This is truly a historical building in the ‘Mother City’. The moment you set foot on the grounds: You can feel you are walking on grounds that want to tell a story, what happened behind these castle walls. To think, that the sea water used to come till the main entrance gate (that’s currently being used as the entrance today for tours/tourists). I’ll definitely recommend, South Africans and Internationals to visit ‘The Castle of Good Hope’ in Cape Town. You will not be sorry, but prepare yourself, to have mix emotions. Looking forward to reading your review or comments, about your experience.

Entry fee was 50 Rand per person. The castle has a history and knowing the history gives a great value about the place. This castle was designed at sea shore originally as a defense from ocean side but with city development it becomes in land side at city. It’s nice to visit this place

The exhibitions at the Castle were really informative and educational. The grounds are very neat and there was a bagpipe group practicing on the roof. There are guided tours in the hour. (Which we missed unfortunately). There is a very cute cafe at the entrance as well. It has a lot of potential and awesome views of Cape Town. The Castle, however, is not getting the funding it needs. Some of the features are dilapidated and some not even open. Would still recommend for those interested in the history of the Cape of Good Hope.

Absolutely gorgeous castle, a lot of history behind it and very dark history as well. Interesting interior, do not let the outside fool you, inside is nothing short of incredible. I’m pretty sure it’s haunted with some places looking extremely dark and creepy

On a bright and sunny day, we embarked on a journey to explore the Castle of Good Hope. The entry fee was reasonable, and there was certainly a wealth of sights to take in. It's worth noting that you'll need to be your own guide, as there were no guides available on the day of our visit. While the castle held a promise of historical treasures, we encountered numerous empty spaces and exhibits in dire need of care and cleaning. Despite these shortcomings, the visit did offer glimpses of intriguing artifacts and a chance to witness a part of history that still stands tall.

A great display of cultural history of cape town. Many well preserved articals of history and guided tour around the establishment. Loads of renovations and restorations happening so very excited to see some more of what the castle has to offer

Amazingly preserved and restored 17th century castle, that serves as the oldest building in South Africa. 50r to enter and free tours every couple or hours. Most of the grounds are free to walk and look, with many cool displays of furniture and relics from olden times.

Magic dose of history! The guide has great insight and tour was a mixture of knowledge with a hint of that Cape Town spice. Pretty cool to be able to walk the corridors and rooftop of this 🏰

Amazing history, so well maintained with such friedly staff. Make sure to do the * The guided tour (about 40min) * Any of the four Musiuems within the castle, all entrances are covered in the. castle ticket. R50 Adult, R25 per child A definate must, but please make sure you park at the castle parking.

What a monumental place and an honor to be able to walk through so graciously. For R50 and a guided tour this is a steal and an opportunity to understand the history behind Cape Town. The place has some great preservation of artifacts . Come dressed comfortably , a good pair of sneakers/takkies and enjoy a walk about learning of the magnificence of this Fort. A must see and child friendly.

Lots of maintenance needed. Tour guide could not speak properly so didn't understand 3/4 of what he mumbled. Gift store is non existant. Dirty Squatters in tents etc outside Very sad to see a monument go down like this 😭

Really enjoyed walking through the exhibitions, found them very informative and moving. Only issue is the litter outside the castle and the settlements where people live that make it appear uninviting. Would recommend trying to go regardless because of the value of this heritage site.

What an experience the Easy Sunday Soul Sessions Picnic was. Wonderful. One of the most outstanding event venues I have been to this year. We felt very safe and enjoyed the place to the fullest. Like any other outdoor venue, watch the weather.

I have been a visitor to the Castle since our prinaty school visit in 1982 and I have always found the whole place interesting and the exhibits informative. However this time I was sadly dismayed by the lack of maintenance. The surrounding area and moat is filthy, being filled with trash. The homeless people have been allowed to live on the Strand street lawns which makes the situation even worse even more precarious. The general maintenance I side of the Castle and inside the exhibit areas too is doubtful. In one instance a cleaning lady was sitting on a chair in sunny window while the entrance hallway of the 18th and 19th century living areas was covered in dust and grass cuttings. What made me happy was the fact that the CAPE TOWN HERITAGE MUSEUM that showcases the history of the local people from especially District Six has been instated on the premises. It provided a glimpse into the culture and daily lives of our people who have been forgotten. 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

Amazing! I went to the castle on a Tuesday morning and I almost had it to myself (it got busier of course). It's just surreal for those who are fun of history like myself. The cafe inside is also cosy (price wise is also good)

Try and be there for the cannon fire at 12. The tour is filled with some interesting history and how they changed where the beach was and where it is now. This is a fantastic trip into history and it helped my family understand some of those many school projects we have all had to do in the past. The procession of the guards fetching the key to open the gate is interesting and it's amazing what you can see at each of the 5 points of the castle.

