A tight budget shouldn’t stop you from making the best of your time in the beautiful Mother City. Without having to break the piggy bank, here is a list of 50 things to do for R50 and under in Cape Town. Put that last R50 to good use with a nature-filled adventure, educational trip or satisfying nibbles!
1. Scout Neighbourgoods Market
Situated at the famous Old Biscuit Mill, Neighbourgoods Market covers it all – international to local cuisine and art to history.
Cost: Varying prices per stall
Operating times: Saturday (9 am – 4 pm) & Sunday (10 am – 4 pm)
2. Make your way to Simon’s Town Museum
Established in 1977, the Simon’s Town Museum tells the stories of its residents and the town’s historic association with the Royal Navy and Dutch East India Company.
Cost: R10 per person
Operating times: Monday – Thursday (10 am – 3 pm)
3. Have ice cream at The Creamery
Tuck into delicious handmade ice cream courtesy of The Creamery. Local, organic ingredients are sourced to create these flavoured delicacies!
Cost: Varying prices
Operating times: Various locations with varying times
4. Host a braai at Oudekraal
Found in a cove between Llandudno and Bakoven, Oudekraal Beach is a prominent spiritual and historical site for the city’s Muslim community. Swim in the shallow water, marvel at the shipwreck and have a braai at this aesthetic beach!
Cost: R38 per adult & R19 per child
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (8 am – 6 pm)
5. Embark on the grounds of The Castle of Good Hope
Visit the oldest existing colonial building in the country, The Castle of Good Hope. Keep an eye out for the William Fehr Collection!
Cost: R50 per adult & R25 per child
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (9 am – 5 pm)
6. Get to know Rietvlei Wetland Reserve
Located in Table View, the 663-hectare Rietvlei Wetland Reserve is a haven for holiday activities. They offer special programmes during these times!
Cost: R17 per adult & R10 per child
Operating times: Monday – Friday (9 am – 4:30 pm)
7. Try a stuffed croissant at Crust Café
If you’re a sucker for a good croissant, answer your heart’s desire with Crust Café‘s stuffed croissant options!
Cost: Ranges from R34 to R51
Operating times: Monday – Friday (7:30 am to 6 pm)
8. Hop on the Southern Line train track
Live your tourist dreams with a hop-on/hop-off ticket with Cape Town Trains. Attractions along the Southern Line include Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town and more!
Cost: R35 per ticket
Operating times: Varying departure/arrival times
9. Take the family on a City Sightseeing cruise
Here is a spin on things to do in Cape Town for under R50 – a ticket for the Family V&A Harbour and Seal Cruise, courtesy of City Sightseeing South Africa!
Cost: R180 per ticket (R45 per person)
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (10 am – 5 pm)
10. Hurry to Cape Point Vineyards Market
Straight from the Ultimate 50 Best Things To Do In Cape Town is a trip to Cape Point Vineyards Market. The Thursday Night Market is a must-do!
Cost: Varying prices per stall
Operating times: Monday and Tuesday (12 pm – 5 pm), Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (12 pm – 8 pm) & Thursday (12 pm – 8:30 pm)
11. Head to The Iziko South African Museum
Housing more than 1 500 000 scientific specimens, collected and exhibited from 1825 to this day, The Iziko South African Museum is a stop that may not be missed!
Cost: R30 per adult & R15 per child
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (9 am – 5 pm)
12. Indulge in breakfast at Bread Milk and Honey
Delectable breakfast options under R50 at Bread Milk and Honey in Cape Town include:
- Scrambled eggs on toast
- Three-egg omelette with toast
- Oats with honey and cinnamon
- Muesli with fruit salad and yoghurt
Cost: Ranges from R26 to R36
Operating times: Monday – Friday (6:30 am – 4:30 pm) & Saturday (8:30 am – 1:30 pm)
13. See what you can find at Newlands Forest
Head to Newlands Forest (with access to Table Mountain National Park) and take on the eastern slopes of the Cape’s most famous mountain. Among luscious greenery, you will find a reservoir and more!
Cost: R38 per adult & R19 per child
Operating times: Open 24 hours
14. Go on a mountain biking adventure at Meerendal
Did you know you can find some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails along the Durbanville Wine Route? Go to Meerendal Wine Estate and test these out!
Cost: R50 per adults & R20 per child
Operating hours: Tuesday – Sunday (1 May to 31 August: Sunrise – 6 pm & 1 September to 30 April: Sunrise – 6:30 pm)
15. See Groot Constantia Homestead and Wine Museum
Entrance to Groot Constantia Homestead and Wine Museum grants you the chance to learn more about the oldest commercial wine farm in the country!
