One of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets is also a great place to seek relief from a sweltering summer day if the beach is packed. These lush, landscaped gardens are all that remain of a 43-acre tract laid out by Jan van Riebeeck in April 1652 to supply fresh vegetables to ships on their way to the Dutch East Indies. By 1700 free burghers (Dutch-speaking colonists no longer indebted to the Dutch East India Company) were cultivating plenty of crops on their own land, and in time the VOC vegetable patch was transformed into a botanic garden.

This historic site was at the heart of the first European settlement in Cape Town: The colony was set up to serve as a refreshment station for ships passing the tip of Africa to head to the east, and the Company's Garden was started as a farm to grow produce for them. Now it's a peaceful oasis in the middle of the Central Business District, with a series of beautifully manicured gardens and green areas where you'll find children chasing squirrels, office workers on lunch break, and any number of performers.

Cape Town has many magnificent, free-to-enter public parks and gardens, but this one is the oldest and by far the most popular. In the 17th century the Company’s Garden functioned as a veggie patch for the Dutch East India Company, and a small produce garden now commemorates the original purpose. Elsewhere there is an aviary, rose garden, small info centre, some grand monuments, and countless squirrels.

This restaurant, located where the first settlers in the Cape chose to plant their vegetable gardens in the Company’s Garden, opened to some controversy owing to their unsubtle appreciation for the early colonisers. But after a subtle rebranding, much seems to have been forgotten. Owing to their location in the Gardens and the steady flow of tourists, it’s a good place to go to sample local delicacies.

Without doubt Cape Town’s best known, and loved, green space the Company’s Garden has been here since the VOC (Dutch East Indian Company) arrived at the Cape in 1652 intent on supplying fresh produce to their ships on the spice trade route. The vegetable garden has recently been recreated, and there is a fine collection of botanical plants, shady trees and a list of historical features that include the oldest pear tree in the country and a memorial slave-bell. The gardens border on the Houses of Parliament, St George’s Cathedral, the National Library, and the South African National Gallery, amongst other buildings of historical relevance.

Meander around, grab a coffee from the Company’s Garden Restaurant and pick a shady spot to lounge in while the kids play giant chess and climb into the oversized ‘birds nests’. Another great spot for a picnic is Green Point Park, a delightfully unexpected green space in the heart of the buzzing Mother City. If you happen to be picnicking at the weekend, stop by the ever popular Oranjezicht Market at the Waterfront first to stock up on freshly baked bread, hummus, juice and pastries, then recline on a grassy spot or choose one of the available picnic tables.

This historic garden, first made public in 1848, is home to some important South African landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium, St George’s Cathedral, and the National Library of South Africa, to name a few. In recent years it’s become a haven in the middle of the busy city, where tourists and locals can stroll, throw down a blanket, and feed the squirrels. With botanically and historically valuable trees, a bird aviary, rose garden, and always-ravenous squirrels, this garden has stood the test of time.

The Company’s Garden is the green lung at the centre of the Mother City, a vibrant urban space where buskers entertain passersby, children play and office workers sun themselves during lunch hour. It is the oldest garden in South Africa and an important heritage site, originally created in the 1650s by the first Dutch settlers to provide fresh produce for ships rounding the Cape. The garden is home to some spectacular flora, including a huge ginkgo tree, rubber tree, ancient saffron pear and an 80-year-old bamboo plantation.

All the gardens Cape Town holds dear are steeped in historical significance and stand as a testament to the city’s rich heritage. Originating in 1652 The Company’s Garden under the auspices of the Dutch East India Company was made to make provision for their ships, this iconic garden adjoins several revered landmarks. Alongside the lodge house for historical city builders, it neighbours the Houses of Parliament, the Iziko South African Museum, and St. George’s Cathedral, among others.

Located bang in the middle of the city, and boasting gorgeous mountain vistas, Company’s Garden was established in the 1650s by some of the earliest settlers at the Cape. While appreciating the beauty of the garden, it is important to understand and acknowledge the colonial heritage of the area. This is made possible by the presence of copious historic buildings nearby, including the Slave Lodge, the Iziko South African Museum, the Houses of Parliament and many more.

The recently renovated Company Garden Restaurant is one of the most famous places to eat in the city and features a heritage vegetable garden and an awesome playground for children with a range of wooden carvings and swings. Expect to find lots of traditional dishes, but keep in mind that the service might be slow sometimes. Richard Griffin, who is the owner of a number of quirky restaurants in Cape Town, is the mastermind behind the Company Garden Restaurant.

A restaurant designed for children, families and visitors alike can be found in the heart of the Mother City, within the richly historical Company’s Garden. This gentle space, inspired by nature and stories from the past, provides a respite in the midst of a bustling urban metropolis. From early in the morning until late in the afternoon, the restaurant serves a variety of light meals, teatime favourites and traditional South African fare.

This inner-city greenbelt is shrouded in Cape history, having been established in 1652 by Dutch settlers. Today it’s a favourite lunchtime escape for weary office workers who come to relax in the garden’s manicured surroundings. There are also a number of museums in the vicinity, including the Iziko Museum’s South African Museum, the South African Jewish Museum, the District Six Museum, as well as the South African National Gallery.

The Company's Garden Restaurant is a tranquil slice of nature nestled within the historic Company's Garden. They serve a selection of light meals, time teatime favourites as well as a variety of traditional South Africa fare from early in the morning until late in the afternoon. From breakfast through lto late unch, every dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase flavours that reflect Cape Town's culinary uniqueness.