I recommend this be your first stop destination as a tourist. Learn the history and leap into the city with knowledge

Best place to see sunsets over Cape Town

(Translated by Google) The view is very beautiful, especially at sunset. But it is very cold and sells a lot. (Original) A vista é muito bonita, especialmente no por do sol. Mas é muito frio e venta muito.

The guide was funny & very knowledgeable, quite enjoyed his stories! The structure can do with a lick of paint. The exhibition of the "trading post" can do with lower & more attractive fences so that one has a clear view of the exhibition. Also it would be nice to have trees with benches were one can sit and enjoy the views & buildings. And maybe a kiosk!

Awesome history . Perfect Heritage Day outing. However, the grounds are neglected at this stage. The area where the canons are situated are overgrown. Free entry on Heritage Day. Next free entry will be 1 Dec and 16 Dec. Sadly no canon firing and guided tours.

An interesting and exciting historic tourist attraction. Really enjoyed our tour guide's energy and what he taught us.

I very much looked forward to going as I looked at the outside walls my entire life only to be let down not by the actual building which I though was beautifully restored but the lack of more information about the time periods in which it was used and by who and for what and most importantly the people because let's face it, it's that missing information that gives life to the imagination. Also so, and I'm sorry to say this, but the guided tour was rubbish with very little information and done with no feeling at all by a person who seemed not to want to be there. Also he rushed us through everything and I mean rushed. There was small exhibitions in some of the rooms as well and it felt as if it was just thrown together with no real flow and didn't stir any emotions in you, so I'm sorry but I think that says it a fail. And one of them being about rhino poaching, should have been a exhibition that in my opinion should have been informative and stirred something in your humanity atleast. Also there was jars with things in meaning to show something about gender based violence which agian if the artist isn't there to explain to me what these things mean, it means nothing and since gbv is a super super big problem in our lower income neighborhoods it's my opinion that the exhibitions message should be easily enough understood by all. I did how ever salvage my experience by talking my time to walk the grounds googling people and events as I went along. Personally I would advise anyone who is genuinely intrigued by history to do the same, Read up so went you see the actual site the information will give it life and meaning especially to those living here. It is our history after all.

Last visit was more than 30 years ago. Brought back so many childhood memories of visiting these places with the school and friends. Place is kept well, kiosks available for novelties and many other activities on the premises.

It is so run down, needs some tender loving care and maintenance. It was an interesting experience, but tour guide wore mask and had strong accent, so I was unable to benefit from the tour. It is a good place to go to, but don't have high expectations.

So gorgeous, especially if you explore around the walls and find the small corridors, plus the view of table mountain is absolutely unparalleled! We had an amazing tour from a speedy hilarious man (I'm sorry for not remembering his name!). Really informative and fun. Plus there was an Uber strike, and the lovely lady at the desk Dièdre helped us find a bus to take home, and walked us there! Great museum with Cape town's history in painting form. So thankful, absolutely go there as it's so lovely!

What a great piece of history right there!! I'm glad it's still standing. Only R50 to get in. We didn't take the guided tour this time.

The Castle of Good Hope is an architectural beauty. Constructed by the Dutch East India Company, it doubled uk as a prison for the native African tribe leaders who were ruthlessly tortured and killed during the various uprisings. Although , only some parts of the castle is opened to the public, it makes for a wonderful viewing experience. Free guided walking tours are available Inside the castle. It is usually not very busy and can be fit into your Cape Town Itinerary as you traverse through the old Town of the city!

A must see attraction in Cape Town. Very cheap for the amount of things to see and do. Guided tours are available, otherwise you have the option to tour the castle yourself with information posted at each attraction. Make sure you have an hour or two to see all of the landmarks.

I remember going here as a child. Glad the place is still being maintained. We were too early for the guided tour, but there are a fair amount of informative plaques around to explain the relevant aspects of the Castle.

Castle of Good Hope is also known as the Cape Town castle. This fort was built in the 17th century and is located in the inland. This castle may not be the first fort in Cape Town, but it sure is the oldest surviving building in South Africa. It was built between the years of 1666 and 1679 and is a beautiful monument. In this place you will find a perfect blend of history and modern art. The castle is filled with many things like church, bakery, living quarters and much more things that were used for many generations. They also have a dolphin pool which is magnificent and there cannot be a replica of this pool as it is built with many intricate structures and the detailing is very fine. In the year 1936 this majestic piece of art was declared as a national monument. All the material that was used to make this fort was local even the rock that was cut from a granite and blue slate and shells. If you visit cape town in South Africa then you should make it a point to go to the Castle of Good Hope to make the most of your time in the country. This site has recently become a popular tourist hotspot. More and more travelers from around the world are stopping by here to experience this magnificent place.

