How to Save Money When Visiting Cape Town (Updated 2023)

It has been sent: 12/05/2023 | May 12, 2023

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With its stunning beaches, towering mountains, and colorful cultures, it should come as no surprise that it’s a popular destination for….well, everyone. It is a place that absorbs tourists. I have many friends who went there and stayed there for several months.

And, even though it’s a cheap place (I’m talking $2 USD cocktails), I always like to give people tips and tricks on how to save money.

To help you save money when you visit, here’s how to travel to Cape Town on a budget (there are a few things you should know because the city is very expensive for tourists):

1. Go to recess

Cape Town’s peak tourist season is December to February, when the city is filled with hordes of tourists looking to escape the cold winters of the Northern Hemisphere. Prices for everything from activities to accommodation are very high during these months. If you can, plan your trip during the shoulder season (March to May or September to November) when the prices are at their best. This alone will save you a lot of money!

2. Consider staying in a hostel

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when traveling, and Cape Town is no exception. Fortunately, there are many styles of accommodation to choose from – from guesthouses to hotels to short-term rentals. If you’re on a tight budget, hostels are the cheapest option. However, if you’re looking for something better, you can still get great deals on Airbnb or Booking.com if you book three months in advance.

When things sell out and there are few options, hotel prices go up, so make sure you don’t leave until the last minute.

3. Use ridesharing programs

MyCti buses are a popular and cheap option, but they are not always safe, especially at night. Instead, use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt. It is safe, fast, and very cheap by Western standards.

The average price for a short ride is 30-50 ZAR ($1.65–2.75 USD), and if you plan to use the bike ride regularly, it may be worth getting an Uber Pass for 100 ZAR ($5 USD), which gives you access. 10% discount on every trip.

If you’re staying for a month or more, renting a car for around $300–500 USD per month can be a good option – but be aware that gas and parking costs can add up to more than it would cost to use a car. app. For the best car rental rates, use Discover Cars.

4. Choose a self-guided tour

If you want to save money, rent a car and split the cost of sightseeing with friends or travelers. One of the most popular tours is the Cape Peninsula tour, which starts in Cape Town and stops at various tourist spots, such as the famous penguin spot at Boulders Beach before ending at Cape Point. The tours cost anywhere from 545 to 860 ZAR per person, including park entrance.

Alternatively, you can rent a cheap car at 450 ZAR per day and reduce the cost by sharing them among people. Not only is it cheaper to plan your own tours, but it also allows you to travel at your leisure and stop wherever you want, without being rushed.

Other popular tours, such as visiting the wine country and whale watching in Hermanus, are also easily accessible on your own.

For a list of popular attractions and tours, see Find Your Book.

5. Take a free walking tour

One of the first things I do when I arrive in a new place is go on a free tour. It’s a great way to find places, see the highlights, and connect with a local guide who can share tips and insider tips.

Cape Town Free Walking Tour offers free tours every day in English – no advance booking required. (Just make sure you give your tip at the end!)

6. Look for cheap food

Eating out can be cheap in Cape Town. Most restaurants, even in touristy areas, have food prices ranging from $5 to $10 USD per meal (and cheaper in some places).

Vagabond Kitchens is a great place for cheap dressing and fast food, and Giovanni’s has a counter with delicious, homemade food under $5 USD. Eastern Food Bazaar and Mojo Market (at Sea Point) are two other affordable options.

Additionally, meal delivery programs often have promotions that make them cheaper than they actually are. When you get an Uber Pass, you’ll also get a discount on Uber Eats, and combined with free one-time deals and other regular meal deals at various restaurants, this can be even cheaper. cook for yourself.

7. Use the discount area

In addition to food discounts, websites such as Hyperli and Wikideals are popular in South Africa for discounted food, drinks, and events.

If you’re traveling as a couple, The Entertainer app is a great way to find free deals on food and drink around town.

Before booking any tours or dining out, I would recommend checking out these sites to see if there are any deals available – there are some great ones!

8. Look for free (or low-cost) services.

Cape Town has a number of free (or cheap) events and attractions. Here’s a list to help you enjoy the budget:

• Climb Table Mountain
• Visit the District Six Museum
• Hit the beach
• Climb up the Lion’s Head
• Go to the Slave Lodge
• Watch the sunset from Signal Hill

For more information, see my guide to Cape Town. It has lots of budget friendly ideas!

By planning your trip wisely, finding affordable accommodations, using safe and affordable transportation, planning your own tours, and choosing your own activities, you can enjoy all the wonders of this amazing city without breaking the bank.