Culture

Cape Town is known for its rich and diverse culture. It has something for everyone. But if your stay with us is short, and you’re worried about the final whistle blowing, the guide below will direct you to some of the main highlights.

Live music

Observatory, or “Obs”, as it is affectionately known, is filled with bars, live music and trendy restaurants. Under apartheid, Observatory enjoyed “grey area” status, meaning that people of all races lived together, and its spirit has persisted into the new South Africa. Its numerous clubs and restaurants, along with book and curio shops that stay open until late, make it an ideal night-time spot. All the night action is centred on Lower Main Road, so take a slow amble down, taking time to stop at each of the shops, or let your ears lead you to the best live music on the street – most nights you will have a choice of Afro Latin, folk and jazz.

Theatre

Artscape in the city centre has the largest opera house in the Western Cape, with 1 187 seats, and a 540-seat theatre. Artscape is the home of Cape Town’s ballet and opera.
Artscape (Foreshore):
Tel: + 27 21 410 9800
Bookings: + 27 21 421 7695

On Broadway in the city centre is a cameo theatre committed to the Cape Town’s cabaret scene. An eclectic crowd frequent this bar-cum-restaurant theatre and if you’re lucky enough you’ll catch satirist Pieter Dirk Uys donning his high heels and bringing the famous Tannie Evita to life.
On Broadway (city centre)
Tel: + 27 21 424 1194

Comedy

Want to laugh out loud? Then join up with the Cape Comedy Collective as they tour the Mother City. These comedians play on a multitude of issues, and the shows are not for the easily offended. They offer a hilarious insight into the quirks that make the city of Cape Town unique.
Contact the Cape Comedy Collective for information:
Tel: + 27 21 789 1665.

Museums

Robben Island was once the home of South Africa’s most famous political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. It is also a World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in South Africa. Follow the fans to this one – it’s definitely worth a visit.
Visit http://www.robben-island.org.za for more information.
Tel: +27 21 408 7600

District Six was a vibrant community which was forcibly removed by the apartheid government. Now, the District Six Museum tells the story. It’s a treasure trove of history and information, so put it on your list of things to do.
Visit http://www.districtsix.co.za for more information.
Tel: +27 21 466 7200

Iziko South African Museum holds a staggering 1.5-million items of cultural and scientific significance. The exhibitions take you on a journey through the centuries, and the Whale Well features a mind-blowing, life-size replica of a blue whale.
Visit http://www.iziko.org.za for more information.
Tel:  +27 21 481 3800

Outdoor

Stand on a piece of iconic South African landscape by hiking to the top of Table Mountain. If you’ve used up all your energy at the game, relax – you can take the cable car to the top. Words don’t do justice to the view. It is something you need to see to believe. Visit http://www.tablemountain.net for more information.

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway:  +27 21 424 0015

Table Mountain National Park: +27 21 465 8515/9

If you want to spread your wings and do something different, take your rented car and go for a drive on Chapman’s Peak Drive. It offers spectacular views of Cape Town, and is perfect for all those happy snappers. The route is occasionally closed for safety reasons, so check the website http://www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za, or call before going.

Tel: +27 21 791 8222

For those who want to see the wild side of Africa, visit the Drakenstein Lion Park in Klapmuts. The park provides sanctuary to abused lions, and gives you the chance to see these majestic animals.

Visit http://www.lionrescue.org.za/ for more information.

Hiring a bicycle to go sightseeing is also a great way to rid yourself of stress about your team’s ranking. Cycle around Masiphumelele and get to know a little more about life in Cape Town’s townships. Stopping at a local shebeen for some soccer chat with the locals, while having a cold beer, is always an option.