Affordable Outings to Do in Cape Town Under R250 Per Person

A lot of people have a misconception that things to do in Cape Town are extremely expensive. Sure, we have a lot of tourist attractions that cost a pretty penny, and accommodation in prime areas that are so expensive, selling your and your mother’s kidneys won’t suffice. But there are loads of activities in Cape Town under R250 per person.

Whether you’re visiting Cape Town or simply looking for new things to do, here is a lineup of unique ways to explore the Mother City like a tourist.

Have we missed any of your favourite spots? Please let us know in the comments below or email [email protected]

Ster Kinekor Throwback Cinema

For movie-lovers who like a trip down memory lane, Ster-Kinekor’s Throwback Cinema promotion brings back some classic films to the big screen, with heavily discounted tickets at just R50 per person. Each film screens for a week, Friday to Thursday, giving viewers the chance to relive their favourite moments and timeless scenes at a great price.

July and August are dedicated to Lord of the Rings fans, as the final two Hobbit films are screening at the end of the winter cinema season. The two-parter starts with the 2013 fantasy epic drama, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, based on the classic novel by renowned South African-born author J.R.R. Tolkien, which releases on 24 July for two weeks.

Then, from 14 August, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies concludes the trilogy with a two-week run. This thrilling entry continues the story of Bilbo and his companions as they attempt to defeat the forces of evil. Thereafter, the iconic film To Kill A Mockingbird (1962), which won 3 Academy Awards, is screening from 7 August for those who love classic courtroom dramas, followed by Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the film that created a generation of Hogwarts fans, which starts on 28 August.

Cost: R50 per person. Bookings can be made on the SK website.

When: Various times
Where: Ster Kinekor locations in V&A Waterfront, Blue Route Mall, Somerset Mall, and Cape Gate

Cape Heritage Tours

Hosted by the ever-informative storyteller Cameron Peters, Cape Town Heritage Tours teach all participants more about the city’s suburbs, their fascinating history, and some iconic spots along the way. There are tours all across the city, from Simon’s Town to the Waterfront and (almost) everything in between. The experiences are equally suited to first-time tourists and veteran Cape Town residents who want to learn a bit more about the city, with most ending with a social lunch for everyone involved.

Questions are highly encouraged, with Peters always happy to go on an entertaining anecdote. Tours are highly informative, usually last a couple of hours, and are simple walks through the neighbourhood that are equally suited to young ones and elders of any fitness level. The latest tour information can be found on Facebook or Instagram.

Cost: R150 per person. Bookings can be made on Quicket.

When: Usually on weekends, Saturday & Sunday afternoons
Where: Various locations throughout Cape Town

Weekend Markets in Cape Town and Surrounds

Bay Harbour Market

The Bay Harbour Market offers an authentic and eclectic blend of all things South African. Visitors can browse through high-quality gifts and mementos whilst they sing along to the sounds of local musicians and enjoy the sample street food on offer.

The market is housed in an abandoned fish factory, which has been turned into a vibrant wharf-side warehouse space. The result is an energy-rich, colourful, creative and lively atmosphere enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Guests can expect a proudly South African range of unique handmade items, from leather goods to timepieces, art and quirky stationery. Like most of Cape Town’s markets, you can also expect to find health and wellness products on offer.

The food sold at the market is freshly made and supplied by local farmers, ensuring that everyone is catered for. This includes vegetarian, gluten-free and banting-friendly options. Once you’ve finished your shopping or perusing, you can sit down and enjoy a drink while being serenaded by the local musicians.

Where: 31 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town
When: Fri: 5pm – 9pm | Sat – Sun: 9:30am – 4pm

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Seal Cruise

Those with a love for Cape Town’s diverse marine life would enjoy a trip to Duiker Island, commonly known as Seal Island, just off the coast of Hout Bay. Each trip with Circe Launches lasts approximately 45 minutes, with guests able to see Cape Fur seals and other sealife in their natural habitat through the ship’s glass bottom and on their little island perch. Additionally, the cruise has panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain, and much of the Cape Peninsula.

The crew are knowledgeable about the seals, sharing interesting facts and fun tidbits about the furry creatures as the boat drifts through the water. Light snacks and soft drinks are sold during the cruise, and everyone is free to bring their own food and alcohol. All cruises are weather permitting.

Cost: R130 per adult (14+) | R65 per child (u-13). Book now on the website.

Fives Futbol

With the excitement of the World Cup done, there’s no better time for amateurs to try out their skills in social football games on small courts. With matches usually limited to five players per team, Fives Futbol doesn’t require massive groups to kick off, with a social game between friends a great way to have fun while getting some much-needed cardio.

There are Fives Futbol locations all across Cape Town, most notably City Centre, Table View, Pinehurst (near Durbanville), Century City, Athlone, and Strand. Each court comes with its own level of facilities, with some having kickboards, outs, and various net sizes – some even having the option for participants to hire a referee for the session.

Cost: From R40 per person (R400 for full court hire for 1 hour). Book now on the website.

Mojo Market

Mojo Market is a trendy food and lifestyle market in Sea Point. Unlike any other market in Cape Town, it is open every day of the week and offers a great place to meet old friends, make new ones and find some much-needed ‘mojo’.

