Cape Town’s Top Museums
With hundreds of years of history, Cape Town has fascinating and important tales to tell, and the best way to discover them is by visiting one of the city’s many museums.
Much of Cape Town’s early history is defined by slavery and the arrival of settlers, and the subsequent onset of apartheid. Many of the city’s museums highlight this history, and along with a new wave of institutions exhibiting the best of contemporary art, they offer a fascinating insight into both Cape Town and South Africa.
1. Iziko South African Museum
Museum
2. Bo-Kaap Museum
Museum
4. Iziko Slave Lodge
Building, Museum
5. Iziko Groot Constantia Manor House
Museum, Winery
6. Franschhoek Motor Museum
Museum
Not technically located in Cape Town, the popular Franschhoek Motor Museum represents a more privileged face of South African history. A 45-minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre, the museum is a showcase of the extravagant wealth that defines the wine-rich area. However, it also provides a fascinating window into a different era – with a staggering collection of vintage vehicles. It’s a must-visit for fans of classic cars – there are more than 220 on display, including rarities like a 2003 Ferrari Enzo and even an 1898 Beeston motor tricycle.
7. Het Posthuys Museum
Building, Museum
8. District Six Museum
Museum
9. Heart of Cape Town Museum
Museum
10. Castle of Good Hope
Hiking Trail, Building, Museum, Historical Landmark
The Castle of Good Hope, or ‘The Castle’, is the oldest surviving building and military fort in South Africa, dating back to 1679. Today, it exhibits an array of military artefacts, colonial furniture, art and exhibitions with special significance to the early Cape. While it’s not on the scale of historic castles around the world, it serves as an important landmark in the heart of the city. Visitors can explore the grounds, which house several displays, and see the Key Ceremony weekdays at 10am and 12pm.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.