Affordable Activities to Do in Cape Town Under R200

Many of Cape Town’s most sought-after activities can be really expensive, making it hard to find things to do at an affordable price. However, there are many entertaining outings that cost much less than a fancy dinner or a big show.

Whether you’re visiting Cape Town on a budget or simply looking for new things to do without hurting the wallet, here is a lineup of unique ways to explore the Mother City without breaking the bank.

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

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.

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, screens 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

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.

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: Friday – Sunday | 5pm – 9pm (Fri) | 9:30am – 4pm (Sat & Sun)

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South African Astronomical Observatory

The Observatory regularly opens its doors to the public with an affordable night-time tour of the facility, its history, and its importance in modern astronomy. Guests have the chance to visit the library, browse an impressive collection of astronomical instruments, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of South African astronomy through the ages.

Weather permitting, the experience culminates in a stargazing session with both the historic McClean Telescope and SAAO’s modern Dobsonian telescopes, offering breathtaking views of celestial objects, distant galaxies, and the wonders of our night sky.

Tour fees go towards the NRF|SAAO’s education, public outreach, and socio-economic development programs.

Cost: R50 (per adult) | Free for children under 6. Book now on Quicket.

When: 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month | 8pm – 10pm
Where: 1 Observatory Rd, Observatory, Cape Town

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 African citizens and kids, 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 (not including entry).

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

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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

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.

Cost: R10 per stem (pick-your-own). More information is available on the website.

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

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

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Killarney Raceway

Killarney International Raceway is the premier destination for Cape Town’s petrolheads, with a wide range of racing competitions nearly every weekend, featuring everything from Modified Saloon Cars to Sports & GT Cars, Superbikes, and more.

Viewers watch the excitement as top local drivers compete at full speed to chase redemption, defend their name, overtake rivals, and try to finish on the podium; catching every turn, every corner, and every last-second decision at the historic raceway grounds.

Every weekend is also a family-friendly event with kiddies’ play areas, food stalls, and refreshing drinks for all to enjoy.

Cost: R100 (general admission online) | R10 (kids admission). Upcoming events are on the website.

When: Most weekends | Typically from 8am | Doors usually open from 6.30am
Where: Killarney International Raceway, 6 Potsdam Road, Table View

Polkadraai Farm

Polkadraai Farm is a working strawberry farm that opens its fields to the public for pick-your-own harvesting each season, typically from September through to January. The farm has been producing strawberries for several decades and holds GlobalGAP certification, an internationally recognised food safety and good agricultural practice standard audited annually by an independent third party.

Beyond the strawberry fields, the farm accommodates a bike park, tractor rides, pony rides, pedal karts, mini golf, a playground, a food court and a food and wine shop stocking jams, preserves, dried fruit, estate wines and farm produce. The farm stall also carries a selection of local wines.

Strawberry picking is temporarily closed for the winter.

Cost: Strawberry picking from R60pp. Tractor rides R25pp. Mini golf R25pp. Pony rides R25 per child. Bike park from R70 per day.

When: Daily | 9am to 4pm
Where: Polkadraai Farm, M12 Stellenbosch Arterial Road, Stellenbosch

Two Oceans Aquarium (After 3 Special)

The Two Oceans Aquarium is the heart and soul of Cape Town’s recreational relationship with the ocean. The iconic space hosts a variety of activities each day, from puppet shows to feeding time shows and much more. In addition to general access to the sea creatures, the Aquarium offers guests exclusive opportunities, such as scuba diving courses, behind-the-scenes tours, and special events like members-only sleepovers and after-dark concerts.

During the school term, there is a significant discount on tickets purchased after 3pm, even on weekends. The 25% discount means everyone can access all the amazing exhibits, meet the animals, and even catch the last of the puppet shows in a three-hour time slot before the Aquarium closes.

Cost (After 3 Special): R210 (adults), R158 (pensioners, students, and children aged 14-18), R97 (children 4 – 13 years). Free for children aged 3 and under. Book general entry here.

When: Monday – Sunday | 3pm to 6pm (special) | From 9.30am (usual operating hours)
Where: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Yo Yoga

For those wanting a cheap alternative to the many expensive wellness workshops in the city, the highly rated Yo Yoga studio in Observatory offers infrared, heated yoga sessions for people of all skill and fitness levels. They specialise in three styles, namely: vinyasa, Hot 26, and Hatha, all of which are designed to strengthen the body, enhance balance, reduce stress, and calm the mind. The addition of infrared lighting aids in detoxification, reduces muscle tension, and further enhances flexibility for all participants, making it an excellent way to start a wellness journey in the winter.

Best of all, each participant gets three free Hot 26 yoga classes (held on Tuesdays at 7.30pm), after which they can join any of the studio’s regular packages.

When: Monday – Sunday | Check their online schedule for exact class times.
Where: 2 Fir Street, Black River Park, Observatory, Cape Town

Silvermine

Between the Cape Winelands, Noordhoek’s mountains, and the Tokai Forest, with a beautifully reflective dam at its centre, there are few natural locations as gorgeous as Silvermine. Whether going for a friendly hike, a walk with a furry friend, a group picnic, looking at the colourful fynbos, or swimming a couple of laps in the refreshing mountain water, it’s ideal for relaxing and resetting in nature.

As a SAN Park, it does cost a nominal fee to enter. However, Silvermine more than makes up for the cost with its breathtaking views and tranquil atmosphere.

Cost: R44 per adult (South African residents, 12+) | R22 (2-11 yrs).

When: Entry by sunrise, exit by sunset
Where: Silvermine Dam, Silvermine, Cape Town

The Labia

A favourite of moviegoers in the city, the Labia Theatre maintains a balanced selection of major blockbusters and independent films, with new titles rotating weekly. The theatre has affordable tickets, a fully licensed bar, classic movie snacks, and close proximity to Kloof Street’s famous restaurants and cafes.

Even better, the Labia has special deals throughout the week where filmgoers can get two movie tickets and two meals from nearby restaurants. Whether it’s two toasties from trendy hotspot Our Local or two nachos from Chingada’s, each deal is only R200, making going out for dinner and watching a film more affordable than ever. More information is available on the website.

Cost: R90 per ticket | R60 (Students/Pensioners/Children). Bookings can be made in person or online – this week’s movies are available on the website.

When: Monday – Sunday | Early showings from 11.30am | Final showings from 8.30pm
Where: 68 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town