Castle of Good Hope

Castle · City Bowl ·

Castle of Good Hope

Castle · City Bowl ·

17th-century fort with guided tours, museums & rampart views

Information

Castle St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Get directions

@travelleisure

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35 Most Haunted Places in the World

"In Cape Town, I explain that this late 17th-century pentagonal fortress—later used in part as a prison with a torture chamber—has reported hauntings such as the spirit of a tall man falling from the ramparts and Lady Anne Barnard, and an inexplicable bell that sometimes rings despite being blocked off by bricks; visitors can tour the fort and the Cape Heritage Museum." - Andrea Romano Andrea Romano Andrea Romano is a writer and editor in New York City. For the last eight years, she has been a lifestyle journalist for Mashable, Brit+Co, Reviewed, Bustle, and Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/holiday-travel/halloween/most-haunted-places-in-the-world

Castle of Good Hope

@cntraveler

41,698 Postcards · 5,568 Cities

On Location: ‘The Woman King’ Takes Viewers to South African Game Reserves, Beaches, and Castles

"In Cape Town, we built out the Castle of Good Hope to serve as our Port of Quidah."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/on-location-the-woman-king

Castle of Good Hope

@afar

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"Fearing a British takeover of its ill-gotten trading post, the Dutch East India Company built this star-shaped castle (known as Kasteel de Goede Hoop) between 1666 and 1679 to defend its territory. Now the oldest building in South Africa, the castle served as the center of Cape Town 's civilian, political, and military life. The austere facade opens up to a striking central lawn and commanding buildings that, in their restored form, represent Dutch, English, and French architectural styles. History buffs will go nuts here: Check out the William Fehr Collection, the African pottery exhibit, and the Castle Military Museum."

The Best Things to Do in Cape Town

Photo by Eric Nathan/age fotostock

Castle of Good Hope

@cntraveler

41,698 Postcards · 5,568 Cities

15 Best Museums in Cape Town

"A sprawling building near the shoreline of Table Bay, the Castle of Good Hope is a 17th-century site that draws large crowds. Daily tours tell the rich history of the colonial building, which dates back to 1666. There are a number of elements to see, from the prison cells to the governor's house to the gruesome torture chamber. There's a lot to take in, so make the most of the experience by booking a guided tour." - Mary Holland

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-cape-town

Courtesy Castle of Good Hope

Castle of Good Hope

@cntraveler

41,698 Postcards · 5,568 Cities

Castle of Good Hope

"We don't know too much about this place; care to kick us off?A sprawling building near the shoreline of Table Bay, the Castle of Good Hope is a 17th-century site that draws large crowds. Daily tours tell the rich history of the building, which was built by the Dutch East India Company as a fort and replenishment station for ships, and dates back to 1666. It's the oldest colonial building in the country. Sounds cool. So, what kinds of things are we going to see here?There are a number of elements to see, from the prison cells to the governor's house to the gruesome torture chamber. It's a lot to take in, so make the most of the experience by booking a guided tour. Hm, a guided tour...can you tell us a little more about those? What's included?Regular guided tours run throughout the morning and afternoon, but the key ceremony—unlocking the entrance of the castle by the ceremonial guards—and the canon firing both take place at set times in the morning. If you can't make these, don't write off the experience; do, however, carve out time for a guided tour. Keep an eye on the calendar for events like festivals and concerts. Alright, duly noted. Any other practical advice you can offer?Wear a good pair of walking shoes. Although you won't be trekking long distances, you will be moving around. Got it. Oh, and if there's a gift shop, is it worth a stop? Is there anything in particular we should pick up?You can pick up locally made items at the gift shop, but it's not worth the trip alone. Good to know. How about the café? Or should we hightail it somewhere else to eat?There's an in-house deli, but it's nothing to write home about—especially not in Cape Town, one of the greatest food cities on the continent." - Mary Holland

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/cape-town/castle-of-good-hope

Courtesy Castle of Good Hope

Castle of Good Hope

MilPoPo

Google

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.

Steve C.

Google

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.

Lourita S.

Google

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.

Lance M.

Google

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.

Paul L.

Google

A very interesting and meaningful experience, especially from a historical perspective. You can explore well-preserved interiors, old prison cells, the central courtyard, and exhibitions from the colonial era. The guided tour adds great context and depth to the visit. A fascinating look into South Africa’s complex past – definitely worth seeing if you’re in Cape Town.

Melissa Juliette M.

Google

A very cool stop if you're down for park vibes with gorgeous architecture. There's also a great view / photo opportunity of the mountains and city / skyline if you climb to the top. 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 tunnely nook things. There’s also a cafe and curio shop, and you can chill on the quad / grounds inside.

Yolande Y.

Google

It’s not a safe walk from the red bus stop to the Castle - do be safe and be in a large group when walking to the Castle. But the inside is clean and lovely to explore.

Morphius

Google

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!!

@travelleisure

27,706 Postcards · 5,459 Cities