Cape Town was recently voted the second cheapest city to live in the world, although locals may beg to differ. Luckily we’ve put together a guide to how you can navigate the Mother City in a truly wallet-friendly way.
Our advice: print this guide out and keep it in your ever-so-empty back pocket.
CONQUER CAPE TOWN’S GREAT OUTDOORS
Take a full moon hike up Lion’s Head
A fan of hiking and outdoor activity? We’ve got the scoop on of Cape Town’s finest outdoor experiences. Between Table Mountain and Signal Hill you’ll find a mountain steeped in romance and tradition. Climb the mountain just before sunset and enjoy a picnic with a few good folks and the breathtaking view of Camps Bay and Cape Town, basking under the lighting of a majestic Cape Town full moon.
Swing on the Sea Point Promenade
A visit to Sea Point is not complete without taking in the crisp ocean air along the stunning seaside promenade. The promenade is frequented by walkers, cyclists and skaters – a sunset jog is a fantastic idea. Can’t afford an outing to a theme park? Get in touch with your inner-child and swing high in the air at one of the grassy parks or flex those muscles at the innovative outdoor gym. Cape Town is characterised by its amazing sea views and Sea Point exhibits this by providing a perfect vantage point.
Drink in nature in Cecilia Forest
Cape Town’s vast natural beauty is something unmissable and all the serious hikers should head over to the Cecilia Forest to catch a glimpse of the legendary fairies and take a sip of fresh mountain water to revitalise their bodies, whilst opening their minds. Start your hike where Hohenort Drive meets Rhodes Drive in Newlands. The glades, streams, waterfall and mossy paths will soothe your soul and leave you in a state of equanimity.
Experience Cape biodiversity at Green Point Urban Park
Green Point Urban Park is an amazing sphere of natural beauty. It’s spacious and perfect for you to get to know the plant species around you. The setting is an immaculately landscaped greenway that is equally informative for children and adults. The cleverly designed biodiversity garden contains over 300 clearly labelled Cape plant species, making it a free alternative to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Afterwards, unwind on the sprawling lawn and enjoy a packed picnic with your family or friends.
Feed the squirrels in Company’s Garden
Just as the Company’s Garden used to enchant ocean-weary travellers who’d arrived to a strange land years ago, today this green patch continues to charm tourists and locals alike. Hemmed in by the busy streets of the CBD, the winding avenues of oaks, the inviting carpet-like lawns and the mosaic of indigenous herbs and succulents are ideal for a few hours spent lazing away a spending-free day. Not to mention, who can resist the cute and fluffy squirrels climbing the trees and hopping right up to you? These bushy-tailed animals don’t want your money, just a few peanuts will do. Bring a picnic blanket and goods from home and come enjoy the idyllic setting with someone special or your loved ones.
Hang up your hammock in De Waal Park
De Waal Park is a community park situated in the heart of the City Bowl. Renowned for its wide variety of trees and its social doggiesphere, both adults and children can kick back, hang up a hammock and take a nap. This is also the perfect spot for some quality time with your family or a relaxing, romantic retreat for couples. Pack a picnic basket and a blanket and have a tranquil day surrounded by the beauty of nature under Cape Town’s sweet sun.For more outdoor options check out our overview of parks in Cape Town. Enjoy some of SA’s hottest local music acts at De Waal Park Summer Concerts
Music concerts are another big part of summers in Cape Town. You usually have to pay to see some of these local music acts, but during magnific summer days De Waal Park plays host to musicians, who get spectators dancing and singing along to some of their favourite local songs. The wonderful thing is that this musical journey is free of charge and the venue it is hosted at, is organic and conducive for a really chilled vibe, suitable for the entire family. For more on De Waal Park Summer concerts check out: Concerts In The Park.
Surf at Muizenberg beach
The surfing culture out at surfer’s corner in Muizenberg has been alive and well for generations now. This little coastal community is filled with friendly faces and awesome vibes. Come rain or shine, cold or hot – the waves are actually best in winter – one of the most legendary ways to reconnect with Cape Town’s majestic oceans is by riding the swells that ebb and flow at Muizenberg beach (or any of the Cape’s iconic surf spots). Get there early to miss the traffic jam! You won’t need a cent to make a day of it.
