It’s not necessary to splurge loads of money to enjoy a good time in a new country. While South Africa has a lot of things to do for travellers in its treasure trove, if you’re just running out of budget then the city also has some interesting things which will not require any money. Everyone loves free things- it somehow increases the fun twice and so here are some free things to do in Cape Town. There are loads to see and do in South Africa’s most famous destination which won’t cost you a penny.
18 Free Things To Do In Cape Town
Save some bucks by keeping this list of 10 best free things to do in Cape Town and enjoy the best of the sights while in this city of South Africa.
1. Hike Up Lion’s Head
If you love hiking and other thrilling outdoor activities, then you can be sure that cape town won’t disappoint on that front as well. There are two places where you can show off your trekking and hiking prowess- one is at Table Mountain and the other is in Signal Hill. Both mountains are some of the best places to take your significant other to and have a fine outdoor dining experience. It’s all about romance mixed in with respecting tradition at these two locations. We would advise that you climb up before sunset to enjoy a picnic while admiring the beautiful scenic views of Cape Town and Camps Bay lying beneath under a cold and beautiful moon.
Location: Lion’s Head & Signal Hill, Cape Town
Timing: Open 24 hours
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2. Visit The Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is a great place to spend any day at. There are numerous varieties of aquatic animals that will take your breath away. The staff there is knowledgeable and there are plenty of exhibits that provide more information on specific animals and aid in their conservation. Here, you will get a free entry on your birthday. So make the most of your day and spend some time with the big guys who live under the waters on your big day. Certainly, one best free things to do in Cape Town.
Location: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
3. Go Swinging At Sea Point Promenade
Sea Point is a must-visit, but no visit over there is complete without taking in some of the amazing, crisp and cold ocean air alongside the beautiful seaside promenade. The promenade is a usual haunt of cyclists, walkers, and skaters, if you are into fitness and jogging then we would suggest going for a sunset jog over there. This is a great replacement for a theme park as you can bring out your inner child in here and soar high at one of the grassy parks there or perhaps flex up those muscles at the curious innovative outdoor gym over there. If you would just like to relax, then sea point offers some amazing exhibits and vantage points to enjoy. If you are looking for a handful of things to do in Cape Town for free, this place will offer you a plethora of opportunities.
Location: The Promenade, Sea Point, Cape Town
Timings: Open 24 hours
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4. Visit Green Point Urban Park
One of the best places to visit in Cape Town, Green Point Urban Park is an amazing place where nature thrives. It’s a perfect and spacious sphere of the natural enclosure for you to know about the plant beauties around you. You will step into an immaculate landscape greenway which is a haven for both adults and children. This biodiverse garden is a safe space for more than 300 Cape plant species which acts as a beautiful alternative to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. This is the perfect place for you to unwind, relax and drift off in the lap of nature. You can even have a picnic with your family and friends on its sprawling lawns.
Location: Green Point Urban Park, 1 Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8051
Timings: Open 24 hours
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5. Swing In Your Hammock At De Waal Park
Posted right in the middle of The City Bowl, De Waal Park is famous for its diverse varieties of trees and its sociable atmosphere that allows children and adults to go hand their hammocks and go for a nap. As one can imagine this is also a perfect place for families to spend some quality time with each other. If you are thinking of paying this park a visit, we would suggest that you would pack a picnic basket, blanket and hammock to enjoy a relaxing day under the sun. Tired of just relaxing? There’s more to do here then. You will also get to see summer music concerts in the park which will make you dance to their times. This entire musical journey is free of cost.
Location: De Waal Park, Molteno Rd, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, 8000
Timings: 06:00 a.m to 07:00 p.m
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6. Cecilia Forest
Cape Town is beauty incarnate and it is something that should not be missed. Everyone interested in hiking should head straight on over to the Cecilia Forest full of waterfalls, glades, and lush moses so as to catch a glimpse of the myths which are spread all over. The mountain water is fresh and drinkable as well. This is a one of a kind opportunity to just relax in the presence of something calm and natural. You should begin your hike from Hohenort Drive, where it meets Rhodes Drive in the Newlands. If you are looking for places to visit in Cape Town for free, this is a highly recommended destination.
Location: Newlands to Table Mountain, Cape Town
Timings: Open 24 hours
7. Go Surfing At Muizenberg Beach
At the Muizenberg, the surfing culture is alive and thriving for generations. This beautiful, little coastal community is full of hospitable people and chill vibes. The waves are amazing there no matter the season. So no matter if the summer sun is shining high or if the winter cold is hiding the sun, the waves are always ready for you. Actually, the waves are the best during winters. If you want to experience the beauty of this place, then arrive early so as to miss the traffic jam and make the most out if your day.
Location: Surfer’s Corner, Beach Road, Muizenberg
Timing: Open 24 hours
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8. Visit the Centre For The Book
A part of the National Library of South Africa, this place named the Centre for the Book’s purpose is to promote a healthy culture of reading, writing and publishing in local dialects and languages. As such, they frequently hold reading-related tours and activities like writing workshops, groups and poetry readings, a visit to their beautiful wood-panelled interior will truly inspire them to grab a book and get started. This area is also dotted with some of the best luxury hotels in Cape Town.
Location: 62 Queen Victoria Street, City Bowl, Cape Town
Timings: Open 24 hours
9. Visit The Just Nuisance Monument
Located in Simon’s Town, this monument commemorates a Great Dane by the same name who was the friend of the Royal Navy and did his best to wear a sailor’s hat and turned up to functions so as to boost the morale of the sailors at sea. If you want to more about this good boy then you should visit Simon’s Town Museum, which puts up a display of his collar, papers, and photographs.
