Historic City Walk
Don’t miss out on its beautiful historic buildings, museums and diverse history. See everything the Cape Town inner city has to offer with our Historic City free walking tour.
Vibrant Bo-Kaap Walk
Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, the Bo-Kaap is a popular location for film and photography – with its stone cobbled roads, bright coloured houses and the friendly faces of the community.
Free City Sightseeing Cape Town walking tours
City Sightseeing offers you an opportunity to explore the city on foot in two different tours – and they're free.
- All tours are free and operate on a tips-only basis (be nice)
- All Cape Town tours start at the City Sightseeing ticket office on 81 Long Street (stop 5) — just look out for the bright yellow umbrellas!
- All tours are guided in English
- Click to view the timetable
What to wear and bring: You’ll be walking the streets of Cape Town, some cobbled, so wear your comfiest pair of shoes and make sure your camera is fully charged to capture the charm of the city.
The Historic City Walk
You'll hear interesting stories about the city's rich history and heritage – from slavery to the apartheid era and the present day. Tour highlights include Greenmarket Square (where slaves were once sold), City Hall (where Nelson Mandela made his first speech as a free man) and the Company's Garden (home to the Cape's oldest living citizen)
Tours Depart
- on the hour, at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 (depart from the Long Street ticket office - Stop 5)
- Tour is 90 minutes long.
Vibrant Bo-Kaap Walk
The Bo-Kaap is known for its brightly coloured houses – think pink, green, blue and orange. Other tour highlights include Auwal Masjid (the first and oldest mosque in South Africa), the Bo-Kaap Museum and the spicy delights of Cape Malay food.
Tours Depart
- 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00 (depart from the Long Street ticket office - Stop 5)
- Tour is 90 minutes long.
Free Walking Tours FAQs
Are the walking tours in Cape Town free, or do I need to pay?
The tours are free of charge and operate on a tips-only basis (you’re welcome to tip your guide).
What routes are available on the free walking tours Cape Town South Africa?
There are two guided routes: the Historic City Walk (covering colonial, apartheid, and urban heritage) and the Bo-Kaap Walk (focusing on the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, its mosque, museum, and culture).
Where do the Cape Town free walking tours depart from?
All tours depart from the City Sightseeing ticket office at 81 Long Street (Stop 5). Look for guides in red uniforms holding red umbrellas.
How long is each Cape Town walking tour free option?
Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.
