The 'Disease and History' exhibit at this quirky museum details in length (with some gruesome photographs) the history of major diseases in the Cape, from scurvy to HIV/AIDS. Less horrific are a re-created Victorian doctor’s room and a pharmacy.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Breakwater Prison

0.04 MILES

Today it's Cape Town's Graduate School of Business, but in the past this complex housed thousands of prisoners whose hard labour helped build the V&A…

2. Two Oceans Aquarium

0.17 MILES

This excellent aquarium features denizens of the deep from the cold and the warm oceans that border the Cape Peninsula. It's a chance to see penguins,…

3. Robinson Dry Dock

0.21 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…

4. The Springbok Experience

0.24 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…

5. Time Ball Tower

0.24 MILES

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…

6. Nobel Square

0.26 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…

7. Cape Wheel

0.29 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…

8. Maritime Centre

0.29 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…