Cape Town has plenty to keep you busy, from beaches and mountain views to markets, food spots and neighbourhoods worth exploring. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune getting around to enjoy the city.
With a little planning, public transport, walking and choosing destinations close to one another can make exploring Cape Town much more affordable. So, if you’re looking for things to do without spending too much on petrol, parking or private transport, here are a few places and options to add to your list.
Take the train to Kalk Bay
Looking for a seaside outing that won’t cost a fortune? Hop on the Metrorail train and make your way to Kalk Bay.
A train ticket costs no more than R30, making it an affordable way to enjoy the journey without worrying about petrol or parking. Kalk Bay Station puts you right near the heart of the village, so once you step off the train, much of what you want to see is within walking distance.
Spend the day browsing the independent shops, wandering along the harbour and stopping for fresh seafood. Kalk Bay’s fishing village roots are still part of its character, with generations of local fishing families helping shape the community.
It’s an easy option for a day out when you want some sea air, good food and a change of scenery without spending too much on getting there.
See Cape Town from the Red Bus
If you want to see more of Cape Town without spending the day figuring out where to park, the City Sightseeing Red Bus is an easy option.
The open-top, hop-on hop-off bus takes you past some of the city’s well-known attractions, with an audio guide sharing information along the way. You can hop off at selected stops, explore the area, take a few photos, and catch the next bus when you’re ready to move on.
Ticket options vary depending on how much time you have and what you want to see so that you can plan a day out within your budget.
The main ticket office is at the V&A Waterfront Tour Office, Shop 1, Dock Road. Buses operate daily from 8am to 6pm.
Explore Cape Town on foot
Sometimes the best way to explore Cape Town is simply to put on a comfortable pair of shoes and start walking.
Neighbourhoods such as Sea Point, Green Point, Observatory and the CBD offer plenty to see within walking distance. You can wander from cafés to restaurants, browse local shops, stop for something to eat or simply take in the street life along the way.
The Sea Point Promenade is an easy place to start. Stretching along Beach Road, it’s open 24 hours a day and offers plenty of space for a walk, jog, or stroll with the ocean nearby.
Walking also gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace - and it won’t cost you a cent.