The 26 best castles in and around Cape Town Central

Take a walk through the passages, roof tops and historical rooms. You might even see some of the Military patrolling and/or the Nelson Mandela Artillery Pipes and Drums 🎖️ 🪖 🎖️ The castle also has different events going on so check out what's happening often to have a truly unique and wonderful experience.

Quick Takeaways ⚔️ Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to defend Table Bay — making it the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. 📍 Located in the historic heart of Cape Town, just a short walk from City Hall and the Grand Parade. 🚶 Easy access via foot, car, or public transport — parking available outside the main gates. ⚠️ The area is a tourist crime hotspot — visit in a group or with a guide, and keep valuables out of sight. 🧱 Architecture is impressive and historically rich, but exhibits are sparse and dated. 👀 Great for history enthusiasts, but may disappoint those seeking an engaging or family-friendly experience. Full Review The Castle of Good Hope sits in the heart of old Cape Town, just a stone’s throw from the City Hall and the Grand Parade. Unfortunately, this area is also known as a tourist crime hotspot, so it’s best to go in a group or with a guide. Keep phones, cameras, and cash hidden — even lanyards won’t stop opportunistic thefts, as thieves are known to simply cut the cords. That said, there’s a strong visible presence of police, private security, and public protection officers, which helps to keep things in check. The fort isn’t tall or visually imposing from a distance, so you’ll likely be within a few feet before realising you’ve reached it. Parking outside the main gates is usually fine, and access by bus, train, or taxi is straightforward — traffic rules are fairly relaxed around the site. Originally built by the Dutch East India Company between 1666 and 1679, the Castle was designed to protect Dutch interests at the Cape. It once stood directly on the coastline, but land reclamation over the centuries has pushed the sea almost a kilometre away, making its current setting look oddly inland. Once inside, you’ll notice immediately that it’s a bit tired and in need of care. The ticket office is basic — essentially an old wrap-around desk — though service is quick enough. Beyond that is the first courtyard, where you’ll find a small café and toilets. Aside from a 25-pounder field gun, a tractor, and a few statues, there’s not much happening here beyond the architecture itself. Several small museum rooms branch off from this area. While some effort has gone into them, the exhibits feel bland and underdeveloped, offering limited engagement or context — I’ll review those separately. The fort’s layout is large and easy to explore. I started at the top and worked my way through the bastions — named after the titles of William III of Orange-Nassau: Leerdam, Buuren, Katzenellenbogen, Nassau, and Oranje. Each bastion has basic signage and cannons, but little else to hold your attention. Some of the rooms are accessible, including the old provost (jail), which features graffiti carved by prisoners, and the torture chamber, which holds a handful of small exhibits. When I visited, preparations were underway in the second courtyard for a private event — aside from that, the site was very quiet, with few tourists around. Overall, the architecture and history of the Castle are genuinely impressive, but the interior content and displays are underwhelming. It’s not particularly engaging for families or casual tourists. Unless you’re passionate about fortifications, military history, or Dutch colonial architecture, this is one you could comfortably skip.

A very cool stop with gorgeous architecture and a very great view / photo opportunity of the mountains and city. You get completely free roam of the place, and can walk at your own risk around the entire top of the castle and into a couple cutesy tunnely nooks. There’s also a cafe and curio shop, and the grounds inside are a great place to chill and read or soak up the sun.

Thus historic site is well worth a visit. It is a great value for money time-filler. The staff are welcoming and helpful. Allow 1.5 hours tops. There is a cafe on site. The toilets are very clean.

Culture and history plays an important role in all our lives. I was there for the vibes though. Had a great time with great people. There's a lot to see and experience. Recommended.

Castle of Good Hope: A Fading Relic, Not a Must-See My visit to the Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town's "oldest building," left me profoundly underwhelmed and, quite frankly, a little disheartened. What should be a proud historical landmark feels neglected, a shadow of its potential, and hardly worth the admission fee. Firstly, the entry cost feels steep for what you get. For a site of such historical significance, one would expect a pristine, engaging experience, but the reality falls far short. The general upkeep of the grounds and some of the interior areas is visibly lacking, giving an overall impression of disinterest. The "museums" within the Castle are rather sparse and dated. While there are a few interesting artifacts, the exhibits feel static and fail to truly bring the rich, complex history of the Castle – and indeed, of South Africa – to life. There's a palpable lack of modern interpretation or interactive elements that could make it compelling for contemporary visitors, especially younger generations. Furthermore, recent reports and visible issues around the perimeter of the Castle, particularly concerning cleanliness and the presence of social challenges, unfortunately detract significantly from the experience. While these are broader societal issues, their impact on a national heritage site is undeniable and leaves a negative impression on visitors. It's difficult to immerse yourself in history when the immediate surroundings are a stark reminder of neglect. The "ceremonial rituals" and "Key Ceremony" are a nice touch, but they don't compensate for the overall lack of engagement. You walk through the vast courtyards and rooms, and it feels more like an empty shell than a vibrant historical hub. Ultimately, the Castle of Good Hope feels like a missed opportunity. Its historical weight is immense, but the execution of presenting that history to the public is poor. If you're looking for an insightful and well-maintained historical experience in Cape Town, you might be better off seeking alternatives. This "fort" needs significant investment and a renewed vision to become the truly world-class heritage site it should be and once was!!

Very interesting. Guided tour is a must. The restaurant has good food, but waiting time is a bit long since they prepare fresh. Some exhibitions were closed. Walking around all 5 bastions was special.

