Page 175 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

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endless outdoor activities that if you’re up for a showy
the city has to offer, there are summer scene and people-
plenty of family-friendly watching, or the Grand Café,
attractions, too. For many a stylish pavement café.
children, the thrilling amuse- Long Street in the city centre
ment park Ratanga Junction provides an eclectic mix of
(see p163) is top of the list, but places. Try Fiction, a DJ bar and
the Two Oceans Aquarium (see lounge with electro, drum and
pp142–3) is also a big hit. bass and indie music, or the
The Ice Station skating rink Fireman’s Arms – a fun 1906
at the Grandwest Casino vintage-style bar that is also a
keeps childrens occupied while popular place for watching
the adults gamble. sports on TV.
In Observatory, the Cape For sophisticated cocktails,
Town Science Centre is a champagne, caviar and oysters
great complex with about in an upmarket ambience,
300 interactive displays. head straight to Planet
Another educational option Champagne & Cocktail Bar at
is the Planetarium, where Mount Nelson Hotel, or Asoka
shows are held seven days a in arty Kloof Street.
Virtuoso sax playing at the Cape Town week. There are dozens of clubs
jazz festival The V&A Waterfront often in Cape Town, varying from
stages concerts and events standard disco-playing dance
international musicians. The during the holidays and the venues to profoundly
annual Cape Town International Zip Zap Circus at Easter is alternative clubs, and the
Jazz Festival at Cape Town very popular. scene continues to grow. With
International Convention Scratch Patch at the V&A a cigar bar, whisky lounge and
Centre (CTICC) at the end of Waterfront and Mineral regular events and DJs, one of
March is the greatest jazz event World in Simon’s Town offer a the most fashionable is
on the continent. It showcases fantastic activity: it involves Chrome, located off trendy
dozens of local and international digging for semi-precious Long Street.
greats, and attracts an audience gems – and children get to The gay and lesbian scene in
of more than 35,000 over a long, keep what they find. Cape Town is big and there is a
performance-packed weekend. wealth of clubs to choose from
Mama Africa is popular with on the outskirts of the city
visitors, who come for its Clubs, Bars and Cafés centre, on the “Green Mile” strip
traditional percussion groups, It is not always easy to in Green Point. A fun place to
hearty African menu, jungle- distinguish between the clubs start an evening is Beefcakes,
inspired decor and relaxed, and bars of Cape Town, as a gay-oriented restaurant
fun atmosphere. drinking and dancing usually with an amusing 1950s diner
International live acts often take place in the same venue. theme that is famous for
perform at the Cape Town Trendy bars along the Camps its cheekily named burgers,
Stadium, while local rock bands Bay strip offer cocktails and late cocktail bar and regular
favour the Mercury Live and sundowners – try Café Caprice drag shows.
Lounge, which is the leading
live rock venue.
Other popular live music
venues include Dizzy’s Pub,
Cigar Bar and Lounge, in
Camps Bay, which features local
cover bands and karaoke, and
The Piano Bar in De Waterkant,
a moody musical joint that has
live music most nights, ranging
from African-infused jazz to
classical piano recitals on its
own baby grand.

Children’s
Entertainment
There is no need to worry that
children will be bored in Cape
Town. In addition to the Long Street has some of the best bars and clubs in Cape Town

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