10 Free Things to Do in Cape Town
As major world cities go, Cape Town is pretty affordable. Eating out is fairly cheap by European or North American standards, and many of the museums and smaller attractions charge only a modest fee. However, if you’re seeking to save a little more, there are ways to experience the art, culture, and natural beauty of the Mother City without opening your wallet, leaving you with more rands to spend on local cuisine, souvenirs, or supporting one of the many community tourism projects.
1. Hike the Table Mountain Range
Most visitors to Cape Town rush to the top of Table Mountain via the cableway; however, hiking the slopes is a far better – and cheaper – way to experience the city’s craggy centerpiece. The most popular hike is Platteklip Gorge, a steep, 2.5-hour climb that’s challenging on the knees during descent. Nonetheless, there are numerous trails throughout the range, from the gently undulating pipe track to the two-hour trek to Elephant’s Eye Cave. For breathtaking views of Table Mountain, join the crowds scaling Lion’s Head, which involves clinging onto chains and ladders to reach the peak. Remember to hike with a partner and seek local advice on safety, as certain trails have experienced muggings.
2. Explore Green Point Urban Park
Whether you’re intrigued by local flora, wish to keep fit, or enjoy picnicking on the lawn, Green Point’s park provides ample gratis entertainment for a half-day. Redeveloped during South Africa’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2010, the park serves as a cycling, jogging, and walking venue, as well as an open-air museum detailing the remarkable biodiversity of the Western Cape.
3. Visit the Norval Foundation
Typically, this privately-owned contemporary art gallery is one of the city’s pricier attractions; however, entrance to the exhibition spaces and sculpture garden is free on Tuesdays. The large, austere building showcases several galleries featuring rotating exhibitions from African artists. The garden is a beautiful space to wander, where wetland birds and indigenous plants coexist among striking statues.
4. Meander from Muizenberg
After a decade-long regeneration, Muizenberg’s beachfront now invites exploration. Take in the restaurants, surf shops, and Victorian bathing huts, then follow the winding pathway hugging the coast for a remarkable 10 kilometers. Stop to paddle in the tidal pools at St James, browse antique shops along Kalk Bay’s Main Road, and conclude with a dip at Fish Hoek’s lovely sandy beach.
5. Enjoy the Architecture
Cape Town is a feast for architecture enthusiasts. Top attractions include the iconic houses of Bo-Kaap, known for its colorful homes. A short distance away are the art deco facades lined along Greenmarket Square, buzzing with daily craft market activity. A few blocks southeast lies the Edwardian City Hall, which overlooks the vibrant Grand Parade. It’s just a two-minute stroll to the city’s oldest building, the Castle of Good Hope, dating back to the late 17th century.
6. Take a Walking Tour
Numerous companies offer free walking tours throughout the city. Some tours cover notable sights like Greenmarket Square, Company’s Gardens, Bo Kaap, and Grand Parade; others provide unique perspectives, such as the Taste of Cape Town tour, sampling traditional snacks and visiting galleries and street performers. Although these tours are advertised as free, tipping the guide is customary.
7. Visit Parliament
South Africa’s recent political history is fascinating and tumultuous, and the free tour of parliament illuminates these local stories while explaining the country’s parliamentary system. After the tour, admire the 19th-century building’s neoclassical facade and renowned bust of Nelson Mandela from the outside. Tours occur on weekdays only and require advance booking; be sure to bring your passport for entry into the parliament building.
8. Get on Board at Nelson Mandela Gateway
Located at V&A Waterfront, the Nelson Mandela Gateway serves as the starting point for ferries to Robben Island. If you’re looking to save money or your trip has been affected by the weather, the free visitor center is worth a visit, offering insights into the struggle against apartheid with a particular emphasis on Nelson Mandela.
9. Stroll Along Sea Point Promenade
On warm evenings, the wide promenade along the Atlantic Ocean is vibrant with dog-walkers, skateboarders, sun-gazers, and kite-fliers. Besides the stunning ocean views, there are intriguing art installations, open-air gymnasiums, and areas for children to play. When conditions are right, paragliders also frequently launch from Lion’s Head.
10. Wander the Company’s Garden
Cape Town boasts many magnificent, free-to-enter public parks and gardens, but the Company’s Garden is the oldest and most popular. Established in the 17th century as a vegetable patch for the Dutch East India Company, it now features a small commemorative produce garden. Visitors can enjoy an aviary, rose garden, informational center, grand monuments, and countless squirrels. The park is also surrounded by several museums, galleries, and the striking parliament buildings.