Location: Just Nuisance Monument, Jubilee Square, Simon’s Town
Timing: Open 24 hours
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10. Enjoying Live Music
At the Bay Harbour Market, along with enjoying dishes on stalls and shopping for local items, you can also enjoy live music there that is too free. Local artists perform there and the crowd joins to the vibe.
Location: 31 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7872, South Africa
Timings: Friday (5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) Sat-Sun (9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
11. Take A Walk Along The Hout Bay Beach Coastline
This kilometre-long stretch of beach that crowns the Atlantic Ocean is perfect for a weekend getaway. Located near the cliffs of Chapman’s Peak in Cape Town, kids can spend their time building sandcastles and enjoy some surf lessons in the slow waves. The best way to end a day here is to take a walk along the coastline and visit Mariner’s Wharf for a sunset dinner.
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Timings: Open 24 hours
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12. Tour The Company’s Garden
Located near the Cape Town City Centre, Company’s Garden is the oldest garden in South Africa originally created in the 1650s. This was established by the first European settlers for farming crops that will replenish the produce on ships that will tour around Cape Town.
Location: 15 Queen Victoria St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Timings: NA
13. Spot Seals At The Kalk Bay Harbour
Nestled on the coast of a fishing village near False Bay, the Kalk Bay Harbour, this suburb of greater Cape Town is a great place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. One of the popular landmarks that you must explore on your visit here is the Kalk Bay lighthouse built in 1919.
Location: Kalk Bay, Cape Town, 7990, South Africa
Timings: NA
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14. Enjoy Free Wine Tasting In Stellenbosch And Constantia
If you want to experience an immersive wine tasting experience in the heartland of Cape Town, you can choose between Constantia Wine Route or Groot Constantia Wine Farm for a tasting tour. The best way to learn about South Africa’s rich winemaking history, we recommend starting your journey through these establishments followed by a food tour to understand their best pairings with the city’s local food.
Location: NA
Timings: NA
15. Trek The Alphen Trail
If you are looking for an outdoor adventure in the Constantia Valley, Alphen Trail is a route that perfectly wraps around the entire region with sights of everything from the Diep River to the Constantiaberg Mountain. Don’t forget to make a stop at the Alphen Hotel which is a national monument in itself with sprawling gardens and historic significance. So, if you are seeking some free stuff to do in cape town,enjoy trekking on the Alphen Trail.
Location: 31 Alphen Dr, Alphen, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa
Timings: Open 24 hours
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16. Visit the Climb Table Mountain
Overlooking the city of Cape Town, this flat-topped mountain forms a prominent landmark and is amongst the best places to visit in Cape Town for free. It lies within the Table Mountain National Park and forms the northern end of the Cape Peninsula. famous for its massive bed of sandstones and slates, it provides a panoramic view of the city making it a memorable experience for visitors.
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Timings: 07:00 a.m to 08:00 p.m
17. Enjoy the local food experiences
If you are fond of new tastes and wondering what to do in cape town, then restaurants in Cape Town are your perfect haven, It is best suggested to try the local delicacies and get the taste of local flavours. From trying street food to trying food at restaurants, there are many options for you to try the delectable food of Cape Town. Meat on a braai, Boerewors on the braai, Biltong, Gatsby sandwich, Bobotie and yellow rice are some of the recommended dishes to try here.
Location: NA
Timings: NA
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18. Witness a magical sunset at Signal Hill
Located next to Lion’s Head and Table Mountain, catching a glimpse of the sunset from Signal Hill is one of the best things to do in Cape Town for free. The 350-meter summit of the hill offers a panoramic view of the city of Cape Town, Table Bay, and the stunning Atlantic Ocean. This hill is also quite famous among the locals who come here to witness sunset or sunrise on regular basis.
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Timings: Open 24 hours
Cape Town is full of treasures that are just waiting to be explored. Many of which don’t even take a penny to visit. So put on your boots and just go off in search of something beautiful but free too. Make sure to try out these free things to do in Cape Town while on your vacation to South Africa.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to do in Cape Town
Which are some free things to do in Cape Town?
Here are some of the best experiences you can in Cape Town for free: Hike Up Lion’s Head Go Surfing At Muizenberg Beach Visit the Centre For The Book Visit The Just Nuisance Monument Enjoying Live Music Take A Walk Along The Hout Bay Beach Coastline Tour The Company’s Garden Spot Seals At The Kalk Bay Harbour
What is the best time to visit Cape Town in South Africa?
The ideal time to take a trip to Cape Town in South Africa is from January to April when the weather is warm and dry. It’s the perfect time to explore the town and engage in exciting outdoor activities.
Can I visit Cape Town during the current Covid situation?
Yes, Cape Town is one of the safest places to visit during the current Covid situation. However, you need to follow all the covid protocols like wearing a mask when in public, maintaining required social distance, and sanitizing hands at certain intervals. Also, make sure to check the Covid update of the destination you’re planning to visit.
Which are the best places to visit in Cape Town?
If you want to witness the best of this destination, make sure to visit places like Table Mountain, Boulders Beach, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Kirstenbosch, Cape Point, Castle of Good Hope, Bo-Kaap, Clifton Beach, Muizenberg Beach, Robben Island, and more.
What can you buy in Cape Town?
Some of the best things to buy from the markets and bazaars of Cape Town include zulu ceremonial spoons, local leather backpacks, wine, Africa-shaped pendant, rooibos Tea, kalahari salt, pichulik earrings, and pink lady gin.
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