Culture of Cape Town. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces
One of the most striking, both literally and figuratively, sights of Cape Town is called Bo-Kaap. The name refers to one of the oldest districts of the city. The distinctive feature of this district is small two-story houses. Even though they were built in the end of the 18th century, the houses are still preserved in their original form. The miniature buildings are painted in various colors, and so they make this area look very unusual and colorful. The ancient mosque of Masjid Korhaanol, which was built in 1886, is also located here. During its long history the building has never been destroyed or rebuilt.
Rich choice of seafood is one of the brightest distinctive features of the national cuisine. Fans of this culinary trend will find many restaurants, where they can order classic fish dishes … Open
In January, the city hosts a beautiful holiday - Cape Town Ministrel Carnival, which attracts many artists from different countries of the world. The history of this festival is more than a … Open
Many tourists and locals consider picturesque Victoria & Alfred Waterfront the main attraction of Cape Town. And the best time to visit it is at night when the area is beautifully highlighted, giving this place a fantastic charm. The color is given to the port by floating and sailing boats, shops, restaurants, as well as improvised or specially prepared musical concerts, which are held here quite often. Mostert’s Mill, the oldest and most beautifully preserved mill in all of South Africa, is another Cape Town's notable landmark. Its construction was completed in 1796, it was the first private mill in the region.
Cape Town never ceases to attract fans of beach holidays. The local beaches are especially popular with surfers. Muizenberg Beach is a great place for beginners. It features the most … Open
St Mary's Cathedral Parish is an amazing religious landmark. Its building's construction was finished 1851, the neo-gothic style popular at that time was chosen as the style. It is worth noting that this is the oldest Catholic cathedral and the main religious attraction of South Africa. Great Synagogue deserves special mention too. The building is also interesting from an architectural point of view, evoking associations such as "lightness", "snow-whiteness", "splendor". Stunning stained-glass windows, facade, interior - all these elements are worthy of separate attention.
1. The period from October to the end of November is considered the best time to visit Cape Town. During this period tourists will be able to catch the most favorable weather. Budget … Open
Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium is a museum directly associated with Cape Town, and therefore it's worth going here to learn the history of the city. It is also recommended to get acquainted with the unsurpassed art of South Africa - and local artists really have something to show. The best works of local painters, sculptors and inventors are exhibited at the Iziko South African National Gallery. Well, connoisseurs of modern art just cannot walk past the Whatiftheworld. Fans of interactive exhibits allowing to learn something new would be happy to open Cape Town Science Center with its fascinating tours and magnificent collection of robotics.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Cape Town and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.
City tours, excursions and tickets in Cape Town and surroundings
Plan your own excursion through Cape Town: churches, museums and castles
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Cape Town Stadium was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. » It was decided to destroy the old Green Point stadium and to erect a new one on the same site. When the old stadium hosted only 18,000 fans, the new tribunes were designed for 66,000 people. During the championship, five games were played on this field.
» The stadium building has a parabolic shape that provides a convenient overview of the football field to all spectators. Spectators are protected from wind, rain and sun by a roof, which, in itself, is a masterpiece of an engineering project. Thanks to this roof, the stadium looks like a white cloud.
» The sports facility is located in the famous place near the Cape of Good Hope at the confluence of two oceans. It became a noticeable landmark of the city, complementing the wonderful landscape of the area.
» In addition to sports, the stadium is used for various events. For example, the concerts of Michael Jackson and Robbie Williams were held here.
Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Castle of Good Hope is the most popular tourist attraction of Cape Town. Ancient fort, built by the Dutch in 1666, was originally fully wooden. A few years later, the actual pentagonal stone fortress was erected. » The main gate was built into the tower with a bell (the bell is brought from Amsterdam in 1679. This bell is still in its place.
» The blazon of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands is still located on the arch of the main entrance.
» For a long time, the fortress hosted a monastery, food shops, residential rooms and a prison. On the walls of the underground casemates, one can find the carved inscriptions made by prisoners centuries ago.
» In 1936, half of the fortress was occupied by the National Military Museum. It contains a large exposition of weapons and historical facts of military conflicts in this area.
