Built in 1894, this was once used to signal the time to ships in the bay; when the big red ball on the roof was lowered down a metal spike, ship's masters in the harbour could adjust their chronometers.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. The Springbok Experience

0.03 MILES

You don't have to be rugby crazy to enjoy this attraction, which celebrates the history of rugby in South Africa and, in particular, the trials and…

2. Maritime Centre

0.05 MILES

This small museum, stocked with model ships, houses the John H Marsh Maritime Research Centre (www.rapidttp.co.za/museum), a resource for those interested…

3. Cape Wheel

0.05 MILES

What was supposed to be a temporary attraction at the Waterfront has proved so popular that it's been made a permanent fixture. Your ticket gives you four…

4. Nobel Square

0.06 MILES

Here’s your chance to have your photo taken with Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Larger-than-life statues of both men, designed by the artist Claudette…

5. Robinson Dry Dock

0.13 MILES

One of the Waterfront's most fascinating sights is this large dry dock, opened in 1882 and still used to repair ships today. Named after Governor Sir…

6. Old Port Captain's Office

0.14 MILES

This beautiful gabled building, dating from 1904, was built for the Port Captain, whose office was previously located in the Clock Tower across the 'cut'…

7. Jetty 1

0.16 MILES

Preserved as a small museum is the Waterfront’s Jetty 1, from where boats sailed to Robben Island when it was a prison. You can view the tiny holding…

8. Chavonnes Battery Museum

0.16 MILES

This museum houses the remains of an early-18th-century cannon battery, one of several fortifications the Dutch built around Table Bay. It was partly…