Plan Your Visit to the Castle of Good Hope

Plan your visit

Find out the best times to go, how to get to central Cape Town, and what to wear for the cobblestone paths.

Castle of Good Hope

Corner of Castle and Darling Streets, Cape Town, 8001

GPS -33.926, 18.428

Open directions

Getting there

Getting to the Castle at the corner of Castle and Darling Streets.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Drive to the Cape Town Central Business District (CBD) at the corner of Castle and Darling Streets.	15-20 minutes from the V&A Waterfront	Parking fees vary	Street parking can be difficult to find; nearby paid parking garages or ride-shares are recommended.
Bus: Use the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus or Cape Town's MyCiTi bus system.	Varies by departure point	MyCiTi fares depend on distance; Sightseeing bus requires a day ticket	Both options drop you within a short walking distance to the Castle entrance.
Walk: Walk from nearby CBD locations like the Grand Parade or Cape Town Station.	5-10 minutes from central CBD hubs	Free	The route is flat and highly pedestrian-friendly.
Tour: Join a guided city walking tour that includes the Castle in its itinerary.	1-3 hours depending on the tour package	Varies by operator	Guided tours often provide deeper historical context and sometimes include skip-the-line entry.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

The site is open 363 days a year. The best time to visit is from November to March for warm, dry weather. Arrive in the morning to beat the afternoon heat.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes for the uneven cobblestone paths
Sunscreen to protect against the strong Cape Town sun in the open courtyard
Hat or cap for extra shade while exploring the ramparts
Smartphone or camera to photograph the historic architecture and mountain views
South African ID card if you want to claim the SA pensioner discount
Cape Town City Pass if you plan to use it for free entry
Light jacket or windbreaker as Cape Town weather can change quickly
Bottled water to stay hydrated during your walk around the vast bastions

Your ticks are saved in this browser only.

Last ticket sales take place at 15:15 daily.

Plan to arrive well before this cutoff to see the exhibitions.

How the day runs

Make the most of your time at the fort.

Explore the Castle and nearby Cape Town highlights in a single morning.

09:00
Enter the Castle
Buy your R50 ticket or show your City Pass.
09:30
Walk the Bastions
Explore the five star points for city views.
10:30
Museum Collections
View the William Fehr Collection and military artifacts.
11:30
Head to Bo-Kaap
Walk or drive to the nearby historic neighborhood.

Practical Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes. The fort features uneven cobbled surfaces. Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the open courtyard receives strong sun.

If you plan to claim the SA pensioner discount, you must bring your South African ID card. Keep bottled water handy while walking the vast bastions.

Easiest way to do it

A group of tourists taking a selfie in front of colorful houses.

Private CapeTown City Highlights, Bo-Kaap,Castle of GoodHope Tour

5 h 30 min 4.9 (15)

Professional Drive & Guide
Private transportation
Entry/Admission - Castle of Good Hope
WiFi on board

From$80per person

Viator$80 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

What are the opening times for the Castle of Good Hope?

The Castle is open from 09:00 to 16:00. Last ticket sales happen at 15:15 daily.

Is parking available at the Castle of Good Hope?

Street parking in the CBD can be difficult. It is recommended to use nearby paid parking garages or ride-shares.

Is the Castle of Good Hope pet-friendly?

Yes. The site is pet-friendly, subject to standard leash and control policies.