We took a boat ride to the island and then toured by bus with a guide who shared some historical insights, which was great. However, the part we were most looking forward to - the prison visit - was disappointing. Instead of a proper tour, we sat through a one-hour political speech from a former inmate, which felt unnecessary and even put some people to sleep. When it finally ended, we only visited three rooms of the prison, and some of the "facts" we were told turned out to be inaccurate. We would have loved to explore more of the site

tremendous experience of seeing the jail where Nelson Mandela was for 17 years . a place also known for being the military base of the southern Africans in the second war .

Worthwhile and historically significant tour at a UNESCO world heritage site! All-in tour took over 4 hours from showing up at meeting point to get on ferry until returning to CapeTown waterfront. Two phase on the tour: bus and walking tour. Really enjoyed the history provided by the wonderful tour guides. Recommend highly as a learning experience for all ages. Unity for All.

Solid tourist experience, would recommend doing. BUT - be sure to budget a solid 5 hours and go on a clear/ not too windy day. Also bring cash to tip your guide and/or purchase anything on the island, as there were no credit card readers. The boat ride was honestly my favorite part, it was great to get such unique views of Table Mountain and the city from the water. The fact that actual former prisoners are tour guides there is baffling and makes it hit home a bit more. First part of the tour was a bit boring, as you are on a bus for a little over an hour and mostly viewing the village outside the prison. They talked a bit about Mandela, but I wish they spent more time on that history.

So sad to have been there and not experienced it properly. The site has such a big a historical significance, but is poorly managed in every way: The boat ride was not really properly planned and we had to wait an hour after our departure time for another boat to come in. On the way back, the water were very choppy and they didn’t really care much about safety and well being of passengers. The site itself - we were taken on a bus minute bus tour around the island, which included very little information, followed by a 10 minute stop at the refreshment station for a restroom and snacks break (really!?). Inside the prison we were accompanied by N Ex political prisoner, who sadly wasn’t really trained on how to conduct tours and rushed through it with no personal angle. Since this entire experience took 5.5 hours in practice, and the information we received from it was so little, I would suggest to skip and watch the Mandela movie instead.

Rather depressing place. If your tour company can’t get you in, or you can’t get a ticket online, just visit the museum behind the clock tower and buy a ticket in person. There are some tickets kept for in person purchases; and always no show and cancellation so you are almost guaranteed to get a ticket there. 600 R for ferry admission and guide. My guides were actually prisoners in Robben island during the apartheid regime. They were put in Robben island prison for demonstration and protest, charged and convicted of traitor. Make sure tip them generously.

One of the must see places in South Africa with its own unique flavor of beauty and and intrigue. The bus tour around the island can use a bit of a revamp and more time to stop at the different places to take photos and take in the moment. The prison tour it self is very insightful and educational.

Best place to get lost and not arrive at by far

Really neat!

Cape Town City Hall is beautiful to see. I just saw the outside never been into it but I think that this is one of the building that every tourist should see when they go to Cape Town. It’s a part of the city’s history. Plus, the City Hall is near the Castle of Good Hope.

Cape Town City Hall is a Living Legacy Completed in 1905, Cape Town City Hall was originally built to house the offices of the City Council. Constructed using imported sandstone and designed in the Italian Renaissance style with Edwardian influences, it quickly became a landmark in the heart of the city. Over the years, it served not only as a municipal center but also as a place where significant moments in South African history unfolded, most notably, it was from the City Hall’s balcony that Nelson Mandela gave his first public speech after his release from prison in 1990. Today, the building stands as both a heritage site and a cultural venue. While it no longer serves as the main municipal headquarters, it now hosts concerts, exhibitions, and civic events. Its grand organ, one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, still echoes through the hall during classical performances, keeping its cultural spirit alive.

Beautiful building, apparently you can go in and have a look at some exhibition. And we tried but were met with an open unfriendliness, one person tells you to take the lift, another one tells you not allowed. Sends you to a different entrance only to be told sorry, you can’t come in. We gave up

a beautiful building, very colorful. we didn't go inside, we just walked around the building. there are a lot of beggars and strange people nearby, which you should be wary of. I wouldn't recommend going here separately, but if you are nearby, take a look

The Cape Town City Hall is an impressive building full of history, with the statue of Nelson Mandela standing right in front. It marks the spot where Mandela gave his first speech in 1990 after being released from prison, which makes it a meaningful stop. On top of that, it’s just a short walk from the Company’s Garden and the Green Market. The best part: the symbolic value of the place and its central location, which makes it easy to combine with other historic and photogenic spots in the city. The worst part: once you move along Adderley Street towards City Hall, the atmosphere changes drastically. We literally saw a man defecating on the sidewalk, a scene that perfectly sums up the lack of control in that area and spoils the visit. Take extra care in that zone. Definitely worth seeing because of what Mandela represents in South Africa’s history, but go during the day and don’t expect much from the immediate surroundings.

Super venue, historic building. Well maintained. Seats are clean. Sound is great. The massive organ is amazing sounding. Security is great. Very nice venue. Been to 3 events here and each one has been outstanding. Highly recommend the City Hall for events, concerts, choir shows etc.

We visited the Town Hall and of course the bronze Nelson Mandela statue on the front steps. I would recommend that you go inside the Town Hall where an exhibition entitled ‘Mandela in Cape Town’ is presently curated. It is free and of an excellent quality detailing Madela’s life, political activism, imprisonment, release and presidency. Much information and many images to see. Well presented and well worth spending some time at.

