7 Free things to do in Cape Town

Sure, a sunset cruise on a yacht is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon in the Mother City, but this kind of luxury leisure activity can be pricey. Luckily, Cape Town offers some fantastic outdoor to-dos that are completely free. Here are some of our favourite free things to do in Cape Town.

1. Play around in the park: Probably one of the best public spaces in the city, the Green Point Urban Park is clean, green and pretty unique. Think lush lawns, indigenous flora, water wells, fountains and jungle gyms for the kids and you’ve got yourself a pretty rad day out – for free! The Biodiversity Showcase Garden, the only of its kind, features some 25 000 plants, trees, shrubs, bulbs and groundcovers. On Saturday mornings the park is also the venue for the popular parkrun, a 5km timed race that takes place in cities all around the world.

2. Or play on the promenade: Every Monday night the Sea Point promenade becomes a skater’s paradise. This sunset social skating event invites all kinds of skates and skaters (roll/push/skate and BMX) to take part in the fun from 6pm. Bring the family and either join in, or enjoy the antics from the sidelines. There’s also the exercise circuit on the promenade that is open to the public 24/7.

3. Meander in the moonlight: While the monthly Muizenberg Moonlight Meander is aimed at raising funds and awareness about safety in the seaside town, this walk has become a popular community event for the whole family to enjoy. Bring the kids, the dogs and a backpack with snacks to add to the fun.

4. Stretch it out: We love our adventure activities and adrenaline sports but there are few things that beat a good yoga session – for the relaxing and strengthening the body and the mind. Every Monday and Thursday beginners can enjoy a free class presented by Yoga Life at Cape Quarter. It’s guaranteed to leave you feeling stretched, refreshed and revitalised (and perhaps a little stiff if you’re not used to it!). Yoga Zone in Strand Street also does a “free for newcomers” session every Thursday night.

5. Sip the fruits of the vines: The Western Cape produces some of the world’s finest wines and there are a number of estates where you can sample their glorious produce for free. Even if there is a fee for tasting, it’s usually very cheap (less than R100) at almost all the wine farms in the Cape Peninsula, and mostly waived upon purchasing wine.

6. Walk the streets: Whether you’re into history, cycling, street art or the urbanscape in general, there’s a free walking tour of the city that will indulge your interest. The Cape Town Free Walking Tours take place every day of the year and last for 90 minutes. It’s one of the very best ways to experience the city and learn interesting facts and titbits about Cape Town.

7. Last but not least: Watch the sunset! This may seem like an obvious one but when last did you actually plan to watch the sunset as an activity? With friends and drinks and eats? Or even on your own. The sunset is especially breathtaking from Eden on the Bay in Blouberg, the top of Lion’s Head or Kloof Corner (both great, FREE hikes), Llandudno Beach, Bantry Bay or anywhere along the Camps Bay strip.

Go on then, get out