If there is only one thing you do in Cape Town, then it must be the Understanding Cape Town tour. It will provide you with insight and understanding of the history and make-up of this fascinating city. And it will make you understand the entire South African story. With this knowledge, you will enjoy the rest of your visit to the city and country much more!

This 4-hour walking tour is easy, covering 3,5km and provides you with insight into the city, and South Africa as a country. It is a tour for the curiously minded, but it also includes plenty opportunity for sightseeing, photography, experiencing the vibe of the city – and even a stop or two for drinks and sampling a local delicacy along the way.

The tour focuses on the background story of Cape Town. We start off with the 1870s Industrial Revolution and the Scramble for Africa before returning to pre-colonial history and moving on all the way to the 20th Century. Mesmerizing storytelling is what to expect!
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔  The fee is for guiding/storytelling.
✖  Any food or drinks along they way is for the customer's own account on the day.
Departure & Return
Departure:  ,

We meet at the Native Roasters Coffee Counter inside Ginja Restaurant at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, V&A Waterfront. Find the entrance next to Nobel Square with the Nobel Peace Prize sculptures, opposite the Time Out Market

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Itinerary
1
V&a Waterfront The tour starts at Ginja Restaurant at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, V&A Waterfront. Simply the spot with the best view of the city and Table Mountain, as well as the surrounding harbour - originally excavated under the supervision of Prince Alfred, son on Queen Victoria in the era of British expansion into Africa.

Duration:  30 minutes

2
We amble along the walkways of the Canal District, stopping along the way for storytelling and take in the views from Battery Park with its skate park, basket ball courts and more. A great green rooftop space in the city.

Duration:  30 minutes

3
From the Waterfront we walk into the Foreshore area of the city, built on 194 ha of land reclaimed from the sea and today dominated by modernist buildings, before walking to the more historic part of the city.

Duration:  30 minutes

4
We stop for drinks, storytelling and one of the best views in the city. From here you can see Green Point Stadium, the Waterfront, Table Bay, Blouberg, the Foreshore, the old city centre and of course Table Mountain. It is also the best viewspot from which to photograph the colourful and historically-significant Bo-Kaap district.

Duration:  45 minutes

5
The tour ends at this historic complex of buildings dating the the 1750s. Today the home of a boutique hotel and a number of eateries, restaurants, bars and retail spaces. The courtyard boasts the oldest grapevine in the city!

Duration:  15 minutes

6
Greenmarket Square We admire the incredible Art Deco buildings surrounding the square and pause for some curio market browsing too

Duration:  15 minutes

7
St Georges Mall We explore maginficent architecture and history along this pedestrianized street.

Duration:  25 minutes

8
Company's Gardens We explore the spectacular garden that started out as a vegetable garden for the Dutch East India Company but became a Victorian Park over time. Today it is a stellar city park in the heart of Cape Town.

Duration:  20 minutes

Additional info
•  Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
•  Service animals allowed
•  Public transportation options are available nearby
•  Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Free cancellation
 11
Price:
From $76.16
Ticket:
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
duration:
4 hours
Guide in:
English   
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Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.