13 Incredible Spots to Catch Sunsets in Cape Town! Ultimate Guide
Cape Town is one of the most incredible cities I’ve ever visited for a multitude of reasons. One of those reasons is that they get some insane sunsets and there are many places you can see them! From sunset hikes to sundowners on the beach (don’t worry, I’ll explain shortly), you’re bound to be impressed by the sunsets in Cape Town!
So let’s dive into the absolute best places you can see a sunset in Cape Town so you don’t miss out when you visit.
Pro Tips For Seeing Sunsets in Cape Town
Before you run off into the sunset (literally), here are some helpful tips I wish I knew before I got to Cape Town.
- Alpenglow App – I just started using this app recently and it’s been a great way to find out whether or not the sunset is going to be worth hiking to or going out to see! It predicts the sunset forecast and after using it for about a month, I’ve found it to be pretty accurate. I use the free version that shows you the forecast for sunrise and sunset the day of and for the next day!
- Getting To and From Sunset Spots – Getting to most spots if super easy if you use Uber/Bolt (it’s pretty affordable!). Just make sure you order an Uber or Bolt to pick you up at a set time to avoid getting stuck somewhere with no ride.
- Bring something to sit on – A lot of these spots are 1000000% better with a towel or blanket to sit on! Remember that Cape Town is a windy city so bring some layers well to make the most of the moment.
13 Best Spots to See Sunsets in Cape Town
If you haven’t seen a Cape Town sunset at these spots, you’re missing out!
Signal Hill
Signal Hill is a classic spot for sunsets in Cape Town!
It’s one of the first places I saw a sunset and it can get pretty crowded most nights. People get together and sit atop the takeoff strip for the paragliders to watch the sun go down. Come with a blanket and some snacks and drinks to make the most of it!
And if you’re lucky, you might even experience a sunset over the clouds from this spot. I’ve only seen it once and nearly cried tears of joy because it was such a mind-blowing experience!
1. Signal Hill Bunkers
This sunset spot can be a little tricky to find if you’ve never been before!
Essentially, there’s a small car park to turn off into before you reach Signal Hill. When you get to that car park, follow the trail to the right side of that car park for a few minutes. After you walk a few minutes you’ll see two bunkers ahead and when you look back, you’ll see Lion’s Head.
You can climb onto these bunkers pretty easily and chances are, other people will be there already, unless you get there pretty early!
You have to climb up a tree to get up but it’s an incredible spot to watch the sunset because of the view of Lion’s Head and the ocean and beaches below. Depending on the weather and conditions, you can sometimes see paragliders as well coming from Signal Hill or Lion’s Head and they might fly right over you.
Safe to say, it’s where I’ve seen some of the best sunsets in Cape Town!
2. Saunders’ Rock Pools
Another great spot for sundowners in Cape Town! Sundowners is just when people get together as a group to enjoy the sunset with some food and drinks. It often involves a braai which is South Africa’s version of a BBQ.
Saunders’ Rock pools are one of my fave spots to see sunsets in Cape Town because you can either chill out on the top of the rocks or you can swim in the rock pool at sunset! But if you choose to swim, beware, because the water temperature in Cape Town is no joke.
3. Waterfront Charters
Let’s be real, there’s no better place to watch a sunset than from the water.
To get to this sunset spot, you’ll need to start by heading to the V&A Waterfront an hour or two before the sunset to get on a catamaran for a sunset cruise
The cost depends on how many people you’re with and whether or not you want a private boat but it’s pretty affordable (~$25-30 USD per person, for a shared boat).
The experience is incredible on a hot summer’s day as they take you out on a long ride as the sun goes down with prosecco in hand.
Sound like a great activity to you? Find other unique activities around Cape Town here.
4. Camps Bay Beach
You can’t go wrong with a Camps Bay sunset!
Most beaches in Cape Town have wonderful sunset views but the one major benefit of Camps Bay is all the beach bars and clubs, restaurants and more on the main strip.
I personally love Okja Cafe for a sweet treat and coffee if you’re in the area during the day but you can also check out Cafe Caprice for more of a sunset vibe!
Pro tip: Head to the boulders on the right side side of the beach (near Glen Beach) to watch the sunset from up there.
5. Bakoven Beach
Bakoven is a popular spot mostly among locals for watching the sunset. You might even come on a night when people host a ‘secret rave’ and there’s a DJ playing!
If you’re taking an Uber or Bolt to Bakoven you’ll be fine but if you’re driving, you might struggle to find a good spot to park.
6. The Rock
Now that I think of it, The Rock is the first place I ever saw a sunset in Cape town! It’s a beautiful vantage point and one of my faves, that was shown to me by a local my first week in the city.
You can climb atop boulders here and see all of Clifton, Camps Bay and more!
It’s located in the middle of a gorgeous neighbourhood but it can be tricky to get an Uber back down if you wait too long after the sun has set.
7. Sea Point Promenade
If you’re staying anywhere in Sea Point or Green Point, sunsets at the Sea Point Promenade are a great spot!
You can see the sunset from most spots on this promenade but as you go further down, towards Sea Point, you’ll have the best views.
I used to skate every week along the promenade with a weekly meetup called Promenade Mondays and we’d always catch incredible sunsets as we skated back on the prom!
8. Clifton 1st
All of the Clifton Beaches have great sunset viewpoints so the one you choose will really just come down to personal preference.
I love Clifton 1st and usually choose that beach but all of them are great. Lots of people gather during the summer months to enjoy the sunset on the beach!
It’s a classic spot that will never disappoint and there are often groups playing beach volleyball and sometimes beach parties as well.
