Experience the heart of Cape Town: top cultural spots to visit

Cape Town is one of the leading tourist destinations and since it’s the holiday season, most people will flock to the city to spend quality time with their loved ones.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or simply a beach baby, there’s so much to see and explore. However, for a glimpse into the true soul of the city, you’ll need to immerse yourself in authentic cultural experiences.

Here’s a round-up of Cape Town’s must-see attractions.

The Bo-Kaap

Summer is all about bright colours and this season, immerse yourself in the brightly coloured houses lining the streets of the Bo-Kaap that will light up your Instagram feed.

Besides that, you will also get to learn about the history of the city’s Muslim community – along with being one of the city’s top attractions (local lore holds that the homes used to be owned by slaves who could only paint them white while they were under lease; once they were officially able to own the homes, they painted them in bright colours.

Drumstruck

It is no secret that the best wine is harvested in the Western Cape, hence the province offers timeless winetasting events. All this you can experience with a traditional South African braai while you dance to Drumstruck’s marimba band.

The cool beaches

Unlike Durban, Cape Town is known for its cold beaches because of the Atlantic Ocean. However, you can always enjoy a picnic by the beach, listening to the sound of the ocean and watching the waves as they clash.

District Six Museum

This evocative museum is a homage to the residents of District Six, a racially mixed area, who were forcibly removed during the Apartheid era once it was declared by the government to be a whites-only area.

This museum is best explored with the locals who understand the rich history and are willing to share the suffering endured by Apartheid’s victims, with exhibits capturing the essence of a suburb that was an important cultural centre before it was demolished.

First Thursdays

The first Thursdays of the month are a celebration of local culture with the city’s museums, galleries and restaurants staying open late for visitors to explore.

You’ll be able to view exhibitions by some of the country’s foremost established and upcoming artists, explore stunning local design, stop off to sample drinks and bites from the city’s hottest restaurants and bars, browse markets and catch local musicians and DJs.