The best sunset spots in Cape Town

Feeling active? This is the sunset hike that everyone talks about. It’s a short, sharp climb from the road to the summit (allow about an hour, if you’re reasonably fit. Two if you’re not) with an Insta-worthy 360-degree vista at the top. Start early, because the route’s ladders and chains can bottleneck when it’s busy, and you don’t want to miss the sunset after all that effort. Once you’re up there, the payoff is worth the hard work: Table Mountain to the south, Camps Bay down below, the city bowl twinkling at your feet, and a shimmer of gold on the Atlantic. Bring a headlamp if you plan to walk down after dark, and be warned that on full-moon nights, the route gets very crowded. Sadly, the route sees the very occasional mugging incident, so walk in groups and leave valuables at home if you can.

While you could walk to the top, if you want the summit without the sweat, simply hop the cable car to the top of Table Mountain. Time your Table Mountain ride so you’re up top for golden hour, then take the last car down once the sky starts fading. If you’re making an evening of it, grab a drink at one of the venues on the summit, but keep one eye on the clock so you don’t miss the final car (anywhere from 6pm – 9pm, depending on season) back down. And, don’t forget that SA citizens get a free ticket in the month of your birthday! It’s one of the many excellent Birthday Freebies on offer in Cape Town.  

For postcard-perfect sunset picnics, Camps Bay is a vibe. With a wide sweep of sand framed by the icy Atlantic Ocean and the chilled cocktails of the bars along Victoria Road, it’s a slice of Palm Beach glam in the Mother City. Hook up a volleyball game, lay out your tanning towel or go full Camps Bay and book a table so you can soak up the sunset while sipping a glass of something cold.

If Camps Bay is a little too buzzy, look no further than Clifton 4th, which is a more laid-back option. It’s still family-friendly, and boasting powder-white sands and azure waters, just wth the volume turned down. It’s the place for families and couples, quiet picnics and kicking back with a book as the sun slips. Framed by granite boulders and luxury villa,s it’s one of Cape Town’s most scenic beaches for good reason. Arrive early, as parking can be tricky, and remember that no alcohol is allowed on city beaches. And yes, the cops that patrol he beach will check your basket.

If the city’s Atlantic Seaboard feels too busy, head south along Victoria Road to the tiny cove of Llandudno. Parking is, I won’t lie, a nightmare when the weather’s good, but resign yourself to a steep walk down to the beach (and a steeper one back up) and take comfort in knowing it’s worth every step. Because Llandudno feels like Camps Bay’s prettier, quieter cousin. A sheltered bay with pale sand and large granite boulders, backed by soaring mountains and seriously expensive homes. Once you’re on the sand, spread out, watch the surfers, and let the sunset skies do their thing. Again, remember that no alcohol is allowed on city beaches. 

The West Coast suburbs of Blouberg and neighbouring Table View are not the loveliest corners of the city when it comes to beaches. They’re wide open, can be windswept, and lack the cosy bays and boulder-strewn charm of Clifton and Camps Bay. However, what they do have is that postcard view. 

For the iconic ‘Table Mountain across the bay’ shot, head straight to the Blouberg and Table View beachfront. Unless the weather’s perfect, it’s a better place for long walks than lazy picnics. Instead, stretch your legs and then visit one of the seafront restaurants. Bring a jacket (it can turn cold and windy in minutes), grab a coffee or an ice cream, and watch the city skyline light up across Table Bay. 

For a sunset with a side-order of luxe, book a seat at The Silo Hotel Rooftop. Located high above the V&A Waterfront, it offers views of Table Mountain in one direction and the harbour lights shimmering in the other. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, The Silo Hotel has become one of the city’s most iconic buildings. And while your budget may not stretch to a night in one of their luxurious suites, outside guests are welcome at the hotel’s impressive rooftop bar and restaurant. The Silo Rooftop is open daily from midday and serves some of the best sunset vistas in the city, alongside innovative cocktails, fine wines, and inspired small plates. Reservations are essential, with a deposit required at booking, though there’s no minimum spend. Sadly, the stunning rooftop pool is reserved exclusively for hotel guests. It’s not the cheapest option on this list, for a special-occasion golden hour, it’s hard to beat.

Few roads in Cape Town have quite the drama of Chapman's Peak Drive, the cliff-hugging scenic route between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. It’s a hit for tourists doing the loop to Cape Point, but locals have long enjoyed it as a sundowner spot. Although you’ll need to pay if you want to go all the way over the Drive, you can – Time Out Tip! – get about halfway (2.7 km, to be exact) for free with a day pass issued at the Hout Bay ticket office. Before you get that far, take a detour to the harbour for a portion of fish and chips. Fish on the rock or Mariner’s Wharf, the choice is yours. With a snoek parcel in hand, head up ‘Chappies’ to find a picnic spot and watch the sun set behind the peak known as the Sentinel. 

Although it’s also one of our favourite tidal pools in Cape Town, Maiden’s Cove – wedged between Clifton and Camps Bay – also delivers the goods for front-row sunsets. On summer evenings, the space fills up fast with swimmers, families and picnickers (you might be all three at once!) making the most of this much-loved local hangout.

If you want maximum wow-factor with minimal effort, Signal Hill is your go-to. Hang a right at Kloof Nek and Signal Hill Road (could they make it any easier?) winds above the city bowl. After a few minutes, you'll be looking down on the stadium, the harbour, and a sweep of Atlantic horizon tailor-made for dramatic skies. It’s popular for a reason, so don’t arrive too late if you want to bag a parking space. Just remember to pack a jacket (the wind here takes no prisoners), keep valuables out of sight, and find a spot at the rail.

Adding a touch of urban energy to the seaside sunset is Saunders Rock, a tiny tidal pool with a massive fanbase. It’s situated at the very (western) end of the Sea Point Promenade and offers sun-seekers a small beach and an even smaller tidal pool, which attracts largely not-small crowds. It’s popular any time of day but is particularly lovely for sunset swims. Be cautious when walking on the granite rocks, as they can be slippery. 

If you like your sunsets with sea air and a long, level stroll, the boardwalk at Slangkop Lighthouse is a winner. This is Kommetjie at its best: dune-side pathways, big Atlantic swell, and surfers catching a wave in the last rays of the day. It’s a gentle walk, with a handful of benches that will tempt you to take it even slower, offering dramatic sea views and sunsets to remember.

This picnic site on scenic Victoria Road is a bit of a local secret, and although the early gate closing means you might not catch the final moments of sunset in summer, you will get to enjoy the evening glow. It’s worth getting there nice and early though: bag a braai spot and steel yourself for a dip in the icy (but gin-clear) waters offshore. There’s no shop on-site, so bring all your picnic goodies with you.