Entertainment

With the cultural diversity that gives Cape Town its uniqueness, there are a variety of options when it comes to being entertained. From classic culture to trendy hotspots, all tastes are catered for.

Art - There are numerous art galleries around the city that house some famous collections of paintings and sculpture. An example of this is the William Fehr collection in the Cape of Good Hope Castle.

Classical Music & Dance - The Artscape and Baxter Theatres present ballets, operas and orchestral performances. The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will delight you in scenic locations such as the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens during one of their Twilight Concerts on Sunday evenings during summer. The St. George's Cathedral Choir entertain free of charge and the Oude Libertas Open-Air Theatre in Stellenbosch is alive with the strains of classical music from various performances.

Nightlife - Cape Town buzzes after dark with a variety of nightspots to tempt all tastes. You will find nightclubs, wine-bars, pubs, discotheques, cinemas, cocktail lounges and, of course, restaurants. Many venues have live bands or stand-up comedy to entertain you while you indulge in some scrumptious local fare or just enjoy a few drinks. The North Sea Jazz Festival is exceptionally popular and is held in the Good Hope Centre in the city centre. Dockside at Century City is a massive nightclub on four levels which houses various music styles in separate bars. As with many establishments you can party the night away until the early hours of the morning.

Theatre - There is a great deal of local talent in the dramatic arts, which is evident in the musicals and plays performed throughout the year. There are indoor as well as outdoor theatres, the most well known of the latter being the Maynardville Open Air Theatre. This is a magical setting in which many of Shakespeare's great works are performed - nothing prepares you for the ambience created by a floodlit garden on a starry night. Cinema lovers will be delighted by the Imax Theatre in the Waterfront. This has an incredibly realistic screen, which is 5 storeys high and offers a unique viewing experience.

Outdoor Activities

The Western Cape is the perfect area for those who enjoy the outdoors. It offers a variety of water and land activities for the serious sport enthusiasts as well as those who enjoy a gentle stroll. South Africans are renowned for their passion about sport and can usually be found either playing it, discussing it, watching it or betting on it!

Bungee jumping - This is for adrenalin junkies. Some of the best bungee sites are in the Western Cape from incredibly high bridges. One of the most famous and highest jumps is at Bloukrans along the Garden Route.

Canoeing/Rafting - White water enthusiasts will love the rivers. Organised trips are offered on many rivers with varying levels of experience necessary. Some well-known trips are along the Breede, Berg, Dorings and Orange Rivers.

Deep Sea Diving/Fishing - As Cape Town is flanked by both the Indian and the Atlantic oceans, there is a thriving interest in marine sports. Some of the world's finest big game fishing in the world is available here, in particular long fin and yellow fin tuna, as well as broad billed swordfish. False Bay is a famous breeding ground for Great White sharks and you can arrange to go cage diving amongst these awesome creatures. Normal scuba diving is also very popular all around the coastlines.

Golf - There are many golf courses and driving ranges in and around Cape Town and you will find that the courses are both pristine and diverse. They are also highly affordable by international standards.

Hiking - With so many mountain ranges surrounding the Cape, hiking is a popular pastime. There are numerous trails that take several days as well as day walks up Table Mountain. Before embarking on a trip up Table Mountain it is essential that you contact the Mountain Club of South Africa - (021) 465-3412. Without an experienced guide many people have lost their way, sometimes with fatal consequences. Another well-known activity is "kloofing". This is a combination of hiking and swimming along a river in a ravine and is great fun.

Horse Racing/Riding - Prominent racing events such as the J&B Met and the Durban July are highlights in the social calendar. In Cape Town there are two main tracks - Kenilworth and Durbanville - where racing takes place every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. For social riding along the beach or elsewhere you can contact The Riding Centre in Hout Bay - (021) 790-5286.

Motorcycling - Some of the best biking happens around the Cape. There are many winding mountain passes that provide an exhilarating ride with spectacular views. The Gordon's Bay coastal road is also a favourite for a Sunday morning blitz. There are numerous outlets where you can hire motorcycles and find out the best routes to take. Warm weather and excellent visibility make biking a pleasure most of the year.

Mountain Biking - Feel the exhilaration of exploring the slopes of Table Mountain on two wheels or ride through the winelands. Choose from any number of rides, from the easiest stroll to a strenuous challenge. Adventure without Limits offers a number of exhilarating options from day tours to expeditions around the Western Cape. http://www.withoutlimits.co.za

Sailing - The Royal Cape Yacht Club is situated at the docks in Table Bay. This is where the famous Cape-to-Rio race starts. Other harbours are found in Simon's Town, Fish Hoek, Hout Bay and Gordon's Bay. Competitive as well as social sailing happens on oceans, dams, rivers and lagoons.

Surfing - Big Bay in Blouberg is home to the Gunston 500 Surfing Competition and you will find surfers at almost every beach along the coast. A local radio station even broadcasts a daily "surf report" advising people where to find the best waves each day. In addition to this popular sport, you will see many windsurfers and kite-surfers. It is an awesome sight to see them launched into the air as they jump the waves. Blouberg is especially popular for power kites, whether on the sand or on the sea.