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Experience Cape Town On Foot

Explore cape town and its rich history with our free city walking tours., featured tours.

Experience our best tours, loved by visitors and locals alike, including our FREE Cape Town Guided Walking Tours.

Historical City Tour

Duration: 90 minutes.

• 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.

NO BOOKING REQUIRED

guided tour

Bo-Kaap Walking Tour

• Wander through the colourful cobblestoned neighbourhood.
• Learn about the culture, traditions and history of the colourful Bo-Kaap.
• If you lucky, you may get a taste of traditional ‘Cape Malay’ food from the residents.

Salt River Street Art Tour

• Discover the incredible street art from local and international artists.
• Learn about the history of Salt River, one of the oldest living areas in Cape Town.
• Get the local experience on a 90-minute walking tour.

BOOKING REQUIRED

We offer a range of adventures!

FREE City Tours

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Cape town free walking tours | everything you need to know.

Cape Town free walking tours are a fantastic way to get your bearings, see Cape Town, and delve into the country’s deep history. Here is everything you need to know about the free walking tours on offer.

Disclosure: Untold Wanderlust contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find our full disclosure policy and privacy policy here.

The 3 different types of Cape Town free walking tours

There are 3 walking tours to choose from; historical, apartheid (racial segregation), and Bo-Kaap (the colourful Muslim neighbourhood). Each tour is 90 minutes and explores different areas within the city centre. All 3 tours depart from the same location at Motherland Coffee at Mandela Rhodes Place, Wale St & Georges Mall, Cape Town City Centre. Tours depart twice a day at either 11 am, 2 pm, or 4 pm. Below we will share with you the highlights of each tour.

Free historical walking tour

We decided that the historical tour would be the perfect introduction to the city. Our guide, Ken, was articulate, funny and informative. His love of the city was visible in his detailed explanation and description of Cape Town.

The first stop on the historical tour was Green Market Square. Here we learned about its history and why it’s called Green Market. We also visited an infamous tree stump, which we think is best left explained by your guide. Ken then chronicled the arrival of colonists and the changing landscape of the city throughout the years of European occupation. Lastly, we took a stroll through Company’s Garden to admire the flora and fauna. A walk through a beautiful park is pleasant enough, but Ken’s insight into how old some trees were and where they were imported from, made the stroll so much more interesting. It was by far our favourite part of the tour. The curiously cute little critters at our feet made it more fun too.

This tour departs every day, rain or shine at 11 am and 4:20 pm.

Free Bo-Kaap walking tour

Our thirst for information was not yet fully quenched, so that same day, in the afternoon we went on a second walking tour. The Bo-Kaap is a colourful Muslim neighbourhood situated uphill, with spectacular views of the mountains surrounding Cape Town. Its name comes from the Afrikaans word ‘bo’, meaning ‘up’…Up Cape!

First, we were given an introduction to the slavery that tragically occurred in Cape Town from the year 1658, until 1806. Most of these enslaved people came from eastern parts of the world like Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka. We learned about how the locals in the Bo-Kaap are fighting against gentrification, due to the fact their neighbourhood sits in one of the most desired locations in all of Cape Town. We also found out that the country’s national dish (bobotie) has deep roots within the Bo-Kaap. Want to know the reason why the locals decided to paint their houses in different colours? We suggest you go on this walking tour!

This tour departs from the Motherland Cafe at 2 pm and 4.20 pm daily.

Free apartheid walking tour

The next day at 11 am, we embarked on another tour of the city. By this point, we were familiar faces among the staff and they knew us by name. Last but not least, we embarked on the apartheid tour. Apartheid is the local tongue for ‘separation’. Apartheid started in 1948. It was a tool used by the white minority to gain political, economic, and social system control of South Africa. They created a hierarchy among the different races of people to create a division in the communities.

During apartheid, social classes were classified based on a variety of factors; the dimension of your jaw, the width of your shoulders, and of course, the colour of your skin. One interesting classification was “honorary whites”, by which rich individuals (often businessmen) of any race were given the rights equivalent to that of a white person, to conduct their overseas business efficiently. Another way in which a person was determined as either “white” or “coloured” was the pencil test. This interesting method of classification will be demonstrated on your walking tour, should you decide to take it.

We learned about many protests that occurred in South Africa during the time of Apartheid; “purple rain” being the most interesting and memorable. We also learned about the laws during the time of apartheid. Passbooks (Dompas) were used to subjugate non-white South Africans. Mixed-race relationships were punishable by up to 6 months in jail. Being the child of parents from different races was seen as being “born a crime”, up until 1995. Our guide Jervais was a great storyteller. He told stories with such enthusiasm and left us going home with plenty of movie recommendations relating to the content of the tour.

This tour departs at 11 am and 2 pm daily.

Monetary tips for the tour

Each of the tours relies solely on tips. The guides don’t receive a salary for their time and effort. Each person is different, so whatever you decide to donate, make it a generous amount by your standard. The Cape Town free walking tours were started as the cost of other tours was expensive. However, the guides wanted to give visitors the chance to learn about Cape Town and its history without forcing people to break the bank.

Looking for more cool things to do in Cape Town, don’t miss a trip to Table Mountain !

