City: South Africa
Top Things to do in South Africa
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Things to do in South Africa, South Africa: The Best Museums
in the African Union (light blue)
Restaurants in South Africa
1. Janine Iron and Washing Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
The museum consists of more then 640 laundry irons, mostly rare and some only existing examples left. Also more then 50 rare washing machines and mangles dated back from the 1800, some are claimed to be of the only remaining in the world. The museum are packed with other rare antique laundry related items. Some non-laundry related items are also included.
Reviewed By 46sharonu - Centurion, South Africa
Make sure you see the video prior to browsing through this wonderful museum. Spent a good hour and a half here and we were amazed at the thoughtfullness that has gone into putting this collection together. Both my hubby and my kids (teenagers) found this to be a hidden gem! If you're in the area you should give it a try, you wont be disappointed!
2. Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
TO ENTER AN ARTIST’S GARDEN IS TO VISIT ANOTHER WORLD. The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden is a place of expansive vistas, scents and the sounds of nature, with tranquil groves, hidden paths and lush indigenous vegetation. The project began serendipitously in 2009 when Lewis hired an excavator on a whim and began shaping the contours of what would become the seven-hectare sculpture garden. Today, the artist continues to explore themes integral to his work in this serene landscape on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain looking out over vineyards towards the ocean. Visits and tours by appointment only.
Reviewed By BarbaraMackenzie - Stellenbosch, South Africa
I was invited to take part in a private guided tour through the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. I am not an art person but I do like nature. I was absolutely blown away by this serenity and peaceful atmosphere that opens up once one enters the garden. There is hope for mankind if someone can create something so beautiful and just let it breath - in nature - surrounded by mountains & skies and it almost feels like his sculptures were always there. From the beginning of the beginning. I would highly recommend to have a guide walking with you, it certainly is worth the money if one is interested how the artist started this amazing garden.
3. Art Eye Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Art Eye Gallery and Studio situated in Fourways, Lonehill and is a collaborative space that perpetuates free expression and community. Art Eye has directed its focus on being a platform for great expression and story telling. Our artists are not only dedicated to their individual practices but express narratives that are directly focused on what it means to live in Africa today.
Reviewed By KevinGF - Miami, United States
How refreshing to see a collection of really amazing established and emerging artists all on display in one dynamic space! The rejuvenation of the area is palatable in the outstanding space!
4. District Six Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,088 reviews
The apartheid nationalist government destroyed District Six in the 1960s. This memorial museum contains maps, photographs and other reminders of this old vibrant neighborhood. Site walks and tours in the Museum with ex-resident storytellers are also offered.
Reviewed By sheldonp730 - Cape Town, South Africa
I am a tour guide in Cape Town for City Walking Tours so always bring guests past District Six Museum as it's a real part of Cape Towns history... I recently visited the museum to get a refresh on the info and the real story of District Six and its affects in our beautiful city of Cape Town went on a guided tour with Mr Brown and I always recommend all my guests to Mr Brown as this gentleman is a living example of the people of District 6 and the one thing I really liked and stood out for me the most was Mr Brown was passionate about the way he presented the museum and he spoke strongly about respect that the area had for one another amazing and I personally recommend the guided tours with anybody at the District Six museum and if you get Mr Brown you are in very good hands
5. Apartheid Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,284 reviews
This museum is architecturally interesting and packed with thoughtful, often brutal, reminders of South Africa’s history.
Reviewed By 208anjav - Sydney, Australia
What an interesting experience.. So much information about the history and issues in South Africa and so well put together. Visiting the apartheid museum, really makes you realise how difficult life would have been for some groups in society and a nice touch is the entrance; one side for whites (blankes) and one side for non-whites !
6. Voorhuis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
7. Lesedi Cultural Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
This attraction north of Johannesburg attempts to show busloads of tourists how the Lesedi tribe lives and works.
Reviewed By kimberli2020 - Lehigh Valley, United States
the half-day tour and lunch far exceeded my expectations - i definitely recommend. wasn't quite sure what to expect, and was more than pleasantly surprised. the lesedi performers are an incredibly knowledgeable, talented, hard working, friendly team. from the moment you arrive and experience their warm, traditional welcomes, you're in for a treat. the tour begins with a very engaging presentation and short documentary film. next comes a walking tour of their living museum, comprised of several traditional village set-ups. as you walk across the beautiful campus, you meet performers playing the roles of chiefs, warriors, and families who welcome you to each village. they demonstrate different components of everyday traditional life in an informative and fun way. the tour ends with a dance show where performers demonstrate different celebrations and ceremonies from several area tribes. and, if you opt for a meal afterwards, then you are treated to some tasty local cuisine! i found it to be a very enjoyable day well spent. i left with a smile on my face and recommend this experience for sure!
8. The Stellenbosch Village Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 373 reviews
Reviewed By Peter_guest - London, United Kingdom
A quartet of historic houses in the centre of Stellenbosch form this fascinating museum. Each one is historically furnished and takes the visitor back over centuries of local history. These are some of the oldest and best-preserved buildings in South Africa, well worth a visit.
9. Anglo Boer War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
One of the most significant events in the history of South Africa was the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. Although the protagonists were Britain and the two Boer Republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, the population of South Africa as a whole became embroiled in the war either directly or indirectly. The War Museum in Bloemfontein provides an understanding of the background against which the Anglo-Boer War took place through its unique art collection, dioramas and exhibitions. The course and development of the war unfolds in front of your eyes as you progress through the museum. You are also afforded a glimpse into the life and suffering endured in the concentration and prisoner-of-war camps. We are immensely proud of this historical landmark in South Africa, and urge everyone who wants to understand this part of South African history, to pay us a visit.
Reviewed By waldmeister1 - Aylesbury, United Kingdom
The Museum has an extensive collection of items associated with the Boer War. There are large paintings, the one of the Boers pinned down in the Modder River Banks under fire from the British is very touching when you consider there were women and children there also. It lead of course to the surrender by General Cronje at the battle of Paadeberg. There is an extensive collection of Handicraft items made by the POW's in overseas Camps to which they were "Banished" namely St Helena, Ceylon, India and Bermuda as well as those made in Camps in South Africa. The Women's Monument depicting two women, one holding a baby is very memorable since the ashes of British woman, Emily Hobhouse who did so much to help those suffering during the war are buried there. The recent addition of the lengthy wall, inscribed with the names of the Women and Children who died in the Concentration Camps during Britain's Scorched Earth Policy when farms were burnt and the Women and Children were herded into Concentration Camps with little of no fresh water or medical care is very memorable ! This certainly does not depict the "Best Period" of British History!!
10. The National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Excavated fossils are among the many fascinating items at this natural history museum.
Reviewed By jill464 - Cape Town, South Africa
Immense care is taken with the exhibits. It is always most interesting to visit. The staff are friendly and a pleasure to talk to.
