Cape Town Art, Culture & History Walking Tour

Cape Town , South Africa

Cape Town Art, Culture & History Walking Tour

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(9 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We will meet at the Bo-Kaap Deli (97 Church St, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, 8001).

Our tour begins in the vibrant neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap, where brightly painted houses & streets reflect a rich cultural heritage. As we take in the colourful facades, you’ll learn about the deep roots of Cape Malay culture and its impact on Cape Town.

From Bo-Kaap, we head to the lively Long Street, where Victorian-era buildings meet buzzing bars, bookshops, and vintage boutiques. Each step reveals another layer of Cape Town’s unique character.
Next, we explore Greenmarket Square, filled with handcrafted goods, local art, and vibrant textiles—a marketplace that showcases the city’s creative spirit.

We then pass landmarks like the Slave Lodge and City Hall, with the chance to visit a Mandela exhibit.
Our final stop is District Six, where stories of forced removals and resilience continue to shape the city’s identity.
This tour offers deep insight into Cape Town’s history, culture, and art scene.

Available options

Start Time

What's included

N/A

Detailed itinerary

Our tour will begins in the vibrant neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap, where the brightly painted houses and streets speak to a rich cultural heritage. As we take in the colourful facades and historic mosques, you’ll learn about the deep roots of Cape Malay culture and the community’s impact on Cape Town's Culture.

we’ll make our way down to the lively stretch of Long Street, where Victorian-era buildings meet buzzing bars, bookshops, and vintage boutiques. Each step reveals another layer of Cape Town’s unique character—where the past and present meet.

we’ll immerse ourselves in the bustle of Greenmarket Square, where traders offer hand crafted goods, local art, and vibrant textiles. It’s a local marketplace filled with energy, that showcases the rhythm of Cape Town’s creative soul.

Stop 4 Pass by

we’ll pass significant landmarks like the Slave Lodge, a solemn reminder of the city’s colonial history,

Stop 5 Pass by

The Company's Garden is a large public park situated in Cape Town CBD - the main commercial district of Cape Town. It is the oldest garden in South Africa.

the City Hall, where historic speeches and protests once echoed through its grand arches, with the opportunity to visit an exhibition on Nelson Mandela.

Our final destination being District 6, where stories of forced removals and cultural resilience still shape the area. Here, you’ll gain insight into a chapter of Cape Town’s past that continues to inform its identity today.

What's not included

All additional Items and Cost

Lunch and Snacks are Excluded

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We will Meet at the Bo-kaap Deli (Address: 97 Church St, Bokaap, Cape Town, 8001)

About Cape Town

Cape Town is a stunning coastal city known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cosmopolitan living, and historical significance.

Top Attractions

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is an iconic landmark and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. It offers breathtaking views of Cape Town and the surrounding coastline.

Nature 2-4 hours Moderate (Cableway ticket: R380 return)

V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is a bustling hub of activity, featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place to experience Cape Town's vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment Half day to full day Free to explore, with varying costs for activities and dining

Robben Island

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. It's a powerful reminder of South Africa's apartheid history.

Historical 3-4 hours Moderate (Tour ticket: R500 including ferry)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken or lamb. It's a popular street food dish with Indian roots.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.

Cape Malay Curry

A flavorful curry made with spices, herbs, and often includes meat or vegetables. It's a staple of Cape Malay cuisine and is typically served with rice.

Dinner Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.

Biltong

A dried, cured meat similar to jerky, but with a unique South African flavor. It's a popular snack and can be found in various flavors and cuts.

Snack Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Hiking Paragliding Shark cage diving Surfing Mountain biking Beach lounging Spa treatments Wine tasting

Best Time to Visit

November to March

This is the summer season, characterized by warm, dry weather and long daylight hours. It's the peak tourist season, perfect for beach activities, hiking, and outdoor adventures.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Afrikaans
Widely spoken: Xhosa, Zulu
English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Cape Town is a generally safe city for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation. Violent crime is less common but can occur, particularly in certain neighborhoods and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night
• Be cautious with valuables in crowded areas
• Use reputable transport services

Getting there

By air

Cape Town International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Cape Town Station

By bus

Cape Town Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The MyCiTi Bus system is efficient and affordable, with dedicated bus lanes to avoid traffic. It's a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cape Town City Centre Camps Bay Bo-Kaap

Day trips

Stellenbosch

50 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Stellenbosch is a charming university town in the heart of the Cape Winelands, known for its historic architecture, world-class wine estates, and vibrant student culture. It's a great place to explore South Africa's rich history and indulge in some of the country's best wines.

Hermanus

120 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Hermanus is a coastal town known for its stunning whale watching opportunities, beautiful beaches, and scenic coastal walks. It's a great place to escape the city and enjoy some of South Africa's most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope

60 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are two of South Africa's most iconic natural landmarks, offering breathtaking views, scenic hikes, and a rich history. It's a great place to explore the country's diverse wildlife and experience the raw beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Festivals

Cape Town International Jazz Festival • March (annual) Cape Town Carnival • January (annual) Cape Town Fashion Week • September (annual)

Pro tips

Visit Table Mountain early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and strong winds
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the vibrant Bo-Kaap to the upscale Camps Bay
Take a day trip to the Cape Winelands to sample some of South Africa's best wines
Visit the V&A Waterfront for shopping, dining, and entertainment options
Take a harbor cruise for stunning views of the city and Table Mountain