The Company’s Garden Restaurant, inspired by its natural surroundings, serves a selection of hearty breakfasts, light meals and authentic South African and Cape cuisine. There is an enchanting feel to this casual, family friendly restaurant where kids can play in weaved, human sized bird nests or on carved animals while you eat and keep an eye on them. There is also a human sized chess board.

These shady green gardens, which started as the vegetable patch for the Dutch East India Company, are a lovely place to relax. They are planted with a fine collection of botanical specimens from South Africa and the rest of the world, including frangipanis, African flame trees, aloes and roses. At the garden's southern end there's a re-creation of the VOC Vegetable Garden.

Dating back to the 1650s, the Company’s Garden was established by the East India Company as a vital source of fresh produce for ships. Today, it’s a peaceful haven of botanical beauty and historical significance, including South Africa’s oldest cultivated pear tree. The gardens are a testament to the city’s past, offering free entry and a journey through history.

The historic Company’s Garden in the heart of the city has seen a few upgrades for 2024, including enhanced picnic areas and improved pathways. With its tranquil setting, rich history, and convenient location near museums and galleries, this garden remains a city favorite. Squirrels, fountains, and leafy spaces make it a relaxing break from the urban hustle.

Take a stroll through 15 acres of gardens, designed by renowned landscape architect, Franchesca Watson. Nature lovers and green thumbs will delight in the meticulously cultivated flower beds, fruitful orchards and flourishing vegetable garden. Not only pretty, our gardens serve a purpose – providing fresh, sustainable, organic produce to our eatery.

What: Found in the heart of Cape Town, in the historic Company’s Garden is a restaurant that is made for families. They serve a selection of light meals and tea time treats with a South African flair. There is plenty for the kids to do at this child-friendly restaurant; a jungle gym, outdoor chess set, nest chairs and wooden animals to play on.

Just a hop and skip away from the city’s most well-known hotels, Company’s Garden offers a lush oasis in the middle of the CBD. If you’re not in the mood to travel far for your next picnic, Company’s Garden is the ideal location for a late afternoon picnic. Spread open your picnic blanket, sit back, and enjoy the warm Cape Town sun.

Company’s Garden is a historic park located in the heart of the city. The park dates back to the 17th century when it was established by the Dutch East India Company as a vegetable garden to provide fresh produce to crews on the passing ships. Today, Company’s Garden includes walking paths, benches, a fish pond and a playground.

Since it’s winter you may not immediately think of visiting Company Gardens, given its outdoorsy setting. But, you would be sorely mistaken, this is an unexpectedly lovely place to visit when the weather is cold. Cosy blankets and their fireplace will keep you toasty, as well as plenty of yummy menu options and coffee by Deluxe.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous galleries showcasing contemporary and local art, while the street’s central location makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions like the Company’s Garden, museums, and iconic landmarks. Perfect for those seeking a blend of culture, nightlife, and city living.

Next for things to do in Cape Town with kids is a charming restaurant within the serene Company’s Garden. This oasis in the city’s heart is popular with locals and tourists. The site is historically significant and a thriving urban space where buskers strum guitars and office workers sun themselves during lunch.

Company’s garden is the oldest garden in the country and only a 5-minute walk from Ashanti Backpackers. The garden is home to museums, historic buildings and art gallery. Nearby, you could also visit St George’s Cathedral, the Great Synagogue and the Holocaust centre.

Pack a picnic and soak up nature in the heart of the city at the Company’s Garden. Feed some squirrels, stroll through the artworks and statues or just have a relaxing picnic amongst the beds of flowers. Tip: Bring your camera, it’s a great spot for photography.

The Company's Garden is a large public park and botanical garden set in the heart of Cape Town, home to a rose garden, Japanese garden, fish pond and aviary. Roaming Company Gardens, past the back of Parliament and Tuynhuys, the President's official ...

The Company’s Garden is one of the prettiest parks in the center of Cape Town. Surrounded by big buildings and loud cars, the park is a quiet spot with interesting flora and fauna. There is even a small restaurant that offers local food.

Just past the South African National Gallery is Company Garden, which is the oldest garden in Cape Town. This green oasis is the perfect place for a picnic or a relaxing walk, and even has cafe to enjoy a bite under the trees.

The spacious outdoor area is ideal for playing and offers hanging basket playhouses between the trees and a vast chessboard. The kids' menu has popular favourites like cheese toasties, breaded chicken strips, and hamburgers.

In the heart of the Mother City lies one of Cape Town’s most visited attractions, the Company’s Garden. It is a firm favourite with families, especially over weekends. The restaurant is an ideal lunch or tea-time venue.

The Company’s Garden belonged to the VOC Dutch East Trading Company and was used to farm vegetables and fruit. It is the oldest public garden in South Africa. It is now home to museums and an abundance of squirrels.

Located in the city centre this slice of heaven is an oasis to escape to while visiting the city. The gardens are surrounded by History. Visit the Parliament building and museums that surround the garden.

This garden is the oldest vegetable garden in South Africa, which became a public park in 1848. It represents a veritable haven of greenery in the heart of the city and also houses a few museums …

The beautiful Company's Garden Restaurant does lunch from 12h00 onwards and it includes a soup of the day that’s served with grilled vegan ciabatta.

Feed the Squirrels at the Companys Garden, be warned, they start sneaking up on you in hordes and will follow you around for a bit to eat.

Today, Company’s Garden includes walking paths, benches, a fish pond and a playground. Its oak trees are over 150 years old.