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Destinations » Africa » South Africa » Cape Town » City Guide: Entertainment

Cape Town » City Guide

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Cape Town is by its nature a playful city (materialists left for Johannesburg or London long ago). But the diversions of Cape Town tend to be the beaches, sports, mountain walks, day-trips, wine tasting and by evening, sunsets and fine dining. The arts are necessarily constrained by finances and there are few theatres and concert venues. Museums are, equally, strapped for cash, although a few are well worth a visit. However, the love of music (particularly jazz) is very strong and cinema, too, is popular. There are also some venues for nightlife and a theme park. Festivals and special events are frequent, so check when you're in town.

Museums


The SA Museum in the Company Gardens is excellent. The Whale Gallery steals the limelight but the Planetarium and the other exhibits are well done. The Aquarium (in the Waterfront) is superb and highly recommended. The Castle is the oldest building in South Africa and has the excellent William Fehr art collection. The impressive Groot Constantia estate has a grand Manor House that is well worth a visit. Robben Island is now a museum; it was formerly a prison for political activists including Nelson Mandela. Unfortunately, the organisation and quality of tours on Robben Island is sometimes poor.

Art


The best place to see art and antiques is at commercial galleries. Try Church Street near Greenmarket Square in the city centre. Small galleries are also found in most shopping malls. In-Fin-Art on Wolfe Street is a good place to start.

Cinema


Cinemas are located in the shopping malls such as Cavendish Square in Claremont and the Waterfront. One exception is the Labia, an old cinema and landmark in Gardens. Cinéma Nouveau (in Cavendish Square and the Waterfront) feature more arty films. There is an IMAX cinema in the BMW Pavilion in the Waterfront. The standard of cinemas is usually very high.

Theatre & Concerts

There are two main theatre complexes: the Baxter in Rondebosch and the Artscape on the foreshore. They feature the full range of theatre, dance and music. The standard and appeal are variable. During the summer there are excellent concerts at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on Sundays (take a picnic) and the Spier Estate in the Winelands. The Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay is home to light comedy and thrillers. For "fringe" theatre try On Broadway in Greenpoint.

Jazz


Cape Town has a strong passion for jazz, but there are remarkably few regular venues that are easy to get to. The Green Dolphin in the Waterfront is well known, and Café Camissa is in Gardens on Kloof Street. 169 on Long Street is another venue.

Nightlife

To find hip night venues try The Jam on de Villiers Street, the clubs at the bottom of Long Street or La Med at Maiden's Cove near Clifton. The biggest night venue by far is Dockside at Century City. The Drum Café is very trendy and cool (32 Glynn Street).

Theme Park

Ratanga Junction opened in 1999. It has various rides; one of which, "The Cobra," is one helluva ride! There are restaurants, a cinema and entertainment venues. This is a good place for families to have some fun.

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