It’s time to have some fun in the Cape Town sun with our jam-packed list of fun and affordable things to do in Cape Town for R200 or less! One of the best things about the Mother City is that she welcomes absolutely everyone with open arms, a full heart and an inspiring and exciting line-up of things to see and experience. And there’s something for EVERYONE, plus it doesn’t need to cost you a fortune either, in fact some of it is even free! So, without wasting any more time, here are just some of the thrilling, fun and affordable things to do in Cape Town for R200 or less:
Fun & Affordable Things to Do in Cape Town
A fun day out at Maiden’s Cove Beach & Braai area
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Why not kick-start your exhilarating journey through Cape Town with one of the most beautiful sunset spots and look-out points in the Mother City? Tucked between the renowned Clifton Beach and Glen Beach, boasting spectacular views of Table Mountain, Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Maiden’s Cove is without a doubt a must-see on any visit to Cape Town, plus it’s completely FREE! This spot is great for swimming, sunbathing, sunset and sunrise missions and marine life watching, it also has a great braai area that can be enjoyed by all!
Cost: Free
Go on a city sightseeing tour of Cape Town: Red bus hop-on-hop-off experience
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This is definitely one of the most authentic, exciting and fun ways to explore Cape Town and see some of its most beloved landmarks and celebrated attractions. Known as the go-to experience for any Cape Town first timer, this double decker red bus offers its visitors their pick of a variety of routes jam-packed with a range of incredible sights. And the fact that it’s a hop-on-hop-off experience means that you are in full control of your Mother City adventure and can therefore choose your favourite spots to spend more time in.
Cost of Classic Hop-on-hop-off Tour: R200 p/adult | R110 p/child
Go for a wine tasting at Boschendal Wine Estate
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There is nothing more authentic to Cape Town culture than drinking wine, experiencing a true Cape Town style wine-tasting is therefore an absolute must for anyone visiting Cape Town. And believe it or not, wine tasting in the Mother city is actually a very affordable thing to do. About 40 minutes from Cape Town, tucked between the beautiful Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountains, lies the magnificent Boschendal Wine Estate, a true Cape Winelands gem and local fan-favourite. Boasting a variety of tasting experiences from the Under the Oak Tasting, Rose Garden Tasting, Boules and Bubble Tasting and the Cellar Master Tasting, to mention just a few, there really is something for everyone. You can even enjoy a variety of Vineyard and Cellar Tours for under a R100, how amazing is that?
RELATED: 12 Incredible Things To Do In Cape Town Off The Beaten Path
See the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach
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This is one Cape Town activity that will never loose it’s charm and is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Boulders Beach in Simonstown is home to our favourite Cape Town cool kids, the adorable, charismatic and ever-charming African Penguins. And by paying a conservation fee contribution of R39 p/adult and R20 p/child (South African Citizens) and R152 p/adult and R76 p/child (foreign visitors) you get to see these ocean beauties in their natural habitat living their best lives, and it really is worth every second! Besides this super cool African Penguin viewing experience, you can also spend the day on Boulders Beach and get the extra special opportunity of lounging on the beach and even taking a dip in the Atlantic with these Ocean cuties.
Enjoy live music & entertainment at the Bay Harbour Market
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The Mother City is at the very top of her market game & showing no signs of backing down, boasting some of the most vibrant and exciting market experiences around you better know you’re in for a quite a treat! And the live music and entertainment at one of the most beloved Cape Town markets of them all, the Bay Harbour Market really is worth every second! Open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, it invites you to enjoy a range of amazing stalls, soak up the scenery and enjoy the sounds of local artists, now that sounds like a great weekend, wouldn’t you agree?
Cost: Free
Fun for the whole family at the Zip Zap Dome
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An 80-minute show jam-packed with acrobatic tricks, juggling, trapeze, comedy acts and so much more, the Zip Zap Dome is a fun activity for the young and young at heart! They boast a variety of shows throughout the year all offering their audience something new and exciting, so be sure to keep an eye out. But one thing is for certain, it promises to be an exciting experience the whole family won’t soon forget.
Cost: R100 – R160
RELATED: 15 Most Essential Things To Do On Your First Visit To Cape Town
View the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in all its natural glory
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Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world, not only is it one of Cape Town’s most prized natural gems, but an absolute must for anyone visiting the beautiful Mother City. Kirstenbosch Gardens is jam-packed with so much to do and see, you can’t help but spend your whole day getting lost exploring its beauty and wonder. From sensational picnic spots, waterfalls, hiking trails, restaurants, walking trails and some of the most spectacular displays of Mother Nature at her best is just some of what you can expect. And not to mention, you get to enjoy all of this in the shadow of the renowned Table Mountain, how incredible is that!
