Castle of Good Hope: Uncover the secrets and stories of the oldest surviving Colonial Building in South Africa

A view from inside the Castle of Good Hope

Popularly known as ‘The Castle’ to locals. It is considered the best-preserved example of 17th-century architecture in the world. It was built under the command of Commissioner Isbrand Goske amid rumours of war between the Netherlands and Britain, its first stone was laid on January 2, 1666. It has a very rich history and has since become a provincial heritage site.

Activities at the castle

An interactive guided tour of the museum with an experienced guide, see, touch and feel what life in the castle was like. Witness the daily signal cannon firing between 10 am and 12pm. 

There is also the key ceremony that happens between 10am and 12pm. In addition, there are usually special events hosted in the castle and you will have to visit their website to stay in the loop.

Where to eat? 

An in-house deli serves freshly prepared, delicious local snacks, light meals and refreshing beverages. Book a table in advance or pop in for a wide variety of snacks on the go. The restaurant is called Re5 and it is located in the front courtyard of the castle. 

The outside seating area overlooks the lush greenery that is frequented by residential ducks and an assortment of avian life. The famous Table Mountain peaks behind the castle, providing a perfect backdrop. Always keep your camera ready and savour every moment.

Where is the castle? 

It’s in the Central Business District, on the corner of Darling Street & Buitenkant Street in Cape Town. Very easy to access, irrespective of where you come from. The local sightseeing open-top red bus has an option for a castle tour. 

Alternatively, you can hire a car from a reputable company to afford yourself the luxury of time and total comfort. Take your time exploring the castle and do it at your own pace. 

If you have ever wondered why Cape Town is ranked #2 on Time Out’s list of the 50 best cities in the world and has been getting recognition over the years, now you have answers. In addition to its scenic beauty and vibrant culture, the city is very welcoming and strives to improve tourists’ experiences regardless of their status. Smart and beautiful, the city is a product of its preserved rich history. Your stay in the Mother City is incomplete without a visit to the Castle of Good Hope.

Explore South Africa by renting a car from SANI Car Rental at Cape Town International Airport. SANI Car Rental is a South African homegrown car rental company. Vehicles available to rent include compact cars, economy cars, premium cars, people carriers, and SUVs. SANI Car Rental has customers all over South Africa, including at all the major airports, both domestic and international. 

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