Company's Gardens

When the Dutch East India Company arrived in the area of what is now Cape Town in 1652, one of the first things they did was create a garden to help feed the settlers. The Company's Garden still exists, today as a public park.
Company's Garden covers a whopping 19.76 acres in the middle of Cape Town, near the parliament building, and includes a fish pond, rose garden and multiple statues and monuments. There's a tea room restaurant on the grounds, and an 18th-century sundial. Attractions near the garden include the Iziko South African Museum, St. George's Cathedral and South Africa's National Library.
Of particular note among the many historic trees is the oldest cultivated pear tree in South Africa, planted around 1652.

Practical Info

Company's Garden is open daily in the summer from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and in winter from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free. There are many paths for walking or jogging, grassy lawns for relaxing or picnics, and there are brochures available at the Visitor's Centre that will lead you on a self-guided walk of notable features in the park.