Cape Town is rumoured to be a little expensive for those on a budget. But if you know where to go, there is plenty of romance in the Mother City…
15 Free and Cheap Cape Town Date Ideas …
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Feed the squirrels in the Company’s Garden
You’ll find this garden in the heart of the city, here since the Dutch planted a fresh produce garden to stock ships rounding the Cape in the 1650s. The squirrels are not native to the country, but they are seriously cute.
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Wander Bree Street under the lit acacia trees at night
Bree Street is Cape Town’s foodie destination andย at night is seriously romantic, with its wide street, almost lime green acacia trees, and series of bars, pubs and restaurants.
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Hike up Lion’s Head in the moonlight
One of the most popular activities on the night of full moon. But watch your step. The last bit of the hike is a scramble to the top and can come as a surprise if you’re expecting a more sedate walk to the top.
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Tango on Sea Point’s promenade on Sunday
You’ll have to time this event just right because it’s on during summer, on the second Sunday of every month on the Sea Point Promenade. But worth it, for an evening of tango or salsa. Even if you just go to watch…
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Picnic on the edge of the water at Bakoven
Beta beach is one of the secrets of Cape Town. The beach is tiny, and looks private (but isn’t). It’s also largely sheltered from the wind by the enormous boulders on the waters edge, and perfect for a champagne picnic.
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Sit on the lawns of the Green Point Urban Park
Set alongside Cape Town’s iconic stadium, this unusual park is a beautiful blend of paths, lawns, art park, fitness park, heritage park and biodiversity nursery. It’s perfect for riding your bike, or simply watching the world go by.
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Catch the train to Kalk Bay and buy snoek at the harbour
Kalk Bay’s harbour belongs to the seals and the fishermen, who sell fresh fish from tables in the shade right on the edge of the quay. You can buy snoek for a steal. Perfect for home braais.
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Hike up to Wally’s Cave
You can get there from the hiking path up Lion’s Head. The jagged circular entrance at Wally’s Cave is one of the most photographed cave mouths in the city. It’s not an official hiking route, so watch your step.
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Swim at Silvermine
The dam at Silvermine Nature Reserve, on the back side of Table Mountain, is one of the most popular bodies of water in Cape Town. A swim after a hike is wonderful. Go early to beat the crowds.
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Join Muizenberg’s Moonlight Meander
The coastal suburb’s monthly evening walk, along its blue flag beach, is a highlight. Meet in front of Knead at Surfers Corner. The walk lasts an hour.
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Attend a Secret Sunrise
The guided dance that celebrates the morning sunrise is an instructed group event where you’re given a set of headphonesย to hear the music, and you join a random bunch of people at a destination secret until the day before.
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Watch an oldie at the Pink Flamingo Cinema
A rooftop cinema set in amongst seven vintage Airstream trailers (Aka rooftop trailer park) can’t be that common an experience. Part drive-in, part social event, part adventure.
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Kayak from Hout Bay to a remote beach
Paddle from Hout Bay beach (Mariner’s Wharf) across the pretty bay towards Chapman’s Peak. Along the route there are plenty of little coves and bays on the water’s edge to explore. You may even see the odd seal or dolphin.
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Ride a horse on Noordhoek’s Long Beach
Noordhoek’s Long Beach is long enough, and remote enough, to get a real horse ride in without fear of hurting walkers or bathers. The beach is a wow.
Can you recommend any other free or inexpensive Cape Town date ideas and suggestions? We would love to hear more ideas!