cape town It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With its stunning beaches, towering mountains and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder it’s a popular center for…well, everyone. This is a tourist attraction. I have a lot of friends who have been there and ended up staying there for a few months.
And, even though it’s a pretty cheap destination (I’m talking $2 cocktails), I always like to show people tips and tricks on how to save money on extras.
To help you save money when visiting, here’s how to visit Cape Town on a budget (you just need to know a few things, as the city is already very affordable for tourists):
1. Visit in off-season
Cape Town’s peak tourist season is from December to February, when the city is flooded with tourists seeking to escape the cold northern hemisphere winter. Prices for everything from activities to accommodation are extremely high during these months. If you can, plan your trip during the off-season (March to May or September to November) when prices will be more reasonable. This alone can save you a fortune!
2. Consider staying in a hotel
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when traveling and Cape Town is no exception. Thankfully, there are a variety of accommodation options available—from guesthouses to hotels to short-term rentals. If you are on a tight budget, Hotels are the cheapest option. However, if you’re looking for something nicer, you can still check out Airbnb or Booking.com If you book at least three months in advance.
Hotel prices can skyrocket once items sell out and there are fewer options, so be sure not to wait until the last minute.
3. Leverage ride-sharing apps
The MyCiti bus system is a popular and cheap way to get around, but it’s not always the safest, especially at night. Instead, use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Bolt. It’s safer, faster and still very cheap by Western standards.
The average cost of a short ride is 30-50 ZAR ($1.65-2.75 USD), and if you plan to use rideshare frequently, it might be worth purchasing an Uber Pass for 100 ZAR ($5 USD), which gives you 10% off every ride.
If you are staying for a month or longer, car rental Around $300-$500 per month might be a good option, but be aware that gas and parking fees can add up to more than the cost of using a ride-sharing app. To get the best car rental prices, use discover cars.
4. Choose a self-guided tour
If you want to save some cash, rent a car and split the cost of visiting with friends or other travelers. One of the most popular excursions is the Cape Peninsula tour, which starts from Cape Town, stopping at various tourist destinations such as the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach, and ending at Cape Point. These tours cost between ZAR 545 and ZAR 860 per person, excluding park entrance.
Alternatively, you can rent a cheap car for as little as ZAR 450 per day and cut costs significantly by splitting the cost. Not only is planning your own trip cheaper, but it gives you the flexibility to travel at your leisure and stop wherever you want without feeling rushed.
You’ll also have easy access to other popular tours, such as visiting the wine country and whale watching in Hermanus.
For a list of popular activities and tours, check out Get your guide.
5. Free walking tour
When I arrive at a new destination, one of the first things I do is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to get to know the local area, see the main highlights and connect with local guides to share insider tips and advice.
Free walking tour of Cape Town Free tours in English are offered daily – no advance booking required. (Be sure to tip your tour guide at the end!)
6. Find cheap food
Eating out around Cape Town is quite affordable. Most restaurants, even in more touristy areas, range in price from $5 to $10 per meal (some places are even cheaper).
Vagabond Kitchens is a great spot for cheap wraps and quick meals, and Giovanni’s has a deli counter and offers delicious home-cooked meals, often for less than $5. Eastern Food Bazaar and Mojo Market (located in Sea Point) are also two other cheap options.
Additionally, food delivery apps often offer cheaper deals than delivering food in person. If you get an Uber Pass, you can also get discounts on Uber Eats, and with buy-one-get-one promotions and other meal deals that restaurants constantly advertise, it’s even cheaper than cooking for yourself.
7. Use discount sites
In addition to meal delivery discounts, the site also includes Superli and WikiTrading Popular in South Africa for discounts on food, drinks and activities.
If you are traveling together, Artist App It’s also a great way to get buy-one-get-one-free deals on food and drink around town.
Before booking an excursion or dining out, I recommend checking out these sites to see if there are any deals available – there are some great ones!
8. Find free (or cheap) activities
Cape Town has many free (or cheap) things to do and see. Here’s a list to help you have fun on a budget:
- Hike up Table Mountain
- Visit the District 6 Museum
- go to the beach
- Hike to Lion’s Head
- Visit a slave cabin
- Watch the sunset from Signal Hill
For more suggestions, check out My guide to Cape Town. It has tons of budget-friendly advice!
By timing your travels wisely, finding affordable accommodations, taking advantage of safe and cheap transportation options, planning your own excursions, and being selective about your activities, you can enjoy all the wonders of this amazing city without breaking the bank.
Booking a trip to Cape Town: logistical tips and tricks
Book a flight
use Skyscanner Find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book accommodation
You can book a hostel via hostel world Because they have the largest inventory and the best prices. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com Because they always provide guesthouses and budget hotels at the cheapest prices.
For accommodation suggestions, here’s my list Best hostels in Cape Town.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It provides complete protection in case any issues arise. I wouldn’t travel without it as I have used it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the cheapest company?
look at mine Resources page Providing you with the best companies to use when traveling. I’ve listed all the ways I use to save money while traveling. They also save you money when you travel.
Want to know more about South Africa?
Be sure to visit my Detailed South Africa destination guide Learn more planning tips!