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Bo-Kaap Head up Signal Hill to see the the oldest guns in daily use in the world! Cape Town’s oldest living tradition is the Noon Gun, fired every day at 12 pm sharp, except Sundays and public holidays. The 18-pounder, smoothbore muzzle-loaders are still in use today! These are the oldest cannons in daily use in the world.There are actually two on top of the Signal Hill overlooking Table Bay, one is a back-up should the other misfire. The Noon Gun originated so that ships which had been at sea and lost track of the correct time could re-set their clocks. Even quite far out at sea they could hear the sound, and if not, they would still see the puff of smoke and could work it out from there.Today the sound of this daily Cape Town tradition echoes through the City Bowl, and Capetonians check their watches with a smile. You can watch the daily ritual up on Signal Hill at Lion Battery, from 11:30. To get there head up Military Street in the Bo-Kaap to the Noon Gun. Look for for the sign-post on Buitengracht Street.
Things to do near
Bo-Kaap
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Shops
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City Centre (0.4 km from Bo-Kaap) There's a new retail destination on the Mother City skyline Mover and shaker of the South African events industry Alison McCutcheon has added a new string to her bow. Seeing a gap in the market for a destination store that showcased the resourcefulness and creativity of all South Africans.The Rainbow Experience at the stylish Mandela Rhodes Place on Church Street, Cape Town offers everything you would want for an unusual gift, leisure or décor item reflecting the spirit of South Africa.This unique multi level retail concept store is packed full of intriguing, unusual and desirable products and is home to the clever handprint paintings of Nelson Mandela and other South African icons. The enterprising spirit of the rainbow nation’s people is apparent as you move through the store. Admire the artworks on the upper level and enjoy watching artists at work. Bronwyn Tarr, adds the finishing touches to another handprint painting and this initiative of McCutcheon has seen visitors and residents stop to engage as the image evolves. Enjoy browsing the book section where shelves bulge with the talent of our local authors. Visitors fascinated with South Africa’s road to freedom and iconic leader, Nelson Rohlihlahla Mandela, can view a short movie of his legendary life journey and his legacy of leadership through reconciliation, mentorship and magnanimous spirit. With contemporary art, books, music, design and fashion this is a store that simply buzzes with the passion of our people and has to be the first stop on a visit to the City. Jazz jamming sessions are regular events in the Rainbow Room on the Lower level making this the perfect creative hot spot to chill. Read, network or catch up on your mails at the espresso cafe & bar where a lively selection of social drinks plus a small menu of deliciously fresh fusion foods delight the palate. Committed to creating a flagship for the global philosophy of mankind and ubuntu, business partners McCutcheon and Frank Gormley, are supporting Mr Mandela’s vision of educating and building outstanding leaders in Africa by sustaining revenue streams to the Mandela Rhodes Foundation through the unique Rainbow Experience.Need to know? The Rainbow Experience, Mandela Rhodes Place, Church Street, Cape Town is open daily from 9am to 9pm.
Popular Attractions
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City Centre (0.4 km from Bo-Kaap) Vibrant and hip Long Street is the main street to party or chill out in Cape Town’s trendy City Bowl. Here you can choose any restaurant, lounge, club, or pub that strikes your mood. Every place is unique and promises a fabulous vibe.
Architecturally Long Street is renowned for the attractive Victorian buildings, some housing interesting bookshops and ethnic-styled eating and drinking spots.
Attracting a diverse range of locals and tourists from all over the globe, accommodation choices on Long Street are appropriately varied. Choose from chic penthouses, self-catering apartments, arty hotels or funky backpackers.
Bars
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City Centre (0.4 km from Bo-Kaap) Zula Sound Bar mixes the finest music with live theatre and dance. Add a sprinkling of poetry, and Cape Town has an ever-changing art house.
Zula has hosted some of the Mother City's leading musicians – Freshly Ground, Godessa, Teba, Bed on Bricks, 340ml and Sons of Sellassie as well as International DJs such as Pascal (True Playaz). Zula gets cooking from 12:00 until late every day, having one of the finest kitchens in Long Street offering affordable excellent meals.