» The second half is still occupied by the Army Headquarters of South Africa. The image of the castle is marked on the flags of several military formations and on insignia of the local military uniforms.
South African National Gallery, Cape Town
Location on the map: Facts:
» The South African National Gallery is a unique place, which arouses great interest of tourists and guests of Cape Town. The history of the gallery begins in 1850, when the rich philanthropists Thomas Butterworth Bailey and Avraham de Schmidt created the South African Association of Fine Arts and decided to find a suitable place for organizing the exhibition. » The main objects of the exhibition were paintings of Dutch, British and French artists of the XVII- XIX centuries, since the city was founded by Dutch maritime navigators.
» The gallery construction began in 1900 and only in 1930 it was officially opened. Gradually, the collection of exhibits increased due to the inclusion of paintings and sculptures of South African artists. At present, besides the permanent exhibition, the gallery hosts periodic exhibitions of contemporary artists of South Africa. Especially popular is the exhibition of ritual masks and body adornments of African people.
» An interesting fact: all the gallery doors are decorated with the carving made by Vladimir Meierovich. Drawings on the doors depict the wanderings of Jews in the desert.
» The gallery hosts demonstrations of costumes made by local fashion designers. In a small shop, located in the gallery, you can buy interesting gifts and souvenirs.
St. George Cathedral, Cape Town
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Cathedral of St. George was erected on the site of an old church. The building was designed by the English architect Herbert Baker for the Christian community of English people. » The construction lasted from 1901 to 1936 and only in 1953 the organ was installed in the cathedral, thereby finalizing the original design.
» The interior looks impressive with its huge stained-glass windows depicting scenes of fighting with an evil.
» Among the figures, it is easy to recognize Mahatma Gandhi, who fought for human rights and became a symbol of this struggle.
» Some time ago, the sermon was preached by the famous African archbishop Desmond Tutu, who actively struggled against apartheid and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. Cathedral of St. George is called "nationwide", since people of both the white and black race were always accepted here, trying to extinguish the enmity and unite the people.
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What to visit during two-day excursion in Cape Town
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Where: Lower Cable Station, Tafelberg Road, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0) 21 424 8181;
Where: Lower Cable Station, Tafelberg Road, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0) 21 424 8181;
Robben Island
Where: Nelson Mandela Gateway, Clocktower Precinct, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0)413 4220;
Where: Nelson Mandela Gateway, Clocktower Precinct, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0)413 4220;
District Six Museum
Where: 25A Buitenkant Street, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0) 21 461 8745;
Where: 25A Buitenkant Street, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0) 21 461 8745;
Bo-Kaap Museum
Where: 71 Wale Street, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0) 21 481 3939;
Where: 71 Wale Street, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0) 21 481 3939;
Groot Constantia
Where: Groot Constantia Estate, Constantia, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0) 21 795 5140;
Where: Groot Constantia Estate, Constantia, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0) 21 795 5140;
Two Oceans Aquarium
Where: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0)21 418 3823;
Where: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0)21 418 3823;
Gold of Africa Museum
Where: Martin Melck House, 96 Strand Street, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0) 21 405 1540;
Where: Martin Melck House, 96 Strand Street, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0) 21 405 1540;
Slave Lodge Museum
Where: Corner of Adderley Street and Wale Street, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0)21 460 8242;
Where: Corner of Adderley Street and Wale Street, Cape Town; Telephone: +27 (0)21 460 8242;
Reference information
Art galleries in Cape Town and around
♥ Art museum 'South African National Gallery' Cape Town, 0.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'South African National Gallery' Cape Town, 0.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
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If you haven’t visited this event yet, there is still time to book a hotel in Dubai because Expo 2020 Dubai runs until 31 March 2022. People who are unable to visit the emirate can make a virtual tour on the Expo 2020 website. By the way, the virtual visitation has already reached 31.6 million by the end of December. Read this
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Photogallery of cultural heritage of Cape Town
Landmarks of culture on Cape Town map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc
Culture guide to Cape Town. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Cape Town: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Cape Town. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!