Take the family on a Muizenberg meander
This walk on the beach occurs every Saturday after that month’s full moon. The family-friendly event focuses on making the Muizenberg beach a safer space for all, but is a fun night out for all ages. The walk commences from Knead Bakery at 6:15pm and attendees are welcome to bring a group of people with – the more the merrier after all!
PUT ON YOUR THINKING CAP
Fall in love with books at the Centre for the Book
A unit of the National Library of South Africa, the Centre for the Book aims to promote a culture of reading, writing and publishing in all local languages. Look out for their reading–related activities and events such as poetry readings, writing groups and workshops. A visit to their soaring wood-panelled interior will inspire even the most reluctant bibliophobes.
Borrow a book at the Kloof Street Library
Sunny day? The friendly staff at Kloof Street Library will help you choose the perfect novel, African heritage or children’s book, to enjoy in their delightful garden. This quaint library is situated in an old gabled house at the top of the CBD’s buzzy Kloof Street.
Network at Creative Mornings
One Friday of every month a group of creatives get together at different locations to network and share ideas and insights. Started by Capetonian Catherine Henderson in May 2010, the regular 20- to 30-minute morning talks feature one creative speaker and free coffee and snacks. So, start the morning inspired and filled with new ideas.
Join in a Pub Quiz
If you have a thirst for knowledge and beer on tap then throw your hat into the ring for quiz night at your local pub. Most of them have a small fee, but luckily Aandklas in Stellenbosch is for FREE! Take a bunch of mates to their Thursday quiz, have a ball and enjoy seeing how good your general knowledge is!
GET TO KNOW YOUR HERITAGE
Amble along Signal Hill
Signal Hill is located next to Lion’s Head, with stunning views of the Atlantic. It’s home to a number of historic features such as the Signal Hill cannon, which originally notified the public when a ship was in trouble. This old Capetonian tradition still takes place every day on Signal Hill, just below the mountaintop. At 12h00 exactly, the Noon Gun is fired – an opportunity for people to set their watches (and block their ears).
Check out the Just Nuisance Monument
This monument in Simon’s Town commemorates Just Nuisance, a Great Dane who befriended the Royal Navy and made such an impression that he was enlisted, wore a sailor’s hat, turned up at functions and did much to boost the morale of sailors at sea. You can also visit the Simon’s Town Museum, which displays his papers, collar and photographs.
Visit all the Iziko Museums
The Iziko Museums regularly have free entry days (usually on public holidays), which make for prime opportunities to explore the extensive art, social and natural history collections housed in these Cape Town institutions. Particularly interesting is the Bo-Kaap Museum, which showcases Islamic heritage and culture in South Africa, and is set in the historic neighbourhood that is home to many Muslims and descendants of freed slaves. Additionally, The Planetarium, a celestial dome in the South African Museum Building in the Company’s Garden is an incredibly entertaining day out.
FILL UP WITH FREE FOOD AND WINE
Visit the Century City Natural Goods Market
For a free family-friendly outing in the Northern Suburbs, gather the kids and head over to the Century City Natural Goods Market on the last Sunday of each summer month (October to April). Set on the grassy expanse next to the large wetland and bird sanctuary of Intaka Island, this outdoor market is ideally located for a lazy weekend day spent soaking up the sun. No-charge entertainment, like jumping castles, train rides and magic tricks, is on offer; though the expansive green usually provides the little ones with room to engage in more than enough activity. For adults, a variety of artisan stalls are available for your browsing pleasure and live local music acts provide the backbeat to a leisurely day.
Taste some tipple at Wine Concepts on Kloof
This CBD-based wine store has free wine tastings, every single day! Yes, you read that right, you can sip ’n swirl some of the best wines around all for mahala. Tastings take place from 4pm until 7pm on Mondays to Fridays and on weekends from noon until 3pm. And what’s more, you get a cool 10% off any of the wines put up for tasting that day.
Show & Tell at The Drawing Room
This Observatory-based café and art gallery has a variety of exhibition openings and show & tell’s for the public. Known for the delish food and a good cuppa joe, art lovers can catch the work of up-and-coming artists or mingle with like-minded individuals. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for details about upcoming events.
