How long does it take to walk through District Six?

A typical self-guided walk takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes roughly 30 minutes to explore the District Six Museum and time to walk the 1.5-kilometer route through the 'fringe' to the CPUT campus.

Is it safe to walk in District Six?

Yes, walking through District Six is generally safe during daylight hours. It is recommended to stay on the main streets like Buitenkant and Hanover Street and, as in any city, remain aware of your surroundings.

What happened to District Six?

District Six was a vibrant, multi-racial community until 1966, when the apartheid government declared it a 'white-only' area. Over the next 15 years, houses were bulldozed and over 60,000 residents were forcibly moved to the sandy outskirts of the city known as the Cape Flats.

Can I see the original houses in District Six?

Very few original structures remain, as most were demolished. You can see St. Mark’s Anglican Church and a few buildings on the 'fringe' near Buitenkant Street, but much of the district remains an open field of grass and original stone foundations.

Is the District Six Museum worth visiting?

Absolutely, it is widely considered one of the most moving museums in South Africa. It provides essential context for the neighborhood stroll, showcasing personal artifacts, photographs, and the famous floor map signed by former residents.

When is the best time to do this walking route?

The best time is weekday mornings around 10:00 AM. This ensures the museum and local landmarks like Charly's Bakery are open, and the area is active with local students and workers.

Can I do this walk with children?

Yes, the walk is educational and relatively flat, making it family-friendly. The colorful cakes at Charly's Bakery are a popular stop for families, though the history of the area is somber and best suited for older children who can engage with the stories.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Walk through the echoes of a community that once pulsed with jazz, laughter, and solidarity. District Six remains one of the most poignant symbols of South Africa’s complex history. In 1966, this vibrant multicultural neighborhood was declared a 'white-only' area under the Group Areas Act, leading to the forced removal of over 60,000 residents and the demolition of their homes. Today, much of the land remains a grassy scar on the face of Cape Town, serving as a powerful monument to memory and the enduring human spirit. On this self-guided walk, you will explore the physical and emotional landscape of this historic district at your own pace. This walking route begins at the District Six Museum, a sanctuary of memory housed in a former mission church. From there, you will navigate the 'fringe' of the city, where the surviving architecture meets the empty fields where houses once stood. You will encounter landmarks like the Homecoming Centre and the Fugard Annex, spaces that have transitioned from sites of struggle to hubs of creativity and storytelling. The route also takes you past the iconic Charly’s Bakery, a splash of color in a neighborhood defined by its somber past, and St. Mark’s Anglican Church, one of the few original structures to survive the bulldozers. As you move toward the Cape Peninsula University of Technology campus, you will witness the ongoing tension between urban development and the right to return. This neighborhood stroll is not just a history lesson; it is an invitation to witness the resilience of a community that refuses to be forgotten. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a local, this self-guided adventure offers a deep, reflective look at the human rights struggles that shaped modern South Africa. Discover the stories of Hanover Street, the music that once filled the air, and the people who still call this land home in their hearts. This walking tour Cape Town provides a quiet space for reflection amidst the bustling city center.

Highlights

Visit the District Six Museum, a world-renowned site of memory

See St. Mark's Anglican Church, a rare survivor of the 1960s demolitions

Explore the Fugard Annex, celebrating the legacy of playwright Athol Fugard

Walk the 'fringe' where historic architecture meets contemporary street art

Discover the site of the former Hanover Street, the neighborhood's lost heart

View the colorful Victorian facade of the famous Charly’s Bakery

Tour Stops (6)

District Six Museum

Welcome to the starting point of your self-guided walk. This building was once the Central Methodist Mission Church, a place of sanctuary during the dark days of apartheid. In 1994, it became the District Six Museum, a space dedicated to the memory of the 60,000 people forcibly removed from this area. Inside, the floor is covered by a massive hand-drawn map of the district as it once was. Former residents have come here to mark where their houses stood, reclaiming their place in history. The 'Memory Cloth' hanging here contains the signatures and messages of those who lost their homes. This museum serves as a reminder that a community is not just made of bricks and mortar, but of the relationships and stories shared between neighbors.

Homecoming Centre

A short walk brings you to the Homecoming Centre, located in the historic Sacks Futeran building. This space was originally a soft goods warehouse, but today it serves as an extension of the District Six Museum. It is a place for dialogue, art, and education. The name 'Homecoming' reflects the ongoing struggle and hope of former residents to return to the land from which they were evicted. Look around at the rotating exhibitions that often feature photography and oral histories. It’s a bridge between the trauma of the past and a future where justice and restitution are still being sought by the families of District Six.

The Fugard Annex

This building is part of the legacy of the Fugard Theatre, named after the world-famous South African playwright Athol Fugard, known for his powerful anti-apartheid plays. The Annex and the main theatre were built within the shells of a former congregational church and a warehouse. The architecture here is a beautiful example of how old structures can be repurposed to serve the arts. District Six was always a hub of creativity, particularly jazz and musical theatre. By bringing world-class performances to this specific location, the creators aimed to honor the cultural spirit that the apartheid government tried to erase. It stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in the face of oppression.

Charly's Bakery

In the midst of this historical journey, you’ll find a vibrant burst of color at Charly’s Bakery. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building, this family-run institution is famous for its 'Mucking Afazing' cakes and its role in the local community. While it is a popular spot for a treat, it also represents the revitalization of the 'East City' or the 'Fringe' district. The bakery has long been a supporter of local social justice causes, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the old District Six. The murals on the exterior change periodically, often reflecting the creative and quirky energy of Cape Town’s artisan community.

St. Mark's Anglican Church

As you walk further into the district, St. Mark's Anglican Church stands as a lonely sentinel. Built in 1867, it was one of the very few buildings left standing when the rest of the neighborhood was razed to the ground. The apartheid government generally spared religious buildings, but they stood as empty shells in a wasteland once the congregations were moved miles away to the Cape Flats. For decades, the church remained a symbol of defiance. On Sundays, former residents would travel long distances back to their old parish, keeping the spirit of the community alive even when the houses were gone. The simple stone architecture hides a wealth of resilience within its walls.

CPUT - District Six Campus

You are now standing at the edge of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). This campus was built on the site of the demolished homes, a move that was highly controversial at the time. It was seen by many as an attempt to permanently occupy the land and prevent residents from ever returning. Today, the campus is a place of learning for thousands of students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend university. However, the empty fields surrounding the campus remain a point of contention and a site of ongoing land restitution claims. This is where the past meets the present, and where the future of District Six is still being written.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided audio walk is the best way to experience District Six at your own pace. This allows you to spend extra time at the District Six Museum on Buitenkant Street and reflect quietly at landmarks like St. Mark's Church without the pressure of a group.