Be Picky Cape Town: Selected Tips From Insiders
For purser Till Nawrath, Cape Town’s Labia Theatre offers the perfect blend of historic charm and movie nostalgia
A hidden gem that even locals might not know about: The Labia Theatre in the Gardens district is the oldest independent movie theater in South Africa. With old movie posters, retro red velvet seats, and a small garden with a café and bar, every corner of the theater exudes a sense of nostalgia.
Originally the ballroom of the Italian Embassy, the Labia was opened as a theater for live performances by Princess Labia in May 1949. Today, the cinema has established itself as a cultural hub, showing a mix of independent films, arthouse cinema, international productions, documentaries, and the occasional classic. Tickets are also very reasonably priced.
About
Purser Till Nawrath has been working for Lufthansa since 2016. He loves spending his free time abroad, especially in the Mother City, as Cape Town is known.
Exploring Gardens – More Tips from the Lufthansa Editorial Team
- Before catching a show at the Labia Theatre, browse the indie bookshops and design stores along Kloof Street.
- Have dinner at a neighbourhood café; soak in that authentic local atmosphere.
- Stop by De Waal Park for a breather. Especially on weekends, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic, and children can enjoy the playgrounds.
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