Dating in Cape Town: Best Free Sites & Apps

Cape Town’s dating scene

Cape Town is one of the most international cities in Africa. Alongside Capetonians from every background, it attracts students, remote workers, retirees from Europe and people from the rest of South Africa looking for a different pace of life. The combination of Table Mountain, the Atlantic and the winelands makes it an easy city to fall for, and an easy one to date in.

The city is spread out, and each area has its own personality. The City Bowl, Gardens and Tamboerskloof are central and lively, Sea Point and Green Point are popular with young professionals, the Southern Suburbs (Rondebosch, Claremont, Newlands) are leafy and close to the University of Cape Town, and the northern suburbs, from Durbanville to Bellville, are more family-oriented. Stellenbosch, with its university, is less than an hour away.

Which site or app in Cape Town?

All the services in our South Africa ranking work in English:

• Serious relationship: eDarling or be2, which both match you after a personality test.
• Over 50: Singles 50, our top-rated South African site, or 50sDating.
• Over 60: 60sDating.
• In your 40s: 40sDating.

These sites are free to join, with match suggestions at no cost; messaging needs a subscription. For free dating, Tinder, Bumble and Badoo all let you chat with matches without paying. In Cape Town they are busy, with many expats and visitors, so check whether a match actually lives in the city.

Bree Street, the Promenade and the mountain

Bree Street and Kloof Street are lined with restaurants, wine bars and cafés, ideal for a first drink. The Sea Point Promenade is the classic free date: a long, busy walkway along the ocean, popular at sunset. The V&A Waterfront is a safe, central place for a coffee or a meal.

Woodstock and Observatory have a more creative, alternative feel, and the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill on Saturdays is a relaxed place to wander together. Hiking Lion’s Head or Table Mountain, a picnic at Kirstenbosch or a day in the winelands are popular next dates. In summer, the Kirstenbosch sunset concerts are a long-standing favourite.

Hiking clubs, running groups, surf schools in Muizenberg and social sport are good ways to meet people. Many newcomers also meet through coworking spaces and community events.

Safety in Cape Town

• Meet in a busy public place, such as a restaurant on Bree Street or at the V&A Waterfront.
• Arrange your own transport and share your location with a friend.
• Hike popular trails in daylight and in a group, rather than alone with someone you have just met.
• Never send money, airtime or bank details to someone you met online.

Which site fits you in Cape Town?

Every service in our ranking works in English. In Cape Town, the choice depends on your age, your goals and whether you are here for the long term.

Software developer, 32, who moved from Johannesburg to Gardens

eDarling and be2 both suit people looking for something serious. Free tip: a sunset walk on the Sea Point Promenade is free and easy to suggest.

UCT student, 21, living in Rondebosch

Badoo offers free chat and browsing, and Tinder has free swiping and chat with matches. Free tip: student societies and hikes up Lion’s Head are cheap ways to meet people.

Retired British teacher, 63, living in Hout Bay

60sDating is made for singles over 60. Free tip: a coffee at the harbour in Hout Bay keeps the first date local.

Divorced lawyer, 54, in Constantia

Singles 50 is our top-rated South African site and is made for over-50s. Free tip: suggest a picnic at Kirstenbosch for a relaxed second date.

Dating in Cape Town: FAQ

Is Cape Town good for dating?

Yes. It is international, outdoorsy and full of great date spots, with busy apps and a mix of locals and newcomers.

What is the best dating site in Cape Town?

For a serious relationship, eDarling and be2 are good options. Over-50s can try Singles 50, our top pick.

Which dating apps are free in Cape Town?

Tinder, Bumble and Badoo all let you chat with matches for free.

Where should I go on a first date in Cape Town?

Bree Street or Kloof Street for a drink, the Sea Point Promenade for a walk, or the V&A Waterfront.