9. Blouberg Beach
Blouberg Beach is one of Cape Town’s most iconic spots to watch the sunset, offering stunning views of Table Mountain across the bay.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a vibrant canvas of orange, pink, and purple hues, perfectly mirrored by the calm waters.
The beach’s wide, sandy shoreline provides plenty of space to relax, stroll, or enjoy a picnic while soaking in the beauty.
Kite surfers often add a dynamic element to the scene, silhouetted against the colourful backdrop.
10. Hout Bay
Whether viewed from the sandy beach, a harbour-side restaurant, or even a boat, sunsets at Hout Bay offer a peaceful and picturesque escape that perfectly encapsulates Cape Town’s coastal beauty.
The calm waters reflect the fiery hues of the sky, creating a mesmerizing display.
11. Kalk Bay
Nestled between towering mountains and a serene harbour, the bay transforms into a golden haven as the sun dips below the horizon.
Stroll along the pier, watch the waves crash against the rocks, or enjoy the view from one of the cozy seaside cafes.
The colourful boats in the harbour create a picturesque scene, their reflections dancing on the water.
This quaint fishing village comes alive with warm golden hues as the sun sets over the horizon.
12. Beta Beach
This is another local spot that’s perfect for sunsets!
It’s a small beach area so it’s best for small groups and a lot of fun if you’re looking for a more relaxed and chill spot. It’s also a great place to have a cute sunset picnic.
13. Chapman’s Peak Drive
Driving along Chapman’s Peak during sunset is a breathtaking experience that showcases Cape Town’s natural beauty.
This winding coastal road offers dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged cliffs bathed in golden light. Each turn reveals a new, awe-inspiring perspective, making it the perfect spot for sunset lovers!
Stop at one of the many lookout points to capture stunning photos or simply soak in the serene atmosphere.
Sunset Hikes in Cape Town
If you want to work a little for your sunset view, these hikes provide you with some of the most spectacular views in the entire city!
Kloof Corner
Not up for a long hike?
It only takes about 30 minutes or less to get up to Kloof Corner so it’s become a really popular spot at sunset!
I love it because you have stunning views of the ocean and Lion’s Head while the sun goes down. I always bring a speaker and some snacks with friends and make the most of the moment.
This is a tricky spot to get back into town from so make sure you go down the hike as soon as the sun has set and pre-order an Uber so you’re not stuck on the mountain at dark without a ride.
I’ve had to hitchhike back into town when I couldn’t find an Uber to come up and get me (they sometimes cancel) which can be super scary as it’s not very safe to be out at dark in Cape Town!
Lion’s Head
360 degree views of Cape Town PLUS the sunset over the ocean?
You’ll love the sunset from Lion’s Head! It’s such an iconic spot to see the sunset and is extremely popular. Some days you can see the ‘table clothes’ roll over Table Mountain around sunset which is truly magical!
Make sure you head down right after sunset and bring a flashlight because it can be hard to see where you’re stepping as it gets dark.
Another option on Lion’s Head is to hike over to Wally’s Cave!
I’ve written an in-depth guide on how to get there but it’s essentially halfway up LIon’s Head and offers some of the most amazing views and is a unique spot to go!
Table Mountain
There are a few different hiking routes for Table Mountain but it usually takes up 2 hours to get up!
You can also opt for the cable car one or both ways if you don’t feel like hiking.
Table Mountain is the highest point in the city so you’ll have insane views at sunset (as long as it’s not too cloudy up on the mountain!).
Rooftop Bars for Sunset
Surprisingly, Cape Town doesn’t have many rooftop bars, however, the ones that do offer panoramic views make sunset-watching an unforgettable experience.
Here are some of the top spots to consider:
1. The Silo Rooftop
Located at the iconic Silo Hotel in the V&A Waterfront, this luxurious rooftop bar boasts sweeping views of Table Mountain, the city, and the harbour.
The chic setting, paired with expertly crafted cocktails and light bites, makes it a perfect spot to watch the sunset in style.
2. Sky Bar at The Grey Hotel
This trendy rooftop bar in De Waterkant offers a relaxed ambience and stunning views of Table Mountain and the surrounding cityscape.
It’s a great place to sip on a sundowner cocktail while enjoying the warm evening hues.
3. Chinchilla Rooftop Cafe & Bar
Situated in Camps Bay, Chinchilla offers unbeatable views of the ocean and Lion’s Head.
The lively vibe, combined with a menu of delicious cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, makes it a favourite for sunset lovers.
4. Utopia Cape Town
Perched in De Waterkant, Utopia lives up to its name with 360-degree views of Cape Town.
The sophisticated menu and impressive wine list make it a top choice for a sunset dinner.
Each of these rooftop bars promises a unique way to experience Cape Town’s spectacular sunsets.
Find a full list of the best clubs and bars in Cape Town here.
Sunset Times in Cape Town
Sunset times in the Mother City vary depending on the season.
During the summer months (December to February), the days are long, and sunsets occur around 7:45 PM to 8:00 PM. This provides plenty of time for outdoor activities and beach visits.
These extended daylight hours are perfect for watching the sunset from iconic spots like Table Mountain, Signal Hill, or Camps Bay.
In contrast, the winter months (June to August) bring shorter days, with the sun setting as early as 5:30 PM. Despite the cooler weather, winter sunsets can be equally stunning, often accompanied by dramatic clouds and clear skies that enhance the scenery.
Spring and autumn offer moderate sunset times, typically around 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM, providing a balance of light and cooler temperatures.
Cape Town’s diverse landscapes make it an insane location for sunset viewing year-round!
I’ll be back shortly with a new blog but in the meantime, you can follow my adventures as a full-time traveller and digital nomad on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube!
Cheers,
Amy xx
3 Comments
Comments are closed.