Top Ten Things to Do in Cape Town for Under R50
There’s so much to do in Cape Town. And unless you have a sugar daddy (or mommy) refilling your wallet every day, your budget will not be happy with you going on an endless spending spree. Luckily there are ways to still have fun and not break the piggy bank.
We’ve sourced a few fun activities that are cost effective, but still guarantees priceless entertainment.
#1 Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Train Trip
Cost: R35 for hop-on, hop-off ticket
The Southern Line train travels between Cape Town city centre and Simon’s Town. Although caution to safety has to be taken when travelling on the trains, this particular line is geared towards tourists and in a very good condition. It’s a great way to see the variety of Cape Town city life whizzing past you.
You will also be treated to epic ocean views between Muizenberg and Simon’s Town.
With the hop-on, hop-off ticket you can stop in Muizenberg to surf (or watch the surfers); stop in Kalk Bay for an affordable fish and chips lunch at Kalky’s, right on the working harbour edge; and end your adventure in Simon’s Town with a visit to Boulder’s Beach.
#2 Visit the Rondevlei Nature Reserve
Cost: R12 (adults) | R6 (kids)
A little nature spot hidden within the city borders! Situated in Grassy Park, it’s about 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre. The reserve was established in 1952 and covers 290 hectares. It features a museum, viewing towers, bird hides, picnic spots, and a special network of footpaths. The reserve boasts with about 256 indigenous plant species and 20 mammal species including Cape Clawless Otters, Large-Spotted Genets, Cape Grysbok Porcupines, and Eland. Plus, the most famous inhabitants, hippos!
For more information, visit zeekoevlei.co.za
#3 Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
Cost: R30 for a mini ceremony
Cape Town is a truly cosmopolitan city, embracing a wide variety of cultures. This Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony is a unique experience, offering you a first-hand idea of what life in Ethiopia is like.
The Addis restaurant will transport you to the country for a moment, with their authentic Ethiopian furnishings and music.
For more information, visit addisincape.co.za
#4 Create Your Own Cool Runnings Toboggan Moment
Cost: from R48.50
It’s the only African track of its kind. If you’ve seen the movie, you know that you don’t need snow to enjoy this adrenaline-filled activity. Situated in Tygervalley, it is a stainless steel 1.25km track with 17 s-bends, exhilarating corners as well as a tunnel. You get to regulate your speed, so it’s perfect for hard-core and wannabe adrenaline junkies. The sled can take two people, great for a family activity.
For more information, visit www.coolrunnings.capetown
#5 Iziko Museums
Cost: Between R20 and R50
From South Africa’s natural history, to cultural treasures – the Iziko Museums preserve a variety of specimens for you to admire. List of museums, scattered across the city: Bo-Kaap museum, Groot Constantia Manor House, Koopmans-De Wet House, Maritime Centre, Michaelis Collection at the Old Town House, Planetarium, Rust en Vreugd, SAS Somerset, Slave Lodge, Social History Centre, South African Museum, South African National Gallery, Bertram House, and the William Fehr Collection at The Castle of Good Hope. Read our post about The Iziko Museum Mile
For more information, visit iziko.org.za
#6 Groot Constantia
Cost: Free to enter, R50 for wine tasting
It is the oldest wine estate in the Cape, boasting with formidable Dutch architecture. The first wines were produced in 1685, under the supervision of Simon van der Stel, and it has continued producing fine wines without interruption ever since.
You can pop in at the Groot Constantia manor house Iziko Museum, before indulging in wine tasting and a delicious bite at one of the farm’s two restaurants. If you want to be more active, try one of the trail running routes meandering through the leafy grounds.
For more information, visit grootconstantia.co.za
#7 City Sight Seeing Harbour Cruise
Cost: R45
Although the other City Sightseeing tours are over a R100, these ones tick the box for being super cheap. You can choose between the harbour or canal cruise, both departing from the V & A Waterfront. The harbour cruise will take you out at sea, exploring the working harbour of the city. With the canal cruise, you can explore the little canals meandering between the Waterfront and CBD. Both will offer you a unique perspective on the city.
For more information, visit citysightseeing.co.za
#8 Braai at Oudekraal
Cost: R31 (adult) | R16 (child)
One of those truly South African activities. Add a new element to your usual braai with epic views. This spot lies between Camp’s Bay and Llandudno. It features cosy little coves between the robust boulders, with beautiful beach stretches.
There are more than 40 braai spots available. Some have grids, but it will be safer to bring your own along. And make sure you head over early, it’s a very popular spot.
Visit the SanParks website for more information
#9 The Labia Theatre
Cost: R50 or R40 with Fanatics card discount
It is South Africa’s oldest independent art-repertory cinema. They focus on showing mostly foreign films, independent movies, and historical cinema as well as alternative plus art circuit films. So it’s like going to Cinema Nouveau, but in a stylish retro cinema. There are also regular film festivals to expose yourself to thought-provoking cinema.
Plus, you can order a glass of wine and a nibble to enhance your movie experience (and take it into the movie!).
For more information, visit labia.co.za
#10 Mountain Biking in Meerendal
Cost: R30
An outing in the winelands is always fun! The picturesque wine farm has created tracks to explore the beautiful area. The route is mostly flat and easy, but it does include a few hills that can be challenging for novices.
But the spectacular views will definitely make up for the hard work!
For more information, visit meerendal.co.za
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