Live the High Life on a Low Budget

You don’t have to rob a bank to experience sumptuous cuisine, a swanky tea party, delicious desserts and fun-filled activities...

Last Updated: 24 January 2017

It might surprise you to discover that you don’t have to plan a bank robbery or win the lotto to enjoy a life of sumptuous cuisine, delightful tea parties, delicious desserts and fun-filled activities in Cape Town. If you’re armed with insider knowledge on Cape Town’s cheaper joys, it’s possible to live the high life on a low budget. Mind you, the world-class view and beach are free and breathtaking options too.

Food that won’t devour your savings...

Deluxe Coffee Works

You’re only as good as your next cuppa, so start the day with an injection of gourmet caffeine. Deluxe Coffee Works is a coffee hub, that offers nothing more than loads of great music, interesting faces and decadent coffee. To accompany an extravagant cuppa joe, patrons are invited to try a chocolate brownie off the menu for a mere R18. Their mantra is quite simple and that is to serve coffee the way they would like to receive theirs. Ergo, you would be able to enjoy some exceptional coffee the Deluxe way, but don’t just take our word for it. Follow the enchanting aroma and find your way through the Deluxe doors.

Deluxe Coffeeworks | 6 Roodehek Street | Cape Town |+27 (0)72 569 9579

Best Of Asia

This hub for Asian cuisine is situated in Green Point and is recognised as one of the best spots to get delicious, affordable sushi. The way it works is,patrons would select two plates specifically coloured and they’d receive the third plate of the same colour for free. This isn’t the only special they run, from Monday to Sunday they have a sushi buffet, which costs a mere R149! This makes it an ideal spot for friends or couples to enjoy this Japanese-inspired food phenomenon, that has gained popularity globally. The setup in the restaurant isn’t the fanciest, but the affordable sushi is what really makes it a place worth trying.

Julep Cocktail and Tapas Bar

Reminiscent of a speakeasy typically found in the roaring 20’s, this hidden spot is definitely worth mentioning. It is a watering hole for people who enjoy some inventively concocted cocktails and an intimate vibe. Their drinks are inexpensive and they serve delicious tapas, which is arguably the perfect accompaniment for an alcoholic beverage. All-in-all partons can expect to pay about R190 for a tapas platter that serves four or two depending on hunger levels. The interior is creative with unconventional artwork on display on richly painted walls, which sets a mood of exclusivity from the get go. Find your way to this discreet gem and thank us once you’ve had your first Julep experience.

Julep Cocktail and Tapas Bar | 2 Vredenberg Lane | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 423 4276

The Odyssey Gastropub

Our list of places to find inexpensive food wouldn’t be complete without a spot to find some hearty, hunger busting burgers. We all have those days where we crave a good burger, for some it’s a cheat day from their strict diets’ and for others it’s a burger a day that keeps the hunger at bay. Whatever your reason for craving a burger is, you can be sure that The Odyssey Gastropub out in trendy Bree Street has you covered. They run a two for one burger special every Monday, where patrons are paying R100 for two burgers! We’re not kidding people. Pick a Monday that works for you and head over to The Odyssey with your mates or take that special someone out on a burger date.

A tea party that’s fit for royalty, without having to fork out all your royalties…

High tea at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

High tea is such a swanky affair and upon thinking about this haughty event, people usually think they have to fork out big money to experience something of this luxurious nature. Well we happen to have the 411 on a high tea experience at one of Cape Town’s oldest Five star hotels. The Belmond Mount Nelson, or as it is elegantly known ‘The Pink Lady’, offers patrons a first class experience for a mere R185 running from 9:30am to 12:30am. This price might seem a bit expensive, but given what’s included in the high tea experience, it is definitely well worth it. High tea attendees can expect to enjoy an array of savoury and sweet treats, served with a wide variety of teas. Take your mother, granny, wife or girlfriend to the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel to have an unforgettably classy experience.

