Cape Town offers a vibrant blend of cultural experiences that connect visitors to the rich heritage and traditions of South Africa. From immersive drumming sessions to historical explorations, these activities celebrate the essence of Cape Town’s diverse cultural landscape.
Cape Town’s cultural experiences provide an opportunity to connect with the city’s unique heritage and celebrate its diversity. Whether exploring music, history, or cuisine, we’ve curated a list of Cape Town activities that offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of South African culture.
Drumstruck: African Drumming, Music, and Wine Tasting
Drumstruck at Silvermist Organic Wine Estate combines live African drumming, storytelling, and wine-tasting in a family-friendly experience. Each guest receives a djembe drum to participate in the show, led by some of South Africa’s top percussionists. The experience explores African musical heritage, including a collection of indigenous instruments. Guests can also enjoy organic wines from the estate or opt for farm-brewed iced teas. An optional braai with live marimba music adds to the festive atmosphere.
Cost: Standard Rates – R480pp (Adult wine tasting & show); R300pp (Kids U12); R380pp (Adult, show only) |
SA Local Rates – R380pp (Adult wine tasting & show); R200pp (Kids U12); R280pp (Adult, show only) | Braai – R350pp for adults, R150pp for kids | Book via Webtickets
When: Runs until April 2025, the show will run twice daily from Wednesday to Sunday, with shows starting at 11:30am and 3:30pm.
Where: Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek, Constantia, Cape Town
See other top things to do in Constantia
Langa Township Tour with Siviwe Tours
Siviwe Tours offers guided walking tours of Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township. Visitors explore the area’s socio-economic diversity, including worker hostels and informal settlements, while learning about its history and culture.
The tours feature cultural entertainment such as traditional music and gumboot dancing, often performed by the Happy Feet Youth Project.
Cost: From R400 to R2700 | Bookings available here
Website: siviwetours.com | Tel: +27(0)76-483-5539 | Email: [email protected] | Instagram: @townshiptourscapetown
Try A Walking Tour in Cape Town
Chinese Lantern Festival Market 2025
The Annual Chinese Lantern Festival Market returns to Cape Town, taking place at Central Park, century city this weekend. Bringing a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture to the Mother City, this year marks the Year of the Wood Snake.
Expect a day of cultural discovery, featuring authentic Chinese street food, a tea-tasting station, and an art and calligraphy exhibition. Discover traditional Chinese medicine, with acupuncture practitioners offering insight into its health benefits. The festival’s live entertainment includes lion and dragon dances, a Kung Fu demonstration by Master Xiong, and live music from Everlasting Essence. Kids can enjoy a petting zoo, jumping castles, and a canine performance.
Cost: Free entry
When: Saturday, 8 February 2025 | 9am to 5pm
Where: Central Park, Century City, Cape Town
Robben Island Tour
A visit to Robben Island provides a deep dive into South Africa’s political history. Tours start with a ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront, followed by an hour-long bus tour of the island. Key sites include the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, and the Maximum Security Prison, where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held. Guides, often former inmates, share personal stories of resilience and hope.
Cost: R400 (South African adult) | R210 (per child u/18) | R600 (Non South African adult) | R310 (per child u/18) | Bookings available here
When: Daily (Weather and demand permitting) | 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm
Website: www.robben-island.org.za | Tel: +27(0)21-413-4200 | Email: [email protected]
GOLD Restaurant: A Pan-African Feast
A prominent venue of Cape Town’s tourist attractions, GOLD Restaurant has topped the list for a memorable night of traditional African cuisine and music for many years. Lavished with immaculate local artefacts and contemporary artwork, GOLD restaurant patrons can’t relent from the overwhelming excitement of the tastes and sounds of Africa.
GOLD Restaurant offers an immersive dining experience with a 14-dish menu inspired by flavours across the continent. The evening features storytelling, singing, and traditional dancing, accompanied by Mali puppets and live performances. Guests can also participate in an optional djembe drumming session before dinner.
Cost: R475 for the feast and R130 for the drumming session
When: Mon to Sun 6.30pm to 11pm
Where: 5 Bennett St, Green Point, Cape Town
Website: goldrestaurant.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 421 4653
Facebook: @GOLDRestaurantSA | Instagram: @goldrestaurantcapetown
Explore More Restaurants and Dining in Cape Town
Long March to Freedom
Embark on a powerful 350-year journey through South Africa’s struggle for freedom at the world’s largest bronze sculpture exhibition. Featuring 101 life-size statues of iconic figures from Khoi leaders to apartheid-era activists, this immersive experience in Century City offers guided tours and stunning photo opportunities with Table Mountain as the backdrop.
Cost: R20 (South African citizens) | R75 (International visitors) | Free (children u/6) | Tickets available via Webtickets
When: Tues to Sunday & public holidays | 10am to 4.30pm
Where: Long March to Freedom, Century Boulevard, Century City, Cape Town
Afrikaanse Taalmuseum en -monument, Paarl
Explore the rich history of Afrikaans at this iconic museum on Paarl Mountain. Housed in Gideon Malherbe’s 19th-century home, the museum highlights Afrikaans’ evolution, from its Arabic script origins to its role in South Africa’s diverse culture.
See the printing press for Die Afrikaanse Patriot, enjoy interactive exhibits, and learn about Afrikaans through music, from rieldans to rap. The museum offers guided tours and educational programmes, making it a perfect stop for visitors of all ages.
Don’t miss Oom Gideon se Winkel for unique Afrikaans-themed souvenirs. A must-see for history and culture enthusiasts.
Cost: R20 (Get R10 discount at the second point of visit) | Annual permit: R120 | R10 (South African Students) | R5 (Children) Tel: +27 (0)21 872 3441
When: Mon to Fri | 08.30am to 4.30pm
Where: 11 Pastorie Avenue, Paarl, Cape Town
Website: taalmuseum.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 872 3441
Facebook: @afrikaansetaalmonument | Instagram: @taalmonument
See One of the Museums in Cape Town
Rands Lifestyle Space, Khayelitsha
Situated in the heart of Khayelitsha, Rands is a multi-faceted venue, a heaven for good music, food and quality entertainment. Rands’ signature meat dishes accompanied by real township inspired sides like the popular chakalaka, creamy spinach and pap. Take that and combine it with our premium space and décor.
Rands is more than a venue – it’s a lifestyle destination. Open seven days a week, it combines authentic township culture with a sophisticated vibe. Indulge in traditional dishes like creamy spinach and ribs, and dance to upbeat music, especially on weekends when the party reaches new heights.
Cost: From R20 to R201 (Excluding shows)
When: Daily | 10am to 10pm
Where: 6 Makhabeni Road, Khaya Bazzar, Khayelitsha, Cape Town
Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 874 6082
Facebook: @RandsCPT | Instagram: @randscapetown
