Cape Town is the capital City of South Africa and is one of the hottest destinations on the global map this year. For those interested to find out a little more about South Africa, it was our Destination of the Month for May, and so you can find out all about this remarkable country on our Discover South Africa page.
However, this is all about free things to do in Cape Town and so without further ado, here they are.
Visit Misty Cliffs Beach
This is a little Conservation village, named so because of the light mist that typically hangs over this remote place just 20 km out of Cape Town on the Main road towards Scarborough. Not many visitors come here as it is fairly remote so remember to bring your own refreshments and enjoy some quiet time away from Cape Town. Swimming is not advised due to the cold Atlantic Ocean and typically high waves.
Bo Kaap Museum
Entrance is free to see Bo Kaap and the museum is located in the historic Bo-Kaap area in Cape Town. Following the abolition of slavery, the Bo Kaap district, one of the oldest in Cape Town, became home to many Muslims and their history and culture are well commemorated. Within the museum the displays, exhibitions and special events continue to celebrate the different aspects of Muslim culture in the city. The house that incorporates Bo Kaap Museum dates back to 1768, and is located at 71 Wale Street, Cape Town.
Club-hopping to see up-and-coming South African Musicians
Entrance prices for live concerts at venues such at Mercury Live, Zulu Bar or The Armchair Theatre range from FREE to R40 per person depending on the band and venue. Check out local publications or ask your hostel receptionist for Venues offering free entrance for up and coming South African bands.
Watch Penguins and Sea Birds being fed at SANCCOB
SANCCOB (The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds)opens daily and is an internationally-recognised centre for seabird rehabilitation. Injured or oiled sea birds are treated and nurtured here until waterproof and ready for release back into nature. Visit SANCCOB rehabilitation centre and get to watch them being fed every day at 10:00 and 15:00. The centre can be found at 20 Pentz Road Table View and their telephone is 021 557-6155. Entrance is free but please consider making a donation to this wonderful cause.
Visit Hope for the Children in Tamboerskloof
Hope for the Children is a South African NGO that operates farm refuges for underprivileged and orphaned children in South Africa. Their goal is to bring children to a place of refuge to heal them through everything from interaction with animals to trauma-specific art therapy. When you come along consider donating some time, materials, clothes, and even organic waste for the pigs. Hope for the Children is located at 213 Long Street, Cape Town. For more information please become a fan of their Facebook Page.
Cape Town Holocaust Centre
The Cape Town Holocaust Centre is located on the first floor of the Albow Centre, 88 Hatfield Street, and conveniently in the midst of Cape Town’s “museum mile”. The Centre is in close proximity to the SA National Gallery, SA Museum, SA Library and the SA Jewish Museum.
Visit the BMW Pavilion at the Waterfront
For luxury car enthusiasts this is an absolute must. The BMW Pavilion showcases the latest models from BMW and here fans can see pre-release vehicles before they reach showroom floors. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing meal at the Fascination Café and entrance into the pavilion is free.
Art.b in Bellville
Art.b, the Arts Association of Bellville, is a community-orientated organisation supportive of established and emerging artists from all cultural backgrounds. Art.b‘s vibrant art gallery showcases the visual art and artists of the Western Cape. Art.b is a non-profit organisation open to all and is the Western Cape branch of the South African National Association of Visual Art. The Bellville Art Centre can be found at the Library Centre, Carel van Aswegen Street, Bellville in Cape Town.
Attend a parliamentary session
Cape Town is home to South Africa’s Parliament and visitors can sit in the public gallery during parliamentary sessions between January and June. Entrance into parliament requires a passport so remember to have it with you. There are guided tours though the buildings during the week and these are free of charge. Tour options include a guided tour of Parliament including historical background and an explanation of how Parliament works. Tours should be booked at least one week in advance by telephone: 021 403-2266.
100 Things to do in Cape Town for Under 10 Pound
If you have a little more money to spend in your pocket, then check out this link to 100 Things to do in Cape Town for under £10 from Ashanti Lodge and Travel. One English pound is equivalent to about 11 South African Rand. A little money can go a long way in Cape Town and there truly are some great ways to spend your time while visiting this most wonderful city in South Africa.
Hostels in Cape Town
Experience the real hostel experience with our Hostels in Cape Town. Our hostel staff have a wealth of local knowledge and know all the best places to visit to make the most of your holiday in South Africa.
South Africa Facebook & Twitter
Become a Fan of our South Africa Facebook Page and Follow our South Africa Twitter Page to find out everything that is happening in Cape Town. These are great places to ask questions, talk to our hostelling community and look at the great photos we have of our hostels and attractions in Cape Town.
