Holidays can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. There are many ways to save money and still have a great time. In a city like Cape Town, with it’s outdoor culture, it’s easy to get by on a budget. One of Cape Town’s best attractions is the great outdoors, where you could spend hours hiking, swimming, sunbathing, or taking part in sports.
Enjoy free (or very affordable) activities
What better way to save money than by not spending it at all? Cape Town is a wonderland of free activities. With endless adventures to be had on mountain, forest, and sea, you could easily fill a holiday without spending much at all. Try out some of the spectacular hiking trails, visit the beaches, go chasing waterfalls, or spend a day exploring the parks and gardens all over the city.
Read about 50 things to do for under R50
Get an iVenture card for your sightseeing
If you want to take in all the sights Cape Town has to offer, it’s well worth getting hold of an iVenture card, which offers fantastic discounts and free entry to some of the city’s top attractions.
Go wine-tasting
Cape Town’s vineyards produce world-famous wine, and it’s also a fantastic way to spend a day without breaking the bank. Many wine estates offer free tastings, and others charge a nominal fee (usually under R50). It’s also usually the most affordable way to get your hands on high quality wine at much lower prices than the liquor stores. Just pick a wine route and get exploring!
Make use of discount vouchers
One of the most popular ways to see the city and get around is the City Sightseeing bus. There are multiple routes taking in the city’s biggest attractions, and it’s an affordable way to get around the city if you’re here for a few days. Remember to hang on to your ticket, because it contains discount vouchers for attractions, meals, tours, and curios. Use these vouchers to knock the cost of your day out way down. There are also more than R2,000 worth of discounts inside the Love Cape Town Visistor’s Guide, which you can pick up at any of our Visitor Information Centres in and around Cape Town.
Book your City Sightseeing ticket now
Look out for the restaurant specials
Every day in Cape Town, there’s a way to dine for a fraction of the normal price. There are two-for-one specials, happy hours, and all kinds of other specials that will allow you to eat like a king on a shoestring budget.
Save money with online bookings
Whether you’re booking for events or attractions, there are often discounts for bookings made online. City Sightseeing offers discounts for tickets bought online—plus you get to skip the queue. Most live music venues also offer discounts for tickets purchased online in advance.
Take a look at Webtickets to buy tickets for events online
Book flights early and keep an eye out for specials
Flights are often the biggest drain on funds when going on holiday, but they don’t need to be. If you check regularly for flight sales you’re likely to find sweet deals. It’s also important to book your flights as far in advance as possible, so if you’re thinking about visiting Cape Town, don’t wait! Book your flights now.
Browse Travelstart to find some of the best rates on flights
Book accommodation wisely
Peak season is always going to be a little pricier, so consider booking your trip for shoulder season (March, April, September, or October) for lower rates. You could also come in the winter to take advantage of the many specials on accommodation. Try Airbnb for affordable self-catering, and choose to stay in more affordable areas.
Hit the beach
Get outside and enjoy one of Cape Town’s beautiful beaches for a day of fun without having to spend a dime. Pack your own picnic lunch, a towel, and loads of sunblock. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, snacking, and meeting locals in their natural environment.
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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