This week, Cape Town notched another title, being crowned Time Out’s Best City in the World for 2025! Adding to World’s Best Food City at the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, it also topped the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards. Cape Town is renowned for its cuisine, natural beauty, beaches, wine farms and nightlife. What many visitors are still discovering is its thriving arts and culture scene, which Time Out ranked “highest in the world for its quality”. Here’s why you need to add Cape Town to your longevity traveler list of places to visit.
You Must Add Cape Town to Your Travel List
If you love art, nature and fine dining, then Cape Town is the place for you. In February 2025, Cape Town will host two major art events: Investec Cape Town Art Fair (Africa’s largest contemporary art fair) and the second Stellenbosch Triennale. These events will transform the city and region into a global art hub, attracting collectors, galleries, curators, artists and journalists. The city’s galleries, museums and institutions also participate in extended programmes, showcasing the best of the Cape’s—and Africa’s—cultural offerings.
But that’s not all. Check out this selection of the top 10 must-visit artistic and cultural destinations to fully experience the multifaceted extravaganza of art and culture blooming throughout the Western Cape this February.
Our guide to the top art destinations and events in Cape Town this summer
- Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2025
The best place in the world to discover contemporary art on the African continent is at Investec Cape Town Art Fair, which runs from 21 to 23 February 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The fair features over 124 exhibitors from across the globe, including top galleries from five continents, including big players, Europe and the United States, and attracts more than 30,000 art enthusiasts. The 2025 edition of the fair attracted 30 first-time exhibitors, the largest group of new galleries in the event’s history.
As always, the fair will extend into a week-long arts extravaganza throughout the city of Cape Town at a range of venues including its leading galleries, museums and other cultural institutions. The programme of events offers guided art walks, talks and panel discussions with thought leaders, art market professionals and experts providing invaluable insights and thought-provoking perspectives on the market for African art, collecting, current themes and new directions.
International artists join local talent
Among the diverse exhibitors showcasing their work at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2025, several galleries stand out for their unique contributions to the contemporary art scene. From the international realm, LEESAYA (Tokyo, Japan) introduces a fresh Japanese perspective, while Afriart Gallery (Kampala, Uganda) celebrates representing artists living and working on the African continent. Hunna Art (Kuwait City, Kuwait) highlights contemporary Middle Eastern art, and Galerie EIGEN + ART (Leipzig, Berlin, Germany) has expanded its programme by incorporating artists from different generations. Gypsum Gallery (Cairo, Egypt) adds depth with its focus on modern artistry from the Middle East.
Innovation, art and fostering dialogue
On the local front, Goodman Gallery and SMAC Gallery are influential establishments that showcase both emerging and established talents. Southern Guild merges contemporary craft and design, while WHATIFTHEWORLD and Stevenson are recognized for their innovative exhibitions that spotlight diverse narratives. Kalashnikovv Gallery represents a dynamic range of conceptual practices and will be showing an all-female based group of artists at the fair. Additionally, Everard Read, one of the country’s oldest commercial galleries, supports both established and new artists, connecting local talent with international audiences, while blank projects focuses on experimental and interdisciplinary practices, fostering dialogue around contemporary issues. Together with all the exhibitors, these galleries exemplify the remarkable array of talent to be featured at Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2025.
- The Stellenbosch Triennial
The Stellenbosch Triennale, which takes place from 19 February to 30 April 2025, debuted in 2020 with a bold vision: to transform the beautiful historical winelands town of Stellenbosch – home to some of South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious wine estates, including Spier, Boschendal, and Lanzerac – into a premier destination for multidisciplinary art in Africa. The Triennale was conceptualised as a platform where public art and creativity engage critically with society. The Stellenbosch Triennale 2025 will present a constantly evolving programme over its two-month duration featuring an impressive line-up of artists from the African continent and beyond. Chief curator Khanyisile Mbongwa has included practices including sound, sculpture, installations, paintings, photography, dance and performance under the evocative theme BA’ZINZILE: A Rehearsal for Breathing, which invites artists and audiences alike to contemplate the act of breathing, both a fundamental physical process and a metaphor for resilience and survival.
Enjoy the best Africa has to offer
The 2025 Stellenbosch Triennale will feature an impressive line-up of artists from the African continent and beyond. Participating artists include: Alexandre Kyungu Mwilambwe (Democratic Republic of Congo), Aline Motta (Brazil), Aziz Hazara (Afghanistan), Lebohang Kganye (South Africa), Simphiwe Ndzube (South Africa), Torkwase Dyson (USA), Thierry Oussou (Benin) and William Miko (Zambia) , Astrid González (Colombia-Chile), Helen Zeru (Ethiopia), Kasangati Godelive Kabena (Democratic Republic of Congo), Manyaku Mashilo (South Africa), Nandele Muguni (Mozambique),Simphiwe Buthelezi (South Africa), Takunda Regis Billiat (Zimbabwe) and Tuli Mekodjo (Namibia). Taking place at the Oude Libertas precinct and across multiple venues throughout the town, the Triennale reflects the unique cultural and natural landscape of the region.
Cape Town ICTAD 2024
3. Norval Foundation
Situated in the Tokai region of Cape Town, the Norval Foundation is a one-stop-shop for anyone wanting a slice of modern and contemporary African art in a cutting-edge architectural setting. The sculpture garden at this time of year is a true highlight, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain. The garden blends art with nature, creating a dynamic outdoor exhibition with paths leading through endemic plant beds. It features monumental outdoor sculptures from the permanent collection. Highlights include works by established artists like William Kentridge and Deborah Bell, as well as evolving installations throughout the course of the year. The foundation has a research library dedicated to 20th- and 21st-century visual art, making it a great resource for art enthusiasts and researchers. The Skotnes Restaurant and Bar, named after the legendary South African artist Cecil Skotnes, offers a culinary experience with a view of the surrounding landscape.
