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Things to do for free in Cape Town
30+ activities like wine tasting, museums & roller skating
Last updated: Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Having fun in Cape Town doesn't have to cost a cent. From markets, museums and nature reserves to walking tours, wine farms and free cultural events, the city is packed with no-cost experiences. Our guide has 30+ things you can do in and around the city, including a visit to Zeitz Mocaa Museum, coffee raves and roller skating sessions.
OPEN ROLLER SKATING SESSION
Issa Mother City Rollers in Green Point hosts open sessions every Tuesday from 5.30pm where all levels and ages are welcome. To join, you must have your own quad roller skates (or inline skates) and you don’t need to be a member.
DHL Stadium | Green Point | @isamothercityrollers | Image: Isa Mother City Rollers
COFFEE RAVES
This might change the way you start your day. Plenty of coffee shops, like Nice Café, host a monthly Thursday service from 7am to 9am. Expect free entry, live DJs and good vibes (and sometimes free coffee). For the next event, check out their Instagram.
Various locations | Image: CapeTownMagazine.com
SELF-GUIDED AUDIO TOUR
Groot Constantia, one of South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farms (since 1685) has examples of Dutch architecture and three free VoiceMap audio tours that you can choose from to explore the farm and learn about its history.
Groot Constantia Road, Constantia | @grootconstantia | Image: @shanelle.madurayon Instagram
DONKEY SANCTUARY IN BREEDE RIVER
Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary, a home for elderly and abused donkeys, lets you pet, play and walk the donkeys at no cost. Kids can play while parents grab coffee at the café. You can also browse the book store and gift shop (proceeds go to the sanctuary).
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Langverwagten Road, McGregor | @eseltjiesrusdonkeysanctuary | Image: @sseltjiesrusdonkeysanctuary on Instagram
WEEKLY MUSEUM ACCESS
Every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm, Zeitz MOCAA allows free entry for African citizens. Housed in a repurposed grain silo, you can see the largest collection of 21st-century contemporary African art, paintings, sculptures, photography, and loads of installations.
Silo District, V&A Waterfront | S Arm Road, Cape Town | @zeitzmocaa | Image: @zoilovaldes on Instagram
MONTHLY POP-UP MARKET
The Newlands Market has over 150 local vendors selling food, jewellery, clothing, crafts, accessories and more every month at Newlands Cricket Ground. There’s also workshops, a chill lounge, and a live sports screen. Plus undercover parking on-site.
Campground Road | Newlands | @thenewlandsmarket | Image: The Newlands Market
BEACH VOLLEYBALL EVERY THURSDAY
Friends Who Volley has volleyball games, sunsets and live music. Players don’t need to be professional and spectators are welcome to dance to the live DJs or dip in the water. It’s a weekly summer event on Clifton 1st.
Clifton 1st Beach | Clifton | Cape Town | @friendswhovolley | Image: Friends Who Volley
KID-FRIENDLY DUCK PARADE
One of South Africa's oldest working farms lets you watch over 1 000 Indian Runner Ducks waddle across the farmhouse, doing natural pest and snail control in the vineyards. Kids can feed the ducks, and you can picnic, go wine tasting or dine at the restaurants.
Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate | Stellenbosch | @vergenoegd_low_wine_estate | Image: @saltysn0w
HANDMADE TOFFEE TASTING
At this old-fashioned toffee tasting, you can see how toffee is made. The entire process is done by hand. Visitors get to watch as the toffee is produced, cut, and packaged, plus you get to taste as many toffees as you want at Darling Sweet.
7A Lang Street | Darling | R315 | @_darling_sweet_ | Image: Darling Sweet
OSTRICHES AND REPTILES NEAR CAPE POINT
Cape Point Ostrich Farm lets visitors feed ostriches for free. The farm also has a range of reptiles, leather shop and an ostrich egg shop. Guided tours (for R160) are offered daily and if you’re feeling peckish after, there’s a farm-style restaurant onsite.
Plateau Road | Cape Point | Facebook | Image: @shosholoza.tours on Instagram
GET YOUR GAME (AND YOUR DRINK) ON
At Cape Town’s first retro bar and arcade, you can play a collection of classic games like Rave Racer, Mortal Kombat, and Street Fighter. Its checkered pattern floor and custom-made neon signs make it feel nostalgic. It's free to play and Barcadia is free to enter.
62 Hout Street | Cape Town | @barcadiaza | Image: Barcadia
NATURE RESERVE IN THE SUBURBS
Rondevlei Nature Reserve is a wetland wilderness known for its impressive birdlife, and the only place in Cape Town where you can see hippos. There are two viewing towers and several bird hides. You could also go on a boat tour, picnic, and fish at the reserve.
Perth Road & Fishermans Walk, Pelikan Park, Zeekoevlei | Website | Image: @momsen_wild on Instagram
AIRCRAFT MUSEUM LIKE TOP GUN
Expect everything from aircrafts and uniforms to aviation magazines, and join a free Saturday tour. The museum's exhibits cover the full period of SA’s aviation history and there's a café at the South African Air Force (SAAF) Museum at Satellite Ysterplaat.
Piet Grobler Street | Ysterplaat Airbase | Cape Town | Image: @chloehuttonxx
WINE TASTING TUESDAYS
Judd’s Local on Kloof Street invites different wine reps to provide tastings, while they chat and educate customers. You can try local wines like Grootepost and Newton Johnson, and share some small plates or a charcuterie board every Tuesday.
141 Kloof Street | Gardens | @juddslocal | Image: Judd's Local
TOUR STREET ART
Skip Cape Town’s many galleries and, instead, take a walk through the bustling suburb of Woodstock to see some impressive street art. These colourful murals have become an integral part of the area and are a must-see when visiting the Mother City.