Cost: Adults: R70 | South African Students (with student card): R40 | Scholars/Learners (6 – 17 years): R20 | Children under 6 years: Free
Visit the renowned Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
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A glorious gem of the Cape Town sky line and an iconic attraction that’s known to draw people from all corner of the globe, the Zeitz MOCAA is an absolute must-see on your visit to Cape Town. Situated in the trendy Silo District of the V&A Waterfront, the building in itself is a true architectural masterpiece, closely matching the spectacular works of art you’ll find inside. The largest collection of contemporary African art in the world is housed within its walls, spread over 9 floors and more than 100 galleries so you better believe this experience is worth every second!
Cost: Daily Admission: R190 p/adult | Under-18s are free on presentation of ID | Free entry for African citizens every Wednesday, between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m | Half-price admission of R 95 between 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. every first Friday of the month
Indulge your sweet tooth at Charly’s Bakery
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This is any lover of sweet treat’s dream come true! Widely known and celebrated as one of the most renowned places to go in Cape Town when you have a craving for something sweet, Charly’s Bakery has everything your sweet-loving heart desires. With a variety of delicious options on the menu, adding new tasty surprises ever so often there really is something for everyone to enjoy!
Enjoy a night at the Labia Theatre
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Besides being home to some of the most sensational landmarks and scenic sights in the world, Cape Town also boasts a vibrant and exciting performing arts and theatre scene you absolutely must check out. The Labia Theatre is definitely one of the Mother City’s most beloved theatre gems and is a fan-favourite amongst both locals and tourists alike. This old-fashioned movie house with a cool retro twist is the perfect opportunity to live out your old-school dreams while experiencing one of Cape Town’s classic attractions.
Cost: All shows are R50
RELATED: 40 Best Things To Do When In Cape Town
First Thursdays: Art, culture and a night out in the viby Cape Town streets
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On the first Thursday of every month the streets of Cape Town’s inner city becomes jam-packed with thousands of people looking to experience just a second of the Mother City’s celebrated artistic flair. Dozens of art galleries and cultural events put their very best foot forward to showcase the wealth of talent that the Mother City has on offer. This event is completely free and allows you total freedom to explore everything this incredible event has to offer on your terms. Once you’ve explored to your heart’s content you can enjoy one of the trendy restaurants and eateries for a bite to eat.
Cost: Free
Swim, sight-see and rock scramble at Silvermine Nature Reserve
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Silvermine Nature Reserve is located in the middle of the Table Mountain National Park and is any nature lover and thrill seeker’s dream come true. Hiking trails, cave discoveries, reservoir swimming, waterfall chasing and views that will render you speechless is just some of the magic you’ll experience while visiting this Cape Town gem. It is also the perfect opportunity for a fun-filled family day out!
And it can all be enjoyed with a conservation fee of only:
• South African Citizens and Residents (with ID): R31 per adult per day | R16 per child, per day
• SADC Nationals (with passport): R61 per adult per day | R31 per child, per day
• Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors): R122 per adult per day | R61 per child, per day
Enjoy a game of putt-putt on the Sea Point Promenade
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The Sea Point Promenade is without a doubt a local Cape Town favourite, boasting sensational views, a large boardwalk, trendy cafés and restaurants and a range of exciting activities, it really has just about EVERYTHING! And there’s nothing quite like a fun game of put-put to add that extra special touch! This fan-favourite Cape Town activity promises to put a big ol’ goofy grin on your face no matter how old you are!
Cost: One Game: R28 | Three Games per player: R56
Strawberry picking at Polkadraai
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This is every bit as delicious and fun as it sounds! The beloved and charming town of Stellenbosch is home to the Polkadraai Strawberry picking farm and promises a fun day out for the whole family. And the best is, you are free to pick strawberries to your heart’s content, how amazing is that? Besides thousand of juicy strawberries, the Polkadraai farm also offers a range of other fun activities for the kiddies to enjoy.
Cost: R40 – R190
Pay a visit to Cape Town’s largest township, Khayelitsha
A visit to the largest township in Cape Town, the vibrant Khayelitsha, not only adds an extra authentic touch to your trip to Cape Town but promises an experience you won’t soon forget. Home to the 18 Gangster Museum, The Department of Coffee (the first artisan coffee shop in Khayelitsha), the vibrant Khayelitsha craft market, and the look-out hill, Khayelitsha is jam-packed with incredible things and interesting sights to see and experience.
Explore one of the coolest streets in Cape Town, Bree Street
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Cape Town is no stranger to cool hangout spots and trendy locations, but Bree Street is definitely at the very top of its Cape Town cool game! Known as Cape Town’s best kept secret, Bree Street boasts a variety of boutique restaurants, viby bars, trendy hangout spots, retro hideaways, quaint coffee shops, art galleries and unique street-lined shops. Exploring Bree Street really is quite the treat!
Stroll through the Company Gardens
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Based right in the heart and soul of the Mother City, the Company Gardens is a beloved Cape Town heritage site and is also home to the South African Museum and the Cape Town Holocaust Centre. Known as the green lung of Cape Town, this natural oasis is lined with spectacular towering oak trees, stretches of green grass, path-lined benches, and even some adorable squirrels that are only to eager to share their space. There are also fountains, ponds, and tree lined walkways that shield the garden from the bustle of the city, creating a green, peaceful sanctuary, perfect to escape the hustle without really leaving it at all.
