Cape Town’s greatest strength is its diversity. It spans the landscape of the city, its cultures, people, food – and budget. The rand is generally quite weak against many currencies, so if you’re coming from Europe, Oceania or North America, South Africa is a fairly cheap destination. And while Cape Town tends to be a bit pricier than other parts of the country, it still offers great value.
You’ll really see where your money can go when eating out. If you were ever going to a multi-course fine dining banquet, Cape Town would be the place (you’ll find a six-course tasting menu at the city’s top restaurants for around US$100). But of course, there are many budget-friendly options to choose from. Here’s how to get more bang for your buck on a trip to Cape Town.
1. Make a stopover in Addis Ababa
A cheap way to fly to Cape Town is with Ethiopian Airlines. The flight service is excellent and the fares are great, but the route adds an extra hour to the trip. Most flights include an overnight stay in Addis Ababa, but consider it an opportunity rather than a burden. Airline staff greet you at the airport and bus you to your complimentary hotel, where an Ethiopian meal awaits before bed. You will be transferred back to the airport the following day and arrive in Cape Town fresh-faced after a restful night’s sleep.
2. Take Ubers over taxis.
Uber has become the transport of choice in Cape Town from a safety perspective and to cut costs. Ubers are almost always more cost-effective than private taxis, especially when traveling from the airport to the city. The ability to track your journey in the app and share details with friends is also a bonus when traveling alone.
3. Grab a Gatsby and feed yourself a day
The Gatsby is a Cape Town institution, catering to families on a budget since the 1970s. It’s basically a foot-long sub, although the bun is often a little over 12 inches long. It comes topped with salad, fries and any type of meat, from sliced polony (bologna) to spiced steak. It’s huge, it’s solid and it can easily feed a family of four in one sitting – for the price of a single meal at an average restaurant.
4. Give public transport a chance.
South Africa is not generally known for its comprehensive public transport network, but if you want to save a few rands, there are options for accommodation in Cape Town. The Metrorail train connects the city to the southern suburbs and False Bay Beach, and is safe during daylight hours – just try to choose a car with other passengers when you board. The MyCiTi bus network connects the city from the Atlantic seaboard to Hout Bay. The buses are clean, safe and largely on time.
5. Hike to the top of Table Mountain.
If you hike up, pack a picnic and hike back down again, Cape Town is an absolutely must-see attraction. The way down can be hell on the knees though, so you might want to take the cable car back down – at least you’ll have saved half the fare!
6. Join the locals at a Thursday street party.
On the first Thursday of every month, the city becomes an open-air gallery and general street party. Art shops open their doors and host wine tastings, bars let their customers out onto the streets and the city opens up with revelers. You’ll find drink specials, live bands and free entry to many of the city’s galleries and museums.
7. Visit in winter for restaurant specials
Cape Town’s restaurants are already quite cheap by international standards, but during the months of July and August, many of the city’s top eateries offer special deals. It could be a reduction in the entire menu, a special winter-only set meal or a special deal, such as a burger and beer, or two courses for a reduced price. Local food blogs and sites like eat out Often the city compiles lists of winter food specials.
8. Consider buying a Cape Town City Pass.
It can be quite expensive at R1495/1995 for a two/five day pass but if you plan to visit most of Cape Town’s attractions, City Pass is a good deal. It includes admission to key attractions such as the Zeitz MOCAA Museum, Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Whale, Grote Constantia wine tasting and the cableway to the top of Table Mountain, as well as an open-air sightseeing bus pass. There are also plenty of activities included, from walking tours of the city to whale-watching tours.
9. Check out the market for a stand-up lunch
On weekends, Cape Town has a bustling food market scene where you can buy bowls of noodles, plates of paella, pastries, sandwiches, slices of pizza and desserts. There is a great atmosphere and you can usually find lunch for less than R100. Check out the Oranjescht Market at the V&A Waterfront or the long-running Neighbors Market in Woodstock.
10. Book tours on Airbnb
Local tours can be quite expensive but you can find great deals offered by locals on Airbnb. They are also unique, giving an insider’s look at specific aspects of Cape Town life.
11. Sleep in the burbs
Accommodation is generally more expensive in the city center and in the Atlantic seaboard suburbs of Clifton and Camps Bay. If you’re planning to spend some time visiting the attractions south of the city – such as the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the Constantia Wine Route, surfing classes, Cape Point and the penguin colony – then spend some time in the southern suburbs or Consider living in the Southern Peninsula. Your trip doesn’t have as much nightlife, but there are plenty of great restaurants and the prices are low.
Daily expenses
- Hostel room for two (shared bathroom) R750
- Basic en suite room for two R1300
- Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb) R1000-1800
- Metro rail train ticket R20; MyCiti Bus Day Pass R80
- Enough R30
- Sandwiches R70
- Dinner for two (two courses, excluding drinks) R500
- Beer/pint in bar R25 for domestic beer; R40-60 for craft beer
- A decent bottle of local wine at a liquor store R80-120
Average daily cost R850-1600