Culture & People of Cape Town, South Africa

The Mother City's children are an eclectic mix of people from all over the world who represent cultures as diverse and bright as the colours of the rainbow.

While Cape Town may be the oldest city in South Africa with a distinctly European beginning, the area was inhabited long before the Dutch first settled here.

Today South Africa's economic divide is no more apparent than in Cape Town where the ultra rich often live just minutes away from the very poor. But while the townships and Cape Flats may represent the poorer half in monetary terms, they are rich in culture and heritage. Music, food and creative flair define these areas and a tour to these parts is a must.

Closer to the city, the Bo-Kaap, the Cape's Muslim quarter, is a step back in time. Here, within earshot of the city's business district, kids still play in the street while their parents swap stories over the low walls dividing their brightly painted homes.

Afrikaners, English, Germans and Africans have all found their space in this bustling metropolis, where opera and ballet are often interchangeable with kwaito (a popular South African music genre) and hip-hop.

Observatory is Cape Town's bohemian capital where Rastas, Trendies and students share space, while De Waterkant village is Cape Town's pink capital and has helped cement the city as an destination of choice for gays from around the world.

Walk Long Street at night and marvel at the mix of locals and visitors and during the day browse the many markets dotted around the city.

Cape Town's rich culture can be experienced through its live music venues, superb restaurants, varied art galleries and excellent museums. Get out there, meet people, listen to the music, taste the food, experience life in Cape Town and don't be scared to explore. You will be well rewarded.

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