Cape Town is one of the most alluring cities in South Africa, and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg in order to experience its beauty. If you’re travelling on a budget but still want to make the most of your trip, there are plenty of free things to do in Cape Town that are so worth your time!
Below I’ve rounded up some of the best activities that you can enjoy in this lovely city, all for absolutely free!
1. Do Wine Tasting
Cape Town is known for many of its beautiful wine lands. If you love the idea of having a good time with the sound of clicking glasses and sipping on wine, then you should definitely try out some wine tasting!
You’ll find plenty of wine tasting packages offered in Cape Town if you look online, but some places will also offer free wine tastings! One of these places is Wine Concepts, where they offer free wine tastings daily between 16:00 – 19:00 on weekdays and 11:00 – 15:00 on Saturdays.
2. Tour The City
If you want to explore the hustle and bustle of this beautiful city, why not take a free walking tour? Cape Town Free Walking Tours offers a number of different tours across the city that takes about 90 minutes per tour.
Taking a walking tour is an excellent way to explore and familiarize yourself with this bustling city. You’ll get to learn more about the history of different areas in the city and might also discover some hidden gems.
3. Take A Hike
If you’re a person who likes the outdoors and being adventurous, Cape Town offers plenty of wonderful hiking experiences.
A free hike which the locals always recommend is hiking up one of the trails to Lion’s Head. Once at the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, Cape Town and Camps Bay.
Do this hike early morning to watch the sunrise or later the evening to enjoy the sunset. And remember to bring your picnic basket!
4. Visit Sea Point Promenade
If you’re visiting Cape Town, your visit is not complete without breathing in the fresh ocean air and taking in the stunning sea views from the seaside promenade.
The promenade is always bustling with runners, cyclists, skaters and tourists. Take an evening jog, get your sweat on at the outdoor gym or visit one of the many lovely green parks in this area.
5. Set Sail
If you’re looking to go sailing, then you should definitely sign up for a free sailing experience at the Royal Cape Yacht Club.
While your sailing experience does determine your place on the boat, you are still welcome to join even if you don’t have any. Just remember to reserve your place in advance by emailing membership@rcyc.co.za. The sailing times are normally from 16:00 for 17:00 – 19:00.
6. Wish On The Stars
At 20:00 on every second and fourth Saturdays of the month, the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) opens its doors to the public.
There you can learn more about the wonderful night sky with a 45 minute presentation. If the weather plays along, you will also get a chance to gaze at the stars through various telescopes.
You can head over to www.saao.ac.za for more information on the events and topics available.
7. Go Cycling in The Moonlight
Once a month, cyclists and bike lovers join together at dusk to ride through the streets to promote the benefits of environmentally friendly transportation. This is a delightful way to explore Cape Town’s charm in the moonlight.
You can join for free by signing up to the Critical Mass event. The event usually lasts from 20:00 until 23:00.
8. Discover The Biodiversity in Green Point Urban Park
Bask in nature and natural beauty in Green Point Park while getting to know the various plant species around you.
The park has over 300 Cape plant species, all clearly labelled to be as informative to guests as possible. That makes it a great free alternative to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.
The park is family friendly and you can unwind and also enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
9. Get Your Art on In The Evening
Celebrate artistic expression by joining ART Thursdays in Observatory where you can experience local art at its finest.
This initiative is focussed on promoting art, galleries, hard crafts, music and performances. It takes place on every second Thursday of the month between 18:00 and 22:00.
10. Take a Diamond Tour
Book a free and educational diamond tour to learn how rough diamonds are transformed into sparkling gems of glitz and glam. You’ll also get some information on the history of South Africa’s diamond and gold trade.
Oh, and did I mention a complimentary glass of sparkling wine is included in the tour? Another reason to book your free Sparkling Tour.
Whether you’re looking to explore Cape Town on a budget or just looking for some activities to keep yourself busy, there are plenty of free things to do in Cape Town.
If you want more information on any of these activities, or have any comments or questions, let me know in the comments section down below, I’d love to help you out!