Where to stay in Cape Town

91 Loop Boutique Hostel: Cape Town has tons of hotels and hostels for everyone’s needs, but  91 Loop has to be the best! They offer all types of rooms; dorms, male dorms, female dorms, and private rooms. The hostel even offers pod-style dorms that make for the perfect mix between a social environment and a private space. The hostel also boasts a bar with a games area downstairs too, meaning you never need to leave the hostel if you don’t want to.

All in all, we learnt a lot throughout the 3 tours within two days. 90% of the information we have written in this post has been from memory, which goes to show how incredibly informative information is jam-packed into each of these tours. Walking tours are such a great method of connecting with a country. You leave gaining a huge insight into its past. We regret not taking the opportunity to do walking tours in other places we have visited, such as Budapest or Prague. Who knows what we would have learnt?

Essential resources for travelling in South Africa

Travel Insurance – No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing . You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.

Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide . Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.

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Free Walking Tour Capetown

Take the best-rated free tour of capetown, south africa, with city walking tours, free  capetown walking tour.

At City Walking Tours, we show off all the aspects of Cape Town and their surrounding areas. There is something for everybody.

The vibrant Bo Kaap Free Tour includes points of interest such as the oldest mosque, unique culture and cuisine. Some colourful architectural homes and equally colorful history. A Cape Town neighborhood so special , when royalty or celebrities visit South Africa, everybody simply has to pop in and see it for themselves. Many iconic photographs from this suburb rank highly on social media platforms like Instagram.

Our historical City Free Tour shows guests some of Cape Town’s hidden gems as well as some more popular “local spots” as the name says during the course of 90 minutes, we will whisk you through our relatively short history. From the very place slaves were auctioned off to some more modern forms of interest. We walk passed some of the oldest building in our country and share their stories. 

Thousands of travelers join City Walking Tours every year, building memories that will last a lifetime...  

Pictures from our walks

What visitors think about Free  Capetown Walking Tour?

Frequently asked questions about the tour

What time of the year is best for whale watching, when is the perfect time to visit one the the 7 wonders of the world, table mountain, what else is there to do in cape town, do wild animals roam around freely, which beaches should be visited when in cape town, get inspired by the free tour community blog, want to know more about our tours.

Walking Tours

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Essential Free Tour Cape Town

• Visit City Hall and see the historic spot where Nelson Mandela gave his first public speech after being released from prison.
• Discover the stories and secrets behind the Castle of Good Hope , Cape Town’s oldest structure.
• Wander down Long Street , once known as the San Francisco of South Africa down to its resident’s anti-apartheid and bohemian perspectives.

See All Tours in Cape Town

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Free Tour - Free Tour Cape Town › Essential Free Tour Cape Town

Cape Town Free Tours

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Cape Town Free Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Cape Town Free Walking Tours

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CAPE TOWN FREE WALKING TOURS (Cape Town Central) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

The 13 Best Cape Town Tours – Ultimate City Guide [2024]

• Last Updated: February 6, 2024

Looking for the best tours in Cape Town? From wine-tasting tours, to free walking tours, to day trips around the Cape Peninsula, definitely add these tours to your Cape Town itinerary!

Cape Town is a vibrant city in South Africa packed with cool attractions, and it quickly became one of our favourite cities in the world (which actually means a lot, because we’re not usually fans of cities).

You could easily spend weeks in Cape Town and still not see it all! From the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands, to the colourful streets of Bo Kaap, to the spectacular views of the Cape Of Good Hope, there is so much to do.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to pack in all the best sights and activities for your visit, we’re here to help.

We’ve compiled a list of the best Cape Town tours to help you make the most of your time in this corner of South Africa.

From free walking tours, to guided treks up Table Mountain, to wine-tasting tours through the wine estates of southwest South Africa, there are tours for everyone.

Tours allow you to explore Cape Town with a local guide who knows the area, so you can sightsee and learn about the culture, cuisine, and history all in one go.

Optimize your time in Cape Town with one of these amazing tours!

Find more fun activities with our guide to the best things to do in Cape Town !

Table of Contents

Historic City Tour

Apartheid to freedom tour, bo kaap tour, table mountain city tour, cape of good hope tour, paragliding tour, whale watching tour, woodstock street art tour, robben island tour, cape winelands tour, stellenbosch wine tasting tour, franschhoek wine tour, wrapping up, the best cape town tours.

Our list of the best tours in Cape Town is organised into categories so you can easily filter through the options and pick the best tours for you.

There are so many cool ways to immerse yourself in Cape Town’s excitement and cultural richness.

Whether you’re a budget traveller looking for a Cape Town free historical walking tour, or you’re a wine lover looking to dive into the vineyards and wines of the Western Cape, here are the best tours to choose from!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Free Walking Tours

For budget travellers or those looking to learn as much as possible while walking around the city, there are some incredible Cape Town free walking tours.

These tours focus on different topics, including history, culture, art, and more. Here are our top picks for Cape Town free walking tours!

A free historical walking tour is a fantastic way to learn about the famous “Mother City”.

Stroll through the city centre on this historic city tour as you learn about all the insider knowledge of Cape Town from your guide.

