Cape Town is packed with bucket-list attractions, but some of its most memorable experiences are tucked away where you least expect them. From wine estates and historic precincts to quiet neighbourhood streets, the city is home to museums that are anything but ordinary.
If you’re keen to mix things up and try something a little different, these museums are worth a visit:
Heart of Cape Town Museum
If you’re fascinated by science or love a powerful human story, the Heart of Cape Town Museum should be on your bucket list. This museum tells the story of the world’s first successful human heart transplant, performed at Groote Schuur Hospital in 1967. You’ll see a recreation of the operating theatre and hear behind-the-scenes accounts that changed the course of medical history. It offers an immersive museum experience for all ages. Guided tours run at 9am, 11am, and 1pm. The last tour is at 3pm and is available by prior booking only.
Location: Groote Schuur Hospital, Main Road, Observatory
Price: Walk-throughs start from R100 to R250, and the 90-minute guided tour starts at R250 for adults
Website: https://www.heartofcapetown.co.za
First South African Perfume Museum
Tucked away in the Cape Winelands, the First South African Perfume Museum, founded by the Kumanov family, offers a sensory experience. The museum celebrates the art and history of fragrance through a collection of perfume bottles, from antique treasures to modern designer pieces. You can explore interactive exhibits and learn how perfumes are created. Your ticket also grants access to nearby heritage attractions, including the Huguenot Memorial Museum, the Annex Museum, and the iconic Huguenot Monument. Just a short stroll away, Kumanov Perfumery hosts guided workshops where you can explore the art of fragrance-making.
Location: 13 Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek
Price: R100. Get your ticket at Kumanov Perfumery at 2 Huguenot St, Franschhoek
Website: www.perfumemuseum.co.za
Wijnland Auto Museum
Ever wondered about that famous plane you spot along the N1? You can stop to explore it, along with a feast of modern and classic cars at the Wijnland Auto Museum. This quirky museum grabs your attention straight away, and inside it only gets better. The collection is eclectic, featuring sleek Ferraris and Lamborghinis, vintage classics, and even a few weathered relics, each with its own story. And if you’re lucky, 92-year-old owner Les Boshoff might be around to share a few fascinating tales from the collection.
Location: 60 Tarentaal Road, Joostenbergvlakte
Price: R100 per person
Website: www.wijnlandautomuseum.co.za
SAS Assegaai Submarine Museum
For something completely different, head to Simon’s Town and step inside a real submarine at the SAS Assegaai Submarine Museum. This retired naval vessel has been transformed into a museum that offers a glimpse of life beneath the ocean’s surface. As you move through the tight corridors and compact rooms, you begin to appreciate what daily life was like for the crew. The guides share stories that bring the submarine’s history to life.
Location: Cole Point Parking Area, King George Way, Simon’s Town
Price: R80
Website: assegaaisubmarinemuseum.durablesites.com
Cape Town Museum of Childhood
If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted and nostalgic, the Cape Town Museum of Childhood offers an escape from reality. This interactive museum celebrates childhood in all its forms, from toys and games to personal stories and cultural traditions across South Africa. Kids can explore and play, while adults often find themselves reminiscing about their own childhoods. It’s the kind of place that sparks conversation and connection across generations.
Location: 3 Milner Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Price: Free
Website: www.capetownmuseumofchildhood.org
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