South Africa » Entertainment in Cape Town

Cape Town is by its scenery a good-humoured city. But the diversions of Cape Town tend to be the beaches, sports, mountain walks, day-trips, sunsets and fine dining. The arts are essentially inhibited 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 is very well-built and cinema too is popular. There are also some venues for nightlife and a theme park. Festivals and special events are recurrent.

The SA Museum in the Company Gardens is outstanding. The Whale Gallery steals the limelight but the Planetarium and the other exhibits are well done. The Aquarium (in the Waterfront) is outstanding.

Cinemas are situated 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.

There are two main theatre complexes: the Baxter in Rondebosch and the Nico Malan on the foreshore. They feature the full variety of theatre, dance and music.

Cape Town has a strong fervour for jazz, but there are remarkably few usual venues that are easy to get to. The Green Dolphin in the Waterfront is well known, and Cafe Camissa is in Gardens on Kloof Street.