Things to do in & around Cape Town
The Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most distinct neighbourhoods and there’s so much to see, taste and explore.
Situated at the foot of Signal Hill, on the fringe of the city centre, and formerly known as the Malay Quarter, the Bo-Kaap’s origins date back to the 1760s when numerous “huurhuisjes” (rental houses) were built and leased to slaves. The people who lived there were known as Cape Malays, and were brought from Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries in Africa to work in the Cape.
Kloof Street is ranked 26th on the list of the world’s ‘coolest streets’. It outperforms entries from New York, Barcelona, and Istanbul.
Kloof Street is a great place for a morning coffee.
Fine eateries have been identified as some of the major draws. This ‘boulevard of cool’ has been praised for its versatility, going down a treat with locals AND tourists alike. Kloof Street is also noted for its ‘magical views’ and ‘buzz by the bucketful’. Local fashion and boutique art galleries have scored some big points for Kloof Street. Alongside a handful of breathtaking hotels, a highly-regarded Lifestyle Centre has also put this corner of Cape Town on the map.
This oasis right in the centre of the city is a favourite for both locals and tourists. The site is important historically, and is a thriving urban space where buskers strum guitars while office workers sun themselves over lunch hour. There is plenty to do, but here are our top six things to do when you visit.
IZIKO MUSEUMS
Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town, and is considered one of the premier public cultural institutions in South Africa. The museums house vast collections – representing the country’s social history, natural history and art collections – in magnificent, historic buildings which, in and of themselves, are national treasures.
Things to do beyond Cape Town