Cape Town has a bright and colorful city center that is steeped in history and culture. We made time to explore the area with out Cape Town Self-Guided Walking Tour.
While it’s possible to see many of the sights by simply walking around, Cape Town sightseeing is best done with a plan in mind.
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We created this useful Self-Guided Cape Town Walking Tour so that we could move at our own pace and get a true feel for the city.
Self-Guided Cape Town Walking Tour
Before you set off on this self-guided free walking tour of Cape Town, be sure to have proper shoes, wear a hat (and or sunscreen) and a water bottle.
Additionally, a great day bag is essential to organize and secure all of your essential, everyday travel items! Also, you will find our Cape Town Map of Sights at the end of the article.
#1 Adderley Flower Market
Start your Cape Town walk at the Adderley Street, Cape Town CBD bus stop and head south to the Adderley Flower Market.
For more than 150 years women have been selling colorful flower bouquets – making it one of the oldest markets in Cape Town.
Set up in a dimly lit alley on Trafalgar Place between the Standard Bank and Golden Acre Mall, rows of stalls feature an array of fragrant and unique blossoms.
Sellers are happy to create special arrangements. The Adderley Street Flower Market is open daily from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
#2 Cape Town City Hall and Grand Parade
Turn right (southwest) on Parliament and walk to Darling Street. Turn left (southeast) and walk to City Hall and the Grand Parade.
The City Hall building is used for Cape Town culture events – but it also reigns as one of the top Cape Town historical sites.
The building is well-known for the balcony – from which Nelson Mandela gave his first speech after being released from prison.
Constructed in the early 1900s – using mostly materials shipped in from Europe – the grand building stands out from its surroundings.
It’s free to go inside, where there are stained-glass windows, marble staircases and pipe organ in the Grand Hall. Note: Cape Town City Hall is open Monday – Friday from 7:45am to 3:00pm.
The main public square on which City Hall stands is called the Grand Parade. It has been used as a marketplace, a site of political rallies.
#3 Castle of Good Hope
At the east end of the Grand Parade is the Castle of Good Hope.
Built between 1666 and 1679 as a pentagon-shaped fort for the Dutch East India Company, the castle is the oldest building in Cape Town – and South Africa.
When the Castle of Good Hope was built, it was at the water’s edge, but land reclamation has moved the coastline to form the Cape Town Harbour.
In 1936, the fort was named a National Monument – and still serves as the center for the Cape Town military.
Visitors who are interested in historical buildings in Cape Town and learning more of the Cape Town history should consider visiting the Castle of Good Hope.
And, those who really want a better understanding of the history should inquire about the Castle of Good Hope guided tour. Note: Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
#4 District 6 Cape Town Museum
Walk southwest on Buitenkant Street to the District 6 Museum.
During Apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s, 60,000 residents who lived in Cape Town District 6 were forced to move from their homes.
The District 6 Museum, which opened in 1994, is dedicated to remember the injustices, as well as to help build a multicultural community.
Top Tip: Join a tour to learn more about the history of slavery in Cape Town.
#5 The Company’s Gardens, Cape Town
Continue southwest on Buitenkant Street to Roeland Street. Turn right (northwest) and walk past St. Mary’s Cathedral to the Louis Botha Farmer warrior Statesman Statue on St. Johns Street.
Go left (southwest) and walk to Gallery Lane. Just before the South African National Gallery, turn right (north) and walk into the Company’s Gardens.
Started by a shipwrecked crew in the 1600s, the Company’s Gardens are now filled with fountains, monuments, museums and even a restaurant.
Many of the rare and historic trees and plants include informational plaques. An expansive vegetable garden has been established as a reminder of how the gardens were first used.
Museums in the vicinity are the South African Jewish Museum, the Cape Town Holocaust Center and the Iziko South African Museum.
#6 Cape Town Parliament
Walk the length of the Company’s Gardens and on the southeast side, see Parliament.
As one of the three capital cities of South Africa, Cape Town is the legislative capital and home to the country’s Houses of Parliament.
Three historic buildings in Cape Town collectively make up the Cape Town Parliament – and date to 1884, the 1920s and the 1980s. The latter two were designed in the Neoclassical Cape Dutch style to match the original.
The Parliament buildings house the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.
Top Tip: Visitors interested in a Cape Town Parliament Tour and attending a Parliamentary Session should inquire at the Visitors Centre entrance on 120 Plein Street.