See highlights of Cape Town and significant locations like Green Market Square, Parliament, the Castle of Good Hope, and more.

The history tour departs every day at 11 am or 4:20 pm from Motherland Coffee. Read more about the history walking tour on this website !

This was the very first one we did on our list of tours of Cape Town and it was the perfect introduction to the city.

The Apartheid to Freedom Tour is another one of the best walking tours to try while visiting Cape Town, South Africa.

This tour takes you through the Cape Town city centre and points out all the most significant locations and monuments relating to Nelson Mandela and the history of Apartheid.

You’ll see multiple landmarks that were vital to the history of the city, including the place where Mandela made his first speech as a free man.

This walking tour departs daily at 11 am or 2 pm from Motherland Coffee.

Bo Kaap is one of the most unique locations in the city. Travellers flock to Bo Kaap to take photos of the vibrantly coloured buildings, but the area has a rich history in addition to aesthetic appeal.

Join a Bo Kaap tour where you can walk through the colourful neighbourhood with a great guide who will teach you about the multicultural influences that shaped the area.

This Bo Kaap tour is one of the best walking tours you can do. You’ll tour the oldest mosque in the city, visit a spice trading centre, and more.

The tour departs daily at 2 pm or 4:20 pm from Motherland Coffee.

Best Day Tours For Exploring Cape Town, South Africa

If you’ve completed a walking tour or two, you’ll surely have a great glimpse into the fabric of the Cape Town city centre and what makes it so special.

But Cape Town is huge, and these day tours extend beyond the classic inner city walking tour.

Jump on any of these guided tours to further explore the interesting history, art, wine, and nature around Cape Town.

READ MORE: And while you’re at it, have a read of our latest guide to the best Cape Town day trips .

Table Mountain is an absolute must-see when you visit Cape Town. This majestic, flat-topped mountain stands tall against the backdrop of the city.

You have to make a trip up to the top for the best panoramic views of the city and the Cape Peninsula. Whether you choose to hike or take the cable car is up to you!

For travellers who want to take the cable car, a tour package that includes round-trip cable car tickets plus a guided walking tour and a hop-on-hop-off bus pass is a great idea.

You’ll get a great price on cable car tickets that will whisk you up and down Table Mountain in no time, plus the added bonus of bus passes for traveling around the city and a walking tour.

A guided tour around the Cape Of Good Hope is a fantastic way to soak in the spectacular views and unique wildlife of the Cape Peninsula.

The journey meanders along the breathtaking coastal roads, where rugged cliffs plunge into the azure expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

En route to the fabled Cape Point, visitors are treated to awe-inspiring vistas of pristine beaches, charming fishing villages, and diverse wildlife.

You’ll stop by Simons Town and visit the adorable Penguin Colony on Boulders Beach, and you’ll get to cruise along the scenic Chapmans Peak Drive.

There is so much to see and do on the Cape Peninsula, and a guided tour that hits all of the highlights is the perfect way to optimise your time!

Paragliding is one of the best ways to experience Cape Town! Imagine soaring through the air with a great guide who is well-versed in safety and security, admiring the views of Cape Town below you.

Signal Hill is a hotspot for paragliding in Cape Town.

Meet here and join your paragliding tour where you can see the Atlantic Ocean, Camps Bay, Table Mountain, Lions Head, and more as you glide peacefully through the sky!

The oceans around Cape Town offer incredible conditions for whale watching.

Join a whale-watching tour so you can take to the water and have the amazing chance to see these gentle giants up close!

This day tour takes you from downtown Cape Town to Hermanus, one of the best places in the world for whale watching.

Cruise along the coastline of South Africa and watch Southern Right Whales, Humpbacks, and potentially dolphins or seals as they frolic in the waves.

Animal lovers cannot miss out on an epic whale-watching tour while they are in South Africa!

Check out one of Cape Town’s most captivating corners on a Woodstock Street Art Tour .

This tour can be either private or with a group, and you can join a 60-minute or 90-minute tour.

Either way, this is one of the most insightful walking tours in Cape Town and it’s definitely worth the 400 or 450 rand fee.

You’ll be exploring the Old Biscuit Mill in the Woodstock neighborhood of the city, which is a hub for artistic expression.

earn about the history and culture behind the art and enjoy opening your mind to a fascinating part of Cape Town.

Embarking on a Robben Island day tour from Cape Town is an immersive journey through South Africa’s complex history and triumphs of resilience.

As the ferry glides across the shimmering waters of the Atlantic, passengers are transported to the island’s poignant past, where the notorious prison once held political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela.

The guided tour offers a sobering yet enlightening experience as visitors explore the bleak cells, interact with former inmates, and gain profound insights into the country’s struggle for freedom and the indomitable human spirit that prevailed.

Against the backdrop of Cape Town’s stunning skyline, the Robben Island day tour becomes a powerful testament to the pursuit of justice and equality.

Robben Island can only be visited with a guided tour, so make sure you make a booking in advance!

Cape Town Wine Tours

A tour of the Cape Winelands is another one of the best things to do in Cape Town.

