FREE THINGS TO DO IN Capetown

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (or V&A for short) is a shopping mall in Cape Town that’s home to dozens of shops, food stalls and restaurants.

Of course, shopping at the mall isn’t free but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit V&A, experience everything it has to offer and not spend a penny at all!

There’s plenty of free things to do at V&A Waterfront including the Blue Shed Craft Market, walking along the harbourfront to admire the huge ships and maybe spot a few seals and you can also often enjoy live music at the amphitheatre.

V&A Waterfront is a great place to visit in Cape Town with the whole family as there’s so many fun things to enjoy.

Address: 19 Dock Rd, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Table Mountain is one of the best places in Cape Town to enjoy panoramic views of the city for miles around.

There are numerous ways you can get to the top of Table Mountain and the most common one is to take the aerial cable car.

However, this is quite a costly option so if you’re looking to visit Table Mountain free of charge, you can take one of the hiking routes instead.

The most popular hiking route is Platteklip Gorge which is said to be an incredibly strenuous and arduous hike; it’s certainly not for young children or older generations.

Once you make it to the top however, the difficult hike will be well worth it for the impressive views.

Address: Table Mountain National Park

Green Point Urban Park is a place in Cape Town that’s popular with both locals and tourists who want to escape the city for a while and soak up some much-needed fresh air and sunshine.

Whether you’re wanting to take part in some exercise, or you’re just happy to wander around and admire all the beautiful flowers and scenery, Green Point has something to keep the whole family entertained.

There’s even an open-air museum and a golf course inside the park so it’s ideal for people looking for both culture and fun and free outdoor activities while in Cape Town.

Bring a picnic along with you and enjoy a couple of hours luxuriating in the gorgeous South African sun.

Address: 1 Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8051, South Africa

The Cecilia Forest hiking trail is situated inside the Table Mountain National Park, near to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

The hiking trail is a relatively easy path to follow so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem for young children to complete.

Cecilia Forest is a fantastic place in Cape Town for nature lovers as there’s plenty of trails and nature paths for you to immerse yourself in.

Dogs are also welcome inside the Forest, providing that they’re kept on a leash, so you might even spot a cute and friendly dog or two while walking!

Inside Cecilia Forest, you’ll be treated to breathtakingly beautiful forest paths, all of which make for an ideal place to collect your thoughts and spend some time with nature.

Address: Cecilia Forest Hiking Trail, Wynberg NU (2), Cape Town, 7824, South Africa

The beautiful beachfront town of Muizenberg is undoubtedly one of the best free attractions in Cape Town.

After undergoing renovations for over a decade, Muizenberg is now a thriving and thrifty place to spend the day while in South Africa’s capital city.

There’s so much to do in Muizenberg that will suit everyone including the tidal pools at St James, the numerous Victorian bathing huts, surf shops and plenty of antique stores selling beach-themed goodies.

If you’re not looking to spend any money in Muizenberg, then you can still enjoy a lovely meander up and down the promenade and take in all the sights as you go.

Make sure you stop at Fish Hoek’s beach for a refreshing dip in the ocean and a walk across the crisp white sand.

Address: Muizenberg, Cape Town

Known as one of the oldest wine estates in the Constantia Wine Route, Groot Constantia is an incredibly fun and interactive free attraction to enjoy in Cape Town.

You’re probably best advised to leave the kids at home for this activity as it’ll involve being surrounded by many alcoholic drinks and wineries.

The best part about Groot Constantia is that it offers free entry into the wine estate so you can take a walk all the way up to the baths and admire how wine is made on the estate.

You will have to pay to take part in some wine tasting but just being at Groot Constantia is more than enjoyable for a day out in Cape Town!

Address: Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa

Another remarkable place that’s located near the Table Mountain National Park is the famous Lion’s Head hiking trail.

It’s considered to be one of the best hikes in Cape Town that provides otherworldly views of the city below and is often said to be many locals’ favourite hike.

Depending on how fit you are, or whether you’re travelling with children or not, you can enjoy a choice of the easier daytime hiking route on the lower slopes or the more intense one on the full moon hike.

Whichever one you opt for, you’re sure to enjoy getting some exercise in, while admiring the gorgeous views.

Hiking might not be to everyone’s taste while they’re on holiday, but Lion’s Head offers a great chance to see Cape Town from up high.

Address: Western Cape, South Africa

The Sea Point Promenade in Cape Town runs along the Atlantic Ocean so you know for a fact that it offers stunning views.

It’s a common spot in Cape Town for avid runners who like to run along the promenade, but it’s also a place that attracts many tourists too.

Sea Point Promenade has great things for the whole family to enjoy including a huge lawn where games are frequently played.

There’s even an outdoor gym and a public swimming pool that you can take advantage of as well if you need to cool down from the hot summer sun.

Don’t forget to pack a picnic and plenty of sunscreen, and make sure you get an ice cream from the truck along the promenade.

Address: Sea Point Promenade, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa

The tumultuous history of the South African Parliament, both in the past and in more recent history has received a lot of controversy over the years.

However, while you’re in Cape Town, it’s a good idea to pay a visit to the Parliament of Republic of South Africa building and take a tour around for yourself.

The free tour sheds a light on some of the recent political stories and issues within the country and it’s fascinating to learn about South Africa’s enigmatic politics if that’s your kind of thing.

This free attraction in Cape Town probably won’t be the most intriguing for young children but it is a great way to see how the parliamentary system operates.

Address: 120 Plein St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa

The Company’s Garden is one of the oldest and most popular public parks in Cape Town and is therefore one of the best free attractions in the city.

You can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the rose gardens and the aviary, as well as seeing numerous monuments that are sacred to the gardens.

On the outskirts of Company’s Garden you will see many art galleries and museums that you can tie in with your visit to the gardens. It’s the perfect place to take in as much lovely scenery and culture as you can while in Cape Town.

Look out for cute squirrels bustling away in the trees and don’t forget to bring some snacks along to enjoy on one of the many lawns.

Address: 15 Queen Victoria St, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa