Last updated October 2019
In Cape Town, some of the best things in life are free. Here are some of our favourite free things to do in Cape Town, so you can keep discovering the city no matter your budget!
See a Silo Concert
From October 2019 to February 2020, head to the V&A Waterfront‘s Silo District on the first Friday of the month to see some great live music, completely free! Concerts start at 19:00 and seating is on a first-come-first-served basis, so make sure you get there early. Catch Amanda Black and Wandile Mbambeni on Friday, 1 November 2019; This Thing Called Swing on Friday, 6 December 2019; Puesta Del Sol’s Argentinian folk performance on Friday, 3 January 2020; and AnecNote and The Soil on Friday, 7 February 2020.
Free Tour of Parliament
If you’re interested in South Africa’s history and the inner workings of the National Assembly, you can book a free tour of the Parliament building or attend a plenary debate. Bookings are essential, but there is no charge. Book via the Parliament website.
Enter the Zeitz MOCAA for Free
The Zeitz MOCAA is home to the world’s largest collection of art from Africa and its diaspora. There are a few ways to get in free. Under 18s can visit free of charge any time by presenting ID. Citizens of African countries can visit free on Wednesdays between 10:00 and 13:00 on presentation of an ID, driver’s licence, or passport.
If you visit on Museum Night, the first 2,000 people get free entry, while others pay half price. Like Museum Night South Africa on Facebook to find out details of upcoming events. Finally, if you’re in town on Heritage Day (24 September), you can enter for free between 10:00 and 17:30.
Live Music at the Bay Harbour Market
Hout Bay’s perennially popular Bay Harbour Market is not just about shopping: it’s a vibe! There are many arts, crafts, fashion, decor, and wellness traders, whose stalls you can browse. There are almost endless options for food and drink to suit any budget. The markets happen on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Entry is totally free, and every market day features a live local band. Whether you’re up for a shopping spree, a feast, or just a drink while you soak up the vibe, the Bay Harbour Market is a great day out. See the full line-up on their website.
Check Out the Art at Norval Foundation
The Norval Foundation hosts regular exhibitions and has a permanent sculpture park, with paved paths you can stroll along. Visit on the first Thursday of every month between 10:00 and 20:00 for free entry.
Take a Free Walking Tour
Learn more about the city, its history, interesting facts and take in the beautiful sights with Cape Town Free Walking Tours. There are various tours on offer – a historic tour, an Apartheid to Freedom tour, a Bo-Kaap tour, and a Taste of Cape Town tour. Each one offers a unique perspective on Cape Town and what this amazing city has to offer. Tours are tip-based.
Take a Self-Guided Historical Walk at the V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront, situated at the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, has a rich and varied history that can be traced back as far as 1654. A great way to discover the stories of this iconic site’s past and its 22 landmarks is to do a self-guided historic walk. Simply grab a map at the Information Centre and off you go.
Go to a Concert in the Park
De Waal park hosts free concerts every summer on its Edwardian bandstand. You can pack a picnic, bring the kids, and settle on the shady lawns, and enjoy some top local acts. This year’s line-up is due to be announced soon, so keep an eye on their Facebook page!
Ride the Cableway for Free on Your Birthday
South Africa citizens get a free return ticket on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway on the day of their birthday or for seven days after. Make use of this amazing offer and enjoy some of the most spectacular views in town.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Spending time exploring the parks, beaches, mountains, and forests is one of the most enriching free things to do in Cape Town! Have a picnic or feed the squirrels in the Company’s Garden, join in a game of beach volleyball on Clifton and Camps Bay‘s beaches, stroll along the Sea Point Promenade, hike up Table Mountain… the choices are endless.
Planning a trip to Cape Town? Book flights, browse accommodation, and rent a car now to get the best rates. The Cape Town City Pass gives you access to over 70 of the top Cape Town attractions, tours, and things to see and do, including the popular hop on hop off City Sightseeing bus.
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