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Historical City Tour

4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5
4.7 out of 5 stars (based on 6 reviews)

The City of Cape Town is rich with a diverse history, from its roots as a colony for the Dutch East India Company to its liberation from Apartheid rule after years of oppression and segregation.

Join us on our FREE Historical City Tour as we explore the heart of the city and embark on a cultural and historical journey that tells the fascinating stories of the place known as the Mother City.

FREE

guided tour

NO BOOKING
REQUIRED

About this activity

  • No Need To Book

Simply meet at City Sightseeing (Red Bus), Stop 5, 81 Long St., Cape Town (CBD)

  • Duration: 90 minutes

Starting time: 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 daily

  • Live guided tour

English

  • Starting location

City Sightseeing Red Bus, Stop 5, 81 Long St, Cape Town

The original experience

Highlights

  • Explore the heart of the Mother City, on foot.
  • Immerse yourself in fascinating stories of Cape Town and its 400-year history.
  • Visit City Hall, Company Gardens, The Castle of Good Hope, District Six and many more iconic places.

Full description

Let us introduce you to the different eras of Cape Town, their significance and some of the people who shaped it into what it is today.

We recommend that guests first enjoy the full tour and soak up the history and stories from the guide and thereafter return to visit the museums and attractions on the route.

Read more

 

The tour includes the historical City Hall, where Nelson Mandela made his first speech to the nation as a free man. From there he gave South Africans hope for a future free of segregation. On the same balcony where he gave his speech stands a statue which pays homage to this great moment in our history.

Across the road sits the oldest colonial building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope, a symbol of the early days of the Cape colony of the Dutch East India Company. This building like many others forms part of the Iziko museums and galleries across Cape Town. From the Slave Lodge in Adderley Street to the Natural History Museum and Planetarium.

The Iziko Slave Lodge is a real reminder of the darkest parts of colonial history. The second oldest building in Cape Town, the site was originally used to house slaves. On the other side, the National Art Gallery showcases the art movement within South Africa that boldly tell their stories through oil paints.

Most of the Iziko Museums can be found surrounding Company Gardens, the home of Cape Town’s first farm. This is also where you will find ‘The Arch for Arch’, an art piece set up to pay tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu on his 86th birthday.

The District Six Museum is one of the most emotional spaces in Cape Town. Established in December 1994, the museum is home to the memories of District Six and the people that lived there.

Includes

  • FREE guided tour
  • Experienced local guides
  • Visit places the average visitor would never see or experience
  • Gratuities (optional) 
  • Transport to the starting point or from the ending point
  • Food & Drink

COVID-19 Special Information

  • Guests will receive a mandatory temperature check
  • Guests are required to bring and wear masks
  • Guests are required to record track & trace information
Should you require additional information, please visit www.sacoronavirus.co.za

Prepare for the activity

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen / Hat
  • Water
  • Camera

Know before you go

  • Not suitable for guests who require walking assistance
  • Guests are advised to be punctual
  • Tour operates rain or shine

Reviews

4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5
4.7 out of 5 stars (based on 6 reviews)
Excellent67%
Very good33%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

Fabulous Experience

Rated 5.0 out of 5
June 25, 2022

Our guide, Sheldon, has deep knowledge of the history of Cape Town. He provided an extensive over view of the city. Best to do the tour on your first day so you have enough information to plan your time wisely.

Avatar for Ann
Ann

Be history conscious

Rated 5.0 out of 5
May 10, 2022

The history of cape town comes along way so enjoy the fascinating experience

Avatar for John
John

Amazing walk filled with lots of information

Rated 4.0 out of 5
January 5, 2022

What an experience. I have loved the knowledge shared about the history of the city. The tour guide was amazing and very informative

Avatar for Tshami
Tshami

An eye opener

Rated 5.0 out of 5
January 11, 2021

Walking through Cape Town with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide is something I really would recommend to do. We discovered many new places and learned a lot about South Africa’s history.

Avatar for SJ
SJ

So much to learn...

Rated 5.0 out of 5
December 13, 2020

Loved this walk with Privilege. He is very knowledgeable and super friendly. I live in Cape Town and still there was so much for me to learn. All Cape Townians should do this tour. Thank you!

Avatar for Shani
Shani

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MORE INFO

NO BOOKING
REQUIRED

FREE

guided tour