Imagine an idyllic beach vacation, majestic mountains, world-class wineries, fascinating history, and buzzing city life all in one incredibly affordable destination – that’s Cape Town. With careful planning, you can soak up the best of this captivating seaside city for $100 a day or less.
Cape Town brings together stunning natural scenery, iconic landmarks like Table Mountain, renowned beaches, lush landscapes, wine tasting in Constantia Valley, moving excursions to Robben Island, penguin viewing along the Cape Peninsula, experiences of vibrant Malay and African culture, and mouthwatering cuisine.
The good news is that instead of breaking the bank, you can enjoy this diversity of attractions and activities on nearly any budget. Take local buses, walk historic neighborhoods, choose budget food options, visit free museums, and selectively pick paid tours for the full experience.
With the right approach, Cape Town delivers a world-class vacation for far less than you might think. So read on to start planning your affordable dream trip!
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Getting Around Cape Town on a Budget
Cape Town covers a vast area, so getting around affordably is key to maximizing your time and money. Luckily, the city offers great budget-friendly transportation options.
Here are the best ways to get around:
- MyCiTi buses: This extensive network of buses serves downtown Cape Town and many popular tourist destinations. Fares start around $1-2 per trip.
- Uber: Uber rides are very affordable in Cape Town, with base fares around $1-2. Pool options cost even less.
- Walking: Cape Town’s compact downtown and historic neighborhoods are extremely walkable. This saves money and lets you appreciate the vibrant street life.
- Biking: Cape Town has an emerging biking culture, with new dedicated bike lanes spreading across the city. Rentals start around $10/day.
With options like these, transportation won’t put a dent in your $100 daily budget. Now let’s explore the top attractions and activities to enjoy in this amazing city!
Free Attractions and Activities
One of the best parts of visiting Cape Town on a budget is experiencing all the free things it has to offer. Here are some top free attractions and activities:
Walk the Sea Point Promenade
This scenic walkway stretches 3km from the buzzy Waterfront to Sea Point along the Atlantic coast. Enjoy the ocean breezes, views of Lion’s Head Peak, joggers and buskers as you stroll or bike ride along the paved path. A relaxing and rejuvenating way to spend an afternoon.
Marvel at Colorful Bo-Kaap
The vibrantly painted houses of the Bo-Kaap provide one of Cape Town’s most iconic images. Walk the hilly streets of this historic Cape Malay district, chat with locals, admire the colorful architecture and soak up the distinctive culture.
Check out Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Stretching up the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, these famous botanical gardens showcase over 7700 species of indigenous flora.
Entry to the gardens is free (small fee for special exhibits). Wander the trails through diverse ecosystems and enjoy panoramic views.
Experience a Cape Town Beach
Cape Town boasts some of the world’s most spectacular beaches, and enjoying them costs nothing! Soak up the sun and views at Camps Bay, take a dip in the Atlantic at Sea Point, or relax on the sand at family-friendly Clifton Beach.
Market Hop at the Waterfront
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront offers superb people-watching, buskers, shops, restaurants and free entertainment without buying anything! Wander through the Watershed market hall and the outdoor artisan market.
All these options allow you to fill your days with memorable free experiences across Cape Town. Now let’s look at some top paid attractions and activities under $100.
Top Paid Attractions and Activities under $100
While Cape Town has tons of free options, paying for a few select attractions and tours can greatly enrich your experience. Here are some of the top-paid activities in Cape Town that cost $100 or less:
Robben Island Tour – $30
This iconic UNESCO World Heritage site was once a notorious prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years.
The boat ride and guided tour provide a somber yet enlightening look at South Africa’s history of racial oppression and the long struggle for freedom. Don’t miss this moving experience.
Cape of Good Hope Tour – $50
Venture down the stunning Cape Peninsula to see wild African penguins at Boulders Beach, admire the Cape Point lighthouses, and stand at the southwestern tip of Africa. Small group tours hit the highlights and spare you the driving.
Cape Town City Sightseeing Bus – $20
Hop on and off these bright red double-decker buses to easily see top Cape Town sights like Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the Botanical Gardens. Informative audio guides add context to the views.
Township Tour – $50
Led by local guides, township tours provide an eye-opening look at life in Cape Town’s disadvantaged communities. Visit vibrant social enterprises and chat with welcoming residents to gain personal insights.
Cape Town Scenic Helicopter Tour – $95
These 10-15 minute helicopter tours offer a thrilling bird’s eye perspective on Cape Town’s iconic scenery. Soar above sights like Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Robben Island and more. Priceless views on a budget!