Great place for a medium skill level adventure. I was not sure if I would be able to climb up, but I managed. You don't need a ticket or any assistance. But make sure to have a good shoes. Rocks can be slippery. Would recommend to avoid if you are not comfortable with heights or climbing. The view on top is amazing.

At last I can tick reaching the summit off my bucket list. Be reasonably fit and not fearful of heights and this can be a memorable hike. The views are gorgeous from the first 100 meters and just get better from there. Beautiful flora and passing lots of friendly faces. A must when visiting beautiful Cape Town.

Lion’s Head is one of my all-time favorite trails in Cape Town. I run up and down every second day, and it never gets old. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. You get to see Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the city from every angle. The trail is well-maintained, safe during busy hours, and perfect for both hiking and running. Whether you go for sunrise or sunset, it’s pure magic every time. Highly recommended for anyone who loves fitness, nature, and incredible views.

Incredibly well maintained trail and amazing view on a clear day. Not for the faint of heart-I hike a lot and the first ⅔ seemed easy to me but the ladders and bouldering for the last ⅓ are no joke. Make sure you know what you’re getting into (I recommend reading full trail reports on AllTrails)

We climbed up on the Lions Head for the sunset. The climb took about an hour for inexperienced hikers. The climb includes ladders and anchors, but nothing you would need heavy equipment for. At the summit you can take excellent pictures and enjoy the panoramic view. Simply wonderful. For the sunset, however, it is advisable to go to the intermediate level. That way, you don't have to climb down the ladders after sunset if you take the side path. For the further descent, it is advisable to take a lamp with you or to save your cell phone battery so that you can use the flash light.

Challenging hike but the views you get as a reward are incredible. The uber dropped us at the parking area at the start of the trail. There is a food truck to stock up on supplies if you did not come prepared. Some information which you may find helpful:- - No tickets required unless you booked a private guide/group tour. - There were people throughout the day hiking and we felt safe as a couple. - Trainers were fine for the hike. - Bring enough water/drinks for the hike. (around 3 hours round trip) - Bring snacks for energy throughout the hike but pack efficiently and light. - Map and route clearly labelled. - There is another paragliding spot along the route. - You do need to climb some ladders and rocks closer to the summit and some areas can be scary. Climbing back down is scarier and you do have to sit down and crawl slowly. There are no rangers and any rescuers will take time to reach. - Can get crowded at the summit depending on the time of the day. (sunrise/sunset). I advice to start climbing down and not get stuck behind a big group.

Quick Takeaways 🚶‍♂️ Starting point: Began from Sea Point Geological Memorial — even reaching the trailhead is a workout! 🅿️ Accessibility: The mountain can be reached easily on foot or by car, with signs for both the summit and parking areas. 👣 Trail quality: Clear and well-marked, but uneven underfoot — sturdy shoes or boots are essential. 🌀 Ascent: Zig-zag paths at first, then steeper climbs with ladders and chains near the top. ⚠️ Hazards: Narrow paths, sheer drops, loose footing, and congestion on ladders — take care and be patient. 🌄 Views: Breathtaking panoramas from the summit — especially rewarding if you climb early to avoid crowds. ⏱️ Time: About 2 hours 50 minutes round trip from Sea Point via the summit and down to Signal Hill. 🧭 Tips: Start early, bring water, snacks, a waterproof jacket, and a warm top — weather changes quickly at higher altitude. 💯 Overall: A challenging but unforgettable experience — a must-do Cape Town hike for anyone reasonably fit. 📝 Full Review Climbing Lion’s Head Mountain was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m very glad I did it. I began my hike at the Sea Point Geological Memorial, and even the walk to the start of the official trail was a workout in itself — mostly on roads, but finishing with a steep climb up some moderately maintained stairs before reaching the end of the road surrounded by trees and dirt tracks. From there, a sign clearly marks the direction to the summit of Lion’s Head, and another points to the nearest car park, showing how accessible the mountain is both on foot and by vehicle. Once on the footpath to the summit, the route is very clear but uneven underfoot, so sturdy hiking boots or supportive trainers are essential. The trail zigzags steadily upward for the first section, and before long, you’re already higher than the paragliders circling the mountain. As you continue, the gradient steepens and the climb becomes more technical — still manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness, but sections are narrow, exposed, and include a bit of scrambling. There are sheer drops in places and the potential for slips, especially if the rock is damp, so it’s important to take care — there’s nothing soft to break a fall. Roughly two-thirds of the way up, you’ll encounter stainless steel ladders and chains designed to assist your ascent. These sections can become bottlenecks as people move up and down at different speeds. In fact, the biggest hazard on this hike isn’t the mountain — it’s other people. Many climbers are so focused on their own progress that they don’t notice others, leading to near collisions that could have serious consequences. Eventually, you’ll reach the summit, where you’re rewarded with spectacular 360° views over Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic coastline. It’s often busy at the top, but if you go early in the morning, you can enjoy a quieter experience. Be aware that there are no safety barriers — you can easily walk right to the edge, so tread carefully. The descent is, in my opinion, more challenging than the ascent, as you’re negotiating all the same obstacles but from the opposite direction, with tired legs and less stability. Although I didn’t time the climb precisely, from my start at Sea Point to the summit and then down to Signal Hill took around 2 hours and 50 minutes in total. My advice: • 🕕 Start early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds. • 🌤️ Choose a clear, calm day — conditions can change quickly near the top. • 👟 Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. • 💧 Bring water, snacks, and layers — including a waterproof jacket and warm top, as it can get windy and cool near the summit. Overall, Lion’s Head is a moderately challenging but truly rewarding hike — one of Cape Town’s must-do experiences. The views, the sense of achievement, and the sheer beauty of the setting make every step worthwhile.

