27 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN ON A BUDGET

There is a seemingly endless list of fun things to do and tourist attractions to explore in Cape Town and the surrounding areas, and the list continues getting longer. The most frequently asked question by visitors is whether it is possible to have fun and visit Cape Town’s popular tourist attractions on a tight budget.

We’ve put together a list of 27 inexpensive activities to do in and around Cape Town to help make your trip as enjoyable and memorable as you can.

To save more money on your Cape Town trip, we recommend getting a City Pass Card for generous discounts or free entry to Cape Town’s top attractions – Over 70 popular Cape Town attractions, tour activities, and restaurants!

1. CAPE POINT VINEYARDS PICNIC

Even though its name is “Cape Point” is located in Noordhoek. Picnic set up at Cape Point Vineyards includes picnic blankets and prism-shaped pillows to be used during your stay – a perfect prop against which to recline and soak in the Noordhoek beach, mountains, and vineyard views. Sources such as Getaway Magazine, The Inside Guide, Cape Town Magazine, and Eat Out, regularly refer to Cape Point Vineyards as one of the best Vineyard Picnic experiences in and around Cape Town.

Price: R590 for 2 people (R295 per person)

2. HOP-ON HOP-OFF FRANSCHHOEK WINE TRAM

The best and most cost-effective way to explore the Franschhoek Valley is by Franschhoek Wine Tram. You will ride a combination of hop-on hop-off Tram and bus, and visit up eight wine farms.

Price: R280 per person (Wine tasting: from R45 per session)

3. CAPE WHEEL

The Cape Wheel has a new location! Take in the breath-taking views of Granger Bay, Robben Island, Table Mountain, and Signal Hill from the new location on Breakwater Boulevard at the V&A Waterfront. The new location offers elevated views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill, The DHL stadium and so much more.

Adult from R175 | Child R95 (standard) FREE ride on your birthday month. Sky Dining (Cape Wheel provides basket and table placing – you bring your own food) Sky Dining Adult R320 | Sky Dining Child R150

Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00am to 21:00pm | Friday to Saturday 10:00am to 22:00pm | Sunday 10:00am to 21:00pm

4. TABLE MOUNTAIN AERIAL CABLEWAY

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway provides access to the top of Table Mountain for the finest view of the Mother City. The ride is a gentle one, the rotating state-of-the-art cable car takes approximately 5 minutes to reach the top, 3500ft above the city. Expect to spot a wide array of birdlife from eagles to sunbirds flying above great patches of fynbos, rock hyrax, lizards, and the odd porcupine.

R340 per adult for afternoon return

R170 per child for afternoon return

NB: The Cableway will be closed for annual maintenance as from 24 July 2023 until 6 August 2023.

5. ROLLERCADE AT BATTERY PARK

Rollercade is the 1st indoor roller-skating amusement park in Cape Town. Providing a safe and friendly environment for the entire family to enjoy roller-skating, a game of pool or just to sit back and enjoy the music. They also have dedicated party areas for company functions.

R80 bring your own skates. (No metal wheels allowed).

R150 2-hour session includes rental of skates and safety gear. R40 attendance fee for spectators. Come enjoy the entertainment and arcade.

6. BLUE TRAIN PARK IN MOULLE POINT

The Blue Train Park in Moulle Point is the only beachfront miniature railway that has survived in South Africa. Besides the Mini Blue Train, the park also has a mini-skate park, a 30m zip-line, 2x8m long slide, cement push bike track, pedal push carts, an obstacle course, climbing rock, two jungle gyms, an astro turf soccer pitch, and put put field.

Price: R35 (includes one free train ride)

7. CITY WALKING TOURS

Learn about the history and other interesting facts about the colourful neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap and Cape Town city centre while you savour the beautiful sights and scenery with Free Walking Tours. You have an option for a historic city tour, an Apartheid to Freedom tour, or a Bo-Kaap tour.

Price: Free, but tips are encouraged

8. WALK AROUND GREEN POINT PARK

The beautiful Green Point Urban Park with stunning views of Signal Hill and Lion’s Head is family-friendly space is perfect for picnics, walks, and runs. With a host of facilities like a biodiversity showcase garden, an outdoor labyrinth or maze, an open field, an amphitheatre, an outdoor gym and a play park for children, this is a park worth exploring.

Price: Free

9. SWIM IN TIDAL POOLS

Tidal pools are rocky pools built along our coastline that provide a safe, family-friendly place to swim and play. These man-made pools along Cape Town’s coast are also the perfect picnics. Our favourite ones are Maiden Cove in Camps Bay and St. James in Muizenberg, and Dalebrook in Kalk Bay.