Sample the fare at Neighbourgoods Market
Get a little gourmet Saturday treatment from 9am to 2pm. The bustling Neighbourgoods Market is every foodie’s dream, stocking items from over 100 speciality traders offering fine food, wine and local produce. There are plenty of chutneys, cheeses cakes and wines for you to sample here. A little forward planning for that pay-day picnic never hurt anyone.
More wine tastings (hiccup) at Tjing Tjing
There’s no reservation needed at Tjing Tjing for their free wine tastings on Wednesdays. Just stop by from 5pm onwards to sample some top-drawer blends and meet the winemakers.
Hang out at the City Bowl Market
Housed in a historic hall on Hope Street in the middle of the CBD, the City Bowl Market is a wonderful collection of stalls featuring vintage clothing, great coffee, Nutella-filled crépes, wooden arts and crafts and so much more. Walking around and chatting to the warm and friendly locals will cost you absolutely nothing. The market is open every Saturday between 9am and 2pm and every Thursday evening between 4:30pm and 8:30pm.
Keep it real at the Bay Harbour Market
Described as “a real place for real people”, the Bay Harbour Market (also informally called the Hout Bay Market) is the epitome of Cape Town’s relaxed atmosphere. Trading times are Friday 5pm to 9pm; and Saturday and Sunday 9:30am to 4pm. Keep it real, keep it free and head down to this original and interesting gathering to see what beautiful things people are creating. You might catch a clown entertaining the kids or a musician singing his heart out.
GET INTO THE ARTS & CULTURE SCENE
Take a diamond tour at Shimansky
Embark on a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at experts delicately shaping platinum, learn about the factors that affect the value of a diamond and witness the result of human expertise in Shimansky sparkling showroom. Although the tour is free, you or your girlfriend/wife/partner may emerge doe-eyed for diamonds. Read about the Shimansky diamond tour.
Attend a poetry reading at A Touch of Madness
Situated in an old Victorian house, this Observatory-based restaurant and bar is well-known for its crazy delicious food and madcap atmosphere –the name says it all. If you’re strapped for cash, you can attend their weekly poetry evenings every Monday from 8pm until 10pm. The line-up changes from week to week so come with an open mind and hear from some of Cape Town’s budding poets.
Catch contemporary South African art at Whatiftheworld Gallery
WhatiftheWorld Gallery provides a platform for established contemporary artists and gives collectors the opportunity to discover new artists. Plus you can peruse these works of art for free. It’s run by one of the co-founders of the NeighbourGoods Market and was one of the first galleries to open in Woodstock. They also represent some of SA’s finest designers (not just artists) – check out their website for more info that you can include. Find more galleries here.
See edgy urban art at Worldart Gallery
Openings at this CBD-based gallery tend to spill out onto Church Street, a pedestrianised mall brimming with African art and craft. Worldart specialises in accessible urban art by young local talent, many of whom are illustrators and street artists.
LIFT THE BANK BALANCE BY LIFTING THE SPIRIT
Walk a dog and make a best friend
If you can’t lift the bank balance why not lift the spirits? TEARS, which is located just off Kommetjie Road on the M5, is a non-profit organisation that rescues abandoned dogs and cats. Donate your time and take part in their dog-walking programme. We guarantee that after a few hours with a furry friend, you’ll feel like a million bucks. Email tears@tears.org.co.za for more information.
Plant a tree and help Greenpop grow
Greenpop plants trees, runs educational programmes and hosts restoration festivals all in the name of a greener future. The NGO spearheads fun events aimed at raising environmental awareness: plant days at schools and football fields, jam sessions in Long Street’s car parks, bicycle rides in Cape Town and tree planting projects in Zambia. You can get involved for free by signing up on their volunteer database.
The Woodstock Street Art Walking Tour
The Woodstock Street Art Walking Tour Is a 60 to 90 minute walk that starts and ends at The Woodstock Exchange in Woodstock. The tour forms part of the Township Art Tours program run by Juma Tours and includes a tour of murals, installations, graffiti and a gallery visit in the greater Woodstock area. There are daily tours that run at 10am; 12pm; 14pm; and 16pm. Get in on this cultural experience. Bookings can be made on routestreetart@gmail.com. The tour is free but gratuities are welcome.