From the fully licensed Magic Tree Bar there is a selection of Cape wines, local and international beers and cocktails. Whether you chill on the balcony, boogie inside or sink a few balls between sets in the games room, Zula is a cool, fresh, funky music venue and restaurant just waiting for you – whatever your age, gender, colour or creed.
Opening hours: 12:00 to 00:00 Tuesday to Saturday, Monday 16:00 to 00:00.
Bars
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City Centre (0.5 km from Bo-Kaap) Tjing Tjing is unique in many ways, located in the trendy and vibrant urban area of Cape Town central.
You'll find this rooftop bar above Dear Me Restaurant in Longmarket Street. The interior reflects a fusion of eastern influences, mixing of old and new, local and Asian, accentuating a warm atmosphere. Enjoy a selection of classic cocktails and wines, paired with delicious tapas.
Open Tuesdays to Fridays from 16:00 to late, and Saturdays from 18:30 to late.
We take exclusive bookings on a Monday night.
Bars Nightclubs
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City Centre (0.5 km from Bo-Kaap) You'll have to look for an unmarked door and walk up an inconspicuous staircase to successfully find The Waiting Room. But once inside, you'll soon realize that this little scene is a true hidden gem.
Located above the The Royale Eatery in Long Street, this venue features plenty of seating and a homely, hip atmosphere. The Waiting Room attracts plenty of trendy folks; an ideal place to simply hang out, enjoy the music and socialize. Great for group parties, there is an outdoor area, as well as roof access with views of Long Street and Table Mountain. A bar is available where you can acquire your drinks, and comes with card facilities for your convenience.
Given the nature of the venue, it succeeds as a great place for small, intimate live music performances. Shows are done regularly, so check in to see what's happening every week.
Opening times:
Mon-Thu: 18:00 to 2:00;
Fri: 16:00 to 2:00;
Sat: 18:00 to 2:00.
Bars
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City Centre (0.6 km from Bo-Kaap) Down one of Long Street's quieter avenues, you'll find the inconspicuous yet classy Julep Bar.
A small venue, featuring warm, trendy interiors with matching lounge seats. A well-stocked bar is located at the back where you can acquire your favourites drink, as well as a selection of delicious cocktails. If you'll like to complement your drinks with some snacks, there is a tapas menu available to help whet your appetite.
Vibey evenings are sometimes matched with live music, proving to be a popular spot to hang out with friends.
Open Monday to Sunday, 17:00 to 2:00.
Cover charge is sometimes applied.
Bars
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City Centre (0.6 km from Bo-Kaap) Introducing Cape Town’s new Jazz Club THE RAINBOW ROOMAt last Capetonians now have a top central city Jazz and dinner venue! Since opening mid December 2009, The Rainbow Room at Mandela Rhodes Place on St George’s Mall the superb line up of well known local artists and young up and coming talent has had residents and visitors alike flocking to the club. Enjoying top class jazz in a superb environment that mirrors overseas clubs of the same genre is not the only thing the Rainbow Room offers: delicious “Soul” food and social drinks add to the experience making a memorable evening!The philosophy of these regular sessions is to feature Cape Town’s top musicians supported by young up and coming musical talent. The brains behind this venture; Alison McCutcheon and business partner Frank Gormley of The Rainbow Experience, Eric Alan of Jazz Rendezvous on Radio 2000 and Aki Khan of Eastern Acoustics have networked and collaborated with musicians and the top acoustic specialists to ensure that this new venue is an optimum performance environment.Sessions will take place four times a week and Monday sees Listening jazz with head set and jazz jamming, Thursday offers AfroJazz with Shado Twala offering her choices for fabulous entertainment, Friday evenings takes you on a smooth jazz trip whilst Saturday will showcase mainstream jazz. During the week sessions start at 6pm allowing you to enjoy a relaxing time after work and beat the evening traffic gridlock. On Saturday prepare for an evening of pleasure from 8pm.Great food is part of the experience so book early and enjoy some Cape Town soul food: delicious butter chicken, lamb shank with dollops of garlic mash and morogo plus traditional cuisine done the rainbow way! Chef Whaheed Rojan will have daily surprises to keep one coming back for more.The format of the sessions is simple: an opening act of one set by student musicians drawn from the music schools of Cape Town, followed by two sets featuring the best jazz musicians from Cape Town. Nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians will be featured when the occasion arises. There is no prescribed play list and the Rainbow Room will encourage the artists to perform their original compositions as well as the well known International and South African jazz standards.With a cover charge of R50 (special discounts for music students and musicians) and this convivial atmosphere, whether seated at tables or the bar, you can enjoy jazz at its very best.Jazz guru Eric Alan is excited about the response to the venue which answers all the musicians’ needs.