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The Mother City's green heart
Historic Cape Town Gardens
The historic Company's Garden in Cape Town.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
Company's Garden was established by the Dutch East India Company in the 1650s for food.
A trip to the Mother City would perhaps not be complete without a visit to the Company's Garden in Cape Town city centre. Home to historic buildings, museums, places of worship and an art gallery, it is also simply known as the Cape Town Gardens.
It offers a shady green place to wander and dream and is close to the imposing Houses of Parliament and the Slave Lodge, once the residence of the slaves who played a big part in building Cape Town. Then visit the Iziko South African Museum, which features one of South Africa's only 2 planetariums (the other one is in Johannesburg).
In May 2010, the City of Cape Town opened the official Company’s Garden Visitor Centre and the Information Office. The former is a great interpretive exhibition space that critically examines the background and history of the Company’s Garden as well as the current operating policy and functions. Entry is free.
Located nearby, the information office is an informal entrepreneurial initiative, where contracted individuals can earn commission off advertising sales. It’s a great example of the city creating sustainable employment and incentive-based empowerment opportunities.
Don't miss South Africa's oldest cultivated pear tree and the rose garden built in 1929, which has maintained its original appeal. At the scented garden for the blind, close your eyes and inhale the different fragrances.
The gardens are home to a number of squirrels, who will happy to pose for your photographs.
Nearby places of worship at the gardens include St George's Cathedral (seat of South Africa's Anglican Church) and the Great Synagogue. There is also a Holocaust Centre.
Watching over the area is a statue of Sir George Gray, the Cape Colony's governor from 1845 to 1862. There are also the Cecil John Rhodes statue and the Delville Wood Memorial Garden (commemorating the battle of Delville Wood in WWI where many South Africans lost their lives). These are further examples of the historical importance of the gardens.
Before you leave, take a stroll along the main avenue for a chance to see some of the city's fine arts and crafts.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Company's Garden Visitor Centre and Information Office
Tel: +27 (0)21 400 2521
Cape Town Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800
How to get here
The Company's Garden is right in the heart of the Cape Town city centre, within easy walking distance of Cape Town Station, Greenmarket Square, Long Street and other well known landmarks.
Around the area
Attractions surrounding Company's Garden include Green Market Square, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and the Castle of Good Hope.
Tours to do
There are good walking tours of central Cape Town that take in the Company's Garden - check the listed Cape Town Tourism website for options.
Get around
Central Cape Town is a walker's delight. Just take the normal precautions you would in any other major world city. The City Bowl area is very well policed.
What will it cost
Entrance to the garden is free.
Length of stay
Spend between 1 and 5 hours here.
Where to stay
Try one of the avant garde hotels in Long Street as part of your central Cape Town experience.
What to eat
Down the side streets of central Cape Town you will find some of the most exquisite lunchtime bistro's.
What's happening
Cape Town is abuzz with festivals and special events - check the listed Cape Town Tourism website for happenings during your stay.
Best buys
Local arts and crafts at the nearby Greenmarket Square.