Camps Bay beach in Cape Town

Free things to do in Cape Town

This post was written by my brother while he was a student in Cape Town. Students have the best advice for low cost ways of enjoying a location. Read this post to find out his top 3 ways of spending time without spending money in Cape Town.


Cape Town has a variety of experiences for those seeking an adventure. There are multiple reasons it is continuously named amongst the most beautiful cities in the world.

Having lived here for four years as a student, I have made the most out of low-budget activities. Fortunately, Cape Town has plenty to offer. So I have listed three of my favourite ways to spend my time without spending money in Cape Town.  Make the most of these free things to do in Cape Town.

Relax by the ocean

Cape Town’s coastline contributes to the city’s undeniable beauty; therefore spending your day on one of the magnificent beaches is a necessity.

A personal favourite of mine is Llandudno. Llandudno beach is situated in the area of Llandudno, nestled in the base of the mountain range stretching from Camps Bay to the Hout Bay area. It is one of the more tranquil beaches, with several dream homes situated along the mountainside.

Llandudno offers the opportunity to feel rejuvenated by the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, adventure with your friends onto the seaside boulders, bask in the generous Cape Town sun and enjoy an ice cream, or several in my case.

Tip: Bring an umbrella for moments when the sun is too generous.

Enjoy the sunset from a spectacular viewing point

Nature in Cape Town loves to showoff around 7pm when the sunsets over the ocean. One of my favourite spots to experience the sunset is Signal Hill. It is at the base of Lion’s Head. It’s a great place to enjoy peaceful moments alone or for sundowners with your partner. You can escape from the busy streets to have a mountain-top view of both the city and the ocean.

Admire the contrast between the stillness of the ocean and the vibrant Cape Town city. Watch as ships cruise along the sea and the city’s lights begin to switch on. All with a breath-taking backdrop of the colour combination the sky has chosen for the day. It’s a dose of euphoria that’s hard to shy away from!

Tip: It’s free to access this viewpoint! Get there at least an hour before sunset to give yourself enough time to park and choose a viewing spot. Dress warmly because of the wind.

Go for a hike

Cape Town’s mountainous terrain makes it an exciting location for hiking. The popular hiking spots in Cape Town include Lions Head, Table Mountain and Devils Peak. Take them on free of charge!

Go with friends, family or a partner that is up for a physical yet adventurous challenge. Set your own pace and enjoy the journey to the top. The adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment after conquering your climb are exhilarating. To top the experience off, be rewarded by the incredible views. Make sure to take your time soaking it all in.

Tip: Don’t forget to take enough water with you – many advise at least 2 litres.

2 thoughts on “Free things to do in Cape Town”

  1. Great post whenever I’m in Capetown I try not to pay for everything because it can get too expensive there’s a lot that one can do for free
    ♥️

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