Surrounded by lush regions filled with wine estates, vineyards, and local businesses where you can taste local wine, cheese, chocolate, spirits, and more, foodies should absolutely add a wine-tasting tour to their itinerary.

There are a few different Cape Town wine-tasting tours to choose from, so here are our top picks!

This tour offers travelers the chance to visit 3 wine regions around Cape Town: Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek. Visit 3 estates and taste 15 different wines throughout the day!

This tour includes all transport and focuses on wine pairing where you’ll get to taste chocolate and cheese with the various wines.

It’s a roller coaster for the palette, and this tour is great for those who want to see as much of the wine regions as possible.

If you want to slow down and focus on just one wine region, this is a great tour option . Visit 4 different Stellenbosch wineries on this full-day tour from Cape Town.

The tour combines vineyard and cellar door walks with wine tasting so you can learn about winemaking while you sample local cured meat, cheese, chocolate, and more.

The Stellenbosch area is one of the oldest parts of the country, so you will have a blast immersing yourself in the wine culture and history here on this day tour.

Another wine-tasting tour option is the Franschhoek Wine Tour. This tour allows you to explore the Franschhoek part of the Cape Winelands by tram, where you can hop on and hop off wherever you choose.

Spend the day cruising through the countryside, taking wines, eating fresh cuisine, and enjoying the best of Cape Town’s wine country.

Tour a historic wine farm, chat with a local winemaker, and just enjoy the scenery.

Between these three different wine-tasting tours, there is sure to be something that suits you!

As you can see, there are so many fun tours you can try while visiting Cape Town.

Learn all about the local history on a Cape Town free walking tour, or dive into the culture of the Mother City with a tour to Robben Island.

Tour a wine farm or go wine tasting with a tour to the Cape Winelands, or get up close with some beautiful whales on a whale watch in the Atlantic.

Cape Town has so much to offer, and a tour with a knowledgeable local guide will help you enhance your experience here!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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30 Best Things To Do In Cape Town, South Africa (2024 Guide)

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10 best places to visit in cape town for free.

Explore Cape Town’s wonders without spending a dime, as this guide leads you through the city’s top ten free attractions. Marvel at the natural beauty of its pristine beaches and the panoramic views from Table Mountain. Experience the enchanting underwater world at the Two Oceans Aquarium, enjoy strolls along the Sea Point Promenade, and find tranquillity in the city’s hidden tidal pools. Catch waves at Muizenberg Beach, meander through the historic Company’s Garden, or take a scenic hike on the Alphen Trail. End your day with a breathtaking sunset from Signal Hill. Join the adventure through Cape Town’s most beloved spots, each offering a unique experience that captures the city’s vibrant spirit and cultural heritage, all at no cost.

1. Visit The Aquarium

Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Armineaghayan

Dive into the world of the Two Oceans Aquarium for an unforgettable day. This place is a treasure trove of marine life, from tiny sea creatures to majestic giants of the deep. The staff is full of knowledge and ready to teach you about the importance of protecting these underwater wonders. Plus, if it’s your birthday, you’re in luck – entry is free. It’s easily one of the best free activities in Cape Town, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the ocean’s beauty.

2. Stroll along Sea Point Promenade

Image supplied

Sea Point Promenade is a gem in Cape Town, perfect for soaking up the ocean air and enjoying scenic views. It’s a popular spot for walking, cycling, or just relaxing by the sea. Along the way, you’ll find beautiful sights, from paragliders in the sky to playful dogs and their owners. The promenade is long, offering plenty of spots to explore, including rock pools filled with marine life. It’s a fantastic, free way to spend a day and experience Cape Town’s natural beauty.

3. Hike up Table Mountain

Scene after sunset looking towards Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain from the coastline at Blouberg.

No trip to Cape Town is complete without a visit to Table Mountain. Whether you’re up for a challenging hike to the top or a leisurely walk on the lower trails, there’s something for everyone. The views are spectacular, and the mountain trails, like the Pipe Track and Contour Path, let you enjoy the area’s natural beauty without the strenuous climb. And don’t forget the free-to-enter Newlands and Cecilia forests for more outdoor adventures.

4. Check out some of our best beaches at Clifton

Clifton Beach: Picture: jbdodane/ Flickr Commons

Clifton’s beaches are among the best in Cape Town, known for their stunning white sands and clear blue waters. These four beaches offer a quieter, wind-protected spot compared to more crowded areas like Camps Bay. Each beach has its unique vibe, but Clifton 2nd is a favourite for its relaxed atmosphere and dreamy setting. Whether you’re sunbathing or just enjoying the view, Clifton beaches are a must-see.

5. Join Cape Town Free Walking Tours

To get to know Cape Town, join one of the free walking tours. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who’ll share the city’s history and culture as you explore on foot. It’s a great way to learn about Cape Town’s past and present, all for free. Tips are appreciated, as they go a long way in supporting the guides who make these tours so memorable.

6. Take a dip at a rock pool

Photo by Simon Barber on Unsplash

Floating in a tidal pool or snorkelling to explore underwater treasures is one of the most delightful ways to enjoy your leisure time. Pack some sunscreen and a picnic, and head out to discover the natural swimming pools dotted along the coast. Miller’s Point Tidal Pool: A gem in Cape Town, famous for its colourful changing huts and postcard-worthy views. Located near St James Station, it’s a favourite spot for a swim between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay. Arriving early is recommended to beat the crowds.