Cost: R30 per adult & R15 per child
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday (10 am – 5 pm)
16. Venture through Rondevlei Nature Reserve
Laze around the lagoon of Rondevlei Nature Reserve, situated in Lavenderhill, Zeekoevlei and Grassy Park.
Cost: R12 per adult & R6 per child
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday (7:30 am – 5 pm)
17. Have a drink at Beerhouse
Lager, Weiss, Ale – almost all beers at Beerhouse are under R50!
Cost: Ranges from R15 to R120
Operating hours: Various locations with varying times
18. Pick strawberries at Polkadraai
Picking strawberries at Polkadraai Strawberry Farm is the perfect summer activity!
Cost: R50 (The Junior Picker option)
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday (9 am – 4 pm)
19. Have fun at Blue Train Park
At Blue Train Park you and the family can have a jolly good time alongside a miniature railway.
Cost: R35 (including a train ride!)
Operating hours: Tuesday – Sunday (9:30 am – 6 pm)
20. Collect goodies at Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Explore the vibrant markets in Cape Town and go the more environmentally-friendly route by purchasing sustainable food and fresh produce at Oranjezicht City Farm Market.
Cost: Varying prices per stall
Operating times: Wednesday (5 pm – 9 pm), Saturday (8:15 am – 2 pm) & Sunday (9 am – 2 pm)
21. View art at The Iziko South African National Gallery
Pay a visit to Cape Town’s premier public art museum, The Iziko South African National Gallery, featuring local and global works.
Cost: R30 per adult & R15 per child
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (9 am – 5 pm)
22. Get something sweet at Charly’s Bakery
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a cupcake or petit fours at Charly’s Bakery. The confectionary is just as colourful as the building!
Cost: Ranges from R30 to R60
Operating times: Tuesday – Friday (8 am – 5 pm) & Saturday (8:30 am – 2 pm)
23. Go sight-seeing at Boulders Beach
Within the Cape Peninsula? A stop at Boulders Beach is one of the things you can do in Cape Town for under R50!
Cost: R44 per adult & R22 per child
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (8 am – 5 pm)
24. Get creative at Clay Café
Make your way to the popular Clay Café for a session that includes 3 paints, firing and glazing.
Cost: R40
Operating times: Various locations with varying times
25. Clock in at Bertram House
Visit Bertram House to observe the last remaining example of the red brick Georgian-style houses once common in the Mother City.
Cost: R20 per adult & R10 per child
Operating times: Thursday & Friday (9 am – 4 pm)
26. Explore Helderberg Nature Reserve
Encompassed by the magnificent Helderberg Mountains you will find a hidden gem called Helderberg Nature Reserve!
Cost: R25 per adult & R15 per child
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (7:30 am – 5:30 pm)
27. Take in warm coffee at Truth Coffee
A cup of one of Truth Coffee‘s uniquely blended creations is priced under (or just over) R50!
Cost: Ranges from R28 to R60
Operating times: Monday – Saturday (7 am – 6 pm) & Sunday (8 am – 4 pm)
28. Step out with Cape Town Free Walking Tour
No bookings are required when meandering the streets with Cape Town Free Walking Tour!
Cost: Tip-based
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (11 am, 2 pm & 4:20 pm)
29. Spend the day with SANCCOB
The Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) would be a great outing for avid bird lovers.
Cost: Ranges between R30 and R50
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (9 am – 5 pm)
30. Cast about at Bluebird Garage Market
Let the kids spend time at the play area while you eat and drink the night away at Bluebird Garage Food and Goods Market!
Cost: Varying prices per stall
Operating times: Thursday & Friday (4 pm – 10 pm)
31. Learn more at Slave Lodge
Located in one of the oldest buildings in the city, Slave Lodge tells stories of what has happened between those walls and mainly works toward creating awareness around human rights.
Cost: R30 per adult & R15 per child
Operating times: Monday – Saturday (9 am to 5 pm)
32. Plan a unique restaurant date at Wembley Roadhouse
Wembley Roadhouse has quite a few items under R50. What makes this restaurant so unique? A waiter can come to your car to take and deliver your order!
Cost: Ranges from R5,50 to R179,90
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (11 am – 11 pm)
33. Observe the spots at Tokai Park
Within Table Mountain National Park, you will find Tokai Park Picnic and Braai Area. Among the lush greenery, you will have ample spots to host a picnic with your friends!
Cost: R38 per adult & R19 per child
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (8 am – 5 pm)
34. Engage in putt-putt at Muizenberg or Three Anchor Bay
Mini golf is the perfect activity for the whole family! Let Putt Putt Cape Town make this happen.
