Cape Town is often advertised as an expensive city. Yes, it does have overpriced flairs and flourishes, but there are plenty of things to see and do in the Mother City that won’t burn holes in your pocket.
Besides trips to the beach – which won’t cost you a cent – Cheapflights.co.za highlights many other things to do in Cape Town for less than R200.
Wine Tasting
- A trip to Cape Town invariably includes a tour through the wine lands. Whether you pick Stellenbosch, Paarl, Hermanus, Constantia, Durbanville, Robertson or Franschhoek, you can be sure of tasting some of the best wine in the world.
- Tastings can cost anywhere between R15 and R50, depending on where you go, and many of the farms will include pairings – giving you the option of sampling wines, while nibbling on biltong, cheese, nuts or olives. There are even farms and estates that offer tastings for free, but even if you do have to lay down a note or two, it’s definitely worth it – just make sure you have a designated driver, because if you’re not spitting out the wine between sips, you’ll find yourself developing quite a happy buzz.
Boat Trips
- While walking along the water’s edge at the V&A Waterfront, you can be sure of being accosted by the über-friendly ticket-sellers trying to push you aboard a cruise through the harbour. Give into temptation, because you won’t be disappointed. Costing around R150, the cruises last about an hour and allow you to relax and enjoy the sights of the Waterfront and the sounds of the ocean, with Table Mountain creating a stunning backdrop. Keep your eyes on the water too, as you are sure to find seals splashing about, keeping you company during the trip.
- The harbour in Hout Bay is another great place to hop on board and take in the magnificence of Chapman’s Peak and Duiker Island. The Hout Bay boat trips are also cheaper, costing R70 for adults and R25 for children – and you’ll see far more seals, as Duiker Island is home to a large host of Cape fur seals that duck and dive through the water and pile onto the rocks to bask in the sun.
Two Oceans Aquarium
- If it’s marine life you’re after, then head to the Two Oceans Aquarium, which is also situated at the V&A Waterfront.
- It is open all year round and ticket prices range from R97 to R125, depending on whether you are an adult, pensioner, student or child, with children under the age of four getting in for free. Your ticket is valid for the whole day, giving you the option of popping out for lunch, shopping or a boat trip before returning again.
Boulders Beach
- Although you can see penguins at the aquarium, you also have the chance of seeing them in a more natural environment by visiting Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town for R60 (with children’s tickets at half the price). Boulders is home to more than 2000 African penguins that nest, breed and waddle about the beach.
- The penguin beaches are protected and managed by South African National Parks (SANParks), ensuring the safety and conservation of the endangered, flightless birds. A walkway has been built to give visitors an up-close-and-personal view of these delightful birds, but make sure you keep your hands to yourself!
District Six Museum
- Take in a bit of history by visiting the District Six Museum. Tickets cost only R30 and you can stay as long as you like.
- Situated in the heart of the city, the museum takes you through the vibrant and diverse life of the community established in 1867, before its gradual collapse during the apartheid years when more than 60 000 people were forcibly removed from their homes. It is an enduring and emotional tour, capturing the joy, the passion and the heartache of a community.
Cape Point
- Winding your way through the Cape Peninsula, and stopping off at Cape Point to clamber up to the lighthouse, is a must-do when visiting Cape Town. Entry costs are R110 for adults and R55 for children, but bear in mind that the drive out of Cape Town will take you about an hour. It is well worth it, as you will realise when you take in the awe-inspiring scenery around you.
- However, don’t let anyone fill your head with the nonsense that it is the southernmost tip of Africa. This honour goes to Cape Agulhas, about three hours from Cape Town, which is also the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
Grab A Beer
- Whether you sip on a local draught or indulge in craft, there are plenty of places to enjoy a cold beer in Cape Town.
- If you want to watch an important rugby or football match, Mitchell’s at the V&A Waterfront is a good bet and a great place to couple your cold beer with a delicious pizza. If you want to try something beyond the usual selection of Windhoeks, Castles and Black Labels, try the Beerhouse on Long Street.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
- Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is home to an abundant variety of Cape flora. Tickets for adults are R50, while students pay R25 and children over six, R10. Once inside you can enjoy a cool, calm walk or throw out a picnic blanket and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
- The ‘Boomslang’ was recently erected – a 130m long timber and galvanised steel walkway – letting you take a walk above the ground and through the treetops, while admiring the incredible views of the gardens and the city beyond.
- In summer, Kirstenbosch hosts concerts every Sunday just before sunset featuring local and international bands. Tickets are usually around the R100 mark, but sometimes less. The Galileo Open Air Cinema is also set up during summer, showcasing classic films while viewers snuggle under blankets and munch on food from local vendors.
Support Local Music
- On the musical note, there are various places you can visit to support local music.On the fringe of the city are Mercury and The Assembly, which regularly feature bands from across South Africa, with entry ranging between R30 and R100. Their drinks are also better-priced than in other parts of the city. If you want to spend even less, or nothing for that matter, you can go to De Waal Park in the summer, where free concerts featuring local bands are hosted on late Sunday afternoons.
Old Biscuit Mill
- You can easily spend more than R200 at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock.
Taking place every Saturday, entry into the market is free, but there is so much on offer – from coffee, smoothies, paella, cupcakes, macaroons, cheese, olives and honey to clothing, crafts, plants and jewellery, you can shop (and eat) till you drop. But if you’re just after an easy morning enjoying a cold beer or a hot breakfast while chilling with friends, you can easily stay below the R200 mark – just get there early, because by mid-morning it is overflowing with people!
