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Cape Town boasts a thriving art scene, with a multitude of galleries dedicated to visual and contemporary art. Stroll through the city and you'll discover a plethora of trendy art galleries, vintage shops and interior design boutiques.
Don't miss the beautiful Company's Garden, home to South Africa's oldest art gallery, as well as several museums dedicated to South Africa's natural and social history.
Art and design enthusiasts can visit the Cape Town International Convention Centre on the Foreshore, where numerous art fairs, exhibitions, musical performances and conferences are held. Similarly, on Darling Street, Cape Town City Hall hosts a varied programme of art fairs, music concerts and other events.
The performing arts are also a major feature of the city. A great way to experience the history and character of Cape Town is through plays and musicals. Take in a show at local theatres such as Artscape, Fugard and Baxter, to name but a few.
Along Signal Hill you'll find Bo-Kaap, a historic suburb known for its colourful townhouses. Wander down Wale Street and visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, where you can learn about the history of the old Malay neighbourhood. To the west of the CBD are the bohemian suburbs of Woodstock and Observatory, well known for their many art galleries, interior design shops, fashion studios and trendy bars and cafes. Head to the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill on Saturdays, where you can sample a wide range of local dishes and discover designer products.
Cape Town is well known for its laid-back approach to life, thanks in large part to the many beaches, vineyards and outdoor activities.
Between November and March, the city comes alive with a myriad of open-air carnivals, markets and music festivals, while the Cape's vineyards provide the perfect setting for lunches and wine tasting.
Braaing (Barbecuing) is also a passion of the locals, and a popular way to spend the weekend, whether at home or at one of the city's many outdoor braai sites. If you haven't tried shisanyama (braaied meat), then you haven't really experienced Cape Town!
In terms of attire, Cape Town style is mainly casual, except for major social events such as the J&B Met or parties and outings.
South Africans in Cape Town are also active and enjoy being outside. You'll often find crowds of joggers making their way along the Sea Point promenade, people hiking at Lion's Head or picnicking in beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or Green Point Park. There are also plenty of opportunities for water sports, abseiling, cycling, swimming and fishing at various beaches and nature reserves, such as Cape Point and the West Coast National Park.