Price: Free

10. SEAL ISLAND TOUR – HOUT BAY

This is a 40-minute cruise from Hout Bay harbour to Duiker Island, the Seal Colony beneath the well-known Sentinel Mountain where you can view thousands of Cape Fur Seals in their natural environment.

Price: From R110 per person (Various operators)

11. TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM

Make lasting memories with truly unique experiences at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Step into their world with guided behind the scenes tours, meet the too-cute rockhoppers with a penguin experience, and explore the Aquarium from the other side of the glass with adventure diving experiences and PADI courses at their Dive School.

Price: R235 per adult and R110 – R175 per child (Day Pass)

12. THE CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE

The Castle of Good Hope is considered to be the best-preserved example of a 17th-century architectural structure in the world and has also acted as the local headquarters for the South African Army in the Western Cape. Today, it houses the Castle Military Museum and ceremonial facilities for the traditional Cape Regiments.

Price: R25 – R50

13. HINT HUNT EXPERIENCE

Create lasting memories through exciting adventures with strangers or friends. Solve problems and puzzles using clues before time runs out. As one of the first Live Escape Games to open globally in 2012, HintHunt is considered to be a pioneer and is largely responsible for kicking off the Escape Game craze which has since swept the world. Since being the first of its kind in Africa, HintHunt Africa has expanded by locally developing a range of live experiences.

Price: From R295 per person

14. LIVE MUSIC SHOWS AT THE MOJO MARKET

The Mojo Market is a vibrant indoor 7-day-a-week food and lifestyle market with daily live music by local artists. It is an eclectic mix of retail stalls, 4 bars, food vendors offering international cuisines as well as a venue for sports watching.

FREE entrance

30 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 8am – 12pm

15. FIRST THURSDAYS

On the first Thursday of every month, arts and culture in Cape Town come alive, with dozens of art galleries and cultural events showcasing the wealth of local talent to ensure your First Thursday is catered to your own specific preferences. Website: www.first-thursdays.co.za/

Price: Free

16. THE OLD BISCUIT MILL

The Old Biscuit Mill has it all, from goods markets, eateries, and fresh produce. Indulge in artisanal and gourmet foods at the Neighbourgoods Market, which takes place on Saturdays (09:00am – 17:00pm) and Sundays (10:00am – 16:00am).

Price: Free entry

17. CYCLE THROUGH CAPE TOWN AND SEA POINT PROMENADE

Rent a bicycle from Up Cycles at the Sea Point Pavilion and explore Cape Town at your own pace. Pedal along the Promenade and make your way to the CBD or Camps Bay for a refreshing drink. You’ll get to have fun while exercising and take in Mother City’s beautiful attractions, including Green Point Park and The DHL stadium. You can return the bike to any Up Cycles stations located in Camps Bay, Sea Point, and V&A Waterfront.

Price: From R90 for 1 hour

18. ZEITZ MOCAA

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is a public, not-for-profit institution that exhibits, collects, preserves and researches contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora; conceives and hosts international exhibitions; develops supporting educational, discursive and enrichment programmes; encourages intercultural understanding; and strives for access for all.

Price: R230 per adult Children under 18 receive free entry Free entry for South African citizens every Wednesday from 10am to 13pm Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 18pm (with last entry at 17.30pm)

19. THE MIRAGE BOAT CRUISE

See the splendour of the Mother City laid out before you, in all her breathtaking, scenic glory.  The Mirage offers 1-hour daily trips out to Sea Point or Granger Bay, weather dependant. The Mirage offers a full-service cash or card bar as well as some light snacks to purchase onboard.

Price: Adult from R300 | Child from R200 (1 hour – daily and weather dependant)

20. SWIM WITH PENGUINS AT BOULDERS BEACH

Visit the African penguins at Boulders Beach to learn more about them or swim with them.

• South African Citizens and Residents (with ID): R44 per adult and R22 per child
• SADC Nationals (with passport): R88 per adult and R44 per child
• Standard Conservation Fee (International Visitors): R176 per adult and R88 per child

21. STAND UP PADDLE AT BATTERY PARK

No hazards and no waves, makes the canals an ideal place for your first time and will make you more comfortable and confident on the board. If you still don’t feel comfortable with Stand-Up-Paddling, you can opt for a kayaking session.

R250 for 1 Hour Session R200 for 30 mins Session

22. HIKE UP LION’S HEAD

This is one of the best and most moderate hikes in Cape Town. Lion’s Head is a mountain situated between Table Mountain and Signal Hill and peaks at 669 metres above sea level.

Price: Free

23. CHAPMANS PEAK DRIVE

Chapman’s Peak Drive is considered one of the best coastal and scenic drives in the world. No Cape Town trip is ever complete without a drive or picnic here.