For cheap entertainment, Mojo Market is a go-to destination. There’s something new on almost every day of the week, whether it’s karaoke on Mondays, jazz performances in the week, stand-up comedy on Thursdays, or salsa lessons on Sundays. Best of all? All of these activities are completely free to join, with a whole host of affordable food and drink spots throughout the market.

When: Monday – Sunday | 11am – 9pm
Where: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point

Zeitz MOCAA

Cape Town’s art lovers are sure to enjoy a visit to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA), the world’s largest museum dedicated to contemporary African art. The selection of exhibitions is constantly rotating, with current highlights including Zohra Opoku’s We Proceed in the Footsteps of the Sunlight, Spring Is Rebellious: The Art & Life of Albie Sachs, and A Protea Is Not A Flower by Lerato Shadi and Robin Rhode.

Zeitz is especially affordable for Africans and children, as under-18s get into the museum for free any day of the week, while African nationals can enjoy free entry on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm with a valid South African ID or African passport. Furthermore, free daily 1-hour tours are offered Monday through Friday at 12.30pm.

Cost: Free (u-18s & African nationals on Wednesdays). Tickets and memberships for the Zeitz MOCAA can be purchased on Webtickets or at the door of the museum.

When: Daily | 10am – 6pm (opening hours)
Where: Zeitz MOCAA, S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Wine Tasting at Constantia Glen

Trying some award-winning wine at an affordable price point is a bucket list item for anyone in Cape Town, and Constantia Glen offers scenic tasting experiences in the city’s picturesque winelands. Guests get to choose from five different wine selections, with options ranging from signature blends to Cap Classiques and more.

Cradled between the Constantiaberg and Table Mountain, Constantia Glen is a favourite among enthusiasts for its cool climate wines and unique setting. The glasshouse-style tasting room overlooks the rolling vineyards, making it a relaxing outing that’s refined and easy on the budget.

Cost: From R165 per person. Book now on the website.

When: 10h30 – 18h00 (Sunday – Thursday) | 10h30 – 21h00 (Friday & Saturday)
Where: Constantia Glen, Constantia Main Rd, Constantia, Cape Town

777 Coffee Roastery

The “Triple 7” as it is called by regulars, 777 is a downtown coffee shop right in the middle of Cape Town’s business district, making it a favoured spot for quick lunches and catch-up meetings. More importantly, it rejects the usual problem of overpriced coffee in the City Centre with cheap drinks and a small, affordable lunch menu. With commercial pilot, business owner, and charismatic barista Bosaqr at the helm, the cafe has a distinct aviation theme, adding a fun quirk to their enthusiast-grade coffee from exclusive, high-altitude farms, beloved sandwiches, and newly added smash burgers.

The space is known for being warm and inviting, with friendly workers and a view of Table Mountain – a reputation which has kept it at a full 5 stars on Google Maps and all other major reviewing sites.

When: Monday – Sunday | 6am – 9.30pm
Where: 66 Keerom St, Cape Town City Centre

Sit down at some of Cape Town’s most beloved coffee shops

Ratanga Park

Found in what once was Cape Town’s biggest amusement park, Ratanga Park now offers a huge, natural public space, complete with walkways, benches, and open green grass that’s perfect for a picnic. The area is surrounded by Century City’s reflective canals and has a nearly-unrivalled view of Table Mountain, with a children’s play area and facilities for dog-walking. Furthermore, the nearby commercial district is filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops to keep busy after visiting the park.

When: Monday – Sunday | Sunrise – Sunset
Where: 4 Conference Ln, Century City, Cape Town

Putt-Putt

A favourite Mother City activity for those who love a cheap outing, putt-putt in Three Anchor Bay is a great couples and group activity that is exceptionally affordable. There are no guidelines for games, making it possible for couples and groups to make it as casual (or as competitive) as wanted. Additionally, with views over the restless Atlantic Ocean, which is especially lovely as the sun sets in the evening, it’s a great way to enjoy Cape Town’s natural beauty without paying an arm and a leg.

Another great benefit is its location, as Putt-Putt is a short walk away from the Sea Point Promenade, the DHL Stadium, and the entire V&A Waterfront precinct – making it an enjoyable little stop on a long day spent in the city.

When: Monday – Sunday | 9am – 9pm
Where: Beach Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town

Chart Farm

Rose-lovers can pick their very own favourites from a wide variety of colourful and fragrant flowers at Chart Farm. Their in-house garden consists of about 6,000 rose bushes, all with unique appearances and names. The rose picking activity is their most in-demand service, as guests can walk around the scenic Wynberg farm and decide which ones to add to their bouquet.

When: Monday – Sunday | 9am – 4pm
Where: 1A Klaasens Rd, Wynberg, Cape Town

District Six Museum

This iconic cultural hub of learning in Cape Town is home to the memories and histories of forced removals under the Apartheid regime in South Africa. The museum is a carefully curated space promoting social justice for the community of District Six while serving as a place of learning and deep reflection on the harsh truths of this history. It encourages visitors to confront the realities of the past by observing the stories of forced removals through collections, exhibitions and education programmes.

Guests can also book a guided tour with an ex-resident of the area, who can give their invaluable personal insight into the displacement and how it affected individuals, families, and the entire community.

Cost: R65 per person | Free for ex-residents from areas of forced removals. Book now on the website.

When: Monday – Saturday | 9am – 4pm
Where: 25 Buitenkant Street, District Six, Cape Town