Noon Day Gun
Noon Day Gun
4
Monday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
193 reviews
Excellent
91
Very good
68
Average
22
Poor
6
Terrible
6
alwyn1
Coventry, UK133 contributions
Feb 2020
We arrived early and listened to the interesting and informative talk given before the firing of the gun. That was well worth the visit.
What disappointed me was that the whole area, which has stunning views over Cape Town, seems to be in a state of decay and looks unloved. It wouldn’t take much to give the place a lick of paint, do some refurb work on the buildings and old shell storage bunkers and generally tidy it up. They could even set up some sort of museum to celebrate the history of the place. I’m sure visitors would pay an entrance fee for the upkeep of the place rather than it looking so sad and going to rack and ruin. Glad I went though.
What disappointed me was that the whole area, which has stunning views over Cape Town, seems to be in a state of decay and looks unloved. It wouldn’t take much to give the place a lick of paint, do some refurb work on the buildings and old shell storage bunkers and generally tidy it up. They could even set up some sort of museum to celebrate the history of the place. I’m sure visitors would pay an entrance fee for the upkeep of the place rather than it looking so sad and going to rack and ruin. Glad I went though.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Epistulas
18 contributions
We did this fantastic experience as a bit of an afterthought. Wondering what to do after a late breakfast in the city center. It is best to arrive about 20 minutes early before midday to hear a talk about the history of the firing of the gun. There was a small crowd present despite being the height of the tourist season, but plenty of space so you can get a great vantage point. It is probably best to have a car to get there and parking wasn't a problem although it would be possible to walk from the city centre up the hill side. Afterwards you can hang about and take some great pictures of the city below you. Overall, I highly recommend this free and fairly short experience as something different and historical. Just a note though that it doesn't fire on Sundays!
Written January 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Caio Andrade
Campinas, SP236 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
Ok, it is not easy go up the Bo-Kaap's streets under the noon sun, but this is a simple, cool and free activity to do in Cape Town, in one hour you are able to go and back to the Signal Hill from/to Long Street and still can see the gunshot exactly at noon.
This is the oldest Gun in activity whole the world, 15 minutes before the shot, a person talks about the history and procedures involved in this event.
This is the oldest Gun in activity whole the world, 15 minutes before the shot, a person talks about the history and procedures involved in this event.
Written April 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martin F
Cape Town Central, South Africa1 contribution
Mar 2022
Horrible COVID-19 protocols still in place. I was wearing a mask, was tripple vaccinated, sanitized, but still was locked out from the open outdoor field of the noon gun. I shall assume that the Navy command just forgot to bring these lazy officers back to their normal duty. Horrible central command structure.
Written March 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Al C
19 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
There is no public access to the gun right now. When you make it to the top of the hill, you'll find a closed gate with no guards present.
There are some decent city views from the front of the gate, but not worth the trip at this time.
There are some decent city views from the front of the gate, but not worth the trip at this time.
Written April 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shireen F
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa24 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
Having lived in Cape Town my whole life we decided to visit the noon gun for the first time ever. The view from the side of Signal Hill is amazing. Try to arrive about 20 minutes before noon to listen to the very informative talk by a member of the SA Navy. I see posts stating that the gun does not fire, If you actually go to the presentation you will see the gun being loaded with gunpowder before firing. Although one knows that the cannon will be fired it is still surprising to hear the blast and see the smoke billowing from the cannon. After watching this ceremony be sure to drive around to the top of Signal Hill where you will see many paragliders launching themselves from the side of the mountain as well as another breathtaking view of Cape Town.
Written December 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
971allison
81 contributions
Jan 2020
The gun is fired every day at noon. Having being shocked for a couple of days when it went off we decided to see it in action. There are 2 soldiers who set the gun off. One explained the history and how they load 2 guns in case one doesn't work. It is out of the way and not much to see there but it's still worth the visit and we are so glad we made it. Can highly recommend
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LanaDavies
Cape Town Central, South Africa183 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
It is only a very short walk from the carpark to where the noon gun canons will be set off at exactly 12pm every single day. The story behindvitvis most interesting and just be prepared for a loud bang... We take all our overseas friends to watch the gun go off and they just love it. It's a fantastic experience
Written September 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lynandgra2014
Bathurst, South Africa122 contributions
Aug 2020
So shell shocked after lock-down...checked my watch at the penny ferry bridge and remembered times past.
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John H
60 contributions
Sep 2019
We hear it every day, but to actually be there to watch and experience the Noonday Gun being fired is an earth quaking, heart stopping experience that you have to take visitors to Cape Town to see. Absolutely brilliant!
Written December 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Catherine M
New Malden, UK2 contributions
What is it's histkfy
Dianna B
Ocean View, DE27 contributions
If your asking what is its “history?”
The Noon Gun has been shot everyday since 1806 as a time signal for passing ships.
Noon Day Gun (Cape Town Central) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Noon Day Gun
- Noon Day Gun is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- We recommend booking Noon Day Gun tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Noon Day Gun tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Noon Day Gun:
- Half day Cape town City tour and Table Mountain (From $71.13)
- Full-Day Explore Cape Town Like a Local - Private Tour with Local Guide (From $160.05)
- Cape Town Halfday City and Table Mountain Tour (From $56.31)
- Cape Town Half Day City Tour with Table Mountain ticket (From $148.19)
- Half day City & Table Mountain Tour (From $114.52)
- Hotels near Noon Day Gun:
- (0.07 mi) Signal Hill Lodge
- (0.17 mi) Upperbloem
- (0.27 mi) Rose Lodge
- (0.44 mi) Rouge on Rose Boutique Hotel
- (0.41 mi) La Rose Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Noon Day Gun:
- (0.25 mi) Biesmiellah
- (0.42 mi) SeaBreeze Fish & Shell
- (0.45 mi) Iron Steak and Bar
- (0.49 mi) Osteria Tarantino
- (0.35 mi) Eastern Food Bazaar