Known for its breathtaking scenery at the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town provides panoramic views of the iconic Table Mountain and its surroundings. But other than that, Cape Town is a perfect place to visit whether you prefer mountain or beaches for your vacation!
While Cape Town may not be the cheapest city to live in South Africa, there are so many budget-friendly activities in Cape Town to make the most of your visit without emptying your wallet.
This time, we have the local couple living in Cape Town, Campbell and Alya from Stingy Nomads, to share what to do in Cape Town on a budget. Let's dive in!
Budget-Friendly Travel in South Africa: What to Do in Cape Town on a Budget
Cape Town, South Africa is our home and most of the summer we spend here enjoying great weather and doing many outdoor activities e.g. surfing, hiking, kitesurfing.
There are many things to do in Cape Town for people with different interests, lifestyles and preferences. It’s one of the few big cities where you can do adventure activities within the city borders.
Cape Town is a real paradise for outdoor lovers every day we see hundreds of people cycling, running, surfing and it inspires you to be more active and try new activities and sports.
Surfing around Big Bay Area
A paradise for surfers. Anyone in for a surf in Cape Town?!
If you’re up to some water fun, don’t mind getting wet and spend a couple of hours in cold water then go to Big Bay area in Cape Town, rent a surf or paddle board and wetsuit (it’s a must-have when surfing in the cold water around Cape Town) and enjoy the waves.
Surfboard or SUP board + wetsuit rental ZAR120/US$10 for 2 hours. If cycling is your cup of tea rent a bike for a day and combine exploring Cape Town with hard exercising, there are plenty uphill in the city to conquer. Bicycle rental start at ZAR130/US$10 per day.
Winetasting in Constantia or Durbanville area
If all the things mentioned above are the activities that are too strenuous for your liking and you’d rather spend a day in a more relaxing way, go wine tasting around Cape Town; Constantia and Durbanville are just 15 minutes drive from the city center.
Depending on a farm and its pricing you for ZAR130/US$10 you can do the tasting at 3 different wine estates, at each place you get 3 to 5 different wines which mean for US$10 you can taste between 9 and 15 wines.
Strolling around the V&A Waterfront
V&A Waterfront.
Another leisure activity is walk at V&A Waterfront, stop for a cup of coffee with dessert or a shake at one of the cozy coffee shops or bakeries, will cost you less than US$10. Drink it while enjoying the view on Table Mountain and great festive vibe of the area.
Visiting Boulders Beach
Penguins at Boulders Beach.
For animals lovers or travelers with children visiting Boulders Beach in Simons Town is a great option, spend a day on a beautiful white sand beach watching African penguins swimming and walking around. Entrance fee ZAR75/US$6 for adults and ZAR45/US$3,5 for children.
Stingy Nomads is a South African/Russian couple that met on the road, in the Philippines, four years ago. Since that time they’ve traveled together to over 30 countries following their biggest passions; hiking and diving. The blog is two years old, it started as a hobby writing mainly for friends and family. It focuses on budget travel and adventure activities all over the world; Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe.
Wow, I love those Penguins! You’re presenting such a unique series, getting anything $10 is tricky and I would love to take advantage of this when I visit Cape Town. Thanks for sharing.
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Playing with penguin in less than 10 dollars is awesome.. I am so excited to visit Cape town now
i will definitely bookmark this article and visit the Boulders Beach in Simons Town. My daughter will surely enjoy watching the penguins.
it’s great! are you living somewhere around south africa as well? 🙂
Wow, I love those Penguins! You’re presenting such a unique series, getting anything $10 is tricky and I would love to take advantage of this when I visit Cape Town. Thanks for sharing.
These $10 guides are so helpful as I’m always on the lookout for cheap activities! Love the penguins 🙂