Cape TownvsMaputo
Can't decide between Cape Town and Maputo? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities, nestled between Table Mountain and two oceans. South Africa's Mother City offers stunning beaches, world-class wine regions, incredible wildlife, and a vibrant cultural mix.
Known for
Maputo
Maputo is a laid-back Indian Ocean capital with a beguiling mix of Portuguese colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and some of Africa's best seafood. Jazz bars, art deco buildings, and the lively Mercado Central give the city a bohemian charm.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Cape Town offers Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, V&A Waterfront
Maputo offers Maputo Central Train Station, Mercado Central, Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Food & Dining
Cape Town is famous for its local dining scene
Maputo is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Cape Town offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Maputo offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
November to March
April to November
Weather
Summer: 26°C, Winter: 12°C
Summer: 30°C, Winter: 22°C
Top Attractions in Cape Town
- 1Table Mountain
- 2Cape of Good Hope
- 3V&A Waterfront
- 4Robben Island
- 5Winelands Day Trip
- 6Boulders Beach Penguins
Top Attractions in Maputo
- 1Maputo Central Train Station
- 2Mercado Central
- 3Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceição
- 4Natural History Museum
- 5Costa do Sol Beach
- 6Feira de Artesanato
Cape Town is Popular With
Maputo is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Cape Town
- 1
Kirstenbosch Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway ('Boomslang')
A curvaceous, elevated steel and wood walkway that snakes through the treetops of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
- 2
The Noon Gun
Two cannons fired every day at precisely 12:00 from Signal Hill, a tradition dating back to 1806.
Hidden Gems in Maputo
- 1
Casa de Ferro (The Iron House)
A prefabricated iron house designed by Gustave Eiffel, shipped to Maputo in the 1890s.
- 2
Mafalala District
One of Maputo's oldest and most historic townships, the birthplace of famous poet José Craveirinha.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Cape Town
City Bowl & V&A Waterfront
The bustling heart of Cape Town, framed by Table Mountain and Signal Hill.
Atlantic Seaboard (Camps Bay & Clifton)
A glamorous stretch of coastline along Victoria Road, famous for its white-sand beaches, trendy cafes, and stunning sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Top Areas in Maputo
Baixa (City Center)
The historic heart of Maputo, a grid of wide avenues lined with grand colonial buildings, government offices, and bustling commerce.
Polana
An upscale, leafy residential area known for its embassies, elegant villas, and high-end hotels.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Cape Town
Budget in Maputo
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Cape Town
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Maputo
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to Cape Town
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Cape Town
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Find cheap transport to Maputo
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Maputo
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Our Verdict
Both Cape Town and Maputo are incredible destinations. Cape Town excels in Table Mountain and wine, while Maputo stands out for peri-peri prawns and Portuguese-African culture.
Best destination for:
beaches
Cape Town
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