Amazing displays and well layed out. Nice areas to sit and rest or spend time infront of large glass aquariums. Some touch displays and steps for the little ones to have a better view.

The waterfront is so beautiful to behold. It has so many shops with a variety of different items to purchase and there is a wide range of eateries to pick from. There various boats of all shapes and sizes on the port. I was able to enjoy a sunset cruise from a boat company that offer them on the waterfront. The hop and off tour company also offer a sunset cruise in one of their packages.

A great vibe place in Cape Town located on the waterfront. There is a lot to do including an art gallery, aquarium, live music and dance performances, a swing style bridge, a large shopping centre and a range of souvenir shops and restaurants including a budget friendly food court. There is a supermarket on the basement level of the shopping centre. Be sure to check out the Cape Town Frame, clocktower and the seal landing areas.

The V&A waterfront is ever changing but there are a few must try places. Baia, Servruga, Methos, Tang and CTFM are must try restaurants. Lovely atmosphere. Summer and spring are the best. For Fragrances, must try Skins Cosmetics.

Just a really great place to take a walk and relax, plenty of options when it comes to dining or just having a drink with most offering great views. The general stores also offer a wide variety of shopping options for both locals and tourists.

Lovely spot to walk around especially if you have friends or family visiting that are not from Cape Town. Some places can be a little more expensive but you paying for the view and the atmosphere. It feels like you are on holiday when you go to the waterfront.

A vibey shopping, dining and touristy place with a bunch of things to do. The views are spectacular, there is a children's play area, shops of all kinds and even boat rides. The place to be even at night. There is always a buzz of activity here. Don't forget to visit the aquarium while here

Always a great experience at the CTICC! We’ve come to many events here - from exhibitions to award shows and comedy standups. Location is perfect across from many walking-distance hotels and the whole place is modern and well kept. It’s an easy drive from the N1 too.

I recently visited the CTICC while attending The Only Whisky Show and the entire experience was exceptional. The event itself was impressive, showcasing a wide range of participating whisky brands, ensuring that there is something to fit each person's palate. If you're a whisky lover, this is an event you absolutely need to keep an eye out for! The CTICC proved to be the perfect venue. Its facilities are of a high standard, with the building being beautiful, spacious, and modern. They also conveniently had their cafe, across from the event hall, open throughout the show which was a huge bonus. To top it all off, the safe underground parking made the entire visit completely stress-free.

Professional, modern, and world-class! The CTICC is a top-tier venue perfect for large-scale events and exhibitions. Great location, exceptional service, and tech that just works. One of Cape Town’s proudest assets!

Decorex was amazing today with family. So many amazing things to see, give you ideas for renovations even networking. You can even purchase amazing products too

Conference center And the events I attended a conference a short while ago DPI Summit 2025 It was a busy period People from different countries around the world

Very nice convention center. Cape Wine 2025 was great! 🇿🇦🍷

Overall, it is ideal for the global conference. Conference rooms vary in size and type. Auditorium 1 and additional rooms have a capacity exceeding 1000. It features a security system with an escalator option. The restroom is clean. They offer refilling water stations in numerous locations. On the first level, there is a little café with reasonable prices. The third floor contains more rooms.

We booked the three-region winery tour, thinking, “Why settle for one when you can do three?” Haha! We did through City Sightseeing We started our day early with a pickup from our designated stop. Our first stop was at a historic Dutch colony, where we grabbed some snacks and tea/coffee. Our guide gave us an interesting rundown of the area’s history and even took us inside one of the heritage homes, offering a glimpse of what life was like back in the 1800s and early 1900s. From there, we headed to our first winery: Blaauwklippen in Stellenbosch. It had a beautiful setup and lovely ambiance. We were welcomed with a glass of champagne, followed by a tasting of four wines, served with bread and crackers. Next, we visited The Franschhoek Cellar—a charming location with great vibes. Here, we sampled five more wines, accompanied by olives and crackers. We also had our lunch break at this winery. The food was delicious, and the portion sizes were generous for the price! Our final stop was the Rhebokskloof Estate, where we enjoyed a unique wine-and-chocolate pairing featuring five wines paired with different types of chocolates. It was a fresh and delightful experience—definitely something new for us. Overall, it was a great experience, and we thoroughly enjoyed the day. One thing we did miss, however, was getting a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process. None of the wineries showed us how wine is made or gave a tour of the production area. At each stop, we went directly to the tasting room and were offered wines with the option to purchase. Just a note: The tour includes all wine tastings, but lunch, wines, and other purchases are not included in the cost.

It was a great trip to get to see a bit of Cape Town's everyday and it's beautiful sights also

Well affordable trip for a tourist. And had a great trip to Hout Bay included.

Guided city sightseeing with hop on hop off buses is one of the best ways to tour around Cape Town and take in the beautiful scenic views at a convenient pace & make sure to see major sights! The day bus tour to cape point is highly recommended! Spl mention of Paul, Aqueela & team who escorted the group safely, while introducing us to historical significance enroute to different city sights!

We did an Urban Safari today with Neil as our guide, he was great and had so much knowledge to share about the area! We both really enjoyed the tour. If there was one thing to improve it would be to make the instructions for the Urban Safari clearer, along with showing the departure times more clearly. But other than that we would definitely recommend!

