Top South Africa Arts & Design

Gain rare insider access to Cape Town’s creative world with visits to leading artists, designers, and makers in their private studios. Hosted by the founders of Design Safaris, a locally run company passionate about design and culture, this experience offers genuine connection and behind-the-scenes insight into the city’s creative spirit. Travel in style through the streets of Cape Town in a classic Land Rover Defender as you meet the people shaping contemporary African design.

Your adventure begins at Truth Coffee, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee sets the tone for a journey into the heart and soul of Cape Town. From there, step into the streets of District Six, once a thriving community torn apart by forced removals, now a powerful symbol of resilience. Along the way, you’ll pass City Hall, where Nelson Mandela gave his first speech after prison, and the Slave Lodge, a stark reminder of South Africa’s past. Experience the buzz of Greenmarket Square, filled with local crafts and stories, then walk down Long Street, where history and modern culture collide. The tour ends in Bo-Kaap, with its iconic colorful houses and rich Cape Malay heritage. This isn’t just a walking tour—it’s an unforgettable journey through the stories, struggles, and spirit that have shaped Cape Town. Book now to experience the city like a local and uncover its true heartbeat.

Explore Cape Town at your own pace with a 1- or 2-day hop-on hop-off bus pass featuring free Wi-Fi. Journey around three bus routes with stops at more than 30 attractions including Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain, Constantia Valley, and the V&A Waterfront. Spend as long as you wish at each, enjoy free walking tours, or upgrade to include a harbor cruise and sunset bus tour.

Explore Cape Town's waterfront, from the central business district to the Victoria and Albert waterfront, with this hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise. Along the way, listen to commentary on the city's maritime history and hop off at any point you like to explore further. Choose a one-way or round-trip ticket, each valid for a full day, to suit your schedule.

Discover the highlights of Johannesburg with this private half-day city tour. Meet at the Apartheid Museum or request pickup, and travel around in comfort in an air-conditioned vehicle, with stops that include the Maboneng Precinct, Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct living museum, Victoria Yards complex, and Museum Africa.

Secure your Robben Island tickets in advance and avoid the disappointment of sold-out departures while visiting one of South Africa’s most important historical landmarks. Enjoy a scenic ferry journey across Table Bay before exploring the island’s key historical sites, including the Maximum Security Prison and a guided viewing of Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell. Led by knowledgeable museum guides and former political prisoners, this experience offers powerful insight into South Africa’s history, resilience, and journey to freedom. Along the way, take in spectacular views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the surrounding coastline while discovering the island’s rich cultural heritage.

This tour is the perfect way to explore the beauty of the Cape Peninsula as well as local wildlife. Travel around in a small-group tour—an intimate alternative to crowded bus tours. Along the way, see the colorful buildings of Bo-Kaap, and admire the natural beauty of the Cape of Good Hope. The tour also visits the pretty town of Hout Bay, as well as the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fees extra).

Take a leisurely exploration of the amazing scenery and fascinating wildlife of the Cape Peninsula on this flexible-length private tour. Travel by private vehicle and call the shots on what to see and do. Among the potential sights you might pick are a wine tasting at Cape Point Vineyards, a visit to the penguins of Boulders Beach, or a visit to the beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. A private guide, private vehicle, and round-trip hotel transport are covered.

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.

As an outsider visiting Cape Town, it can be tricky to know which townships welcome tourists and are safe to visit. With this tour, explore Khayelitsha with a guide to introduce you to locals and explain more about the area’s culture and traditions. Along the way, stop to look at arts and crafts, visit traditional eateries, and meet local entrepreneurs.

Get free entry to over 80 of Cape Town's top attractions plus free transport on the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus for the duration of your pass. Save money and time with City Pass all while exploring Cape Town. Explore the best of what Cape Town has to offer including 1 Premium Experience. Choose either a 3 or 5-day option. You'll find there's something for everyone.  Just some of the over 80 attractions include: • Free transport, for the duration of your pass, on the Hop-on Hop-off bus • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway • Sunset Champagne Cruise • Harbour Cruise • LaGuGu Township Tour • Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary African Art • Two Oceans Aquarium • World of Birds • Seal Island Cruises • Hard Rock Café • Groot Constantia Wine Estate • South African Museum • District Six Museum • SKY High-Ride • And much more Also choose 1 Premium experiences: • Helicopter Flight • Shark Cage Diving • Big 5 Safari • Cobra Sunset Cruise • Whale Watching • Breathless Combo • Paragliding • Spa Treatment

Johannesburg's reputation can make it intimidating for independent travel. Get a feel for South Africa's biggest and richest city in safety and security on this guided walking tour. See Chancellor House, where Nelson Mandela and Olive Tambo founded South Africa's first Black-owned law firm; admire heritage buildings on historic Main Street; soak up city views from the Top of Africa; and enjoy a braai (barbecue) lunch—with plant-based options too.

