The 30 best places in Simon's Town, Cape Town

Simon's Town Reviews

Venetia Bailey

05 June 2019

All the wonderful things to see and do!! We stayed at Boulders Beach Lodge where, from the deck, we saw penguins walking in the car park!! Really awesome stuff!!! Boulders Penguin Colony is something else. Do yourself a favour and get there!

Then there's the Jubilee Square Craft Market and the Harbour (we liked Fran's Place and her story), we visited the Toy Museum, danced to live music at 2 and 6 Pence, enjoyed the elegance of the Lord Nelson Inn where we had pizza and watched the Champions League final, spent a laid back afternoon sitting at the Black Marlin having wine and oysters and just watching the boats down below and then views, views and more views!! Absolutely breathtaking!

We'll be coming back to camp at Smitswinkel Bay (bucket list stuff!) and at another time at Miller's Point, can't wait!!!

P.S. Was surprised and sad to see that the British Hotel is closed. I really wanted to have a sort of tour of the inside if they'd have allowed me. I would appreciate it if you could let me know what is happening there?

Superb. 5 out of 5

Anonymous

28 May 2019

The olde world character, views, restaurants, the penguins, Cape Point, the beaches, paddle skiing, scuba diving, golf, hikes, coffee shops, horse rides on Long Beach, wine tasting at Cape Point Vineyards, museums and boat trips.

Superb. 5 out of 5

Melynda Jacobs

30 March 2019

Beautiful in Simon's Town.

Superb. 5 out of 5

Jess van Vuuren

25 March 2019

A very quaint and tranquil town, truly lovely.

Superb. 5 out of 5

Chrystal Maphike

27 November 2018

Much to see, experience and feel in Simon's Town.

Fabulous. 4 out of 5

Kagiso Marakalla

16 October 2018

The naval base, the boulders by the Dolphins, a walk on the small shopping center and intersecting with the naval personnel.

Fabulous. 4 out of 5

MALCOLM VENTER

04 October 2018

Well situated to visit Cape Point. Nice walks.

Okay. 3 out of 5

Anonymous

13 August 2018

The Penguins at Boulders Beach and the Gemstone factory!

Superb. 5 out of 5

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More info about Simon's Town

The picturesque suburb of Simon’s Town is nestled in False Bay, Cape Town. Simon’s Town is significant in terms of its nautical history and is still home to the South African navy. Part of Simon’s Town’s history is the bronze statue of ‘Just Nuisance’ which stands in Jubilee Square. Just Nuisance was a famous Great Dane who was awarded the title of Able Seaman in the navy.

Simon’s Town has a quaint village feel with many cobbled streets and old cottages. It is superb to visit during the early and late winter months, as it is north facing, getting the warm winter sun.

Things to do

Jubilee Square, home to the famous Just Nuisance statue, is also a vibrant area filled with little shops and restaurants. It has beautiful views overlooking the harbour and is a perfect place to take a stroll next to the sea, or sit down, have a coffee and take in the spectacular view.

It is... Show more

Simon’s Town has a quaint village feel with many cobbled streets and old cottages. It is superb to visit during the early and late winter months, as it is north facing, getting the warm winter sun.

Things to do

It is only natural that such a historical town be filled with fabulous museums. The South African Naval Museum is a museum which showcases Simon’s Town’s rich naval history. This museum is great if you are interested in ships and submarines, their weapons and equipment. The museum is part of the South African Navy and is staffed by naval personnel.

Operating out of Simon’s Town harbour, Big Blue Fishing Charters offers the ultimate experience in deep sea big game, tuna and inshore game and reef fishing. Big Blue Fishing Charters is located close to some of the best fishing grounds in the Cape waters. Fishing can be enjoyed all year round.

If you’re keen on hearing about the rich history of Simon’s Town right from its waters then a cruise aboard the Spirit of Just Nuisance is for you. Take a slow cruise around the bay while enjoying all the historic sights and beautiful scenery. You may spot some birdlife, seals or even a whale.

One of Simon’s Town’s most notable attractions is Boulders Beach, known for its large penguin colony. Boulders is perfect for a leisurely swim between the rocks, family picnics on the beach or strolling on the walkways while observing the penguin life. These African penguins are endangered so make sure you are cautious while in their environment. Other family friendly beaches to visit in the area include Seaforth, Long Beach, Fisherman’s Beach and Windmill Beach.

Where to eat

The Black Marlin Restaurant is well known for its delicious seafood. During summer you can enjoy al fresco dining in the garden, or enjoy a fabulous lunch or dinner indoors. From July to December you might even be lucky enough to do some whale watching while enjoying your meal.

For afternoon tea why not try Simon’s Town’s quaint little patisserie, The Sweetest Thing, for truly sumptious cakes, pastries and pies.

The Salty Seadog is casual fish and chips dining at its best. It is a local favourite and offers fabulous views of the harbour as well as freshly prepared calamari, prawns, squid and catch of the day.

Situated just above Boulders Beach, Boulders Beach Lodge and Restaurant offers spectacular views and a menu which is revised every few months, complemented by an extensive wine list. This restaurant is well known for their breakfasts and relaxed atmosphere.

The Sophia Gallery and Tibetan Teahouse, is set in a beautiful old house, offering great vegetarian and vegan food, as well as cakes. The teahouse also has room called the Sanctuary which is used for meditation and events, a shop, and a Spiritual Art Gallery.

Where to stay

Simon’s Town is filled with beautiful mountainside guesthouses, self catering accommodation and bed and breakfasts with unsurpassed views of False Bay.

Transport

Car Rental: The easiest way to travel around Simon’s Town is by car. Car rentals can be booked online or organised at Cape Town International Airport.

Air: Simon’s Town is situated approximately 50km away from Cape Town International Airport.

Taxis/Cabs: Taxi services are ideal for short trips around the area

Train: Simon’s Town has a railway station and can be accessed by train. You can also travel all the way to Cape Town's CBD from Simon's Town.

Did you know?

Simon’s Town is often referred to as Simonstown, or misspelt as Simonestwon, Simones Town, and Simon Town.

It was originally named Simon’s Vlek after Simon van der Stel, who was once the Dutch governor of the Cape Colony.

Simon’s Town became a legendary port in 1814 when it was established as a naval base.

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Simon's Town

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About Simon's Town

Simon's Town Reviews

Venetia Bailey

70 accommodation listings in Simon's Town. Enter dates to see full pricing and availability:

Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R3000

Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R700

Apartments, Cottages, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1300

Guest Houses, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R600

Boutique Hotels, Hotels in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R950

Guest Houses in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1500

Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R950

Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1800

Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R675

Apartments, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R600

Boutique Hotels, Guest Houses in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1530

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1800

Apartments in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R2000

Guest Houses in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1000

Apartments, Guest Houses, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1400

Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R2500

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses, Holiday Homes in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R900

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1300

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses, House Boats in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1473

Guest Houses in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1145

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R890

Apartments, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1700

Guest Houses in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1400

Apartments, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R800

Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1300

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1690

Guest Houses in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1100

Apartments, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1180

Guest Houses, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R800

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1270

Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R4650

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1500

Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1700

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses, Villas in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R3360

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses, Self Catering in Simon's Town, Cape Town

R1300

Guest Houses in Simon's Town, Cape Town