“Finally we have a professional platform to showcase Cape Town’s and South Africa’s amazing musical talent in an environment where music lovers are going to feel as at home as the musicians. It is also important to give new young talent a stage to perform before a live audience, this vision is being realised at every session and we can only grow from hereon. The Rainbow Room’s aim is to become the premier serious jazz music listening venue in Cape Town and South Africa, rivaling the best known jazz venues around the world.”The Rainbow Room is a true music venue in all senses and acoustically provides the best that Cape Town has to offer. Aki Khan of Eastern Acoustics spent many hours fine tuning and developing the venue and says he is proud to be the technical partner of The Rainbow Room. His vision is to assist in empowering musicians, technicians and in growing the music business through quality live recordings. With this in mind all performances will be recorded with the view of releasing “Live at The Rainbow Room” compilations and full CD’s of all concerts. This means there will be a strict “silence during performances” policy in place during the sessionsResearch into successful Jazz venues in international cities has shown that creating a space of respect for musicians and the music has resulted in outstanding musical experiences where musicians perform at their optimum.Expect the unusual to be the usual and the Rainbow Room to become your venue of choice to visit on a regular basis.Need to know? Booking is essential 021 422 1428Cost: R50 cover charge plus any refreshments. Dinner is served before and after the main act. Interpark Parking off Burg Street with direct access to Mandela Rhodes Place.
Popular Attractions
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City Centre (0.6 km from Bo-Kaap) Who is that dude with all those eggs on his head? Egg Man appears at Greenmarket Square come rain or shine and at all the hottest festivals in South Africa, adding an air of Rio-style festivity wherever he performs. His name is Gregory da Silva - a comedian artist, storyteller, dancer and live street performer. Egg Man was born in Benin West Africa, which is Voodoo Country. He speaks French and English and is living in the Mother City.Wearing an invincible smile and a twenty five kilogram headdress, he always turns heads as he strolls around Greenmarket Square. Each day his outfit sports a new feature, presenting the city centre with a new display of his symbolic African art and culture. His body is armoured with artefacts and his face painted with tribal patterns. Gregory's warm voice is lively and he repeatedly offers phrases and words in French. Gregory performs at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, the Hermanus Whale Festival, Klein Karoo National Kunstefees and many others. He has been hired to receive guests at hotels and airports and appeared on SABC 2 and E-TV News. His dream is to impart creative knowledge to South African youth, giving them the power to create beautiful things and also to support themselves, all part of his ultimate venerable ambition to "bring Africa together to make one". Bravo!
Popular Attractions
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City Centre (0.6 km from Bo-Kaap) Right in the centre of Cape Town is one of the oldest public spaces in the Mother City. Greenmarket Square celebrated its 300th birthday in March 2010 with a substantial facelift.Refurbished ablutions, a brand new stage, newly laid cobblestones, reconstructed marketplace and more spacious café environment have made this vibrant spot more people-friendly.The atmospheric market dates back to 1696 when it was built. Later sailors from passing ships would use the area for trading their merchandise and stocking up on produce before they continued their voyage.In recent years, Greenmarket Square has become an increasingly crowded trading venue offering a wide variety of Pan-African curios, clothing, candles and speciality stalls.Numerous restaurants and cafes surround the square, providing good people-watching vantage points while you take a caffeine break from shopping.Remember the Purple Rain Protest? Throughout the apartheid era, Greenmarket Square was frequently the focus of political protests. This was largely due to its proximity to parliament, and also the background of its shoppers and merchants. Today the market is still buzzing with interesting characters and has a great atmosphere.Opening hours:Monday to Friday 09:00 – 16:00Saturday 09:00 – 15:00
Bars
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City Centre (0.7 km from Bo-Kaap) Inspired by the love of all things bling, Daddy Cool is the whimsically glamorous bar of the Grand Daddy Hotel. In this white and gold playspace you can sip on fine wines, delicious cocktails, happy-go-lucky bubbly and a good old fashioned selection of spirits. Need to know? Open each evening (except for Sundays) Daddy Cool kicks back with good sounds and live performances throughout the week.
