Free Tour of Historic Cape Town
Walk Through the Past: Explore the Soul of the Mother City on Foot
ABOUT THE Free Tour of Historic Cape Town
This tour is operated by our partner Walk Cape Town.
This Free Walking Tour of Cape Town invites travelers to experience the city's rich and complex history through the eyes of a passionate local guide. From colonial beginnings to the struggles and triumphs of the Apartheid era, this cultural and historical walking tour explores the heart of South Africa’s "Mother City" through its landmarks, stories, and heroes.
From Colonial Castles to Mandela’s Balcony
The route includes Cape Town’s most iconic and symbolic sites, such as City Hall, where Nelson Mandela gave his first speech as a free man, and the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. Guests will walk past Iziko Museums like the Slave Lodge and the National Art Gallery, gaining insight into the dark colonial past and the artistic movements that emerged in its wake.
Local Stories, Real Impact
This tour is not just about buildings and monuments. It’s about people. It’s about remembering the injustices of District Six, celebrating the legacy of Desmond Tutu at "The Arch for Arch," and recognizing the many lives that shaped modern South Africa. With commentary from a local guide who brings personal knowledge and passion to the walk, this is a walking tour that connects the past to the present in an engaging and respectful way.
Tours in Cape Town are offered by our partners, Walk Cape Town. While you may not see the trademark SANDEMANs red umbrellas, we only work with partners we know, trust, and who have been vetted by us to ensure they meet the same standards you are used to enjoying in SANDEMANs’ own cities. We are proud to partner with Walk Cape Town and are sure you’ll love their tours as much as we do!
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Meet yout guide at City Sightseeing Red Bus, Stop 5, 81 Long St, Cape Town.
- Stand beneath the balcony where Nelson Mandela addressed the nation at City Hall
- Visit the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest colonial structure in South Africa
- Learn about the horrors of slavery at the Iziko Slave Lodge
- Explore the vibrant Company’s Garden, Cape Town’s first cultivated farm
- Admire “The Arch for Arch”, a tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu
- Discover the artistic spirit of Cape Town at the National Art Gallery
- Reflect on loss and resilience at the District Six Museum
- Get insider tips and local recommendations from a knowledgeable guide
- ... And much more

- English-speaking tour guide
- Gratuities for the guide (optional)
- This activity is operated by our partner Walk Cape Town. This experience is not provided by SANDEMANs, but has been chosen by our specialists from an array of offers based on their quality and value
- Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts.

What is the SANDEMANs Partner Network?
Tours in Cape Town are offered by a partner, not SANDEMANs Tours.
We only work with partners we know, trust, and who have been vetted by us to ensure they meet the same standards you are used to enjoying in SANDEMANs’ own cities.
We are proud to partner with Walk Cape Town and are sure you’ll love their tours as much as we do.
Book a tour with one of our partners
- SANDEMANs only works with partners that meet the same quality standards than us
- Tours are chosen by our specialists from an array of offers based on their quality and value
- We connect the best local guides with travelers from all around the world

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