Cape Town Cycling Guide: The Best Routes, Coffee Stops, Places to Visit & Local Tips
Few cities in the world offer the cycling variety of Cape Town. In a single day, you can ride mountains, coastal roads, fishing villages and vineyards, all within easy reach of the city.
With its mix of smooth coastal routes, mountain passes and scenic suburban roads, Cape Town has become a top destination for both cycling holidays and winter training camps, attracting riders from around the world.
What makes it truly unique is the diversity within each ride—where ocean views, historic towns and wine estates can all feature in a single outing.
At Kaap Tours, we’ve spent years exploring these routes and sharing them with visiting cyclists. This guide brings together our favourite rides, stops and local insights to help you experience the very best of cycling in Cape Town, whether you’re riding independently or with a guided tour.
Cape Town stands out because of its incredible variety. Within a short ride from the city centre, you can experience coastal roads, mountain climbs, vineyard lanes and quiet suburban routes—all in a single outing.
The city is also blessed with a mild climate and plenty of sunshine throughout the year, which means cycling is possible in almost every season. Unlike many destinations where long transfers are needed between highlights, Cape Town’s best riding areas are surprisingly close together.
In one ride, you can roll out of Camps Bay, climb Chapman’s Peak, descend into Noordhoek, stop for coffee and still be back in the city by the afternoon. The convenience and variety make it ideal for both training and relaxed sightseeing rides.
For riders wanting to explore further, Cape Town also serves as a gateway to the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route and the wider Western Cape gravel network.
If you’re planning to extend your trip into the vineyards, our Cape Winelands Cycling Guide covers the best routes, wineries and places to stay in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and beyond.
Cape Town is a year-round cycling destination, with each season offering something slightly different.
Summer (December to February) is warm and sunny, with long daylight hours perfect for early morning rides before the wind builds. The city is lively, and coastal routes are at their most vibrant. It can be hot so be ready for early mornings
Autumn (March to May) is often considered the most reliable season for cycling. Temperatures are comfortable, conditions are generally stable, and the summer crowds begin to ease. It also coincides with the famous Cape Town Cycle Tour.
Winter (June to August) is cooler and greener, with occasional rain but many crisp, clear riding days. It’s a popular escape for European cyclists looking to train in milder conditions. There is big storms at this time of year but lovely weather between storms
Spring (September to November) brings wildflowers, warming temperatures and excellent conditions for both road and gravel riding before the peak summer season.
Regardless of when you visit, it’s always worth checking the wind forecast. Cape Town’s wind can significantly affect certain routes, especially along Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point and the False Bay coastline. A well-timed ride can completely transform your experience on the bike. Have a look at our packing guide if you are planning a trip.
Cape Town is packed with incredible roads, but a handful of routes stand above the rest. These are the rides that combine spectacular scenery, smooth roads, rewarding climbs and memorable coffee stops. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer cycling holiday, these routes showcase the very best of what Cape Town has to offer.
Distance: 60–75 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: First-time visitors wanting to experience Cape Town’s most iconic ride.
If you’re only going to ride one road in Cape Town, make it Chapman’s Peak.
Starting in Camps Bay, you’ll follow the Atlantic coastline beneath the towering Twelve Apostles mountain range before passing through the picturesque suburb of Llandudno and into Hout Bay.
From Hout Bay, the road begins climbing Chapman’s Peak Drive—one of the most famous coastal roads in the world. The climb is steady rather than steep, allowing plenty of opportunities to admire the dramatic cliffs and endless views across the Atlantic Ocean.
After reaching the summit, the descent into Noordhoek is fast, flowing and unforgettable.
Before heading back over Chapman’s Peak, take time to stop at Noordhoek Farm Village, one of Cape Town’s favourite coffee stops for cyclists. Excellent coffee, fresh pastries and a relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect place to recharge before the return journey.
Local Tip: Ride early in the morning for lighter traffic, calmer winds and some of the most beautiful light you’ll experience anywhere in Cape Town.
Distance: 70–90 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Best For: Riders wanting to experience the wild side of the Cape Peninsula.
For many cyclists, this is the ride they’ll remember long after leaving South Africa.
Beginning in the historic naval town of Simon’s Town, the route follows the coastline into the breathtaking Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Traffic is generally light, allowing you to enjoy one of the most scenic roads on the continent.
