Things to do for free in Cape Town

A selection of the best things to do for free in Cape Town and the surrounds

What happens if you want to experience Cape Town, but pay day isn’t until next week? Don't hide indoors in penniless shame. Look around you – mountain ranges, historic monuments, music and wine. And the best thing? You can have a slice of all this Mother City action, even before payday.

Put on your reading glasses:

The Centre for the Book:
A unit of the National Library of South Africa, the Centre for the Book aims to promote a culture of reading, writing and publishing in all local languages. Look out for their reading–related activities and events such as poetry readings, writing groups and workshops.
5 Queen Victoria Street | City Bowl | Cape Town

Kloof Street Library:
Sunny day? The friendly staff at Kloof Street Library will help you choose the perfect novel, African heritage or children’s book, to enjoy in their delightful garden.
122B Kloof Street | Tamboerskloof | City Bowl | Cape Town

Put on your boots and take a walkabout:

Full moon hike up Lion’s Head:
Between Table Mountain and Signal Hill you’ll find a mountain steeped in romance and tradition. Climb the mountain just before sunset and enjoy a picnic, with breathtaking views of Camps Bay and Cape Town, under the light of a full moon.

Seapoint Promenade:
A visit to Seapoint is not complete without a walk along the stunning seaside promenade. The promenade is frequented by walkers and skaters alike – a sunset jog is a fantastic idea. Can’t afford a theme park? Get in touch with your inner-child and swing high in the air at one of the grassy parks or flex those muscles at the outdoor gym. Cape Town is characterised by its stunning sea views and Seapoint provides the perfect vantage point.
The Promenade | Sea Point | Cape Town

Cecilia Forrest:
Serious hikers should head here to catch a glimpse of the legendary fairies and take a sip of fresh mountain water. Start your hike where Hohenort Drive meets Rhodes Drive, in Newlands.

Company’s Garden:
The Company’s Garden is home to a unique heritage of landscapes influenced by ‘Dutch produce’ and ‘Victorian Romantic’ styles. There’s a café nestled within the flowers that sells gorgeous ice-cream. Keep an eye out for the cheeky squirrels.
Company’s Garden | 19 Queen Victoria Street | City Bowl | Cape Town

Get to know your heritage:

Signal Hill:
Signal Hill is located next to Lion’s Head, with stunning views of the Atlantic. Originally, the Signal Hill cannon notified the public when a ship was in trouble. This old Capetonian tradition still takes place every day on Signal Hill, just below the mountaintop.  At 12h00 exactly, the Noon Gun is fired - an opportunity for people to set their watches.

Just Nuisance Monument:
This monument commemorates Just Nuisance, a Great Dane who befriended the Royal Navy and made such an impression that he was enlisted, wore a sailors hat, turned up at functions and did much to boost the morale of sailors at sea. You can also visit the Simon’s Town museum, which displays his papers, collar and photographs.
Just Nuisance Monument | Jubilee Square | Simons Town

Satisfy your hunger with free food and wine:

Neighbourgoods Market:
Get a little gourmet Saturday treatment from 9am to 2pm. The bustling Neighbour Goods Market is every foodies dream, stocking over 100 speciality traders including fine food, wine and local farmers. There are plenty of chutneys, cheeses cakes and wines for you to sample here. A little forward planning for that pay-day picnic never hurt anyone.
373-375 Albert Road | Woodstock | Cape Town

Wine Concepts
No money for a wine tour? Wine Concepts at Lifestyle on Kloof offer free, daily tastings. They have wines that you won’t find in the supermarket, sourced from top wine estates such as, Cederberg and Noble Hill, and small independent garages. These guys supply the connoisseurs of the grape world.
Lifestyle Centre | 50 Kloof Street | City Bowl | Cape Town

&Union
This popular spot is known for its craft beers but they're also into wines. Give them a call to book a spot at their free tastings on Thursday evenings.
Shop 7 | 110 Bree Street | City Bowl | Cape Town

Tjing Tjings
There's no reservation needed at Tjing Tjings for their wine tastings on Wednesdays, just stop by from 5pm onwards to sample some top-drawer blends and meet the winemakers.
165 Longmarket Street | City Bowl | Cape Town

Get into the arts and culture scene:

Diamond tours at Shimansky
Embark on a fascinating, behind the senes look at experts delicately shaping platinum, learn about the factors that affect the value of a diamond and witness the result of human expertise in Shimansky's sparkling showroom. Although the tour is free, your girlfriend may emerge doe-eyed for diamonds. Read about the Shimansky diamond tour.
Top Floor | The Clock Tower | V&A Waterfront | +27 (0)21 420 2788

Whatiftheworld Gallery
WhatiftheWorld Gallery provides a platform for new contemporary artists and gives collectors the opportunity to discover new artists. Plus you can peruse these works of art for free. Find more galleries here.
1 Argyle Street | Woodstock | Cape Town

Free Music:
The City of Cape Town are continually staging
massive acts such as, Freshly Ground, JR and Locnville at the likes of Cape Town Carnival, Cape Town International Jazz festival. Keep your eyes peeled for these events – they bring the city together in one arena and are worth a visit. A trip to the V&A Waterfront always promises some aural tickling, from Marimba buskers to shiny brass bands under the trees. Keep an eye on our events page for free gigs happening in and around Cape Town.

Want to live the high life on a low budget or find the best backpackers hostel? Be sure to read our Best of Cape Town section. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on the latest happenings in Cape Town.