9 Reasons to Visit the Cape Town Company Gardens: from Art to Stars and Squirrels.

The Company’s Garden is a grand old lady located in the heart of Cape Town’s busy central business district. Established in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company, this exquisitely designed garden offers a refreshing respite from the bustle of the city. It is filled with interesting locations to see in addition to its verdant grounds, massive trees, and refreshing ponds and fountains.

Spend a day relaxing in the gardens instead of visiting the wineries, beaches, or mountains. There are countless opportunities to learn about the stars at the planetarium, the geology of the land at the Iziko SA Museum, the history of Jewish South Africans at the Jewish Museum, and the vast collection of art at the Iziko SA National Gallery.

And between? Enjoy a refreshing beverage at the tea room, relax on the lawns, and feed the ravenous squirrels.

We’ll begin at the side of Adderley Street and walk along Government Avenue in the Company Garden in Cape Town:

1. Light a candle

St George’s Cathedral is located at the entrance of the Company’s Garden as Adderley Street curves around the corner and becomes Wale Street. The Anglican Church of South Africa is housed in this lovely ancient stone church, which was constructed in the early 1900s to replace a smaller church that had been there since 1834. It’s worth visiting to admire its stunning stained glass windows and tall eaves, which were designed by Herbert Baker and Frances Masey.

In addition to being stunning, its chilly air is full of stories. Because of its involvement in the fight against apartheid, the Cathedral is referred to as “The People’s Cathedral.” During the dark days of Apartheid, people of all races were welcomed, which led to a lot of problems for all parties at different points in time. To honor South Africa’s democracy, take a few minutes to sit in the refreshing quiet and light a candle.

2. A squirrel! A squirrel!

Do not forget to purchase nuts for the ‘fauna’ of the gardens at the entry. Squirrels and their less attractive but fortunately more reserved cousins, rats, are abundant in the trees and roads. They all have a special fondness for a nut snack, or six. They’re incredibly gentle squirrels. Some may even eat from your hand, so find a quiet place to wait.

You might even run into this little guy, the renowned Albino Squirrel, if you’re lucky.

3. The Hangouts of the Big Brass

Parliament and Tuynhuys are the imposing structures on the left as you ascend Government Avenue. The government meets in the houses of Parliament, where it enacts laws and performs other crucial functions. Originally the residence of the Governor of the Cape, Tuynhuys was constructed in the eighteenth century. The president now uses it for state functions and to take pictures with important guests.

You can observe a parliamentary debate if you’re interested. Reservations must be made through the Public Relations Liaison Office (with your passport).

4. Take a moment to smell the roses.

The Public Garden, featuring the Herb and Succulent Garden, Aviary, Slave Bell, Rose Garden, and ancient Pear Tree, is located farther up on the right. It is believed that this saffron pear tree originated in the first food gardens about 1652. Nestled within the Public Garden is the tea garden, which is now undergoing renovations after being taken over by Madame Zingara, the culinary wizard of Cape Town. Make sure to stop at Haarlem & Hope, which opens in November 2014, for a sandwich or a piece of cake while admiring the trees.

Graffiti on trees is usually considered repugnant, but the bamboo (and refillable) graffiti next to the stately old tree has a certain charm. Be on the lookout for this organic representation of urban life.

5. Getting Creative

Old and modern art are on display in the South African National Gallery, which is located on the left of Government Avenue, right above the Public Gardens. A sizable permanent collection of South African, African, British, French, Dutch, and Flemish artwork can be found in the gallery.

You may anticipate seeing some of the most creative artists from South Africa (and beyond) on exhibit, ranging from paintings to sculptures, ceramics to beading. It’s a peaceful, cool spot for some creative reflection.

6. Get Fluent in Yiddish

Discover the amazing history of the South African Jewish community at the Jewish Museum, located behind the museum. It’s an amazing, interactive experience that walks visitors through the more than 150 years of South Africa’s Jewish history against the backdrop of the nation’s political and social development throughout that time. With its stunning spiral staircase in the middle, the building’s design is truly remarkable.

At the foot of the stairs, behind the shtetl, you won’t want to miss Isaac Kaplan’s Netsuke collection. Made of stone, wood, and bone, these small Japanese ritual figurines must be seen to be believed. Made in Japan between the 17th and 19th centuries, the statues’ finely carved details are only visible with a magnifying lens.

The Great Synagogue, South Africa’s oldest and possibly most exquisite synagogue with its exquisite spires, is located next door to the Jewish Museum. Visit Cafe Riteve across the courtyard for a cinnamon kichel and coffee.

The Holocaust Centre, a memorial to victims ruthlessly killed by the Nazi regime during World War II, is located above Cafe Riteve. A sobering reminder of the terrible consequences of discrimination and racism.

7. Exploring the Museum

Returning across Government Avenue, you can observe the pigeons circling over the Delville Wood sculpture and the Planetarium dome behind the Iziko SA Museum, silently observing the chaos below. Along with extensive displays of the animals, birds, and marine life found in Africa, this place lays out the continent’s geological, archaeological, and political history.

There are dinosaurs and a three-story whale well in the middle, complete with life-size whale skeletons and whale sounds that blend with children’s joyful cries. Don’t forget to take a photo at the??? jaws.

The interactive 3-D gaiasphere, Virtual Earth, is not to be missed. You can select from a variety of animations using a touch screen, ranging from meteorological forecasts to earth surface temperatures. This illustrates climate change and global warming in a clear and colorful way.

8. Observing the stars at the Planetarium in Cape Town

The Planetarium is located next to the museum. Enter and discover the night sky of Africa.

The dome above transforms into the galaxy when the lights go out and the massive, space-machine-like projector rises in the middle of the room, the stars glinting and moving like they would on the clearest Karoo night. It’s breathtakingly gorgeous. In addition, our stars have amazing stories to tell. Really, it’s kind of magical.

9. The Lady in Pink

Orange Street is crowded as one approaches the upper end of Government Avenue. Across the street, you can see the imposing entrance to the Belmond Mount Nelson, Cape Town’s most famous hotel. Since 1899, the wealthy and well-known have called this elegant historic hotel, which is lovingly known as the Pink Lady because of her pink color, home.