Cost: R44
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (9 am – 9 pm)
35. Gain knowledge at Bo-Kaap Museum
Following the abolition of slavery in South Africa, the Bo-Kaap became home to many freed slaves and Muslims. Learn about its emanating culture at Bo-Kaap Museum.
Cost: R40 per adult & R20 per child
Operating times: Monday – Saturday (9 am – 5 pm)
36. Walk through Intaka Island
Explore the nature-filled side of Century City with a trip to Intaka Island.
Cost: R25 per adult & R15 per child
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (7:30 am – 5 pm)
37. Sip on a mocktail at The Village Idiot
Oskar’s Honey and Mosquito Mojito are tasty mocktails that you can find at The Village Idiot.
Cost: R48 each
Operating times: Wednesday – Saturday (6 pm – 2 am)
38. Inspect with Scratch Patch
Go gem digging with your friends at Scratch Patch. Check if you can find your favourite minerals!
Cost: R30 (small bag) or R45 (medium bag)
Operating times: Various locations with varying times
39. Take a dip in Long Street Baths
If you prefer indoor swimming, Long Street Baths would be the place for you!
Cost: R30 per adult & R16 per child
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (7 am – 7 pm)
40. Walk the aisles of Mojo Market
Mojo Market offers boutiques, food stalls, bars and live music. What more would you want from a market?
Cost: Varying prices per stall
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (8 am – 12 am)
41. Go find Rust and Vreugd
Rust and Vreugd was the residence of a high-ranking official in the Dutch East India Company, Willem Cornelius Boers, back in 1778. Today it is a brilliant gallery!
Cost: R20 per adult & R10 per child
Operating times: Thursday & Friday (9 am – 4 pm)
42. Dig into chocolate at Honest Chocolate
If you’re in need of a chocolate fix, Honest Chocolate Café is your best bet. Here, you’ll find all things chocolate whether it’s in the form of truffles, ice cream or hot chocolate!
Cost: Ranges from R15 to R68
Operating times: Monday – Thursday (10 am – 6 pm), Friday (10 am – 9 pm), Saturday (9 am – 9 pm) & Sunday (9 am – 5 pm)
43. Discover Silvermine
Silvermine Nature Reserve is enclosed by the Cape Peninsula mountain range (that’s from Constantiaberg to Kalk Bay mountains!).
Cost: R38 per adult & R19 per child
Operating times: Monday – Sunday (8 am – 7 pm)
44. Delight in a shopping spree at Bay Harbour Market
Another listing from the Ultimate 50 Best Things To Do in Cape Town guide is Bay Harbour Market. This rustic-chic-styled marketplace specialises in craft items, among others!
Cost: Varying prices per stall
Operating times: Friday (5 pm – 9 pm) and Saturday & Sunday (9:30 am – 4 pm)
45. Visit Koopmans-de Wet House
Step inside the oldest house museum in the entire country, Koopmans-de Wet House!
Cost: R20 per adult & R10 per child
Operating times: Thursday & Friday (9 am – 4 pm)
46. Experience authentic Ethiopian culture at Addis in Cape
Get an idea of what life is like in Ethiopia with a traditional coffee ceremony at Addis in Cape Ethiopian Restaurant. Served in a Jabena, the ceremony is completed by burning Frankincense and serving popcorn!
Cost: R40
Operating times: Monday – Saturday (12 pm – 10:30 pm)
47. Taste a few wines at Hillcrest
Can you believe wine tasting made the list of things to do in Cape Town under R50? Taste three of Hillcrest Wine Estate‘s fine creations!
Cost: R50
Operating times: Tuesday – Saturday (10 am – 5 pm) & Sunday (11 am – 4 pm)
48. Take the kids for a sweet pairing at Bloemendal
While you’re on the Durbanville Wine Route, why not take the little ones for their own tasting experience? Bloemendal Wine Estate offers a kid’s sweet pairing with apple or berry juice. How cute!
Cost: R50
Operating times: Tuesday – Saturday (10 am – 5 pm) & Saturday (11 am – 3 pm)
49. Splash out at Xpresso
Not sure whether you want something savoury or sweet? Why not take both, along with a coffee PLUS something extra? Get this unbeatable treat at Xpresso Café.
Cost: R12 (for each menu item!)
Operating times: Various locations with varying times
50. Take part in the Muizenberg Moonlight Meander
At times, there just isn’t 50 bucks to spare. Luckily, this activity is free of charge! To enjoy an awe-inspiring walk along the beach, all you have to do is show up…
Cost: Free
Operating times: Saturday closest to full moon (6 pm)