Glencairn Tidal Pool: Situated just before Simon’s Town, Glencairn offers a more secluded beach experience. The tidal pool, near the train station, is perfect for safe swimming and dates back to the 1920s, recently refurbished for public enjoyment.

Maiden’s Cove Tidal Pools: Nestled among rocks, these pools provide stunning views of the mountains and ocean near the vibrant Camps Bay strip, making for an irresistible swimming spot.

Soetwater Tidal Pool: At the southwestern tip of the peninsula, under the Slangkop Lighthouse, lies a pool within a biodiversity-rich conservancy. Known as the Infinity Pool, it’s part of the rustic Soetwater Recreational Area.

Wooley’s Tidal Pool: This smaller pool offers a shallow area for children and a deeper end for experienced swimmers, making it a cosy spot for families.

Camps Bay Tidal Pool: On the sun-drenched beach of Camps Bay, this easily accessible tidal pool offers a warmer alternative to the sea, perfect for those seeking calm waters.

Also read: Where to swim around Cape Town when the beaches are full or closed

7. Go Surfing At Muizenberg Beach

Credit: Getaway Gallery

Muizenberg’s gentle waves make it an ideal spot for beginner surfers or those looking for a laid-back surfing experience. With fun surf and a beautiful beach, it’s a great place to start your surfing journey in South Africa. Just keep an eye out for sharks! Winter brings the best conditions, but summer also offers consistent waves for endless surfing fun.

8. Tour The Company’s Garden

Dating back to the 1650s, the Company’s Garden was established by the East India Company as a vital source of fresh produce for ships. Today, it’s a peaceful haven of botanical beauty and historical significance, including South Africa’s oldest cultivated pear tree. The gardens are a testament to the city’s past, offering free entry and a journey through history.

9. Trek The Alphen Trail

Photo by Grant Durr on Unsplash

For those seeking an outdoor excursion in the Constantia Valley, the Alphen Trail offers breathtaking views of the Diep River and Constantiaberg Mountain. A visit to the historic Alphen Hotel, with its beautiful gardens and monumental significance, adds a cultural touch to the trek. This trail is a free, enjoyable way to explore Cape Town’s natural landscape.

10. Witness a magical sunset at Signal Hill

Photo by Marlin Clark on Unsplash

Witnessing the sunset from Signal Hill, with its panoramic views of Cape Town, Table Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean, is a magical experience. This popular local spot provides a stunning backdrop for the end of the day, offering a peaceful setting to enjoy nature’s spectacle. Bring someone special or enjoy the serene beauty on your own, and make a memorable moment amidst the vibrant hues of sunset.

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Free Walking Tours in Cape Town

NEW! Best of Bo Kaap Tour

Bo Kaap Walking Tour

Twice a day departing from Motherland Coffee, St Georges Mall .

Starts at 14:00 and 16:20

See the colourful houses, smell the spices of the East, hear the mosques calling for prayer, let the Cape Malay food tempt your taste buds and get a feel of what else to do in Cape Town. On the way there we could reveal hidden spots to enjoy a local beer…

Highlights on our Cape Town tour include the oldest Mosque, Auwal Masjeed, the story of Tuan Guru, the old Tailor’s House, the different coloured houses, Biesmiellah Cape Malay Restaurant, the Atlas Spice Trading Centre for spices from the east and the beautiful Chiappini Street.

How do I join this tour?

• No need to book!  
• Just arrive and sign up at Motherland Coffee, St Georges Mall
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The Five Foot Traveler

Reaching new heights, cape town: free walking tour.

by Sarah Gallo | Feb 20, 2015 | Africa , Recent Escapades , South Africa | 0 comments

Whenever I’m in a foreign country, I try to take advantage of the free walking tours offered around town, so naturally I checked out Cape Town Free Walking Tours. I decided to take their “Historical Cape Town” tour at 11am and the “Bo-Kaap” tour at 2pm, both led Rico.

A bit of background on Cape Town: The Khoisan were indigenous to Africa until, in 1488, the Portuguese arrived in Cape Town; Bartolomeu Diaz, a Portuguese explorer, sailed around the southernmost tip of Africa. Fast-forward some, and the British invaded Cape Town in 1795 from Muizenberg. The second time, in 1806, power shifted four times – Dutch to French to Dutch to British rule within ten years. Around this time, Cape Town became known as the Paris of Africa. In 1948 the National Party went into power and less than 8% of the population were allowed to vote. The National Party won based on the idea of segregation. The British stayed until 1961, when they had enough of the apartheid. It wasn’t until 1992 that F.W. de Klerk said that South Africa was in the process of closing the book on apartheid.

So, let’s talk history:

• St. George’s Cathedral: Built in 1833 and made public in 1834. Desmond Tutu used to preach here in the 80s and 90s, and went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for his fight against apartheid. He was seen as a voice for the more marginalized and managed to get 30,000 people outside of St. George’s Cathedral to go on a peace march.

