Posted: May 12, 2023 | May 12, 2023
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With beautiful beaches, towering mountains and vibrant culture, it's no surprise that this is a popular hub for everyone. It is a place that attracts visitors. I have many friends who went there and stayed for several months.
And although it's a pretty affordable destination (we're talking US$2 cocktails), I always like to give people tips and tricks on how to save money for extra savings.
To help you save money on your visit, here are some ways to visit Cape Town on the cheap (the city is already very affordable for visitors, so here are just a few things you need to know).
1. Off-season visit
Cape Town's peak tourist season runs from December to February, when the city is teeming with tourists seeking refuge from the cold winters of the Northern Hemisphere. Costs of everything from activities to accommodation are very high during these months. If possible, plan your trip during peak season (March to May or September to November) when prices are much more reasonable. That alone can save you a fortune!
2. Consider staying in a hostel
One of the biggest expenses when traveling is accommodation, and Cape Town is no exception. Luckily, there are a variety of accommodation styles to choose from, from guesthouses to hotels to short-term rentals. If you're on a budget, hostels are the cheapest option. But if you're looking for better accommodation, you can find cheaper deals on Airbnb or Booking.com if you book at least three months in advance.
Hotel prices skyrocket as things sell out and options dwindle, so don't wait until the last minute.
3. Use car 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 ridesharing app like Uber or Bolt. By Western standards it is safer, faster and still very affordable.
The average cost for a short-distance vehicle is 30-50 ZAR ($1.65-2.75 USD). If you plan to use ridesharing often, consider purchasing an Uber pass for 100ZAR ($5USD). A 10% discount is provided for each ride.
If you are staying for more than a month, renting a car can be a good option for about $300-500 USD per month. However, keep in mind that gas and parking fees can add up to more than the cost of using a ridesharing service. app. For the best rental car prices, use Discover Cars.
4. Choose a trip you can do yourself
If you want to save cash, rent a car and split the cost of visiting places with friends or other travellers. One of the most popular tours is the Cape Peninsula tour, which starts in Cape Town and passes through various attractions such as the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach before finishing at Cape Point. This tour costs between 545 and 860 ZAR per person, excluding park entrance fees.
Alternatively, you can get a cheap car rental for 450 ZAR per day and split it between several people to significantly reduce the cost. Not only is it cheaper to plan your trip on your own, it also gives you the flexibility to travel at your own time without rushing and stop wherever you want.
Other popular excursions, such as visiting wine regions and whale watching in Hermanus, can easily be done on your own.
Check out Get Guided for a list of popular activities and tours.
5. Take a free walking tour
One of the first things I do when I arrive at a new destination is to go on a free walking tour. This is the best way to get an idea of the lay of the land, see key highlights and connect with a local guide who can share insider information and advice.
Free Walking Tours Cape Town runs free tours in English daily and no advance booking is required. (Be sure to tip the guide at the end!)
6. Find cheap food
Eating out can be quite cheap around Cape Town. Even in heavily touristed areas, most restaurants will serve food for around $5 to $10 USD per meal (some even cheaper).
Vagabond Kitchens is a great place for cheap wraps and quick bites, and Giovanni's has a deli counter that serves delicious home-cooked meals, usually under $5 USD. Eastern Food Bazaar and Mojo Market (in Sea Point) are also two affordable options.
Additionally, food delivery apps often have discounts that make it much cheaper than going in person. If you get an Uber pass, you'll also get a discount on Uber Eats, and when combined with buy-one-get-one-free promotions and other meal deals constantly advertised at various restaurants, it can be even cheaper than Uber Eats. Cook for yourself.
7. Use discount sites
In addition to food delivery discounts, websites such as Hyperli and Wikideals are popular within South Africa for their discounted food, drinks and activities.
If you're two people traveling together, The Entertainer app is also a great way to get get-one-get-one deals on food and drinks around the city.
Before you book a trip or eat out, it's a good idea to check if there are any discounts you can get on this site. There are also good discounts!
8. Find free (or cheap) activities.
Cape Town has a variety of free (or cheap) activities and attractions. Here's a list to help you have fun on a budget:
- table mountain hike
- Visit the District Six Museum
- go to the beach
- Lions Head Hike
- Visit the Slave Lodge
- Watch the sunset from Signal Hill
Check out our Cape Town guide for more suggestions. We have lots of budget-friendly suggestions!
By timing your travel wisely, finding affordable accommodation, using safe and affordable transportation, planning your trip, and being selective with your activities, you can enjoy all the wonders of this beautiful city without breaking the bank. .
Travel Booking: Logistics Tips and Tricks
flight reservation
Find cheap flights with Skyscanner. It's my favorite search engine. Because we search websites and airlines all over the world, so you always know that you can avoid making any decisions.
Accommodation Reservation
You can book hostels through Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, try Booking.com. We consistently offer the lowest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. Comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I can't go on a trip without it, as I've had to use it several times in the past. Here are some of my favorite companies that offer the best service and value:
Want to travel for free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and lodging without spending extra. Check out my guide to choosing the right card and some of my current favorites to get started and check out the latest and greatest deals.
Need help finding activities for your trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find great walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to book your trip?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I've listed all the things I use when traveling. They are best in class and you can't go wrong using them while traveling.
