Discover plenty of things to see and do around Cape Town through outdoor activities, including – experiencing the unique culture, people, history, beautiful mountains, restaurants, museums, wine regions, food and shops.
If you’re planning on exploring the Mother City, you don’t need bucketloads of cash. Here are 10 things to do in Cape
Town under R200 and renting a car in Cape Town will cost you even less, you’ll need it if you want to see more than just the city bowl.
1. Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium situated at the V&A Waterfront is a spectacular water world that allows you to view over 3000 aquatic species, including sharks, fish, turtles and penguins. Open all year – ticket costs around R97 to R125, depending on whether you are a student, child, adult or a pensioner. Tickets are valid for the entire day, giving you options to do your shopping or a boat trip before returning again. Children under the age of four get free access.
2. See the African Penguin at Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town is home to more than 2,000 African penguins. The Boulders falls under the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area. Ticket costs R65 for adults and R35 for kids. Boulders Beach is ideal for kids – as immense boulders shelters protect the wind and large waves, making it easy for kids to be able to swim.
3. Relive Cape Town’s past at the District Six Museum
District Six Museum was originally established as a diverse life community of freed slaves, merchants, artisans, labourers and immigrants. However, it was named the Sixth Municipal District of Cape Town in 1867. The Museum is housed in a historic building that was formerly a church – inside of which the permanent multimedia exhibition and telling stories and history of District Six residents. Experience and learn about the forced relocation and how now reformation of District Six is and go on a guided tour with an ex-resident of District Six.
4. Visit Cape Point
When visiting Cape Town, exploring lighthouse at Cape Point is a must-do activity. Cape Point is an amazing sight, covered in endemic fynbos and home to breath-taking bays, beaches and rolling green hills and valleys. Expect to see the large variety of pelagic birds, zebra, eland, species of reptiles and small mammals. Chacma baboons are common, especially at the point itself. Plan a picnic in the park or on the beach, hike or mountain bike, have lunch at the spectacular Two Oceans Restaurant or simply catch the Flying Dutchman Funicular.
5. Picnic at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is home an abundant variety of Cape flora. You can enjoy a cool, calm walk or throw out a picnic blanket and enjoy the beautiful surrounding. Tickets costs R50 for adults, students pay R50 and children over six pay R10. However, every Sundays Kirstenbosch hosts concerts before sunset featuring local and international bands – tickets costs around R100, but sometimes less.
6. Have brunch at the Old Biscuit Mill
Entry in the market is free. However, you can easily spend more than R200 on smoothies, coffee, paella, cupcakes, macaroons, cheese, olives and honey clothing, crafts, plants and jewellery at The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock.
7. Enjoy a Waterfront Harbour Cruise
The Harbour in Hout Bay is a great place to hop on board and take in the magnificence of Chapman’s Peak and Duiker Island. You’ll see far more seals – as Duiker Island is home to a large host of Cape fur seals that duck dive through the water and pile onto the rocks. Tickets only cost R40 per person (R35 if you book online) and R20 for kids. However, the scenic cruise provides a brief of informative introduction to Cape and the working harbour within the V&A Waterfront. The well-informed guides will share their knowledge and history of the Cape.
8. Springbok Experience Rugby Museum
The Springbok Experience Rugby Museum lies at the heart of V&A Waterfront – featuring more than 60 audio visual displays, where visitors can experience and watch the history of South African Rugby. However, there are also historic objects displayed such as famous trophies, boots and other memorabilia. Tickets cost R75 for adults, R50 for students(on presentation of a valid student card), Free for kids under the age of five, R50 for 6 – 18 scholars, R50 for Pensioners (60 years or older), R210 for families (up to two adults and four kids) plus R40 for extra child, prior arrangement for a group of 20 or more.
The Museum offers fun and entertainment for the whole family, such as games for children and adults – where they can test their kicking, passing, fitness and reaction skills in the interactive ‘Springbok Trials’ game zone.
9. Hike Lion’s Head
Lion’s Head provides brave hikers who reaches it’s peak with 360 views of Cape Town. However, it is perfect walk for those who want to squeeze in a short hike after or before work, with or without kids and the dog. The freely accessible Lions Head hike is a hit with locals and visitors. Go when there’s a full moon for excellent viewing and a naturally lit pathway to the top.
10. Go back in time at the Labia Theatre
The Labia is the oldest Independent Art-Repertory Cinema in South Africa. Watch old movies and experience the joys of yesteryear at this old cinema which has four screens. Refreshments available to movie-goers include home-made delicacies, a chocolate bar serving sweets, chocolates and popcorn as well as an outside terrace.