Located below street level, between a cafe & souvenir shops, it's a desk that accommodates 2 representatives of the tour company. The staff were cheerful & courteous and ready to help solve our "problem". They were so helpful that we bought another tour.

Our group experienced significant reliability and customer service issues with this company. The “live” schedule system proved inaccurate and misleading. Four of us, from two different groups, arrived at the designated stop by 5:15 PM, well before the last posted departure time of 5:30 PM. The live tracker indicated that multiple buses were operating and that one would arrive at 5:30 PM; however, the map simultaneously showed the bus as remaining at the V&A Waterfront and it never arrived. We waited until after 5:45 PM with no service. Due to this, we were forced to arrange our own transportation back at considerable cost, despite having purchased multi-day tickets. When we returned to the company’s office to report the issue, the staff member on duty was uncooperative and refused to provide a refund or contact information for management. The interaction at the office was unprofessional and felt intimidating when acquaintances of the staff member confronted us outside after we raised our concerns. Overall, our experience raised serious concerns about the company’s dependability, customer service practices, and the accuracy of their live schedule information.

A short but rich historic depiction of the cape clash and ams used in the 16 hundreds.

Not much to see, was quite disappointing. Very run down

Very disappointed. No upkeep or interest shown from staff

Well worth the stop. Highly focused, small museum covering history of fort and broader military operations relevant to Cape history. Museum does a great job conveying history of area and why it matters. Modern facility with well-curated exhibits. Museum is included for anyone purchasing a fort ticket. VISITED: 4 February 2022; foreign adult 50 ZAR; credit cards accepted

worth a visit, i recomment visiting the entire castle, one of the few old buildings left in cape town

So amazing how they keep it going 24/7 . Thank you to all the male and female in brown.

Quite interesting and well equipped place

Home is where the Ocean is. Visit the best view points to see "The Mountain rising out of the Sea" A must do for the photographers wishlist at Sunset or Sunrise.

Beautiful harbor with views of Table Mountain. This is why Cape Town is so stunning.

Originally named Saldanha Bay in honor of António de Saldanha, who anchored in 1503, by the Portuguese Discoveries.

Thank you ,you really helps us with everything especially school work❤❤❤❤👉🥺🥺

It's nice and refreshing 😊

Great views.

Love the views

The Company's Garden in Cape Town now features a restored vegetable patch, reflecting its original purpose of supplying fresh produce to passing ships. This historical garden, restored in recent years, grows traditional crops, connecting visitors with the site’s colonial roots and agricultural heritage.

Beautiful garden, but the toilets need an upgrade.

Absolutely beautiful and well maintained garden

Thanks for maintaining such a historical spot of this great city, even though the actual vegetable garden these days are a lot smaller than what it used to be. It is well marked with an interesting information board.

Iam looking for Garden boys cleaning houses trimming treess cutting grass car wash working with dogs

Nice place to relax with your friends

Beautiful and various kind of plants

We had a girls night out and had a wonderful evening. The parking, and getting in and out of GrandWest was a bit of a nightmare, especially because of the many attendees of the show we were going to watch. The fact that the parking could be paid for upfront, helped immensely. Thank you for the initiative. There are way to little restaurants and restaurant space to accommodate attendees of sold out shows arriving earlier in order to get parking. We had to wait (stand) in line (my mom is a pensioner of 65 with severe back problems who struggles to stand and walk for long periods at a time) 55minutes to get seating in Spur for instance. They did not take names and number of people in the party, so there would be a table of 6 open and they would seat 3 people there. Where as a party of six could have been seated. They only workerd from the front persons in line. I needed to ask for seating inside for my mom, who was in severe pain at that stage, which was not received very kindly by the person standing in the doorway who later on disappeared in any case. I know you get are flustered/a little overwhelmed when there are so many clients, waiting to be seated and in the restaurant, but a smile and kindness costs nothing. I am also of the opinion that there sould be made more of an effort assisting older, more fragile people with seating if they need to wait and not make them feel like they are an inconvenience. The staff was also bickering in from of us regarding our bill, which is not professional. The manager were standing there while this took place, but did not address the situation. The casino and restaurant areas were clean and all the lights were very inviting. The elevators were not turned on, which again made it very difficult for my mom to climb them as stairs, as we needed to go upstairs for our seating. I really think the elderly need to be considered more. The bathrooms were clean. Thank you for that.

GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World in Cape Town is a vast, versatile complex that delivers much more than just gambling. Located in Goodwood, it offers 24-hour gaming with over 2,500 slot machines and nearly 80 table games, spread across modern smoking and non-smoking sections. Dining and entertainment options are plentiful — from casual fast-food to upscale restaurants, plus a cinema, ice-skating rink, arcade and bowling for families. Accommodations include both a luxury-style Grand Hotel and a more modest City Lodge, making overnight stays convenient. Best Online Casinos South Africa +2 Gambling Africa +2 However, some visitors complain about inconsistent customer service, crowded areas, and few “winning” moments at the machines. Overall, GrandWest is an impressive entertainment hub — ideal for nights out or full-day escapes — though bring patience (and budget) if you plan to explore everything.

Lord of the Dance is still an exceptional show. Loved it. The venue could use an update as the screens were too dark and small to show off the performance. The seating is also uncomfortable for longer performances and aisles super tight for taller people to fit comfortably and for people to navigate past and the stairs up to the higher blocks are incredibly difficult for the elderly to walk up.