- Zeitz MOCAA
Housed in a spectacularly transformed historic grain silo by UK maestro designer Thomas Heatherwick, the museum features the world’s largest collection of contemporary African art, with more than 1 000 works by leading African artists, spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia. In addition to its permanent collections, Zeitz MOCAA organises a constantly unfolding programme of exhibitions that feature both established and emerging African artists. The museum also hosts art talks, workshops, performances, and film screenings. The museum’s exhibitions often explore critical themes such as identity, history, social justice, and the African experience, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring Africa’s diverse artistic heritage and its dynamic contemporary art scene.
- Iziko Bo-Kaap museum
The Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum in Cape Town offers fascinating insights into the history and culture of the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, known for its rich Muslim heritage, colourfully painted houses and cobbled streets. Housed in one of the earliest homes built in the area, dating back to the mid-18th century, museum highlights include exhibits contextualising the area’s complex cultural heritage from its roots as a settlement for enslaved people, which evolved to become the dynamic, multicultural community it is today. Visitors can explore the community’s traditions and their contributions to Cape Town’s cultural fabric, particularly through an understanding of deeper struggles for freedom and identity.
- Cultural districts Arts and culture tours
Outside of Cape Town’s better-known arts and culture districts, such as the Silo Precinct at the V&A Waterfront, visitors can explore a wider and more diverse dimension of the city’s rich cultural and artistic heritage through destinations such as the Langa Cultural Precinct in one of the city’s oldest townships. Highlights include the Langa Quarter, which showcases traditional and contemporary arts, crafts and performances. Visitors can explore local museums like the Guga S’thebe Arts & Cultural Centre, and enjoy live music, dance and theatre. The precinct also features vibrant street art and community projects, promoting cultural exchange and education.
Join a pre-planned tour
Pre-planned and bespoke art and cultural tours of Cape Town with the likes of Culture Connect SA, offer personalized and intimate introductions to the city’s artistic and cultural delights. Typically, they include visits to hand-picked galleries, collections and studios, including carefully researched and well-informed conversation on the social history and life of the city to give the art and cultural institutions context and meaning. Tours are usually on foot, but might include anything from chauffeur driven affairs in luxury vehicles to bicycle or side-car tours for the more adventurous. Some recent tours have included street art in Salt River, architecture and urban treasures, galleries, museums and art studios, and even visits to private art collectors’ homes.
- Art in the vineyards
Many Western Cape wine farms feature impressive art collections and galleries. Highlights include contemporary art exhibitions at estates like Spier, home to one of the largest collections of contemporary art in South Africa. The Spier Arts Trust supports emerging South African artists, and the Creative Block initiative supports local artists. Groot Constantia’s collection features historic art, including Dutch Old Masters and South African pieces, and hosts various cultural events throughout the year. The Rupert Museumin Stellenbosch has a world-class collection of European and South African art. Tokara’s gallery collection features contemporary South African art, with works by prominent artists such as Dylan Lewis, Edoardo Villa, and Kevin Atkinson. Delaire Graff Estate has a collection that includes a range of contemporary South African art, with works by internationally acclaimed artists such as William Kentridge, Deborah Bell and Lionel Smit. The River Garden Café and Deli at Lourensford Wine Estate displays works by local artists. IS Art Gallery, nestled within their Tasting House at Blaauwklippen.
- Irma Stern Museum
Housed in the artist’s former home, the Irma Stern Museum is dedicated to the life and work of one of South Africa’s greatest and most collectible 20th century artists, renowned for her vibrant style of expressionistic painting which helped define modern South African art. The museum displays a vast collection of her works, including portraits, still lifes, landscapes and ceramics, as well as art and artefacts she collected reflecting her travels through Africa and Europe, offering a deep dive into her creative world. Some rooms are preserved as they were during her lifetime, giving visitors a glimpse into the personal and creative space where she lived for 40 years.
- Art restaurants
While the culinary arts certainly are a reason to visit the region in their own right, a good selection of both formal and casual local eateries provide an artistic feast to match. Located in Constantia, La Colombe, features a curated collection of art on its walls. Located in Franschhoek, Le Quartier Français is known for its haute cuisine and the IS Art Gallery, which features contemporary South African art. The Grand Café and Beach in Granger Bay houses The Grand Gallery Boadicea, which features eclectic art exhibits. The Sea Point branch of renowned New York-style bagel joint Kleinsky’s also serves as a gallery space for local artists.Balthazar in the heart of Cape Town’s city centre offers fine dining and an impressive art collection. You might pop into Hemelhuijs, where owner Jacques Erasmus curates an eclectic mix of furniture and design pieces. While primarily known for its exceptional coffee, Truth Coffee in the city centre also doubles as an art space, hosting art exhibitions and showcasing artworks on its walls. Among them
- The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden
The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Stellenbosch showcases over 60 sculptures by the renowned South African artist Dylan Lewis. The garden allows visitors to experience his works in harmony with the natural, forested environment on the slopes of Stellenbosch Mountain. The sculptures, which range from dynamic animal and human forms to abstract pieces, reflect Lewis’s deep connection with nature and the African landscape, and explore themes of wilderness, myth and ancient belief systems.
The Fine Print
- The 12th Investec Cape Town Art Fair will run from 21 to 23 February at the Cape Town International Conference Centre from 12h00 to 19h00.
- Tickets can be purchased via webtickets.
Visit www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za or follow Investec Cape Town Art Fair on Instagram @investeccapetownartfair and Facebook @investeccapetownartfair. Hashtags #InvestecCapeTownArtFair #ICTAF2025
