Cape Town offers not only a variety of museums and important historical sites. In the change of modernity, the Mother City is a treasure trove for the artistically or culturally interested. Entire neighborhoods have been dedicated to art, and the oldest houses have been converted into museums. The huge art scene vibrates with events and unloads its creativity in wild street art.

Robben Island

The prison on Robben Island off Cape Town is considered a symbol of the brutality of apartheid. Here, not so long ago, political opponents of apartheid were forced to work in the quarry. Probably the most famous prisoner was Nelson Mandela, who remained imprisoned for 27 years before being elected president of South Africa immediately afterwards (1991).
The prison has since been converted into a museum. Tours are led by former inmates who tell visitors directly from their memories.

District Six Museum

District Six is actually a multicultural neighborhood once populated by free slaves, workers, artists and immigrants. In the wake of apartheid, District Six was declared a “White Zone” in the 1960s and brutally cleared. In the process, much was destroyed and left fallow. It was not until 2004 that Nelson Mandela handed over the first keys to newly built houses to old returnees. The history of District Six is shown and made tangible in this museum.

Slave Lodge

The oldest building in Cape Town houses a museum that deals primarily with the history of slavery in South Africa. In its exhibitions on the lower floor, the museum aims to deal mainly with the issue of human rights and crimes. There is also an international exhibition of ceramics and silver pieces.

Woodstock

If Cape Town is the Berlin of South Africa, Woodstock is probably the Neukölln of Cape Town. Because nowhere else can you discover more art, studios, galleries and street art. Unfortunately, this neighborhood is already beset by gentrification – a common fate that is also due to tourism. Nevertheless, art lovers should not miss the opportunity to immerse themselves in the colorful world of the Cape Town scene.

Theater

Countless stages entice visitors with events ranging from the classical to the unusual: for example, the Brasserie at Vaudeville: Baroque dreamscapes are created on stage while you indulge in a French dinner. The state-owned Artscape Theatre takes a more classical approach between opera, ballet and modern dance. More cultural influences can be found in District Six: for example, the Fugard Theatre, which presents many African productions. Theatre in the District is known for its creative and contemporary productions. At the University Theatre Baxter Theatre Centre, the focus is on nurturing new local talent. However, those simply looking for a relaxed and casual evening are sure to find it at the casual, rustic Barnyard Theatre.

First Thursday

Every first Thursday of the month, a part of Cape Town is gripped by sudden dance fever. Pop-up bars and concerts pop up everywhere, restaurants and stores open their doors late into the night, inviting you to party. Gin and wine tastings, spontaneous parties and transformed venues are all there to be discovered. Most events can be found on Bree Street. But adventures await on other streets as well: for example, the beautiful rooftop bar Tjing Tjing, which exudes its Japanese flair on Longmarket Street and entices visitors with special offers on First Thursday.

(Iziko) South African Museum

The nature, archaeology and anthopology of South Africa is on display here with over 1.5 million objects – including whale skeletons, giant squid, meteorites and lots of extinct animals! If you can’t stop marveling, you can also get your head spinning in the accompanying planetarium.