• Parliament Building: The legislative capital. F. W. de Klerk and Mandela worked in parliament and were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for their work in abolishing apartheid.

• Cape High Court: Instrumental for apartheid – tell the stories you must tell because someone has to bear witness. During apartheid, if you weren’t European you had to go to the High Court to be racially categorized (many scientific experiments were done to decide what category you were put into). If you were categorized as black, for example, it was written in a book that had to be on you at all times; if you were stopped without it by a cop, you could be beat and thrown in jail. One of the ways that people were categorized was through the Pencil Test – if a pencil fell out of your hair, you’re European and fine, but if it stays in your hair, you’re not European and need to be categorized (white was on top, colored in the middle, and black at the bottom – if you were black it was likely you had no jobs or human rights).

• Church Square: Oldest Dutch reformed church in the country
• Slave Lodge: Where companies kept slaves for orientation – 700 slaves were locked up every night. On weekends and holidays, they left the women out for the enjoyment of men. The Dutch ruled Cape Town for 200 years and decided to bring slaves to the city in 1658. By 1717, there were more slaves in the city than free men, and by the time slavery was abolished in 1864, there were 38,000 slaves. Sadly, today, there are still 29.8 million slaves living on Earth.
• City Hall: It was on this balcony where Mandela made his first speech as a free man in front of 250,000 people; these people covered the whole square, every conceivable rooftop, poles, trees, everywhere possible to wait to hear him speak. While waiting they had no food, no shelter from the sun, no water, no toilets. Mandela was supposed to be released at noon and to speak at 2pm, but he was released late and didn’t speak until 9pm. Mandela noted that “Our struggle has reached a decisive moment. We call on our people to seize this moment so that the process towards democracy is rapid and uninterrupted. We have waited too long for our freedom. We can no longer wait. Now is the time to intensify the struggle on all fronts. To relax our efforts now would be a mistake which generations to come will not be able to forgive. The sight of freedom looming on the horizon should encourage us to redouble our efforts.”

We broke for lunch and ate at the Eastern Food Bazaar (as per Rico’s recommendation) and, if you’re in Cape Town, do not miss this. The portions are huge, the food is great, there’s a lot of variety and, to top it off, it is dirt cheap! What could be better.

We began our second tour of the day with Rico, excited to see more of the city. Bo-Kaap directly translates to “above town.” The community has been there since slavery was abolished and there are 12 mosques in the community of Bo-Kaap alone. It is a multi-cultural and diverse community – everyone is welcome to live there. Although it is predominantly Muslim, people living in Bo-Kaap speak Afrikaans more than Arabic.

People always ask why the houses are so colorful in Bo-Kaap. According to Rico, the people that live in Bo-Kaap came from the city, which was dramatic and sad as they were enslaved. Bo-Kaap was the first space that they could call their own, so what’s a better way to express that than in living color.

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Hi, I’m Sarah!

Hello World! I’m Sarah Gallo, The Five Foot Traveler, and I choose to dream out loud. After conquering a crippling fear of flying, I’ve developed an unquenchable passion for traveling. Since my newfound freedom, I have set foot on all seven continents, explored 114 countries, and continue to strive to live life to the fullest. Continue Reading…

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The 12 best things to do in Cape Town

Y ou really can’t overstate the case for visiting Cape Town. First, there’s the in-your-face beauty of a craggy mountain range that drops precipitously into a glittering sea, its flanks carpeted in greens and delicate florals. Then there’s the pristine white beaches lapped by – it must be said – a chilly Atlantic, their curves defined by giant granite boulders to bake on.

Yet, of course, Cape Town is not just about exploring nature because the city has a cool urban edge too. It has always been home to some of Africa's most innovative artists and designers and it is now home to the Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, too.

Below our expert helps you discover the best things to do in Cape Town, while for further inspiration see our guides to the city's best  hotels  and  restaurants  and how to spend a  weekend in Cape Town . For further inspiration, read  our expert's ultimate two-week holiday in South Africa.

Find things to do by area

• V&A waterfront and Robben Island
• Southern Peninsula and Atlantic Seaboard 

See the city dwarfed

You haven’t truly understood the soul of Cape Town until you’ve ascended the 500-million year old mountain at its core, and gazed into the blue expanse of ocean and heaven that surround it. Originally known as Hoerikwaggo, meaning 'Mountain of the Sea' because it seems to rise directly from the ocean, Table Mountain dominates the Lego-city at its feet.

Insider’s tip:  It’s easiest to ascend by cable car from the City Bowl, and a ‘Fast Track’ ticket (R950pp) allows you to skip the queues. Tickets are valid for 7 days from chosen date as wind conditions can affect operational times. To walk up: Plattekloof Gorge, the least strenuous (1.5 to two hours), is also the busiest; Skeleton Gorge is by far the most scenic but you’ll need around five hours and be fairly fit. Beyond its distinctive flat-top northern face is an undulating plateau of small fertile valleys; worth exploring with the services of a guide like Dominic Chadbon or Hike Table Mountain .

Contact: tablemountain.net

Price:  £

Discover the benefits of a sunset hike

Tackle the Lion’s Head hike just before sunset, and you will be rewarded by the most spectacular 360-degree views: the huge horizon deepening to pink, burnishing the ocean, while below the city lights start to twinkle, and the moon starts its ascent. It’s a round loop that takes you up the tail, back and mane up to the head of the lion, and takes around one hour.