Various locations in the city | Image: Image: @axelundsue on Instagram
HIDDEN PARK IN THE SUBURBS
Cape Town is full of parks that are easy (and free) to access, like this one, tucked away off Paradise Road. It’s home to the city’s biggest tree house, wide open lawns and a little stream for your kids to splash around at the local favourite Paradise Park in Newlands.
Paradise Road | Newlands | Image: @jamiecette on Instagram
DAY TRIP TO THE WEST COAST
The West Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town, like Derdesteen and Melkbosstrand (only 40 minutes away). Many of the beaches are clean, have plenty of parking and are less crowded than popular spots like Clifton and Camps Bay.
West Coast National Park | West Coast | Image: @melissabrownza on Instagram
PICNIC IN THE PARK
Many places like Little Stream Farmhouse Deli and De Waal Park are free to visit, and have open lawns or picnic tables for seating. From parks and beaches, to vineyards with packaged picnics, we’re rounded up 15+ picnic spots in the Western Cape.
Wynberg Park | 58 Avenue Cnr Klaassens & Trovato Link Road, Wynberg | Image: @shazzy_rsa on Instagram
LEASH-FREE DOG PARK
Spend the day at the Radloff Dog Park along the Lourensford river. The whole family (including the animals) will love this picturesque garden: Walk your dog, jog along the path, let the kids splash in the water or make use of the skate and bike park next door.
Radloff Park | Somerset West | Image: @welnagilbert on Instagram
STROLL ALONG THE PROMENADE
In the mood for some exercise or fresh sea air? Sea Point promenade offers loads of fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Make use of the free outdoor gym, visit the art and photography exhibitions or take a scenic stroll to the lighthouse.
Promenade | Sea Point | Image: Lara van Zyl
ART-GALLERY HOPPING ON FIRST THURSDAYS
On the first Thursday of every month, walk from art gallery to art gallery and the many cultural events happening in and around Cape Town city centre. Immerse yourself in the artistic scene and join the big after-party in some of the city’s finest bars and restaurants.
Various locations | Instagram: @firstthursdays_za | Image: The Plot Gallery
ANTIQUES COLLECTIONS IN PAARL
Old petrol pumps, road signs, clothing and sewing machines from the 1900s…You can view it for free at Toeka Stoor & Coffee Shop but remember to support the coffee shop. Order South African favourites, such as bobotie pies, “ouma se kerrie vetkoek”, and jaffels.
Toeka Stoor & Coffee Shop | Domaine Brahms Wines | Paarl | Image: Simone Strydom
HIDDEN GEMS IN A PARK
There’s something for everyone at this urban park: Outdoor gym, picnic spots, a coffee shop, water features, kids play areas and more. You can also learn about biodiversity, explore an outdoor labyrinth or walk on a sundial at Green Point Urban Park.
1 Fritz Sonnenberg Road | Green Point | Image: @ceramicszizamele on Instagram
SOAK UP THE MARKET VIBE
The city is home to many excellent markets that feature art, artisan wares, African crafts, foods and fresh produce, like Woodstock's Neighbourgoods Market. It's on every Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 3pm.
Old Biscuit Mill | Woodstock | @neighbourgoodsmarket | Image: Neighbourgoods Market
ENCHANTING FAIRY-LIKE GARDEN
This magical garden in the middle of Newlands has a river that runs through it, picnic tables, chairs made out of tree stumps and meandering trails. The Upper Liesbeek River Garden is a great spot for a family outing.
Riverside Road | Newlands | info@rivergarden.org.za | Image: Jessie Leverzencie
HIKE TO A MYSTICAL WATERFALL
Experiencing Cecilia Waterfall is priceless. There are many routes to choose from: through Cecilia Forest, Newlands Forest or Constantia Nek. They differ in duration and difficulty, but all lead to the breathtaking water gushing over hanging ferns and green mosses at Cecilia Waterfall.
Waterfall at Cecilia Ravina | Cecilia Forest | Constantia | Image: Carmen Lewis
GATEWAY OF FUN AT THE V&A WATERFRONT
From basketball courts to kiddies' playgrounds, there’s loads to do at the V&A Waterfront. You can skate or scoot around the skate park, take a scenic jog, relax with a picnic or opt for a yoga session, all with a view of Table Mountain at Battery Park.
19 Dock Rd | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | 021 408 7600 | Image: Slava Iljin
FREE CITY WALKING TOUR
Cape Town Free Walking Tours has professional tour guides take groups of people on enlightening historical walks through the city. The walks are short and happen twice a day (11am and 2pm), every day.
Wale Street | George’s Mall | City Centre | @capetownfreewalkingtours | Image: Cape Town Walking Tours
SOUTH AFRICA'S OLDEST GARDEN
Pack a picnic and soak up nature in the heart of the city at the Company’s Garden. There’s squirrels to feed, artworks and statues to admire or just have a relaxing picnic amongst the flowerbeds. Tip: Bring your camera, it’s a great spot for photography.
Company’s Garden | 021 423 2919 | Image: Heritage Shop Company’s Garden (@heritageshop_companysgarden)
TOP TIDAL POOLS
If you’re looking for a way to cool down but don’t fancy paying entry to a public pool, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to free tidal pools. From popular spots like Dalebrook or a little-known secret like Silwerstroom, here’s some of Western Cape’s many tidal pools.
Various locations | Image: Brandon Swanepoel
SUMMER SKATING COMMUNITY
Every Monday during the months of October to April, you can join this sunset social with a skateboard, scooter or rollerblades and shred down the Sea Point promenade. It’s a great way to kick off your week, experience the Atlantic Seaboard and to make new friends.
Queen’s Beach parking lot | Sea Point | @promenademonday | Image: Promenade Mondays
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