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What’s new in Cape Town?
Whether you seek natural beauty, thrilling experiences, or cultural enrichment, Cape Town has something to experience for everyone. But beyond the popular attractions and activities lies a wealth of gems waiting to be explored in the city’s lesser-known areas.
For art enthusiasts
The city’s arts and lifestyle scene is constantly evolving to offer a bigger variety of immersive experiences that showcase the work of local artists while providing a platform for emerging talents. The expansion of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is only one example of innovation in the city. The addition of new exhibition halls, meeting rooms and other top-class facilities has made the CTICC one of the largest and most modern convention centres in Africa.
Art enthusiasts will have trouble narrowing the list of celebrated galleries, museums and exhibition spaces. The newly revamped Silo District in the V&A Waterfront is a cultural melting pot of gourmet dining, boutique retail offerings, awe-inspiring architecture, and world-class design and art. Housed in a former grain silo, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa amazes and inspires. Equally experiential and contemporary, the adjoining Silo Hotel is a delight for travellers.
For the culturally curious
Immerse yourself in the rich and multicultural history of Cape Town by embarking on a guided walking tour through the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. Township tours are great ways to learn about the history and culture of the city’s communities. Popular tours include the Langa township tour and the Khayelitsha township tour.
For the full South African dining experience, stock up on the spices that characterise Cape Town cooking at one of the historic spice shops in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood at the foot of Signal Hill. While you are in the vicinity, stroll down the Bo-Kaap’s cobbled streets and admire the brightly painted houses in shades of blue, green, pink and orange. Be sure to pay a visit to the Bo-Kaap Museum to learn more about the fascinating history and culture of this neighbourhood.
For the green fingers
As of late, Cape Town has seen a surge in sustainable tourism initiatives, including the opening of the country’s first certified organic farm in the heart of the city. Further to this, Cape Town now offers eco-friendly safari options that prioritise conservation.
If you are looking for more outdoor adventure ideas, take a trip up Table Mountain for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, or head to the nearby Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for a relaxing stroll among indigenous flora and fauna. Beyond the well-known nature reserves in and around Cape Town, the Cape Flats Nature Reserve is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. Several hiking trails wind through the reserve, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
For restless adventurers
For those seeking an adrenaline rush in Cape Town, ziplining adventures were recently introduced to the heart of the Cape Peninsula. The Bloubergstrand coastline has a high concentration of local and international kite surfers, and hydrofoil wing-surfing is a fast-growing new water experience in this area. Alternatively, try sandboarding down the picturesque dunes of Atlantis or take in the views as you abseil off Table Mountain.
The Cape Wheel located at the V&A Waterfront offers yet another unique way to experience the stunning views of Cape Town. The giant Ferris wheel recently changed locations, offering visitors an unbeatable panoramic view of the city, the ocean and the mountains that surround the site.
Explore Cape Town’s new and unknown
Cape Town is a city full of surprises, with hidden gems waiting to be discovered around every corner. Why not step off the beaten track and explore the lesser-known areas of this vibrant city?
