Central Cape Town

Find history, art, cuisine, and vibrant energy at the foot of Table Mountain

Hire a guide and take a step back in time to explore the cluster of candy-colored houses in Cape Town’s historic Bo-Kaap, then walk to the nearby heart of the city to dine, shop, and tap into the area’s rich cultural life. With gallery openings, design pop-ups, live music, and local food, the vibe is lively, creative, and joyfully spontaneous.

This historic enclave is one of the most photographed areas of Cape Town. Beyond the pastel-painted walls, take a cooking class to discover the food and traditions of the community, home to descendants of the Cape Muslim or “Malay” people. Join a heritage walking tour (the one by Daiyaan Petersén is excellent) to delve into Bo-Kaap’s rich culture and cuisine and enjoy the vibrant street art.

Dotted with hip restaurants, cafés, galleries, and boutiques, it’s worth strolling the length of Bree Street to dive into Cape Town’s creative artery. Grab a coffee at Rosetta Roastery, explore works by burgeoning artists at Youngblood Gallery, feast at Grub & Vine, and order a gin-infused cocktail at Aperitif to cap off the afternoon.

Traditional and modern multidisciplinary artwork are housed in this public art museum in the historical grounds of The Company’s Garden, a powerful space that was originally the victualing station for the Dutch. Spanning paintings, photography, sculpture, beadwork, and textiles, the pieces are often rotated.

Take home conceptual homegrown fashion, including jewelry and clothing, fragrances, journals, homeware, and ceramics by a range of highly regarded designers from this contemporary store that is a microcosm of the country’s design culture. The attached café/bar leans into the ethos, paying homage to South African craftsmanship in crockery and locally crafted drinks.

This Wale Street venue is known for its live music on Thursdays and Sundays. Come summer, stylish patrons sway to jazz, hip-hop, and Afrobeats, singing along and spilling onto the pavement. So much more than a bar, it has become an unmissable institution and one of the city’s cultural rituals.