Things to do in Cape Town

Cape Town has activities to suit every pocket. Today we examine activities in Cape Town for under R200, between R200 and R2000 and R2000+.

Here are the top things to do in Cape Town under R200:

1. Discover the Company’s Garden (free): This serene public park in the city center is perfect for exploring. It’s gratis to enter, and you can enjoy the lush greenery, and historical monuments, and even feed the squirrels.
2. Embark on a Hike up Lion’s Head (free): Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town and its surroundings by hiking up Lion’s Head. The trail is free, and it’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
3. Wander through Bo-Kaap (free): Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of Bo-Kaap, famous for its colorful houses and rich cultural history. Take a self-guided walking tour to learn about the area’s heritage.
4. Visit the District Six Museum (below R100): Gain insights into South Africa’s past and the forced removals during apartheid at the District Six Museum. The entrance fees are usually affordable, making it a valuable experience.
5. Relax at the Beaches (free): Cape Town boasts stunning beaches, and enjoying a day by the sea won’t break the bank. Popular options include Camps Bay Beach and Muizenberg Beach.
6. Take a stroll on the Sea Point Promenade (free): Enjoy a scenic walk along the Sea Point Promenade, where you can admire beautiful ocean views, appreciate public art installations, and even engage in outdoor exercise.
7. Explore the Old Biscuit Mill & Neighbourgoods Market (R200): While it’s free to enter, you want to grab a bite and something to drink while you’re strolling through the market. There are many meals and drinks available all under R200.
8. Discover Greenmarket Square (free): Located in the heart of the city, this historic square often hosts markets where you can browse through handmade crafts, art, and souvenirs. It’s a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the local culture.
9. Embark on a self-guided street art tour (free): Cape Town is renowned for its vibrant street art scene. Explore areas like Woodstock and Salt River to uncover colorful murals and graffiti, adding an artistic touch to your visit.

Here are the top things to do in Cape Town between R200 and R2000:

1. Table Mountain Cableway(R420 for a return trip at the time of writing): Take a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking views of the city and the coastline. The cost is usually within the specified budget range, and the experience is well worth it.
2. Robben Island Tour(R400 per adult): Visit Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a guided tour to learn about its historical significance as a former political prison. Tickets typically fall within the R200 to R2000 range.
3. Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek: Explore the Cape Winelands and indulge in wine tasting. Many vineyards offer different tasting packages, and you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. You can book a guided tour, and taste 15 wines across 3 regions in Cape Town here.
4. City Sightseeing Bus Tour: Hop on a City Sightseeing bus to explore Cape Town’s major attractions. The ticket usually allows you to hop on and off at different stops, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
5. Whale Watching in Hermanus: Depending on the season, take a day trip to Hermanus for whale watching. You can join a boat tour to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
6. Cape Point and Boulders Beach Tour: Explore the Cape Peninsula, visit Cape Point, and see adorable penguins up close at Boulders Beach. Various tour operators offer full-day trips within the specified budget range.
7. Two Oceans Aquarium: Discover marine life at the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront. Day tickets for adults are R235, pensioners, and children are roughly 20% lower and it’s a fun attraction for for the entire family.
8. Helicopter Tour: Experience Cape Town from the air with a helicopter tour. One provider I can recommend is Cape Town Helicopters – their commercial Bose headsets cancels out the noise typically associated with helicopter rides, ensuring you have a panoramic view of the coastal area, Table Mountain and the ocean.
9. Quad biking on white sand dunes: Enjoy an exhilarating ride on the white dunes at Atlantis Dunes, its a 40-minute drive from the City Center. You’ll either need to hire a car for the day or order an Uber to get there. This mini adventure includes all the gear you’ll need for the day.
10. African Dining Experience: Instead of going to a typical restaurant, why not try out this 14-course set menu during an interactive African drumming experience? While this might be on the higher end of the budget, it’s a great way to indulge in the local culinary scene.

Here are the top things to do in Cape Town above R2000:

1. Feeling adventurous? Go for a tandem skydive with Sky Dive Two Oceans. This is something I’ll most likely never do (it’s a height thing for me) as the free fall is 190km/ph. Pricing is around R3,500 per person. The company is highly reviewed on Google and it does seem like an unforgettable adventure. Maybe someone will talk me into it someday.
2. Go on a safari and see the big 5. Venture off to the road less traveled and spot wildlife at a private game reserve. You’ll travel 450km all the way to Oudtshoorn, but from the looks of it, many travelers have reviewed this activity favorably. Remember to pack something warm.
3. Explore the best fine-dining restaurants Cape Town has to offer. La Colombe is a frequent contender in the top 50 world’s best restaurant list. There’s no limit to the number of options available – Utopia has arguably one of the best views available in the city. Fyn is a renowned fine dining establishment known for its innovative fusion of Japanese and South African cuisine.
4. Luxury Spa Retreat: Treat yourself to a day of relaxation and pampering at a luxury spa, such as The One & Only Spa or Heaveny Spa by Westin. Both businesses are highly reviewed – however, expect The One & Only Spa to be quite expensive (it does look majestic though!).
5. Shark Cage Diving: Experience the thrill of shark cage diving with companies like Great White Shark Tours. Get up close and personal with one of the ocean’s most formidable predators.
6. Private Yacht Charter: Enjoy a private yacht charter in the stunning waters around Cape Town. From sunset cruises to corporate charters and everything in between, Tiggertoo would be the place to book.
7. Not afraid of heights? Book a hot air balloon ride and soar above the Stellenbosch winelands. Explore the Cape Winelands district from a birds-eye view.
8. Indulge in a little retail therapy and shop at luxury stores in the V&A Waterfront, Canal Walk or the Victoria Wharf shopping centre.