Price: R57 per car to drive across or FREE if you just want to go to the picnic spot.

24. CITY SIGHTSEEING HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS

Explore most of the major tourist attractions at unbelievable value and convenience on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, City Sightseeing.

• Valid for all 3 Hop-On Hop-Off loops
• Commentary is available in 15 languages
• Comfort and safety in the open-air/inside the bus
• 1 Full day on the bus (Hop-On Hop-Off experience)

NB: The red bus passes at Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Groot Constantia wine farm, Hout Bay (Seal Island Tour), Camps Bay, Clifton, Sea Point, Green Point, V&A Waterfront, Two Oceans Aquarium, and Long Street.

Adult R259 | Child R150 | Infant Free

25. VISIT THE CAPE POINT NATURE RESERVE

Visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve to experience the rugged rocks and sheer cliffs towering more than 200 metres above the sea and cutting deep into the ocean from the lighthouse. This reserve falls within the southern section of Table Mountain National Park. You can expect to spot baboons, ostriches, bonteboks, elands, and so much more.

PRICES:

• R94 for adults and R47 for children (South Africans)
• R188 for adults and R94 for children (SADC Nationals)
• R376 for adults and R188 for children (Internationals)

26. V&A HARBOUR AND SEAL CRUISE

Life in and around the Victoria and Alfred basins is busy. On this trip, you will cruise in a red City Sightseeing open-boat and you will spot anything from resident seals to international ships visiting our shores. You will also learn more about Cape Town’s proud nautical history.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS:

• See the Cape Fur seals up close
• Close-up views of seals and ships
• Comfort and safety in the open-air
• Hear about Cape Town’s nautical history
• Listen to the legends and stories of the V&A

Price: R64 per adult and R35 per child

27. EXPLORE KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

Spend a day out in nature with a self-guided tour around Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain.

PRICES:

• R100 (Discounted fee for South African Residents and SADC Nationals 18 years and older with ID/proof of residency)
• R140 discounted fee for African residents outside SADC 18 years and older (with ID/proof of residency)
• R60 Students/learners of 18 years and older from a South African institute (with student card)
• R40 all children from 6 to 17 years
• Free all children under 6 years
• R220 standard adult (International visitors)

WHERE TO STAY

THE CAPITAL 15 ON ORANGE

A spectacular urban oasis with distinctive design. The Capital 15 on Orange Hotel is set within Cape Town’s richly historical Company’s Garden and anchored by Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. The showstopper here is their underground Grotto Spa and Bar at Cape Town’s only Mangwanani Signature Spa. This is a Spa like no other, check out the video here.

THE CAPITAL MIRAGE

Stylish, spacious, and situated in the heart of Uber-trendy De Waterkant area with stunning views of Bo-Kaap and near the city bowl and V&A Waterfront, The Capital Mirage is the ideal for those who enjoy the Cape Town city lifestyle and nightlife. If the city skyline isn’t enough, don’t worry because you are only minutes away from Sea Point and Green Point.

WINE AND SPA PACKAGE

Indulge in a luxurious winter escape at The Capital 15 on Orange with our exclusive Wine and Spa package for 2.

Package includes:

• Welcome platter
• Breakfast for 2 people
• Complimentary bottle of wine
• Accommodation in a luxury room
• 2 x 60-minute deep earth and warm lava stone full body massages

From R4 115 per night – all inclusive

Terms and Conditions apply.
Valid 1^st April – 31^st August 2023.
Book 24 hours in advance. Subject to availability.

COMPETITION TIME [WIN WIN WIN]

FLIP! What a Prize! WIN a HELICOPTER FLIP!!!

2-night stay at The Capital 15 on Orange and return flights from LIFT. All worth R30k! All you need to do is make a booking to stay at either of the Capital Hotels in Cape Town between May and the end of August 2023, and follow them on their social pages (Instagram or Tik Tok), and you will automatically be entered into a lucky draw to stand a chance to WIN this great prize.

PRIZE INCLUDES:

• Return flights with LIFT (ex JHB or ex DBN only).
• 2-Night stay in an Executive Suite with a mountain view for two people sharing, including breakfast at The Capital 15 on Orange.
• Enjoy an arrival platter on your first day and a romantic turndown on your second night, with a complimentary bottle of wine.
• The Hopper Tour on NAC Helicopters Cape Town is approx. 12 mins long and weather dependant.
• This amazing prize is for 2 adults sharing and must be redeemed before the end of September 2023.

Remember to research and plan your itinerary in advance to take advantage of any discounts or deals that may be available. With careful planning and budget-conscious choices, you can have a memorable visit to Cape Town without breaking the bank.

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