Dessert spots that are destined to put a smile on your dial and make sure you don’t go broke for a while…

Ice cream at The Creamery

There simply is nothing that could make you smile and feel like a kid again, quite like an ice cream. There is a little gem of a cafe situated in Mouille Point (seaside) that makes ice cream from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients and fusing the most unlikely flavours for your enjoyment. Ice cream is a delicious way to treat your kids or cheer a friend up and of course let that special someone know just how special they are to you, without having to spend too much money. The folks at The Creamery have you covered with some truly original flavour options such as, Naartjie Choc Chip or Honey Rosemary flavoured ice cream. Their scoops ring in at R34 each and your tastebuds will not object to being exposed to a world of blissful flavour. Go ahead and take a time capsule back to the days of being a child, carefree and wild.

Cocoa Oola

Situated in Kloof Street, this dimly lit, rustically decorated little cafe is a place that has the hearts of many. They have a wonderful menu, with some delectable food choices and affordable drinks available from behind the bar, but most importantly they have a classic dessert menu where you are destined to stumble across one of your favourites. Pick anything from a hearty slice of baked cheesecake to choc chip flapjacks or a simple ice cream with chocolate sauce dessert. Whatever you choose, we guarantee your sweet tooth will be overwhelmed, because calling the experience satisfying would be an understatement. Their desserts range from R45 to R55 and given the quality of the desserts’ served, patrons always get their money’s worth.

Fun filled activities that are wallet friendly too..

A walk and picnic at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Fun activities are usually quite costly and people are always looking for wallet friendly ways to have fun. If you like being outdoors, if you like romantic, or adventurous family- friendly walks surrounded by the natural beauty Cape Town has to offer, look no further than the majestic Kirstenbosch Gardens. Make sure to pack a picnic for the inevitable hunger pangs that will come from marauding through the idyllic Garden. This experience will cost R60 for adults, R30 for students and R15 for children. If you are keen for a beautiful adventure into the magical abyss that is Kirstenbosch, then waste no time and make your way there at your earliest convenience.

Bicycle rides on Sea Point promenade with Up Cycles

Yet another activity that is cathartic for the mind, body and soul and won’t cost you much money either. The folks at Up Cycles have introduced a fresh trend that has taken the Sea Point promenade into a new, fun dimension. Known as a spot where people can, walk, run, skate, workout or play the promenade has always had a recreational culture about it. Up Cycles is a company that rents out really awesome, vintage looking bikes for the use of anyone and everyone. Depending on how long you would like to rent a bicycle the price will vary, but we think that an hour of cycling on the promenade is ample time. Renting a bicycle for an hour costs R60, but this is R60 that will include a majestic view of the Atlantic as well as affording renters the chance to bask in the culture to be found on the promenade. The health benefits are obvious and it is the perfect activity to do as a group, with that significant other or with your kids to get them away from the clutches of technology. Next time you plan a trip to Sea Point promenade make sure to pop in at Up Cycles, rent a bike and cruise the promenade.

Surf’s up at Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg

On the other side of Chapman’s Peak you will find False Bay and surrounds. Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg is definitely a go to spot for those who don’t want to spend too much money, but want to have a fun filled day. Don’t have a surfboard or wetsuit? The SurfShack team have got you covered. You can rent a wetsuit and board combined for a total price of R120 and you are allowed to use these items for one hour and 30 minutes. Call a few of your friends and practice riding the waves and becoming one with the ocean, fun guaranteed with a full body workout included.

Surfer’s Corner | 56 Beach Rd | Muizenberg | Cape Town | 7950

Now that you have the 411 on a mere fraction of the inexpensive food and dessert spots as well as fun activities to do in Cape Town. Don’t feel discouraged by having a destitute bank balance, there are plenty of things you could do that wouldn’t take every last penny you have.

If eating, saving money and having fun is your thing, check out our guide to the Top Cheap Restaurants within in the Mother City!

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