Cost: Free
Eat lekker local fish & chips at Kalky’s in Kalk Bay
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You absolutely cannot come to Cape Town and not indulge in one of its favourite local past-times, eating harbour-side fish and chips of course! Kalky’s is a true Kalk Bay hidden gem and without a doubt one of the very best fish and chips spots in the whole of Cape Town. No pretty frills or extravagance, just traditional fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, which is exactly the way it should be. Besides really good fish and chips, Kalk Bay was also recently named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, so you can definitely expect some really cool street-lined shops, cafés, restaurants and so much more!
RELATED: 20 Free Things To Do in Cape Town
Visit the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome
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This incredible Cape Town experience allows you to experience the starry night sky in a whole new way. Creating a space of innovation and discovery, the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome is the most advanced digital planetarium on the African continent and a fun experience for the whole family. The Iziko Cape Town Planetarium harnesses the power of digital technology, multiple projectors and the Minolta ‘Star Machine’ to showcase spectacular displays of the night stars any time of the day or night.
Cost: Adults (19 years & older): R60 | Children, students and SA Pensioners: R30
Have a cold one at the Devil’s Peak Brewing Company
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Cape Town knows craft, from craft markets to craft gin and craft beer, you’re sure to experience the very best the Mother City craft scene has to offer on your visit to Cape Town. Located in the trendy suburb of Woodstock, the Devil’s Peak Brewing Company boasts an incredible selection of craft beers and food pairings that’s sure to hit the sweet spot. With countless weekly specials, a daily Happy Hour and a variety of tastings, you’re sure to find something that suits your craft beer tasting needs.
Cost: Happy Hour: Monday – Friday, 4pm – 6pm | Specials range from R100 to R195 (platter for two)
Enjoy a Bonbon Workshop and chocolate tasting at Honest Chocolate
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Calling all chocolate lovers, this one is for you! Honest Chocolate is one of Cape Town’s sweetest best kept secrets and a true inner-city hidden gem. And on this incredible Cape Town experience you get to do way more than merely enjoy a full tasting of their best chocolate treats, you also get an introduction to how cacao beans are farmed and processed, as well as a demonstration of how chocolate is made. Now that’s a jam-packed chocolate experience you absolutely cannot miss out on!
Cost: Approximately 1.5 hours, R200 per head
Enjoy a tasting, picnic and extra special duck parade at Vergenoegd Wine Estate
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Besides incredible picnic spots and sensational wine tasting experiences, Vergenoegd Wine Estate in the charming town of Stellenbosch has an extra special surprise in store for you – a duck parade! Every day, visitors can enjoy the parade of the estate’s Indian Runner ducks as they walk to and from their day jobs in the vineyards. Forming part of the Wine Estate’s environmentally-friendly pest control efforts, these ducks have become quite the local fan-favourite and really adds and extra special touch to the experience.
Entry: Free | 6 Wine Tasting: R75 p/p
Explore the beauty of the Newlands Forest
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Forming part of the Table Mountain National Park, Newlands Forest is jam-packed with beautiful scenery, exciting trails and incredible look-out spots. It also boasts some sensational picnic spots and designated braai areas, making it a great pick for a fun family day out exploring the beauty of the Mother City.
Cost: South African Citizens and Residents (with ID): R31 per adult per day; R16 per child, per day; Additionally: R28 per vehicle | Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors): R122 per adult per day; R61 per child, per day; Additionally: R28 per vehicle
Enjoy a cocktail on Camps Bay’s famous sunset strip
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The iconic and ever-striking Camps Bay is known for many things, two of it being sensational sunsets and incredible cocktails! But whether you choose to enjoy a delicious cocktail, local beer or craft gin, one thing is for certain, it promises to be one spectacular Mother City sunset and bucket-list experience. Because there’s nothing quite like a Camps Bay sunset strip cocktail at sunset!
Attend a screening of your favourite movie at the Galileo Open air cinema
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Enjoy a screening of one of your all-time-favourites under the Cape Town stars and beautiful moonlight. With screenings almost every day in the summer there’s sure to be something that catches your eye. You can even take your own picnic basket and drinks along! This is tons of fun for the whole family!
Cost: R89 – R175
With so many incredible, exciting and truly bucket-list-worthy things to do and see in Cape Town, all at an incredibly affordable price, the only thing you’ll have trouble with is deciding what to do first. There is absolutely no reason why you should break your bank to have a good time, especially when in the Mother City! So, come and enjoy everything she has to offer and make truly priceless memories in the process!
Learn more about the Mother City, how to get around, things to do in Cape Town, and more from our blog. We can help you find the perfect place to stay. Get in touch if you’d like help finding accommodation or Cape Town tours to indulge in when you are around.
