Cape Town

Is Cape Town safe?

For a visitor who follows local advice, usually yes. For the city as a whole, no. Cape Town has one of the highest murder rates of any city in the world, and in late 2025 the Western Cape was again South Africa's most violent province. But most of the killing happens in a handful of Cape Flats townships, linked to gangs, guns and extortion, a long way from the Waterfront, Camps Bay and the wine estates.

That gap is why many visitors leave Cape Town wondering what the warnings were about, and why we still score it 40, close to Johannesburg (39). The violence is not random, but it is close enough, and robbery in tourist areas is common enough, that your choices matter more here than in most cities we cover.

The scale of violence

South African Police Service figures show 4,511 murders in the Western Cape in 2024. In the first three months of 2025 the province's quarterly murder rate was 14.2 per 100,000, against 9.1 nationally, and murders rose again later in the year. Annualised, estimates for Cape Town itself land at roughly 65 to 70 per 100,000, far above Mexico City.

The pattern is tightly concentrated. In April to June 2026, about 44% of the province's murders were recorded in just ten police precincts, led by Mfuleni, Nyanga, Delft, Philippi East and Harare in Khayelitsha. Two thirds involved firearms, and police classed 29% of those with enough data as gang-related. These are residential areas few tourists visit.

Where visitors get robbed

The UK Foreign Office highlights a few specific risks:

• Mountain trails. There have been violent attacks and muggings of hikers in Table Mountain National Park, including on Lion's Head and Signal Hill. Hike in groups of four or more on busy trails, preferably at weekends, and skip the quiet sunrise and sunset hours unless you are with a large group.
• The road from the airport. Stay on the N2 and M3. Do not take the R300 or Borcherd's Quarry Road towards Nyanga, where drivers of hired cars have been targeted.
• Cars. Carjacking and robbery are common after dark at traffic lights, junctions, petrol stations and driveways. Smash-and-grab theft from cars stopped at lights is a daily event. Keep doors locked and nothing on the seats.
• Fake police. Criminals have used blue lights on unmarked cars to stop motorists. If unsure, drive slowly with hazards on to a police station or busy petrol station.
• Cash machines. Use ATMs inside shopping centres, refuse "help" from strangers, and shield your PIN.

In the city centre and along the Sea Point promenade, phone snatching is the most common crime. Long Street's bars are a draw at night and so are the people who rob those leaving them.

Nights and getting around

Locals rarely walk after dark, even a few blocks. Use Uber or Bolt for short trips at night and meet drivers in a well-lit spot. The V&A Waterfront has its own security and is the one area where an evening stroll feels normal. The MyCiTi bus is fine in daytime; avoid minibus taxis, which are involved in many road crashes and occasional violence between operators.

South Africa's roads are among the most dangerous of any middle-income country, according to the WHO. Drunk driving, speeding and pedestrians on highways at night are the main causes of death. Drive defensively, especially at weekends and month-end.

Mountain, sea and fire

Cape Town's natural risks are mostly seasonal. Summer brings wildfires on the mountain, and in April 2021 a fire spread from Table Mountain to the University of Cape Town and burned part of its library. Winter storms bring floods to informal settlements. In 2018 the city came close to "Day Zero", when taps would have been turned off. Tap water is safe today.

At the beach, swim only between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; the FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary notes that strong currents cause regular drownings. False Bay beaches such as Muizenberg have shark spotters who raise a flag when a shark is near.

Where to stay

Sea Point, Green Point, the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, Gardens and Constantia are the usual bases and are relatively safe. If you stay in the city centre, choose a hotel with secure parking and take ride apps at night. Visit townships only with a reputable guided tour. Read our South Africa page before you travel further.

How we scored it

Violent crime (15) is very low, below Johannesburg (25), and night safety (30) and theft (35) are also weak. Health and environment (72) and natural hazards (68) are Cape Town's strongest factors. For a comparison with another beautiful but risky coastal city, see Rio de Janeiro.