Petra Top-
Petra Top
- Cape Town for under 5 Euro
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Discovering new things and learning more about a country’s culture doesn’t always have to cost a lot of money. This is especially true for South Africa. Although Cape Town is considered expensive by African standards, many activities here cost under 5 € (R 100) or are free.
In this article, we share the best-kept secrets to enjoying Cape Town in winter for as little money as possible.
1. Discover Cape Town on foot for under 5 euro
The ‘Free Walking Tour Tours’lets you discover Cape Town on foot with professional guides. The guides take you to interesting places and explain the historical background. The tours are fun and informative. I enjoyed the tours because the guides had many interesting stories and unique facts.
The tours last 90 minutes and are free of charge. However, a small tip is much appreciated.
Tours depart from Motherland Coffee, St Georges Mall in Cape Town three times daily. Look out for the green umbrellas. The tours run daily at 11:00, 14:00 and 16:20, regardless of the weather.
Three different tours are offered:
Historic City Tour
This tour is offered at 11:00 and 16:20. The historical city tour provides information about the history of Cape Town and the people who shaped it.
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
The Bo-Kaap Walking Tour takes place at 14h00 and 16h20. This tour takes you through the famous Bo-Kaap district with the colourful houses you have seen in many Instagram pictures. The guides provide information about how this neighbourhood came into being and tell entertaining stories from politics to culture and religion.
Apartheid to Freedom Tour
You can join this tour at 11:00 and 14:00. During this tour, you will learn about the history of apartheid and the freedom struggle in South Africa. The tour leads to the Cape Town High Court, St Georges Cathedral, and the District Six Museum.
2. A visit to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for under 5 euro
With 24 million visitors annually, the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town is one of the country’s most important tourist attractions.
The V&A Waterfront is an operating harbour with a shopping center, several museums, and a residential area. You can spend the entire day here and be entertained. More than 450 shops and over 100 restaurants leave nothing to be desired. The famous Two Oceans Aquarium can also be found here. We also recommend a visit to the ‘Watershed’. In this hall, local traders offer uniquely handmade African souvenirs including ceramics, textiles, furniture, fashion, and jewelry
3. A walk on the seafront promenade between the V&A Waterfront and Sea Point (for under 5 euro)
Cape Town boasts an approximately 6-kilometre-long seafront promenade that can easily compared with promenades in other well-known international coastal cities.
From the Waterfront, the coastal path leads past the World Cup football stadium in Green Point. Here you can make a detour into the small landscape park. Right next to it is the Mouille Point lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Africa. A short stroll along the promenade will lead you to one of the most prominent features of Sea Point. An outdoor swimming pool with the most amazing location in the world. The promenade provides the most beautiful views of Signal Hill all along the way.
4. A visit to the Oranjezicht City Market (for under 5 euro)
The Oranjezicht Market is one of the most beautiful farm markets in the country because of its location and offerings. Situated right next to the V&A Waterfront, traders offer organic goods here. Sheltered under canvas roofs and pergolas, you can buy fresh vegetables, herbs, seasonal fruit, bread, cheese, organic dairy products, free-range eggs, raw honey, muesli, organically sourced meat, and seafood. A lifestyle section also offers carefully selected clothing, decorations, ceramics, vintage items, pet accessories, houseplants and flowers from farm to vase.
This is the best place to share a meal with friends and family overlooking the ocean.
Opening hours:
Saturday, 8.15 – 14.00
Sunday, 9.00 – 14.00
Wednesday, 15.00 – 21.00 (only from October to March)
5. A walk to Kloof Nek Corner (for under 5 euro)
This short walk (about 30 minutes) is enjoyable at sunset as it offers stunning views over Cape Town’s city, Lion’s Head and Camps Bay. The route is easy on foot but has a few steep sections to negotiate. The starting point is on Table Mountain Road. After the first hairpin bend, there is a car park on the left where a sign indicates the start of the trail. For safety reasons, it is advisable to walk in a group.
6. Gin Tasting (for under 5 euro)
If you enjoy a good gin, you can participate in a fun tasting experience at the Cape Town Gin Company. Here, you will learn more about the origin of gin and how to create cocktails using gin. The Cape Town Gin Company is located in the V&A Waterfront. A gin tasting costs 60 Rand.
7. Wine tasting in Constantia (for under 5 euro)
There are many opportunities around Cape Town for wine lovers to participate in wine tasting for little money. In Constantia, about 30 minutes from Cape Town, several wine farms offer wine tasting for less than 5 € (R100). Even if you are not keen on wine tasting, visiting a wine farm is still worthwhile, as they usually have beautiful gardens and offer great views over the surrounding vineyards.
8. The Marine Wildlife Walk at the V&A Waterfront (for under 5 euro)
The V&A Waterfront has shops and restaurants to offer and a variety of animal life. From otters and sunfish to seals, birds and jellyfish, to name a few animals that call the waterfront home.
At eight viewpoints along the V&A Waterfront you can see how some of these animals live, eat, sleep, play and even reproduce.
9. A visit to the Iziko Museum (for under 5 euro)
The Iziko Museum in Cape Town was established in 1825 and is situated in the beautiful Company’s Garden (one of my absolute favourites). Various permanent exhibitions on biodiversity, geology, indigenous cultures and historical artefacts exist. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the museum offers temporary exhibitions, educational programmes and public events to promote understanding and appreciation of South Africa’s diverse heritage. The entrance fee is R60.
10. Visit Old Biscuit Mill (for under 5 euro)
The Old Biscuit Mill is a historic industrial building in the Woodstock district that used to be a biscuit factory. It was restored in 2005 and transformed into a vibrant marketplace.
Besides the exceptional boutiques, cafés and restaurants, there is also a neighbourgoods Market every Saturday. Local traders offer their fresh food, handmade products, and handicrafts. Entry is free, and worth the visit as it is one of our favourite markets in Cape Town.
Conclusion
Cape Town is often considered an expensive destination for celebrities and fashion icons. However, it has a simple and unique vibe that everyone can enjoy because there are so many budget-friendly options too. Let us know what you think of our recommendations.
Your travel buddies
Petra and Bernie