A critical attraction in understanding the history of the Cape - known as Camissa by it's Peoples. The Camissa Museum exhibition, the tallest building in Cape Town for more than 150 years and the Hungry Lions'- all in one place. Brilliant 👌

Enjoyed the guided tour. The history lesson was very interesting. Only issue I had was the squatters outside on the pavement. Luckily there was enough parking inside.

This was my second visit to the castle, and the first for my girlfriend. Sadly, the reality is that this is an amazing part of South African history that should rate 5 out of 5 every time, but the current state it’s in loses that. It’s a site with amazing potential, but its potential that’s being held off by much needed upkeep and a cleaning. The large tent encampment outside the walls use the most and at least one wall as their garbage disposal and it has accumulated significantly. There are areas needing paint, and some upkeep of the grassy areas. Having loud music blaring from the restaurant and a few of the closed areas of the castle would also help in allowing the visitors to experience the castle as the historical landmark that it is, rather than have an overpowering reminder of what it no longer is.

It's not as exciting/fascinating to be there as one would expect. It didn't reach my expectation of what I thought of a castle to be like. Few minutes there and youre bored

We need to understand the history of what happened before we were born,

Definitely a must see,even if you have visited Cape Town before. Its a good dose of some part of the history of the city,all nestled in the shadow of a natural wonder of the world. Students and pensioners also get a discount

Steven is a good tour guide! Didn't manage to see everything, we need another visit, make sure you take the whole day to explore the castle.

An amazing space where one can gain insight into our dark and painful past. Highly recommended.

Awesome way to look back at the past and see how they lived.

Was very nice, the tour guide know his story.

Nice open space and some refreshing foods. Nice little bit of history in there

Steeped in history. A functional castle as well. It's stood the test of time

It amazing I love the place

I've walked past it everyday for five whole years and it's still quite charming

Love it

Always nice learning about our history

lots of buildings is close

AMAZING PLACE

This castle is more than 100years old and it has some interesting history ,this was really millitary castle

I dont dislike any more

So much to see and its well-maintained. Feels great to explore at your own pace. The R50 price tag is nothing for such a historical experience!

Everything about Cape Town in general.... I must say it's lovely ey... I can't really even say I enjoyed this and didn't enjoy being there.... Nah...! Do it with a family you'll be well!

Great

Such and interesting place to see where our country started out. The guided tours are well worth the effort, and the guides are very knowledgeable and have great charisma.

Very interesting and helpful professional staff

Tour guide was good, informative. Had a good experience

You learn a lot but its not extremely fun and the staff isn't the friendliest

Good wonderful

Loved it

I was shocked to find museums inside the castle that none of us knew about despite having lived in CT for 30yrs. Disappointing that the window frames are not maintained, the lawns are scruffy, basically no care taken over this oldest colonial building in S.A. However the tour guide was fantastic, we learnt a lot, & walked all around the top with gorgeous views of the city. Some museums closed at 14.30, so go early to see those first.You must book a tour!

Such a great time as a family. Friendly staff, safe parking and very interesting tour and displays. Well worth a visit

Great

Place to be with family a d friends

Quiet good

Awsome and friendly people around,ao inspiring and learnt alot.things that we pnly saw and read about in school books came to life..really magnificent!!!

Not as interesting as I thought quite untidy gardens and not very friendly staff.

Need maintenance. Lamps against the outside wall removed.

💯👌

The historical importance is what amazes most people and me abtthis place. The youth needs to be educated about it.

friendly environment

Interesting

good place to be.

The tour guide was well-spoken & energetic. Litter in the moat, the well and the ammunition room spoilt the atmosphere. Tattered plastic bags stuck in some of the trees on both sides of De Kat....

Very nice and neat

What a beautiful place

Great to actually see history before one's eyes. To think that the ocean actually washed up against the wall,mind blowing

Enjoyed the in depth history offered by many small museums and rooms within the Castle. Canon firing at certain times and lots to learn for the history buffs.

Interesting part of history. The place is deteriorating slowly. No change of guard or any of the old traditions done anymore. Displays that have no relevance to the castle are also on display in the castle, taking away some off the historic value of it all. Still, a recommended stop if you haven't been there.

Definitely an important and interesting landmark that everyone should experience. Make sure to take a walk along the ramparts.