The reserve is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, and it’s not unusual to see baboons, ostriches, bontebok, eland or even zebra during a ride. The combination of rugged coastline, fynbos-covered mountains and quiet roads creates an experience unlike anywhere else.
After visiting Cape Point or the iconic Cape of Good Hope sign, the ride heads back towards the reserve entrance before tackling the climb over Red Hill.
Red Hill rewards your efforts with magnificent views across False Bay before a thrilling descent brings you back to Simon’s Town.
Coffee Stop: Grab a coffee overlooking False Bay in Simon’s Town after your ride or enjoy lunch at one of the town’s excellent waterfront restaurants.
Local Tip: Enter the reserve as close to opening time as possible to enjoy quieter roads and increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
Distance: 80 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Best For: Riders wanting to experience almost every side of Cape Town in a single ride.
This is one of our favourite full-day routes at Kaap Tours because it combines many of Cape Town’s most iconic roads into one unforgettable day on the bike.
Leaving Camps Bay, you’ll ride through Hout Bay before climbing Chapman’s Peak and descending into Noordhoek. From there, the route follows the coastline towards the colourful fishing village of Kalk Bay.
Kalk Bay is the perfect place to stop for coffee or lunch. Watch the fishing boats come and go from the harbour, browse the small cafés and enjoy one of the most character-filled villages in South Africa.
After leaving False Bay, the route turns inland through the leafy suburbs of Constantia. Quiet roads wind between vineyards, mountain views and some of Cape Town’s oldest wine estates before the route continues back towards the city through Woodstock.
Few rides offer such variety. In one day you’ll experience two coastlines, mountain passes, historic villages, vineyards and vibrant city neighbourhoods.
Coffee Stops:
Local Tip: This route is best enjoyed as a relaxed full-day ride rather than a race. Take time to stop, explore and enjoy everything the Cape Peninsula has to offer.
Distance: Approximately 100–110 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Every March, the Cape Town Cycle Tour attracts thousands of cyclists from around the world. While some sections of the official route use roads that are only closed for the event, it’s possible to experience almost all of the magic using quieter alternatives throughout the rest of the year.
Our preferred version keeps the iconic climbs over Smitswinkel, Chapman’s Peak and Suikerbossie while avoiding busy highway sections that are less enjoyable outside race day.
Without the pressure of racing, you’ll have time to stop for photographs, enjoy a coffee along the way and appreciate why the Cape Town Cycle Tour is considered one of the world’s greatest cycling events.
For visitors who have always wanted to ride the famous route but aren’t travelling during race week, this is the next best thing.
While Cape Town itself offers a handful of enjoyable gravel routes, the truly world-class gravel riding begins just outside the city.
Within an hour or two of Cape Town you’ll find endless quiet gravel roads winding through vineyards, mountain passes, nature reserves and wide-open landscapes. Regions such as the Cederberg, Overberg, Wellington, Tulbagh and the Cape Winelands have become internationally recognised gravel cycling destinations, offering everything from scenic day rides to unforgettable multi-day adventures.
If gravel riding is on your itinerary, we’ve put together a dedicated guide covering the best gravel routes, destinations and multi-day tours across the Western Cape. Be sure to read our Gravel Cycling in the Western Cape Guide for more inspiration.
Cape Town is one of the world’s great cycling destinations, but like any major city, planning your rides carefully makes for a much better experience.
Choosing the right routes, riding at appropriate times of day and understanding local conditions can significantly improve both your safety and enjoyment. Many of Cape Town’s most popular cycling roads are used by local riders every day and are generally very enjoyable when ridden with a bit of local knowledge.
We’ve put together a comprehensive Cycling Safety in Cape Town guide covering everything from route planning and traffic awareness to riding with local groups and practical tips for visiting cyclists. It’s well worth reading before your trip.
If you’re travelling from overseas, bringing your own bike isn’t your only option. Cape Town has several excellent bike rental companies offering high-quality road, gravel and mountain bikes from brands such as Specialized, Trek, Scott and Giant.
If you’re travelling with your own bike, we recommend reading our guide to the best bike shops in Cape Town for servicing, spares and support during your stay:
Kaap Tours bike hire support
At Kaap Tours, we can organise premium bike hire as part of your cycling holiday, ensuring your bike is professionally fitted and ready to ride when you arrive.