#7 St. George’s Cathedral, Cape Town
At the north end of the Company’s Garden is the St. George’s Cathedral.
On the north end of the park is St. George’s Cathedral, an Anglican church that was heavily involved in the anti-apartheid movement. Inside, the enormous stained glass windows light up the church and the 6,000 pipe organ.
#8 Iziko Slave Lodge
To the southeast of St. George’s Cathedral is the Iziko Slave Lodge.
Built in 1679, the historic Slave Lodge (Cape Town’s second oldest building) was used to house slaves of the Dutch East India Company until the year 1811.
Today, the building has been re-purposed as a Cape Town museum documenting the history of slavery in South Africa.
#9 Bo-Kaap
Walk northwest on Wale Street to the Bo-Kaap District.
The brightly painted houses on Wale Street mark the beginning of the colorful Bo-Kaap district. The Cape Malay Quarter features many mosques and small restaurants serving Malay dishes.
Although heavily visited by tourists now, in the residential area it’s common to see kids playing cricket in the street with neighborhood friends.
Top points of interest in the neighborhood include the Bo-Kaap Museum and the fragrant Atlas Trading Company spice shop.
Top Tip: For a better understanding of the district, join a guide on a Bo-Kaap Walking Tour – find out more!
#10 V&A Waterfront
From the Bo-Kaap, it’s possible to walk to V&A Waterfront, but we recommend getting an Uber.
End your Cape Town city tour itinerary at the entertainment hub of the V&A Waterfront.
The 150-year-old working harbor is packed with shops, restaurants and pubs. Plus, there’s museums, a clock tower, Ferris wheel, helicopter rides, cruises and street musicians that all compete for your attention!
To cool off in the heat of the day, we suggest grabbing a shady spot at Quay 4 Tavern or Mitchell’s Brewery. The later is largest and oldest microbrewery in South Africa dedicated to making fresh, organic beers.
Cape Town Walking Map
Use this Google Map for an overview of the sights on our Free Cape Town Walking Tour!
More Cape Town Tours
We think our Self-Guided Cape Town Walking Tour is one of the best walks to get just a small taste of the vibrant city.
However, joining a Cape Town tour guide could provide more information as well as useful tips and helpful recommendations.
Red Bus Cape Town
We don’t usually take tourist bus tours, but we thought the Cape Town city bus tour was fabulous.
In addition to the Hop On Hop Off Cape Town bus routes, they also offer free walking tours as part of a multi-day ticket.
Cape Town Private Tours
Hiring a private tour guide is a fantastic way to learn more with a tour designed specifically for you! Read the reviews of this highly-rated local guide who creates personal itineraries.
Cape Town Adventure Tour
Looking for some adventure in Cape Town? Search now for the best adrenalin activities – like paragliding, rafting, and rock climbing.
Bike Tour Cape Town
Follow a local guide on a 3-hour bicycle tour of the best sights in Cape Town – from the V&A Waterfront to the top historic attractions.
Cape Town Food Tour
Combine a Bo-Kaap and Cape Town Walking Tour with local cuisine and feast your way through the city. Get all the details!
Street Art Cape Town
Join a bicycle street art tour in Cape Town to discover some of the best wall murals and graffiti art in the city. Learn more!
Cape Town Day Trips
Ready to venture beyond the city center? Cape Town excursions are ideal for seeing more of the surrounding region.
Search for the best Cape Town tours – from wild penguins to wine tastings – on Viator. If you’d prefer to DIY, read about our day trip to Boulders Beach and a fun tour of Cape Town Wineries!
Tips For Your Trip to Cape Town, South Africa
We have a few final travel tips and packing hacks and then you’re set for your trip to Cape Town!
Where To Stay in Cape Town
During our visit to Cape Town, we stayed in a great Airbnb in Hout Bay. For those who prefer staying in traditional accommodations, there are many hotels to choose from.
Before You Go to Cape Town
- Cape Town is a walkable city…but only if you have the right travel shoes! I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by New Balance and Reef. Kris prefers wearing Merrell and Sanuk.
- We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip to SA. We travel with a Canon Rebel, which takes amazing photos and is an excellent budget camera.
- It’s easy to get turned around in any foreign city…even Cape Town! Make sure to have a good guidebook before arriving.
- If you haven’t already obtained insurance, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to South Africa! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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