22° · Clear nowBest time: Tomorrow 10 amEven the bins look good in this light.
MuseumObservatory
South African Astronomical Observatory
- 4.7428 reviews
- Closed now
Historic national astronomy centre founded in 1820, open to the public on booked Open Nights with a talk and telescope viewing.
Quick answers
South African Astronomical Observatory in short
When is South African Astronomical Observatory open?
Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; Sat–Sun closed. Hours checked on 6 November 2026.
When is the best time to visit South African Astronomical Observatory?
It's at its best mornings and afternoons. Wedar also scores every hour of the next five days against the forecast; see the best time on this page.
Is South African Astronomical Observatory indoors or outdoors?
Both indoors and outdoors: partly covered, so it works in light rain.
Is South African Astronomical Observatory good for kids?
Sometimes: Open Nights suited to ages 12+; under-6s free per some listings.
How much does South African Astronomical Observatory cost?
Tickets R50 per person.
Do you need to book South African Astronomical Observatory?
Yes, you need to book ahead.
More questions (3)Fewer questions
How long do you need at South African Astronomical Observatory?
About 2.5 hours.
Where is South African Astronomical Observatory?
1 Observatory Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925.
Is South African Astronomical Observatory wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible parking, wheelchair accessible entrance.
Status, rating and hours checked on 6 November 2026; kids, cost, booking and setting verified by the Wedar team. Where our data comes from
Right now · 7:00 pm
Why it fits right now
Closed right now.
Opens tomorrow 9 am.
Worth knowing
- Book ahead
22°
Clear
- Feels
- 21°
- Rain
- 0%
- Wind
- 16km/h
- 8pm
19° - 9pm
19° - 10pm
18°
The next five days
Best time to go
When your plans and the weather actually get along. Scored on the forecast, its opening hours and when it's at its best. Tap a time to see it.
Before you go
Plan your visit
Hours
Closed nowmonday8:30 AM–4:30 PM
All hoursFewer hours
- mondayToday
- 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- tuesday
- 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- wednesday
- 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- thursday
- 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- friday
- 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- saturday
- Closed
- sunday
- Closed
Hours checked 6 Nov
Where and how
- 1 South African Astronomical Observatory
- 2 Omilo Greek Kitchen · 5 min
- 3 Sushi Wave Bar · 12 min
- 4 Linko Restaurant · 14 min
- 5 The Wild Fig Restaurant · 14 min
Good to know
- Kids: Open Nights suited to ages 12+; under-6s free per some listings
- Tickets R50 per person
- Book ahead
- Allow about 2.5 h
- Step-free entrance
From visitors and the venue
What it's like
4.7from 428 reviews
Known for
- Open Nights
- Telescope viewing
- Night tours
- Historic telescopes
What people say
- People like:
- Star gazing, night tours, friendly staff, informative lectures
- Worth knowing:
- Weather can limit stargazing; tickets sell out
Around Observatory
Nearby
Within about a 15-minute walk.
Good nowOmilo Greek KitchenGreek · 5 min walk
Good nowSushi Wave BarSushi · 12 min walk
Good nowLinko RestaurantRestaurant · 14 min walk
Good nowThe Wild Fig RestaurantFarmhouse · 14 min walk
On nearby
For the next three hours
What to wear to go there now
Nothing extra: dress as you like.
Nothing extra. Dress as you like.