If you have time for only one historic stop in town, make it the Village Museum, 18 Ryneveld St. (tel. 021/887-2902; Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm; admission R15/$2/£1), which comprises the Schreuderhuis Cottage (1709), the Cape Dutch Blettermanhuis (1789), the Georgian Grosvenor House (1803), and the Victorian Murray House (1850). Each house has a guide in period dress, and the artful styling of the furniture, combined with the accessible explanations on the architecture and fashion of these eras, make these the best house museums in the country.
From here head south along Drosdty Street, turn right onto Dorp Street, and then stroll down the oak-dappled street to Oom Samie Se Winkel (tel. 021/887-2612; 9:30am-6pm weekdays, 9am-5:30pm weekends, till 6pm in summer), a Victorian-style general dealer bursting at the seams with knickknacks, and a great place to pick up souvenirs, such as step-by-step bobotie spice packs, dried-fruit rolls, and dirt-cheap enamel plates. It has a charming tearoom, complete with sunning cats and clucking chickens, behind the shop.
