset spots if you want spectacular views without the crowds.
17. Sunset cruise
For a truly unforgettable sunset experience, hop aboard a sunset cruise and watch the sky change colors from the water.
Departing from the V&A Waterfront, these cruises take you along Cape Town’s coastline, offering stunning views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and the Twelve Apostles from a unique perspective.
You can usually just sign up and book a cruise on the day-of and the price is around R350 (~$20 USD) per person, which usually includes a drink or two.
Depending on your budget, you can choose from a luxury catamaran with champagne or a more laid-back sailing experience. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins or seals playing in the waves as the sun dips below the Atlantic.
Insider tip: Book in advance, especially during peak season, as sunset cruises are one of the most popular activities in Cape Town!
If you’re looking for more ideas for things to do, we have an entire article offun things to do in Cape Town where we share details and tips for first-time visitors.
If this is your first time visiting the Mother City, you’ll want to read our First Timer’s guide which is packed with helpful information like how to get around and where to find the best eats.
Situated perfectly between the mountains, winelands and the sea, Cape Town makes the perfect home base for adventuring around the Western Cape.
There are plenty of opportunities for day-trips (or weekend getaways!) near Cape Town. We put together an entire guide to all of the very best day trips from Cape Town (packed with all sorts of tips!).
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Which spot is the first place you’re going to head to watch the sunset in Cape Town? Do you have any sunset spots you think belong on this list? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you with the answers you’re looking for!
