Comparing Cape Town to Rio De Janeiro
 

For those who have been to both places, how do you compare Cape Town to Rio De Janeiro. Similarities, differences, overall thoughts on each, etc. Thanks

There are a lot more differences than there are similarities such as Climate, seasons, cuisine, beaches, language, people.

You can rent a car and drive around both cities and it’s surroundings with ease.

Are you looking to visit one of them and can’t choose? I can tell you for beaches Rio is a year round destination while CPT is not. Both destinations are festive during December and January with advance bookings being a must.

They both have topographical features that lend themselves to absolutely stunning photography (patently obvious, but I had to say it). In Rio, ascending both Pão de Açúcar and Corcovado makes for a landscape photographer's feast (plus, at Pão de Açúcar you could watch the planes going to/fro Santos Dumont Airport).

For day trips, Cape Town has the Cape of Good Hope, Stellenbosch, and wineries, while Rio has its own rainforest, and Niteroi 's contemporary art museum (less for the museum than for the architecture).

I'd return to both, however, I was accosted a couple of times in each place (not quite successful in getting my money, but aggressive and a pain nonetheless); in Cape Town, it was on Long St., and Rio, downtown by the Petrobras HQ.

Apples and oranges come to mind.

Johan

I’ve enjoyed multiple stays in both cities. I find Rio a bit more interesting, lots more dining experiences there. Didn’t experience any crime in Capetown. I did have the crap on the shoes experience in Rio. Wasn’t a problem though. I only wore an old pair of shoes whenever I went near the beach.