Insider’s tip:   It's increasingly popular, so be prepared for a festive vibe rather than communing with nature. Pack a torch and an extra layer for the descent. A quieter and quicker hike is up to Kloof Corner. Park on Tafelberg Road (closest is the second parking lot on your left), then cross over to the Kloof Nek Water Treatment Plant and look for a sign marking the start of the trail. Once there the views are splendid: the city spread below Lion’s Head to one side, and Twelve Apostles towering above Camps Bay, and vast blue Atlantic.

V&A Waterfront and Robben Island

A slice of history and art.

While admittedly touristy, the pedestrianised Waterfront is lovely to stroll around, and still a working harbour. For locally African-produced crafts, fashion, accessories and homeware, do make time to browse the market stalls in the Watershed, located between the new Time Out Market [delete (scheduled to open late 2023)] (a great one-stop foodie destination) and the Aquarium (well worth a visit, particularly if you are travelling with young children). In the Silo 5 district you’ll find the departure point for the ferry to Robben Island Museum, where Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years; adjacent is the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), [delete where Nicholas Hlobo's dragon soars into] where you can admire the magnificent atrium cut into the original grain silo by Thomas Heatherwick and his team. A visit here puts paid to old-fashioned ideas of African art being 'figurative' or craft, as does Southern Guild, conveniently located at Silo 5, right next to Upcycle, Cape Town’s first drop-and-go bicycle rental company.

Insider's tip:  To get the most out of your MOCAA visit, enlist the services of an expert guide. Art Route ( artroute.co.za ) offer bespoke half and full-day tours that include fascinating insights into the MOCAA exhibits as well as commercial galleries (chosen in collaboration with you and based on your particular interest), studio visits to the city’s top contemporary artists, and by-appointment-only access to beautiful Ellerman House. The largest privately owned collection in the Cape, this offers as a fascinating insight into the Cape’s history through the lens of art.

Contact: zeitzmocaa.museum  | robben-island.org.za

Price: MOCAA £; Robben Island ££

Greet the dawn in Cape Town’s tidal pools

From sunrise to around 9am you will find clusters of Capetonians bobbing in the pretty tidal pools dotted along both sides of the coast, enjoying the splendour of both mountain and sea views from a living aquarium. Most spend about 20 minutes in what are fairly bracing but not frigid waters: 9ºC is a very cold day on the Atlantic seaboard; usually temperatures are around 12 to 16ºC, and a few degrees higher on the False Bay seaboard. Some are advocates of Wim Hof; a few are inspired by Craig Foster (My Octopus Teacher), but the trend has grown mostly due to word-of-mouth enthusiasm as the physical elation and addictive sense of well-being is indisputable. Aside from anything it’s a wonderful way to meet locals.  Dalebrook tidal pool in Kalk Bay and Camps Bay tidal pool are the most famously social gathering spots. 

Insider’s tip:  The diversity of life in and around the great kelp forests of the Cape, particularly off the beaches of Simonstown, is awe inspiring. You can book snorkelling gear (including wet suits) and guide from great outfit capetownfreediving.com who also know where to go depending on weather and tide. Better still, learn how to freedive on one of their excellent two-day courses – a complete and utter treat for waterbabies. 

Contact: capetown.travel/tidal-pools-cape-town  |   capetownfreediving.com

Price: Free for tidal pools; £ for two-day free-diving course

Nibble yourself full in an artisanal food market

Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Granger Bay (adjacent to the Waterfront) is a magnificent food market, showcasing fresh organic produce harvested from the city and surrounding small-scale farms, flanked by a large marquee with curated artisanal products, all with samples, and another rammed with stalls selling mouth-watering prepared dishes. Plenty of seating and lovely harbour views. Alternatively, the weekly Neighbourgoods Market in the Old Biscuit Mill is as much fun for watching the city’s hipsters as for the artisanal spreads – the focus here being more on prepared foods than fresh produce. Or, for authentic South African nibbles, browse the nascent V&A food community in Makers Landing at the Cruise Terminal. Or, for all-day all-week browsing, visit the new Time Out Market in the Waterfront where 13 stalls offer an extremely varied and delicious array of choices, and sit down to a meal at long shared tables. Time Out Market is in the old power station building, located right next to the dock.

Insider’s tip:  It pays to get to either market early, when the stalls are perfect and people are few. OZCF opens 8.15am on Saturdays and 9am on Sundays; Neighbourgoods Market opens 9am on Saturdays. Time Out Market is open from 11am to 10pm daily (Nosh, serving breakfasts and coffee from the city’s top three roasters, opens at 8am).

Contact: neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za  |  ozcf.co.za

| timeout.com/cape-town/time-out-market

Southern Peninsula and Atlantic Seaboard

Experience two seasons in one day.