Sometimes its so nice to take a walk on the big streets of CPT and breathe the perfect land breeze try it you will love it

We went during the the festive season. We loved it our guide was very knowledgeable and kept the teaching very interesting by making it fun. We learned alote about history even learned table mountain was under water in the beginning of time. Also that the ocean was pushed back. But let me not spoil the fun here rather let you go experience it for urself because its realy a good meal for the brain. Entery was 50rand per person and they offer student discount if you show ur student card. Go and support cause we need our history available for the next generations.

A great insight into South African history, great tour guide with a wonderful way of explaining the castle's history

It's was truly historical experience. It is one of the oldest possibly one of the first structures built by settlers in Cape Town. And most of Cape town's history is found here.

Great bit of history and the castle itself is very impressive. One gripe I have is that the castle does look a bit run down and there seems to be a lot of space and opportunity for additional exhibits being wasted. Good for a half day excursion.

Nice place to be

Was ok but not how it was 5 years ago

Nice

Good place to be

Parking only issue when want to visit

Nice experience nice place to be

I normally gym in Claremont but the gym instructors in Cape Town are not as helpful.

Shamin Was A Great Tour Guide.

Its quiet and cool

Tour guides are exceptional good, excellent 👌 accommodation with capetown history.

(Translated by Google) is part of visiting Cape Town This tour is part of a visit to Cape Town. The old weapons and uniforms are a sign of the history of South Africa. (Original) gehört zum Kapstadt besuch Diese Besichtigung gehört zum Besuch von Kapstadt. Die alten Waffen und Uniformen sind ein Zeichen, über die Geschichte von Südafrika.

Nice to visit.

I can only advise people to visit the place,

The place is still historical and beautiful. The only bad thing is the surroundings, hobos are building cardboard tents close to the place and it smells like pee 🤦🏽

Fair treatment

(Translated by Google) It's not quite a castle, but it looks more like a fort. Despite this it is very well looked after and really worth a visit if you are in Cape town. (Original) Non è proprio un castello, ma sembra più un forte. Nonostante ciò è molto ben curato e ne vale davvero una visita se si è a Cape town.

It was better

Amazing y hear the history behind it all. Just sad to see that it is loosing what it is realy about. I feel that the tour could be more. Just talking and not really showing all. Its sad that you only go into 2 rooms and them you have to explore by yourself which wass more of a play around for the kids that was not the purpose of taking them to the castle.

Vernuce

Good lot of adventures

Knowledge imparting

All I can say is cape Town is one of beautiful cities ♥️was not there for too long went to drop something but the beauty of mother city is what I came out with

As a firsttime visitor, I loved everything there

Heritage

Didn't get inside, I was just passing by

Good

Wealthy to visit

💗

Awesome

Very nice and informative tour!

A place to visit

Pick picketers everywhere

Queit and peaceful place.

This place is good for an educational trip on history for kids

Tranquility at it's best

The view encapsulates everything you need. Peace of mind,fresh,therapeutic scenery and so much more. I love my City.💕🏞🇿🇦

Beautiful sunset view, ocean view, you can literally see all of Capetown CBD

Very very nice view

Simply love it. Beautiful views.

Amazing Sunset

A great place to see people jumping off a mountain.

(Translated by Google) Great beautiful viewpoint. If the table mountain is in the clouds or the wind is blowing too fast for the gondola, then this is a good alternative. (Original) Geweldig mooi uitzichtpunt. Als de tafelberg in de wolken zit of het waait te hard voor de gondel, dan is dit een mooi alternatief.

We took a guided tour of the Castle of Good Hope and it was interesting to hear the history of the place. The guide only gave limited information, but it was enough so that we could remember everything that he said.

A beautifully preserved unique Castle with a deep dark history. A must see!

There wasn't any tours available (their schedule seems to sometimes be a bit inconsistent as we came back later but it looks like maybe not enough people were there). We did our own self walking tour and there was a lot of information and things to look at; good way to spend 2 hours.

We stayed for absolutely hours and walked up and down the castle. (it’s very free reign wandering around the castle) we all learnt a great deal and I really enjoyed the experience. I believe we did make it to all the exhibits but it did take a whole day and we were exhausted by the end of it. Great lots of effort and love invested into the castle for sure though!

Very interesting. It's just a pity that there was a group of people using the Castle as a platform to tell the visitors, of whom some were from the Netherlands, that "the Dutch are colonizers."

A lot of historical facts for just a few hours of wondering through time into some dark spaces. If you are going to tick the box then leave your self two to three hours but if you going to live out what it was like then give your self a day. It was crazy to walk through and feel what they did back then.

A wonderful experience for our Grade 6er to see what she learnt in history this year. A great morning out.

A great place to learn about the history of where it all started, you can walk around by yourself and check out the museums or you can ask for a tour guide that takes you through the castle and teaches you about the history