Top Things to do in Cape Town Central
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What to do and see in Cape Town Central, Western Cape: The Best Specialty Museums
Cape Town glistens at the southern toe of the African continent. Tourist brochure-views at Blaauwberg Beach and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are within easy driving distance of "The Mother City." The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve provides sweeping sea vistas, hiking trails and wildlife encounters. On a more somber note, travelers can visit Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years.
Restaurants in Cape Town Central
1. 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
2. Great Synagogue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By TrishYorkUK
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the synagogue which was sadly all too brief due to the time of day we arrived here. One of the members of the congregation gave us an interesting talk on the history of Judaism in South Africa and pointed out the main features of the synagogue. It is an orthodox synagogue , easy to identify as such as there is a balcony for the ladies to look down on the men as one of my Jewish friends once pointed out to me! What makes this synagogue so interesting to me is that it has 2 Bimahs rather than just one as and the splendour of the ( unusual) stained glass windows Please be prepared for the intense security measures required ( including passport check) before obtaining entry and of course every male over the age of 12 must cover their head ( kippas are supplied).
3. South African Jewish Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 677 reviews
The museum narrates the story of South African Jewry from its early beginnings, set against the backdrop of South African history over a period of more than 150 years. We cover a number of areas of interest, including South African history, mining, commerce, Eastern European history, contemporary South African politics as well as an overview of the Jewish community’s contribution in all its aspects of South African history and conscience. An exclusive documentary film – "Nelson Mandela. A Righteous Man", is screened throughout the day, a documentary, which has won wide acclaim at the Brighton, Vancouver and Toronto Film Festivals.
Reviewed By BobsExperience - Johannesburg, South Africa
This Holocaust Centre is a place of remembrance for the Six Million Jews who were mercilessly murdered by the Nazi Regime. The Text and Photo panels recreate the horrors of the events that took place only a few decades ago. The film depicting the Testimonies of 5 people who survived and began a new life in Cape Town, was very moving. This exhibition is certain to touch the hearts of all the visitors. Let the World never forget!
4. Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
5. Heart of Cape Town Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 427 reviews
Experience the drama of the world’s first human heart transplant performed by Prof. Chris Barnard in 1967 in the fully restored operating theatres where the surgery took place. The fascinating and very emotional stories of the donor, recipient and medical team involved are told on a fully guided, 2 hour tour with the help of life sized silicone models and replicas of important scenes. Certainly an experience not to be missed!
Reviewed By Digby575 - Reigate, United Kingdom
This was a superb tour and I have to say that Trace Downing-Adamo, our tour guide, made the story come alive. If you are expecting a dry monologue on the workings of the operation this couldn't be further from that perception. (although we had two medical students on the tour who found everything interesting). Also, they went to the effort of getting Madame Tussauds to make all of the figures which i think shows that they have put thought in to the exhibition. The tour gives almost as much time to the stories behind the operation - the donor and the recipient, as well as a realistic portrayal of Dr Christian Barnard. There was real pride in the fact that South Africa achieved this milestone in medicine, but tempered with realistic assessment of the type of man the Doctor was. This was a fascinating (under the radar) tour and having been bitterly disappointed by Robben island in the morning this visit more than made up for that.
6. Cape Town Diamond Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 480 reviews
The Cape Town Diamond Museum pays tribute to the world's most precious gem, the diamond. Discover a 3 billion year old story unfold from a diamond's formation to the final polished stone. The Cape Town Diamond Museum also pays homage to the most famous South African diamonds and showcases specimens of Kimberlite rock dating billions of years old. Situated in the bustling heart of the Clock Tower precinct at the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Town Diamond Museum is a must-see for any visitor to Cape Town. Book in advance recommended.
Reviewed By V405FTjohnb
Had a great experience here. Welcoming staff gave a thouroughly enjoyable and educational tour through a display on the history of diamond mining in South africa. Followed by a look through their showroom with no pressure to buy . Dont miss this if you are at the V& A Waterfront
7. Cape Medical Museum
8. Museum of Gems and Jewellery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Established in 1982, Prins & Prins Diamonds has grown to become one of Cape Town's most trusted, multi-award winning, family-owned manufacturing jewellers. The museum is the brainchild of the esteemed Dr Petre Prins of Prins & Prins Diamonds, located in the historical and authentically restored 18th century Huguenot House. This unique museum project takes visitors on a journey from when diamonds first began to form three billion years ago and their 150 km journey to the surface. Follow the unique path of South African diamonds from their origin in extinct volcanoes to the deposits along our coastline. Learn about unique and rare gemstones, and see how jewellery has changed through thousands of years. The story about South Africa's mineral wealth is told, not only for diamonds, but also for our Platinum and Gold deposits. Tracing the evolution of Early Man, it tells the story of the very first, and oldest piece of jewellery ever found, right on Cape Town's "doorstep" in the Blombos Cave, a mere 200 kms outside of Cape Town. An African Kingdom that existed a thousand years ago who traded in gold; gemstones found only in South Africa and of course the story of the Cullinan Diamond, the biggest diamond ever found, are fascinating exhibits. A further exhibit attracting lots of interest is "The Function of Jewellery", which promises food for thought when looked at in the context of everyday life. Insights into how human ingenuity transforms unassuming gems and metals into masterly crafted items of jewellery and the processes used, and the story about how South Africa's history (both political and mineralogical) was influenced by our mineral discoveries, are just some of the stories told in the property's intimate museum, housed in the property's almost 200-year-old wine cellar.
9. Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
The Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre works towards creating a more caring and just society in which human rights and diversity are respected and valued. Through our exhibitions, events and workshops we endeavour to commemorate the victims and survivors of the Nazi regime and the numerous genocides that happened before and since the Holocaust. We do this to highlight the consequences of prejudice and racism in all of its forms, and to draw attention to the dangers of indifference, apathy and silence. Please note: When visiting the Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre, please bring along your identification document (ID), drivers license or passport for security purposes.
Reviewed By Waynegreaves - Scunthorpe, United Kingdom
The rollercoaster of emotions one experiences along your journey through the museum is down to the professionalism in the display, layout and information. This is how a museum should be.
10. Wijnland Auto Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By livinginbewilderness - Cape Town, South Africa
Most Capetonians are familiar with the scrapyard of old cars visible from the N1 on the way to Paarl . Most probably don’t know that it’s an old car museum - We nosed our way there on a day drive and discovered the Wijnland Auto Museum . Fascinating! Besides a huge yard of rusty old cars, organized (sort of) by type it seems, there’s a warehouse of beautifully restored vintage cars. Quite the trip in nostalgia . Owner may be around to chat - his partner was there when we visited and gave us the background to this amazing obsession. Photographers go early morning or late afternoon for good light . It’s a photographer / artists /kids delight . There’s a plane there that you can board for a couple of selfies in the cockpit. Very fun. Note the Cape Garden Centre next door has a huge kid friendly restaurant for refreshments. For a full -on kids outing the Bugzplaypark is right there too.
