2 Best Sights in The Western Cape and Winelands, South Africa

Housed in a converted church and rectory, the Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum has an extensive collection of objects salvaged from the hundreds of ships that have gone down in the stormy seas off the Cape. In addition to the usual cannons and figureheads, the museum displays a surprising array of household articles rescued from the sea, including entire dining-room sets, sideboards, and phonographs. Be sure to visit the buildings out back, which contain old wagons and the first fire engines used in South Africa.

About 4 km (2½ miles) out of town, set on high ground commensurate with its status, is the majestic De Oude Drostdy Museum. Built by architect Louis Thibault in 1804, the structure was badly damaged by fire in 1934 and later by the 1969 earthquake, but it has been carefully restored and is a fine example of neoclassical architecture. The building now houses an impressive collection of antique furniture and artifacts. Look for the gramophone collection and the Dutch grandfather clock that has a painting of Amsterdam harbor painted on its face. There's a small coffee shop inside where you can grab a quick bite.