If Disney did Casinos then this is it. I think everything you need is here. Top end restaurants and a food court withe the usual suspects of fast food with KFC, Burger King and Nandos etc. Slot machines as far as the eye can see and throw in the Blackjack, Roulette, Pocker etc and you've got it all. Don't forget there is 10 pin bowling inside the children's arcade.

I am writing to bring to your attention a very concerning incident that occurred on the evening of 10 October at GrandWest. While going through the security checkpoint, my bag was stolen after it went through the scanning machine. I was waiting for my bag to come out, but it never did. When I asked the security officer on duty about it, she responded with attitude and no concern, simply saying, “I don’t know.” After standing there for a while, we noticed a man at another scanning machine on the opposite side scratching through my bag, with a security guard standing next to him watching without reacting or intervening. My sister recognized my bag and immediately shouted, “That’s my bag!” Only then did the man quickly put my phone back into the bag. I find this situation deeply disappointing and unacceptable. My wallet and phone were inside that bag, and it’s extremely worrying that a person could so easily take someone’s belongings right under the eyes of security staff. It raises serious concerns about how my bag ended up at a different machine, and why the security officers were not alert or responsive to suspicious behaviour. I strongly urge management to review the CCTV footage from that evening, address the negligence of the security staff, and improve alertness and professionalism at the entrance. Guests should feel safe and confident that their belongings are protected, especially in a venue as reputable as GrandWest. I would appreciate feedback regarding this incident and the steps being taken to prevent this from happening again. Location: GrCheckpoint

The Grand Hotel is so beautiful, no wonder it is a 4-star hotel. It is stylish and graceful while still being homey. The restaurant has amazing food and the swimming pool is such fun. We only spent a day there so I have yet to fully explore the hotel. GrandWest is an amazing entertainment center! The ice skating rink makes such an enjoyable activity both with friends and family. I love that there is also one for kids. The arcade, while a bit small, is still great fun. The selection of toys and prizes is quite vast as well and priced (in tickets) nicely. GrandWest has a lot of food places to sit and enjoy in, all having delicious meals. Overall, it's a wonderful hangout spot that deserves all the praise.

It tastes very bad(Machasos Restaurant)The salad tastes bad and the potatoes taste bad too and this branch is very bad also I found chicken feathers and I hope that the person in charge will review this matter because its disgusting Although I was obsessed with Machachos in Johannesburg and I used to eat a lot, But after this experience I will never eat it again because it is disgusting

We had a wonderful lunch at the Silo Hotel Restaurant. The setting is spectacular, offering breathtaking views of Cape Town and the waterfront. The cocktails were a highlight, well-crafted and definitely worth trying. The service was excellent, making the whole experience even more memorable.

The restaurant has such a pretty, bling-bling atmosphere, stylish yet cozy. From the menu, the duck is definitely a must-try. I loved it so much I ordered two plates, and it was still absolutely delicious

Wow, what an experience. Celebrating my wife's birthday yesterday we were disappointed by our initial establishment as they closed due to weather and ended up at the The Granary. What an amazing experience from the moment we stepped into the restaurant. I special mention to Janice and Khumalo for making my wife's evening truly special , as well as Nigel for going the extra mile. You guys were simply outstanding. The food was absolutely divine and all the extra bits that were offered were wonderful. We will truly be back and thank you once again.

I booked a table at The Granary to celebrate my sister’s graduation. Our waiter was fantastic and made sure our glasses never ran dry, which is always a win. The food was delicious, beautifully presented and the portions were generous. Unfortunately, the reason this isn’t a five-star review is because of how the lunch ended, which really dampened what started off as a great experience. We went with the Restaurant Week set menu when we arrived. The waiter accidentally captured each meal separately instead of applying the set menu price, an honest mistake, and he immediately apologised. That was fine. What wasn’t fine was what followed. It took almost an hour and 15 mins for the manager and another staff member to “fix” the bill. You’d expect this to be a simple correction even Spur can sort that out in minutes. Instead of just re-issuing the bill with the set menu pricing, they decided to try some mad maths. They came back multiple times, explaining new totals that were still wrong. After several rounds of confusion, I eventually took out a pen and paper and did the math for them. In the end, they amended the bill to reflect the set menu which means they could have done that from the start, but for some reason chose not to. They apologised but an hour and fifteen minutes is unreasonable by anyone’s standards. What also left a sour note were a few unprofessional moments: the manager made awkward comments about the waiter to us; the chef snapped “What?!” when the waiter called out to her then backtracked when she realised guests were still seated. And despite asking during the booking if we were celebrating an occasion, the restaurant made no effort to acknowledge it - which makes you wonder why they ask at all. The view is beautiful because it’s Cape Town but the service and management left much to be desired. Unfortunately, the frustrating end overshadowed what began as a lovely day and I wouldn’t rush back or recommend it.

My family and I were celebrating my sisters graduation and the staff at The Silo couldn’t have done more to make it the MOST special and memorable evening! Shingai welcomed us with bubbles, he is truly the best human and we were so lucky he was on shift that night! Also, our waiter, Williams, was incredible and knew exactly how to surprise and delight us throughout the evening with treats along the way in between courses! The food was next level, we had the Prawn Pasta, Seafood Curry, Trout, Pork Belly and Mushroom Potstickers and just wow wow wow!! To top it off, the team put together a last minute tour of the Penthouse after dinner and we are all dreaming of spending the night there one day - what a fabulous space for the perfect stay!!!! THANK YOU to The Silo Team!!! We can’t wait to be back!!!

