Things to do for free in Cape Town

Markets, hikes and picnics in the park – the best free things to do in the city

Last updated: 26 January 2022

From secret hideaways and birthday freebies to sunset strolls, having fun in Cape Town doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Discover a treasure trove of free things to do in the city.  

HIKE TO A MYSTICAL WATERFALL

Hiking to Cecilia Waterfall is a priceless experience. There are many routes to choose from: through Cecilia Forest, Newlands Forest or Constantia Nek. These routes differ in duration and difficulty, but all lead to the breathtaking water gushing over hanging ferns and green mosses. Pets are allowed. Find out more about hiking to the waterfall.

Waterfall at Cecilia Ravina | Cecilia Forest | Constantia | Image: Carmen Lewis

TAKE A WALK AROUND THE SPIER DAM

Meander through the expansive grounds and explore the interactive sound sculptures dotted along the pristine dam at Spier.

JOIN A FREE WINE TASTING ON KLOOF STREET

Wine Concepts on Kloof Street has free wine tastings every week day. They serve some of the best wines around from 3-5PM, Monday to Friday.

Lifestyle on Kloof | 50 Kloof Street | +27 21 426 4401

DISCOVER HIDDEN GEMS IN AN URBAN PARK

Its biodiversity garden and impressive playgrounds, streams and fish ponds make Green Point Urban Park the perfect picnic spot for family and friends.

1 Fritz Sonnenberg Road | Green Point | Cape Town | Image: Lara van Zyl

DISCOVER A HIDDEN PARK IN THE SUBURBS

Tucked away off Paradise Road in Newlands and home to a towering treehouse and plenty of things to set your child’s imagination alight is the little-known Paradise park.

TAKE THE FAMILY ON A MOONLIGHT MEANDER

Join a free, socially-distanced moonlight walk in Muizenberg (donations welcome) with the Muizenberg Moonlight Meander. 

Surfer’s Corner | Beach Road | Muizenburg | +27(0) 21 788 2909

GO ON A HIKING ADVENTURE

Table mountain, Lion’s Head, Devil’s Peak – soak up all the scintillating views the city has to offer on any one of these hiking trails.

SOAK UP THE MARKET VIBE

From Woodstock’s Neighbourgoods Market to the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay, shop local at a host of markets in Cape Town.

FEED SQUIRRELS IN CAPE TOWN’S URBAN OASIS

Pack a picnic or just park off on a bench to feed the squirrels at the picturesque Company’s Garden in the heart of the city. 

VISIT THE AQUARIUM FOR FREE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

Celebrating another trip around the sun? Bring your SA ID and spend the day with a plethora of sea creatures on a free birthday visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium.

BROWSE CONTEMPORARY SOUTH AFRICAN ART

One of the first galleries to open in Woodstock, WhatiftheWorld’s latest exhibition is now on. Explore the beautiful artwork here and at other galleries in Cape Town. 

WALK A RESCUE ANIMAL

Looking for a charitable way to spend your time? Join the dog-walking programme at TEARS – a non-profit rescue centre off Kommetjie road. Email volunteer@tears.org.co.za for details.

STRETCH YOUR LEGS AT THE PROMENADE

In need of some exercise and sea air? Get the best of both at the Sea Point promenade – try the free outdoor gym or take a scenic stroll to the lighthouse.  

FROLIC IN A TIDAL POOL

If you’re looking for a way to cool down but don’t fancy paying entry to a public pool, spend the day outdoors at one of Cape Town’s many tidal pools.  

JOIN A FREE CITY WALKING TOUR

Put on your walking shoes and explore the city’s rich history with three free city walking tours. 

VISIT A GATEWAY OF FUN AT THE V&A WATERFRONT

From a skate park, to a kiddies playground area to lush lawns just waiting to be picnicked on – there’s so much to experience for free at the Waterfront’s Battery Park.

EXPLORE CONTEMPORARY & CLASSICAL AFRICAN ART

Browse collections of classical and contemporary South African and African art in a gallery located in the beautiful Company’s Garden. On certain commemorative holidays, entry is free at the South African National Gallery.

SPEND THE DAY AT THE CARNIVAL

A kids area, candy floss and build-a-pizza station is what dreams are made of and with no entry fee, you can experience it all at the Carnival Area at Weltevreden Estate.

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Insider Tip: This is the best time to visit Two Oceans Aquarium.

Cape Town is home to a host of activities both parents and kids will love.

In Cape Town, you can celebrate for free when it’s your birthday. 

Take the family out to enjoy a host of budget-friendly activities for kids.

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