Free things to do in Cape Town: Explore the city at no cost

Cape Town is filled with festive spirit and stunning views during the holiday season. The best part is, there are plenty of things to enjoy in the Mother City without spending a dime. Here are some free activities to experience in the city.

Explore the city on foot

One of the best ways to experience any city is on foot. Cape Town offers a variety of free walking tours to explore the city.

Explore Cape Town’s colourful Bo-Kaap

The Bo-Kaap, formerly known as the Cape Malay Quarter, is an iconic area on the fringe of the city centre. Recognisable by its colourful houses, it dates back to the 1760s.

The free walking tour of the Bo-Kaap takes place three times a day, every day.

Visitors joining the tour can look forward to visiting the oldest mosque in South Africa, The Auwal Mosque, and the Atlas Trading Company, established in 1946, which offers a wide variety of spices and other products from the East.

Historic city tour

The historic city tour introduces visitors to the different eras of Cape Town and South Africa’s history and some of the people who shaped it. The walking tour includes a visit to the Company’s Garden, Parliament, Greenmarket Square, the Castle of Good Hope, and the Iziko Slave Lodge.

Greenmarket Square was established in 1696 when the first market house was built. At that time, people used it as a trading post for slaves and also livestock. In the 18th century, the square became a centre of trade for textiles and other goods. It continued to be an important commercial hub well into the 19th century, according to Cape Tourism.

Take a stroll along the popular Sea Point Promenade

The Sea Point Promenade is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. This scenic walkway stretches along Cape Town’s Atlantic coastline, offering stunning ocean views and a refreshing sea breeze. Whether you’re up for a morning jog, a leisurely stroll, or simply sitting on a bench to soak in the surroundings, the promenade is the perfect spot. Keep an eye out for public art installations and enjoy the lively atmosphere, especially on weekends.

Hike Lion’s Head

For panoramic views of the city, Lion’s Head offers one of the best free hiking experiences in Cape Town. The trail winds its way up the iconic peak, with stops along the way to admire views of Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you hike at sunrise or sunset, the views from the top are very memorable.

Lion’s Head is one of the most popular hikes in Cape Town. It is a moderate to difficult route due to the steep incline from the start. The difficulty depends on the route you choose.