Dive into the thriving cultural and creative scenes of Cape Town

Known as the Mother City, Cape Town is the second-most populated city in South Africa. It offers a melting pot of cultures, dynamic industries and many indoor-outdoor activities to be enjoyed.

The city has emerged from the pandemic as a remote work destination for digital nomads across sectors. It is ripe for research, whether you are interested in fashion, emerging A-beauty trends, fine art, architecture or hospitality concepts.

For a dose of retail therapy, head to the newly opened Pot Plant Club on the buzzing Bree Street. Situated among trendy restaurants, bars and art galleries such as WHATIFTHEWORLD, the space serves as Leaf Apparel’s flagship store and showcases a curated offering of the best streetwear brands the continent has to offer. Alternatively, take a 10-minute walk to the recently renovated Merchants on Long, which sources ethically made fashion, homeware, beauty and accessories from the continent’s renowned brands including Thebe Magugu, Lukhanyo Mdingi and Umu Ora.

Visit Always Welcome, a multi-brand cooperative in Heritage Square’s 300-year-old real estate. Housing over 40 designers and celebrated artistic voices, the space is an incubator of new ideas that architects, interior designers and cultural critics look to for inspiration and where the public can experience a curated collection of the best in Southern African design.

Rethread focuses on methods to reduce waste in South Africa’s fashion industry, creating sustainable clothing from upcycled materials alongside new garments made in small quantities, uplifting and empowering local craftspeople. Be inspired by the colourful creations and statement knitwear pieces by Artho Eksteen, who references historic art and social trends when designing eclectic collections.

Cape Town’s restaurant and hospitality sectors are industry innovators renowned for their culinary flair and access to high-quality local produce. Perched over Church Square, FYN is one of the city’s best fine dining experiences, offering guests local produce created using Japanese techniques. For a relaxing lunch or dinner, visit Ouzeri, which takes inspiration from Cypriot and Greek taverns and brings the cuisine and community spirit to the city.

Explore the Silo District and visit Zeitz MOCAA, the largest museum in the world for the art of Africa and its diaspora. Built within a former grain silo by English designer Thomas Heatherwick, the space is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. Drop by the Southern Guild gallery, only a stone’s throw from the Zeitz MOCAA. It hosts works from the continent’s most important contemporary artists and designers while shaping the world’s perceptions of African design.

If you’re a WGSN subscriber, get inspired by our Cape Town: Inspiration City report.