The circular route to Cape Point loops around the mountainous spine that runs the length of the peninsula. Crossing from dawn-rising False Bay to sunset-blessed Atlantic Seaboard, the weather may change dramatically. Highlights include the cliff-hugging Chapman’s Peak Drive, scenic Victoria Road connecting Camps Bay to Hout Bay, wind-swept Cape Point; naval Simonstown (where most visit the penguin colony at Boulders, incidentally also a lovely swimming beach), Kalk Bay, Constantia and Kirstenbosch. An unmissable day trip.

Insider’s tip: Most rush straight to Cape Point; if you have time, visit one of the reserve’s typically deserted beaches. Embraced by 200m cliffs, Diaz Beach is the most photogenic. Embraced by 200m cliffs, Diaz Beach is the most photogenic.

Contact​: capepoint.co.za

Taste the city’s past and present

Cape Town took shape around the kitchen garden planted by the VOC (Dutch East India Company) to supply their ships. Join one of the foodie tours and learn about the city's multi-cultural heritage through food, from samosas and koeksusters (a traditional sweet made of dough and infused in honey or syrup) prepared by Malay descendents in the Bo Kaap, to inner-city wineries, this is a most enjoyable way to spend a day.

Insider’s tip:  There are a few foodie tours in Cape Town but for the best guides – hand picked by ebullient owner Pammie – book with Cape Fusion Tours. If you just want to sample a few traditional Cape treats, head up Wale street to Biesmiellah Café for a most authentic selection of Cape Malay sweet and savoury street food treats.

Contact:   capefoodwine.com  |  capefusiontours.com

Price:  ££

Immerse in history

Opening with surprisingly little fanfare in 2022 in the Old Granary, a national monument that in itself reflects periods of oppression and transformation, ‘Truth to Power’ is a must see for anyone interested in South African history. Curated by the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in partnership with the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg (where it is also possible to view), this is a world-class exhibition, taking you through a series of themed rooms that map out how Tutu’s life journey was intertwined with that of South Africa, from his resignation in protest at the apartheid-era ‘Bantu’ education, to his integral role in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. With plenty of archival apartheid-era footage, photographs and artefacts, Tutu’s ongoing commitment to justice, his humility and humour, is both sobering and inspiring.

Contact:   tutu.org.za/truth-to-power

Watch the sinking sun with feet in the sand

Popular palm-lined Camps Bay beach has its bars and restaurants, but there is nothing more special than watching the sunset with your toes curled into the sand, back against a sun-warmed boulder. Clifton is accessed via steep staircases that wind between low-slung bungalows, and comprises four crescent-shaped strips, each attracting a slightly different sunworshipper. Families tend to hang on more accessible Clifton Fourth, the buff strut their stuff on Third. Or head to Glen beach, the lesser-known, less-busy beach adjacent to Camps Bay, tucked beneath a few bungalows.

Insider's tip: Better still, take a cab (you will struggle to find a parking spot), and watch the sunset with the locals and their dogs on gorgeous Llundudno beach.

Picnic in the Floral Kingdom

Table Mountain is one great picnic table, its slopes offering shady nooks and dappled glens, but the best spots are found in Kirstenbosch, on shady groomed lawns,with burbling streams where toddlers frighten tadpoles, and lush borders in which guinea fowl forage. Seamlessly blending into the indigenous vegetation carpeting a protected flank of Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden are beautiful whatever the season.

Insider’s tip:  If you’re here in summer, join the locals streaming in to enjoy the Sunset Concerts held Sundays. You can book a picnic from the on-site Kirstenbosch tea room or Moyo, or hand-pick your selection from Woolworths, the best large local retail giant with outlets all over the city.

Contact: sanbi.org

Explore the New World’s oldest wine region

In 1685 Simon Van Der Stel planted 10,000 vines on the 763-ha farm located on the southern slopes of the Table Mountain range. It proved prescient. Constantia dessert wines became famous: on his deathbed Napoleon apparently refused everything but Constantia wine, and Jane Austen recommended it for “its healing powers on a disappointed heart” in Sense and Sensibility. Today the Constantia Wine Route, comprising only 10 farms and a mere 20 minutes from the city centre, makes a wonderful outing (check their website for tour companies, or Uber between them).

Insider's tip: If you only have time for a couple visit Groot Constantia , where Van Der Stel built his original 17th-century homestead, for the historic Cape Dutch architecture; Klein Constantia to purchase the dessert wine that made the terroir famous; Beau Constantia for its elevated views across the valley, and Steenberg and Eagles' Nest for their deliciously flinty sauvignons.

Contact : constantiawineroute.com

Roll through the winelands on a tailor-made trip

There’s a plethora of scheduled Winelands tours, and Franschhoek’s wine trams are an affordable and fun way to get about, but if you’re serious about your wine, or just want a private, more off-the-beaten-track experience, a specialist wine guide is worth the extra cost. Try Gourmet Wine Tours with Stephen Flesch, the former chairman of the Wine Tasters Guild. He willl tailor an itinerary that covers both the grand historical and the rustic.

Insider’s tip: South Africa provides such a wide range of terroirs that the range of flavours produced by any single varietal is quite extraordinary. Stellenbosch still produces the broadest selection of award-winning reds. If you love your Sauvignon, tool around the cooler Elgin region, or drop into the Hemel en Aarde valley for superb Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Contact: gourmetwinetours.co.za

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