As you can see, $100 gives you ample options for tours and attractions that illuminate Cape Town’s culture, history and landscape. Next let’s cover how to eat affordably and deliciously!
Eating Well on a Budget in Cape Town
Cape Town’s diverse food scene means you can feast on local flavors without breaking the bank. Follow these tips for fabulous meals under $15:
Try Cape Malay Cuisine
Sample aromatic curries, samosas and more at Cape Malay restaurants in Bo-Kaap like Biesmiellah or Cape Malay Cooking Safari. Authentic cuisine for under $10/meal.
Visit Food Markets
Markets like the Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock and Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay offer gourmet street food, crafts, music and more. Eat your fill for under $10.
Opt for Street Food
Grab a piping hot “Gatsby” sandwich packed with steak, chicken or fish with all the fixings for under $5 from a street vendor.
Choose Set Menus
Indian restaurants like Amarcord Oranjezicht and Addis in Cape offer great-value $10 set menus of curries, samosas and bunny chow.
Cook up a Braai
Pick up sausage, chops and chicken from a butcher and add salads for a tasty braai (BBQ) with friends in a park. Far cheaper than restaurant meals.
Cape Town’s vibrant food culture makes it easy to try new flavors and eat very well on nearly any budget.
With some planning, you can enjoy this amazing city to the fullest while sticking to $100 a day or less. So get out there and start exploring vibrant, budget-friendly Cape Town!
After exploring Cape Town, many budget travelers take the affordable luxury bus to continue their South African adventure in Johannesburg, where things to do in Jo’burg range from sobering apartheid-era historical sites to lively urban markets and cultural experiences.
Budget Travel Tips for Cape Town
To fully capitalize on your $100 daily budget in Cape Town, keep these handy money-saving travel tips in mind:
- Stay outside the pricey Waterfront area at affordable neighborhoods like Observatory and Sea Point
- Travel during the off-season from May-September when prices are lower
- Buy a City Sightseeing bus pass to avoid individual ticket costs
- Pack snacks and lunch to carry with you for free meals
- Shop at Food Lover’s Market or Fruit and Veg City for cheap groceries
- Choose hostels or budget Airbnbs for cheaper accommodation
- Use public MyCiti buses and UberPOOL for transportation deals
- Join free walking tours for an insightful overview of the city
- Look for 2-for-1 deals, kids/student discounts at major attractions
- Buy a Cape Town smart card for discounted rides on hop-on buses and trains
- Read up on what to pack for South Africa‘s varied climate before you go
With careful trip planning and savvy choices, your budget goes much further in Cape Town, letting you enjoy world-class experiences.
Conclusion
As this comprehensive guide shows, an unforgettable Cape Town getaway doesn’t require breaking the bank.
Take advantage of free attractions and transportation, selectively choose paid tours and activities under $100, dine affordably at markets and local eateries, and follow budget tips to stretch your money.
Within a daily budget of $100, you can soak up Cape Town’s magnificent natural beauty, learn about its powerful history, sample its diverse cuisine, and discover its vibrant culture. Start planning your affordable Cape Town adventure today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Cape Town under $100
What are the best free things to do in Cape Town?
Some of the top free activities in Cape Town include walking the Sea Point Promenade, exploring the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, visiting Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, relaxing on the beaches, and wandering the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
What is there to do in Cape Town on a rainy day?
On rainy days in Cape Town, duck into excellent museums like the Iziko South African Museum, South African National Gallery, and District Six Museum. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront also has lots of restaurants, shops and entertainment.
Where can I go in Cape Town on a small budget?
Great Cape Town activities for small budgets include free walking tours, self-guided hikes like Lion’s Head, public bus tours, eating at food markets, and enjoying free entry attractions like Botanical Gardens.
What is Cape Town known for?
Cape Town is known globally for its stunning natural setting including Table Mountain, white sand beaches, and Cape Peninsula. It also boasts a vibrant culture with Malay, African, European influences.
Is Cape Town expensive to visit?
While prices vary, Cape Town can be quite affordable if you follow budget tips like taking public transportation, eating cheap local food, and balancing paid activities with free attractions. $100 a day provides a good experience.
What is there to do for free in Cape Town?
Top free activities include hiking Lion’s Head, walking the Sea Point Promenade, exploring Bo-Kaap neighborhood, strolling the V&A Waterfront, relaxing on beaches, and enjoying Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
What should I avoid in Cape Town?
Avoid flashing valuables, don’t hike alone, skip deserted areas at night, don’t walk from the airport, and steer clear of the Cape Flats township without a guide for safety. Use Uber at night.
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