Great Place Vibes, Staff Welcoming and delicious food. The served the bread appetizer then other dish , then main course. After main course is the sweets. The cafe inside Silo Hotel 6th floor.

Definitely worth coming here if you're staying in Cape Town. My wife and I weren't staying at the Silo, but wanted to check it out. Went to Willaston Bar for a drink then over to Granary Cafe for dinner. Pea Cheesecake and the Almond Delice stole the show. There was a manager Nigel that was especially kind and accommodating. They reserved a window table for us as we were on our honeymoon. We got to take a peek at the Rooftop too and it was stunning.

Aquila Safari was such a great experience! We did the morning slot, and it was absolutely amazing. The breakfast buffet was stunning, and the playground for kids is the best. Highly recommend for families! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wonderful day. Welcome drink, buffet lunch and an amazing safari. We saw giraffes, rhinos, ostriches, zebras, eland, elephants, lions, hippo + a few more that slipped my mind. Our guide was entertaining & knowledgeable. Will definitely recommend a visit.

We were honoured to shoot the first real wedding at this beautiful location! Such a magical and secluded setting, guests saw elephants, rhinos, and lions on the way to the ceremony. A once-in-a-lifetime location and such an experience for all the guests. A perfect wedding location for an adventurous couple! The staff were so lovely with not only the wedding guests, but with the vendors are well! (copyright of photographs by Kim Raaf)

I love it so much! The drive is kind of long from Cape Town, but they stop for a restroom break. I got to see all of the Big 5 except the leopard 🐆. Everything was great! I took the half-day tour, and that was more than enough.

Great experience! The food is good and more importantly, HALAL! There is also a musollah room(prayer room) that is very nicely decorated and very clean. Alhamdulillah

The welcome was good. Guides are good but the number of animals are far less than my expectations. Overall a good experience for one visit.

I took the afternoon Safari, the initial welcome was good and the buffet, while rushed, was okay as well. Time for the main event. Zero communication about boarding the busses. You're just told "this one is not yours". You just have to wait and check for each bus in turn. When we finally boarded, right from the start the guy drove like he wanted to drop everyone out of the bus. A lady literally fell to the ground, and parents were complaining to the driver about their kids being flung across the seats. He clearly didn't care. Whenever we encountered any animal, he stopped and talked about 30 seconds. After which he just turned his back and within 10 seconds, with zero warning he would just start driving again. Phones fell, people gasped, water bottles were flung across the floor... All in all, a very very bumpy ride, super uncomfortable, you don't really get to see any animals up close. The hippopotamus will always be under water according to the guide's own explanation. So, you only see something like floating rocks from afar and you're suppose to assume they're hippos. Very little pause for any pictures. You can expect to see (from afar): 1 lion and 3 lioness, 4 elephants, a few zebras, 3 giraffes (from veeery far), some gnou and 2 rhinos. (And hippos that look like floating sticks in the distance).

I wore Kat van Duinen’s red taffeta bubble skirt to my son’s graduation in Florence last week — and it was everything. Elegant, bold, and utterly unique, it gave me the confidence I didn’t know I needed. I received so many compliments! What I love most about the Kat brand is the reminder to always dress up — life’s too short not to wear the beautiful dress or skirt and truly own the moment. Thank you, Kat, for being unapologetically you and for inspiring us to do the same.

The Kat van Duinen brand embodies a sophisticated, yet sexy and playful aesthetic. We loved stepping into the store, surrounded by the elegance of luxurious bags, accessories, and fashion, and feeling warmly welcomed. Kat herself is a kind and beautiful soul!

A Visionary Force in South African Fashion – Kat van Duinen Kat van Duinen is a rare kind of creative—unapologetically bold, wildly imaginative, and deeply attuned to the essence of femininity. A true free spirit, there seems to be no limit to her vision. She moves effortlessly through design, always pushing boundaries while remaining deeply grounded in elegance. What sets Kat apart isn’t just her talent—it’s her ability to see women, to understand them, and to celebrate them through her work. Her collections are not just garments; they are tributes to strength, sensuality, and sophistication. She doesn’t follow trends, she tells stories. Every piece is a conversation between color, texture, and form, and her use of luxurious materials such as exotic leather, mohair, and silk reflects a world-class eye for quality. South African fashion is richer because of her and so are the women who wear her work. Merci KVD. Jeanne Barrault

Kat van Duinen: A Maestro of Elegance When it comes to fashion, Kat van Duinen stands as a luminary—an artist who weaves magic with fabric and form. Her creations transcend mere clothing; they are exquisite symphonies of style and grace. AMAZING is an understatement. Kat possesses an innate understanding of aesthetics—the kind that transforms fabric into poetry. Her designs embrace the contours of the body, caressing it like a cherished secret. Each stitch, each fold, whispers of elegance and allure. I’ve been fortunate enough to don some of her masterpieces. These garments—crafted with meticulous care—have become my treasures. They drape me in confidence, making every step feel like a dance. I find myself lost in admiration, unable to rave enough about the sheer brilliance of her work. Kat van Duinen, you are not merely a fashion designer; you are an enchantress. Thank you for gracing our world with your artistry. 🌟👗✨

I was blessed recently to wear not one but two . Yes two wonderful creative works or art ... when I say I’m the least comfy in smart clothes I’m more a dog mom outfit … but I got to be a queen for a night and from moment stepped into dress it just felt it right it felt like love wrapped around me . I felt Kat in ever stich .. kat does not care if she dressing a queen or a dog Walker felt special I felt ubuntuxx Feel like a queen Kat is ur person .

