Birthdays are a good excuse to get out, explore the city and do something a little different, but celebrating another year doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune.
Cape Town has plenty of birthday perks that can help you make the most of your day, from getting up Table Mountain and exploring the ocean to enjoying harbour views, museums and even a movie under the stars. Here are seven free experiences to add to your birthday plans.
Two Oceans Aquarium
Spend your birthday month exploring the underwater world at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
South African citizens and permanent residents aged four and older can enjoy one complimentary visit during their birthday month. Simply visit the Aquarium’s ticket office in person on the day and present valid identification showing your date of birth.
Your free visit can be used on any day during your birthday month, rather than only on your actual birthday.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Birthday month is a good excuse to finally tick Table Mountain Aerial Cableway off your list.
South African citizens can collect and redeem a free birthday Cableway ticket on any day during their birthday month. You’ll need to present valid South African identification.
And yes, that means you don't have to wait for your actual birthday. If your birthday is later in the month, you can still use the ticket earlier.
Take a free pedal boat ride
Swap the birthday dinner for some time on the water with a complimentary pedal boat ride.
The birthday offer allows you to enjoy a ride before midday on your birthday or during the specified birthday period. Bring valid identification showing your date of birth and enjoy some harbour views while you're at it.
A birthday spin on the Cape Wheel
Celebrate your birthday with a ride on the Cape Wheel and take in a different perspective of the city from above.
By joining the Cape Wheel Birthday Club, you can receive a complimentary ride voucher to use around your birthday. It’s a simple way to enjoy the V&A Waterfront, harbour and city views while marking another year.
Visit Robben Island
For something with a little more meaning, spend your birthday exploring Robben Island Museum.
The museum offers a complimentary birthday tour on your birthday, giving you the chance to experience one of South Africa’s most significant historical sites while celebrating another year.
Tours depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront.
Catch a Galileo screening
The Galileo offers birthday guests a complimentary movie ticket during their birthday month, giving you the chance to swap the usual birthday plans for an outdoor screening, a blanket and a night under the Cape Town sky.
Good to know: The offer is only available during the Galileo season and excludes selected special screenings. Birthday tickets must be booked in advance, and you’ll need valid identification when you arrive.
Get free birthday entry at Zeitz MOCAA
Spend your birthday surrounded by contemporary African art at Zeitz MOCAA.
Visitors can receive free entry during their birthday month on presentation of valid South African identification or an African passport reflecting their date of birth.
There’s also free entry for African citizens on Wednesdays between 10am and 1pm, subject to the museum’s terms.
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