Cape Town Welcomes First Cruise Liner of the 2026/27 Season

The famous pink hotel in Cape Town, Mount Nelson, has received another international recognition. It was included in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 list at number 34, placing this historic Cape Town establishment among the most recognized hotels worldwide.

The rating announcement took place at an awards ceremony in Paris on September 16, 2026, and the list featured hotels from six continents. Mount Nelson became the only hotel from South Africa to make the top 50 this year; the only other African property on the list was the Royal Mansour in Marrakech, which ranked 26th.

This recognition is particularly fitting for a hotel that has been part of the Cape Town landscape for over 125 years. Mount Nelson first opened its doors in 1899 and has become one of the city's most renowned historic hotels. Its recognizable pink facade, manicured gardens, and location beneath Table Mountain make it noticeable even to locals who have never stayed there.

The hotel has been painted pink since 1918, when this color was introduced to celebrate the end of the First World War, and it has remained one of the defining features of the property ever since. Over the past year, Mount Nelson has continued to introduce new experiences in culinary arts, design, and culture while preserving many details that have made it a Cape Town institution.

Among the new additions are suites and ateliers created in collaboration with South African designer Thebe Magugu. Furthermore, the hotel introduced the restaurant Amura by Spanish chef Ángel León, known for his three-star restaurant Aponiente.

This balance between long history and readiness for change has helped the hotel remain relevant to the new generation of travelers. Patrick Fisher, General Manager of Mount Nelson, noted after the announcement that over the past year the property has implemented new projects in the fields of culture, design, and gastronomy, while remaining true to what guests traditionally loved about the hotel.

The selection for The World’s 50 Best Hotels is made by an academy consisting of over 800 people working in the hospitality and tourism industries. The voting body includes hoteliers, travel journalists, academics, business travelers, and experienced travelers. Members vote anonymously based on hotels they have personally stayed at during the three-year voting period. Results are independently verified by Deloitte, and the organization behind The World’s 50 Best Hotels and its sponsors do not participate in the voting.

Mount Nelson's inclusion in the 2026 list once again brings the local landmark to the international stage, demonstrating that the city's appeal extends beyond its landscapes and sights to encompass places that have become part of its identity. Perhaps this is what makes the latest recognition of the 'Pink Lady' special, as Mount Nelson is not a newcomer trying to impress; it has been part of Cape Town for generations, quietly evolving while maintaining its original character.

Heritage Month offers an opportunity to look deeper than just the beaches, mountains, and culinary scene of Cape Town by immersing oneself in the histories that have shaped this city. Cape Town's museums showcase the most diverse facets of the city: from fictional to unexpectedly fascinating, and some are suitable for family outings.

If you plan to explore the history and culture of Cape Town in September, these museums should be included in your list of visits.

Iziko South African Museum

Visiting the Iziko South African Museum gives you a chance to journey through millions of years of South African history without leaving the Company Gardens. The museum's collections cover the natural world, archaeology, and human history, including exhibits ranging from fossils and ancient artifacts to marine specimens and displays of human evolution.

The museum's location allows for easy combination with other attractions in central Cape Town. You can spend the morning at the museum and then head to the Company Gardens or continue exploring other cultural sites in the city.

Address: 25 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens.

Zeitz MOCAA

The Zeitz MOCAA focuses on contemporary African creativity and the discussions taking place on the continent and among its diaspora. The museum occupies a historic grain silo complex at the V&A Waterfront, making the building itself part of the exhibition. Inside the gallery, modern works from various countries, artists, and perspectives are presented.

This is a good choice if you want your Heritage Month outing to consider Africa's present and future alongside its past.

Address: Silo District, V&A Waterfront.

District Six Museum

To understand the more recent history of Cape Town, one can start with the District Six Museum, which offers an intimate space. The museum focuses on the experiences of people who lived in District Six before forced removals during the apartheid era changed the area. Personal stories and historical materials help visitors grasp the community that existed there and the consequences of its destruction.

This museum is more focused on listening to memories associated with a place that remains an important part of Cape Town's identity, rather than simply viewing exhibits.

Address: 25A Buitenkant Street, Cape Town CBD.

Heart of Cape Town Museum

Cape Town made a medical breakthrough in December 1967 when Dr. Christian Barnard and his team performed the world's first successful human heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital. The Heart of Cape Town Museum preserves the story of this remarkable moment, giving visitors insight into the medical team, the operation itself, and the hospital setting where it took place.

For those interested in science, medicine, or unusual chapters of Cape Town's history, this museum offers a completely different experience compared to the city's artistic and historical collections.

Address: Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory.

Cape Town Diamond Museum

The history and economy of South Africa have long been closely linked to diamonds, and the Cape Town Diamond Museum provides a brief introduction to this topic. Located at the V&A Waterfront, the museum traces the diamond's journey from its underground origin through mining and the processes of transforming rough stones into polished gems. Exhibitions also include replicas of some of the world's most famous diamonds, including Cullinan.

This is a light addition to a Waterfront route if you want to fit in some history during a day of sightseeing.

Address: The Clock Tower, V&A Waterfront.

Cape Town's museums vividly demonstrate the city's multilayered nature. One visit can take you from prehistoric fossils to contemporary African art, while another can introduce you to personal stories related to apartheid-era displacement or a medical breakthrough that garnered international attention. This Heritage Month, replace your usual trip through Cape Town with a museum visit—perhaps you will leave with an understanding of a completely different side of the Mother City.

Residents of Cape Town looking for an alternative way to spend their evening can look up at the sky in September, as the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF|SAAO) will open its historic facility for a series of night tours and open evenings.

Located at the Observatory on the grounds of the former Royal Observatory, NRF|SAAO combines astronomy with the history of one of the city's long-standing scientific institutions. The historic building of this site is recognized as a national heritage object.

Night tours offer visitors the opportunity to tour the observatory after dark while learning more about the history of astronomy in South Africa. The program includes visits to the Main Building, Visitor Centre, and Museum, as well as the historic McClain building.

Under favorable weather conditions, the evening may conclude with stargazing through telescopes set up for public viewing. Night tours are scheduled for September 8, 10, 15, 17, 19, 22, and 24, running from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

For those who prefer to combine astronomy with a science-oriented presentation, the observatory is also hosting Open Evenings on September 12 and 26. These evenings begin with a lecture on astronomy or a related scientific topic, followed by guided tours of the observatory's heritage sections. Guests can see the library, museum, and the historic McClain telescope, and if the weather is good, stargazing will be offered through mobile telescopes.

Currently, Open Evenings are held at the observatory on the second and fourth Saturday of every month, making the September dates part of its regular public program.

Important Notes for Visitors

Although the opportunity to view the telescope is a significant part of the experience, it is not guaranteed. SAAO notes that stargazing depends on weather conditions; if conditions do not allow for telescope use, the planned astronomy and heritage events will still take place.

Visitors should also be prepared for an evening that requires moving between different locations. The observatory recommends wearing closed shoes and warm clothing, and advises bringing rain protection in case of expected rain.

Advance booking is essential as space is limited. SAAO also indicates that the tour fees support the observatory's education, public outreach, and socio-economic development programs.

Thus, September offers Cape Town residents several opportunities to visit the observatory after dark to replace ordinary evening plans with something focused on science, history, and the night sky.