Galleries and Museums
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City Centre (0.7 km from Bo-Kaap) Celebrate a cinema experience beneath the stars in the world's only rooftop trailer park at the Pink Flamingo Cinema.
Get your free pop-corn, candy cone and welcome drink with your ticket. Movies start at 19:00.
For private screenings call 021 424 7247.
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City Centre (0.7 km from Bo-Kaap) Filled with old-world charm, a functioning rotary dial telephone system, warm incandescent lighting and a revolving sofa, Alexander Bar & Café is engineered for playful interaction and conversation.
With impeccably selected jazz and world music and a fairly priced range of local wines, malt whiskies, martini cocktails and light meals, Alexander Bar is building a loyal base of Cape Town regulars and becoming a happy discovery for visitors.
Popular Attractions
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Gardens (0.7 km from Bo-Kaap) Slap bang in the middle of the city is a green oasis and what some locals only think of as a cool spot for a picnic. Well, if you stroll down the garden path you’ll find a lot more than sprawling lawns, lush plantings and luxuriant blooms.A walk back in time Named for the Dutch East India Company, the Company’s Gardens lie alongside the elegant Houses of Parliament and Tuynhuys, the President’s Cape Town residence. Established in the 1650’s by Jan van Rieebeck, the Company’s Gardens was provided fresh produce for the ships and Cape Town’s colonists. In 1848 the Garden became a botanical garden and public park, enticing visitors for a wander around the fountains, rambling lawns, koi fish ponds, Japanese rose garden, aviary, sun dial and some of the country’s oldest cultivated trees. Nut-gobblers? Be prepared to encounter busy squirrels scampering about, stopping only to grasp titbits proffered to them. Most visitors enjoy feeding the Garden's permanent residents, grabbing bags of peanuts from vendors at the Adderley Street entrance.Culture vultures and arty farties head to the Iziko South African National Gallery to check out the empressive collections of South African, African, British, Dutch, French and Flemish art. The Gardens is also home to the Iziko South African Museum with its phenomenal collection of one and a half million specimens. A mosey around the Museum’s halls leaves one with a greater understanding of the earth’s biological and cultural diversity.Beam me up? Next door is the Iziko Planetarium where you can kick back for the ultimate in comfy armchair travel – a cosmic voyage through outer space projected onto an enormous dome.Anyone for tea? Join tourists or lunchtime locals for a feast of scones, jam and cream or homemade apple pie under the boughs of stately old trees at the Company's Garden Tearoom.
Galleries and Museums
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Green Point (0.7 km from Bo-Kaap) Open twice a week, the Cape Quarter Village Market is a lifestyle, European-inspired market that exhibits local goods and produce.
Within the centrally located mall of the Cape Quarter, when the market is up and running you'll find an al fresco venue surrounded by a myriad of shops, restaurants and speciality services. In terms of market food, there is a large choice to enjoy comprising delicious gourmet-style items. Live music is also a common attraction. On Saturdays you'll find the corner bar area open, offering a large selection of locally brewed beers on tap and wines.
When you've browsed the various vendors and ate your full, you can explore the rest of the mall at leisure.
There is plenty of underground parking available.
Open every Wednesday and Sunday, 10:00 to 15:00.
Galleries and Museums
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City Centre (0.8 km from Bo-Kaap) The Iziko Planetarium is housed in the South African Museum building in Cape Town. The venue is a round celestial theatre, utilising a complex Minolta star machine and multiple projectors to transport the audience through the wonders of the universe.
Night skies are created within the dome, coupled with great audio to make the experience a unique and memorable one.
Opening hours:
Open all week;
Closed on Workers' Day, Christmas Day and the first Monday of every month.
Entry fee:
Adults (19 years and older): R25;
Children, students and SA Pensioners: R10.