Discover Cape Town’s thriving art scene beyond galleries on a guided tour of Woodstock and Salt River to see local street art. Along the way, you can meet local artists and gain direct insight into the communities shaping the city’s creative output. Your guide also explains the art’s connection to local subcultures and social issues, offering context and access you wouldn’t get exploring these neighborhoods alone.

Booking a "Robben Island Boat Ticket Only" experience is essential for travelers seeking a profound and enriching journey. Firstly, it provides access to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its poignant history as Nelson Mandela's imprisonment location. Secondly, the ticket includes a guided tour, offering invaluable insights into the island's legacy and the struggle against apartheid, delivered by former political prisoners. Thirdly, the breathtaking views of Table Mountain and Cape Town add a stunning backdrop to this historical expedition. Fourthly, the chance to explore the island’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty allows for a unique connection with nature. Lastly, booking in advance ensures your spot on this sought-after tour, as demand is high, especially during peak seasons. With its blend of history, education, and natural beauty, a "Robben Island Ferry Ticket Only" is an unforgettable highlight of any South African adventure.

Explore Cape Town’s off-the-beaten-path culture with this guided walking tour led by Chandy, a local visual artist, and Nura, a global storyteller. You’ll journey through iconic and unexpected city spaces—Bo-Kaap, Long Street, the Parliament precinct, the Company’s Garden, Greenmarket Square, and more. Along the way, uncover striking murals, layered histories, and everyday moments that tourists often miss. Through personal stories and creative insight, you’ll connect with Cape Town’s rhythm, roots, and realness. Perfect for solo travelers, creatives, and curious souls—this isn’t just a tour, it’s a walk through the city’s living soul.

Enjoy an educational Cape Town experience with a difference by visiting the Heart of Cape Town Museum. The museum is dedicated to the world's first successful heart transplant, which took place in Cape Town in 1967. By booking in advance, you can skip the ticket line and spend more time exploring the exhibits, including the restored original operating rooms.

Get off the beaten path and gain an understanding of township-based life in Cape Town on this half-day tour. The history of townships and settlements, including the famous District Six, is complicated; but touring with a guide ensures you'll get in-depth information and insight on their role in South Africa. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cape Town means you get door-to-door service, too.

Get off the beaten path in Johannesburg during this inner-city hiking tour with a guide. Focus on places that typical tours don't stop and learn about the true culture and history of Johannesburg. Traveling on foot means you'll be out from behind glassed-in bus windows to get to know the city intimately.

Drive and hike around the Cape Peninsula during a full-day sightseeing tour with a focus on the region’s natural attractions and lots of fun options to choose at your own expense. Visit Boulders Beach, the Cape of Good Hope, and Cape Point Nature Reserve, and see a penguin colony as well as other wildlife. Private transportation and commentary from your guide ensure a comfortable and informative tour, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

This is an all-in-one ticket that includes the ferry ride to and from Robben Island as well as admission into the Museum. One ticket for everything. With this ticket, you will board the ferry to Robben Island at the V & A Waterfront. This will be a brief 30-minute ride onto the famous Robben Island. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the native, ex-inmates who will take you around the maximum security prison for about 2 hours. At the Robben maximum security prison, you will be shown the cells where political activists were held for many years. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the violent past of South Africa through the eyes of an ex-inmate. Your guide will gladly answer any questions that you may have regarding the prison. You will also be shown the actual prison cell that held Nelson Mandela during his incarceration on the island. After such an eye-opening experience, you will be board the ferry back to the V & A Waterfront. A final, brief 30-minute ferry ride.

Explore Cape Town's vibrant Woodstock neighborhood with a local artist as your guide with this tour. During the course of your 90-minute tour, you'll learn all about the area's history from a local who knows it well, while checking out all sorts of vibrant murals. You'll also visit the celebrated Old Biscuit Mill, known for its variety of artisanal shops and wining and dining options.

Enjoy a half day tour through South Africa’s largest and most famous township. Understand the origins of the township along with the current “kasi” life before walking in the steps of legends - Nobel peace prize winners Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu at their houses in Vilakazi Street. This Stephenson Adventures Soweto tour will transport you from South Africa’s dark past to our triumphant present day.

District Six is one of Cape Town most notorious neighborhoods and one of the areas of the city that suffered the most during apartheid. The District Six Museum is an emotional tribute to those who were forcibly removed from their homes in District Six, as well as offering important insight into the apartheid regime. With this prepaid admission ticket, opt to take in the exhibitions independently or join a guided tour, and spend as long as you like inside.