Overview
The Castle of Good Hope is South Africa's oldest surviving colonial building. It's a museum and important historical landmark in Cape Town.
It's the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa and a significant historical monument.
Location
Address
Darling Street & Buitenkant Street, Cape Town
Neighborhood: CBD
Coordinates
-33.918900, 18.423700
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
March-May, September-October
Best Time of Day
Early morning
Fewer crowds, cooler weather
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
Mild to warm
- • Historic reenactments
- • Special exhibitions
summer
Warm to hot
- • Extended hours
- • Outdoor exhibitions
autumn
Mild to cool
- • Fall colors
- • Historical exhibits
winter
Cool to cold
- • Holiday lights
- • Indoor exhibits
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book tickets in advance
- Arrive early
- Check weather conditions
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: Moderate
- • Uneven surfaces
- • Stairs
Medical facilities: First aid available on-site
Payment Information
Accepted
Credit cards, Cash, Mobile payment
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
Casual, Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, Comfortable walking shoes, Inappropriate clothing
Booking Tips
- • At least 1 week in advance
- • Official website
- • 48 hours in advance for full refund
- • Available
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Castle of Good Hope Guide
Size: 30 MB
Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Tickets and booking
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Café
Charging Stations: Visitor center, Café
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Distance: 25 km
Travel Time: 30 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 2 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Rich history, beautiful architecture, educational value
Historical Significance: Built by the Dutch East India Company, served as a military defense point
Insider Tips
- Free entry early morning for locals
- Best food at the on-site café
- Special tours available on request
Local Recommendations
- • Try local coffee at the on-site café
- • Ask for a guided tour from local experts
- • Visit nearby museums
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: English, Afrikaans, Dutch
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Main gate
Best Time: Golden hour
Tips: Low angle for dramatic shots
Result: Great architectural shots
Inner courtyard
Best Time: Midday
Tips: Wide-angle for the full view
Result: Beautiful courtyard shots
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Iziko South African Museum
Distance: 500m
Walking: 7 min
Type: Museum
Company's Garden
Distance: 800m
Walking: 10 min
Type: Park
Bo-Kaap
Distance: 2km
Walking: 25 min
Type: Neighborhood
Reviews
Based on 5,000 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Book tickets online"
- "Visit early in the morning"
- "Take the guided tour"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (24)
Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Penguins Day Tour from Cape Town
Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape point Day Tour
Cape of Good Hope and Penguins Full-Day Tour from Cape Town
Half Day Table Mountain and Cape Town City Tour
Cape Of Good Hope and Penguins Full Day Small Group Tour from Cape Town
Cape Point Sightseeing Tour including Cape of Good Hope full day from Cape Town
Table Mountain & Cape Town City Half Day Private guided Tour
Table Mountain, Boulder's Penguins & Cape Point Private Tour from Cape Town
Private Cape of Good Hope and Penguins Full-Day (Sightseeing Guided)
Cape of Good Hope & Penguins Full Day Tour From (The Mother City) Cape Town.
Cape Town Helicopter flight, Wine Tasting & Picnic Lunch Private Tour
Cape Town: Cape Peninsula Half Day Private Tour
Private 2-Day Cape Town Highlights: Robben Island,Table Mountain Tickets & Wine
Cape Town City Center Guided Half Day Tour
Robben Island Tickets, Penguins & Cape of Good Hope Private Tour
3 Days Private Tour: Cape of Good Hope, Penguins, Table Mountain & Robben Island
Cape Town Day Tours
Johannesburg and Cape Town 9 Day Tour
4-Days Private Cape Town Highlights Tours and Overnight Big 5 Safari At Aquila
Table Mountain, Penguins, Cape of good hope and Stellenbosch tour
Full-Day Private Robben Island, Penguins & Cape of Good Hope Tour
4 Day Cape Town Essential Tours & Overnight Big 5 Safari At Inverdoorn
Table Mountain and Cape City Center Guided Tour.
Seal Island, World of Birds and Cape City Center Tour.
Quick Info
Available Tours
110
Rating
4.5 / 5.0
Reviews
5,000
Adult Entry
ZAR 50