Kat Von Duinen is my favorite designer in South Africa by far! Her pieces are high quality, timeless, and always make a statement. Every item turns heads . Obsessed!!

Everything about Kat van Duinen – her couture pieces, luxury leather goods, her store, her staff, her brand – is why I support local. Every element of this magical world she has created is so very beautiful, carefully considered, ethically sourced, and crafted with such precision, passion, skill and artistry. And the gorgeous and most fabulous Kate and Django at her Silo store will go above and beyond with any custom request you may have, (no matter how strange!) and make every visit so exceptional that you will never want to leave that wondrous bubble of tulle, sequins and silk. Do yourself (and your wardrobe!) a massive favour and pop in to experience the talent, quality and craftsmanship we have right here in Cape Town.

This venue is situated in the perfect area, looking over houtbay, beautiful views of the bay. The castle is breathtaking, renders you speechless with the detail and hardwork that has gone into the planning and layout of this beautiful venue.

Incredible location. Like a fairy tale of old. Absolute stunning views, wow

We recently held an event for Ferrari at Lichtenstein Castle. The venue is certainly unique, the views are spectacular and it made for a perfect backdrop to a very special gala dinner. But what impressed us the most was Wendy - the Estate Manager. Wendy knows the venue inside and out, she has a wealth of eventing experience at the Castle (and elsewhere), she offered guidance and did everything she could to assist us. Doing an event at Lichtenstein means having to work around / with the Castle - one road in and out, low draw bridge entrances etc. Wendy helped us understand the challenges and plan the logistics accordingly. She is firm but friendly and a dedicated custodian of the Castle - and we appreciated that. Thank you Wendy for all your hard work and thank you to the Castle for being a unique and interesting spot! Guests thoroughly enjoyed it. From the whole Contact Media team.

Looked after beautifully actually &'s a sight to behold, astonishingly this surprised the heck out of me, truly a Magnificent, Marvelous feat. of History as far as the Eyes can see. Lovely stuff, congratulations to all those who worked tirelessly to keep 'The Old Gal' looking Prestine.

What a unique and epic venue. All our guests loved it. Wendy is incredibly helpful and such a pleasure to work with. We will definitely be looking to host another wedding there in the future.

Been here for a music festival and a wedding. very unique view of chapmans peak and the bay. You usually can't drive your own car up so you'll be stuck parking at the harbour and taking a designated shuttle up. They are overly restrictive about taking photos and they have an extensive cctv system with a full on control room. there are weird dragon sculptures and gargoyles everywhere. kinda tacky kinda cool. the property manager is strict and it feels a little like an outing to a museum than a social event. in my opinion over priced and overly controlled.

Amazing. Out of this world. What an experience. Have to go there again soon...

What a view of Cape Town ! Probably the best view of the mother city you'll get (unless you're in a helicopter). The hike up is easy - meaning the path is clearly marked, no scrambling. But very hectic in terms of uphill stairs. You need to be fit. Starting at Tafelberg road and return will take 4-5 hours depending on fitness and number of breaks. Must start early in the morning, most of the uphill section has shade in the early morning.

Sunset Hike at Devil's Peak – Challenging but Worth It! We did a sunset hike up Devil's Peak and it was absolutely stunning. The trail is fairly tough with a steady incline, so be prepared for a bit of a workout. As we got higher, the temperature dropped noticeably – it was definitely nippy near the summit. Be sure to bring layers, especially if you're going later in the day. The payoff is incredible: sweeping views and a truly breathtaking sunset. Highly recommend for those looking for a bit of a challenge and a rewarding end to the day! and offcourse these photos and video don't do any of this justice.. core memories this one

Epic hike. Amazing views

Awesome to climb, especially if you do it with your son!

The walk up from Knife Edge is very beautiful and exciting. Some places have some heights, so don't do it if you are really afraid of heights. It took me 2.5hours up and 1hour down. The path from Knife Edge up to the top of devils peak is not so clear cut, so you have to navigate a bit. You go around the left side of the peak to get up. If you go around it will seem like there are two paths parallel to each other. The best is to try to stick to the bottom path of you want to go for the around-and-up way. You could also climb the rocks with the upper path but that's a bit dangerous.

Great hike and fantastic views

A great hike with fantastic views over the City.

By the time to go, you can sit down and listen to information about tourist attractions. However, you won't be able to get back. Bus stops are crowded, there is no information about waiting times to board, buses arrive already full and you have the option of waiting without knowing when you will board or paying for a taxi/app to get back. Terrible organization and support.

We used this service for three days doing the red / blue route hop on / off and then a day trip on the explorer down to Cape Point. All the buses and staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, nothing was too much trouble and seeing the penguins was the highlight of the big day trip. There's a good walk from Cape Point down to the God which we did and loved, even our 10 year old said so! Very well priced for the three days and also got us dinner at Hard Rock Cafe, entrance to the aquarium and ferris wheel. Probably more!

Great experience, the guide Charles and other team members are sharing knowledge about Cape Town.

Every day on the N1 freeway, both inbound and outbound, this damn bus is driving 80km/h in the right/passing lane on a 3 lane freeway!

Had an unfriendly experience with the personal stuff and one of the tour guides and I am pretty much disappointed about the service. Next time I would prefer another company.

Good place to visit

Breathing taking views