Cape Town might be the most expensive place in South Africa, but the cityโs long summer days (sunrise before 6am and sunset well after 8pm) help diminish the sting of inflated prices.
Best of all, summer comes with a list of things to do without price tags – you just have to know where to look.
Here is our selection of free things to do in Cape Town this Summer …ย
CAPE TOWN WALKING TOURS
Enjoy free tours, on foot, from Green Market Square every day, 365 days a year (look out for the green umbrellas) at 11h00 and 14h00.
Choose between the Historic, District Six, or Bo-Kaap tours.
Groups of 10 or more need to book ahead. Rian, Stanni or Manni are your guides. Contact +27 (0)76 636-9007. #freetourscapetown
GREEN POINT URBAN PARK
The park and biodiversity garden on Green Point Common are a highlight of any visit to Cape Town, and completely free.
Stroll through the indoor museum that is the well signposted garden, enjoy the kidsโ play parks, get to grips with fynbos, and picnic with views of the stadium, Signal Hill and Lionโs Head.
These are really fabulous Free things to Do in Cape Town!
BREE STREETโS ISLANDS
In the last few years Bree Street has become ultra fashionable, its wide road strewn on either side with pubs, bistros, restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques.
Down the centre are a series of fever-tree-laden paved islands that serve as smoke-break hangouts, and act as a great shady way to explore the road.
MUIZENBERGโS WAVES
Surfing the waves of one of South Africaโs most famous surf beaches comes absolutely free.
Youโll need to know how to surf, and youโll need a wetsuit.
But those waves just keep coming, which is why Muizenberg beach is considered one of the best surfing spots in the world and a fantastic “Free Things to Do in Cape Town“.
MUIZENBERG TO KALK BAY COASTAL WALK
There is a paved walkway on the waterโs edge of False Bay between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay, passing alongside the pretty painted bather change rooms overlooking the tidal pool of St James.
Spend some time browsing Kalk Bayโs antique stores and then return by train.
LOCAL LIBRARIES
Cape Townโs local libraries are the cityโs undiscovered gems.
Librarians are friendly, there are surprisingly numerous recently published books on the shelves, and they host holiday programmes for kids.
Central Library has a state of the art American Corner that includes a coffee bar, high-speed Wifi, laptop bank, sound recording studio and video production equipment.
Find it on the corner of Parade and Darling Streets.
FIRST THURSDAYS
On the first Thursday of every month explore the art galleries and cultural attractions of Cape Townโs central city until late.
When it started four years ago there were only six galleries on the map, including a pop-up exhibition. Today there are well over 20.
There is no guided tour, but you can pick up a map and highlights and design your own route.
THE HILLS
Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lionโs Head, Devilโs Peak. Theyโre all accessible, and you can climb them for free.
Just be sensible: good boots, sunscreen, hats, plenty of water, preferably a map, and leave your valuables at home.
NEWLANDS FOREST
In the heart of Cape Townโs southern suburbs is a forest well known to locals, who explore it often with their dogs, or in groups.
There are numerous pathways and trails, or you can link up with Kirstenbosch from here.
All the walks are free of charge.
ST GEORGEโS MALL
This freely walkable area in the middle of Cape Townโs city bowl is not a mall at all, but a pedestrianised area.
It used to be a busy road before it was paved over, and links the Foreshore to Company Gardens, lined with shops restaurants street vendors and buskers.
Walk it on Thursdays and youโll stumble upon the weekly independent local food market.
KAAPSE KLOPSE
Every year the Cape Minstrels (Coon Carnival) take to the street for their Second New Year Street Parade.
Usually on the 2 January, last yearโs was three days in a row.
If youโre here over New Year, donโt miss the process that snakes its way up Darling, Adderley, Wale and Rose streets.
BEACHES GALORE
Some of the best beaches in the world, and theyโre all free!
Choose between Cliftonโs four beaches, Camps Bay, Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Llandudno, Noordhoekโs Long Beach, and Bloubergstrand.
THE ARGUS CYCLE TOUR
Watch the cityโs major cycle tour from the sidelines (city bowl), or the comfort of a grassy bank (Kendal Road turnoff) in March every year.
In March, cyclists ride 109 km around the Cape Peninsula through some of the most incredible scenery ever.
THE GROUNDS OF THE OLDEST WINE ESTATE
Stroll down Groot Constantiaโs avenue of oak trees, some of them over 300 years old (one is completely hollow), drink in the views from the edge of the orchards, or picnic under the trees (you can buy a picnic from Simonโs Deli).
You might even be able to slip into the tasting hall to catch a glimpse of the permanent art exhibition.
NOBEL SQUARE PHOTO MOMENTS
Have your photograph taken with Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Albert Luthuli or FW de Klerk.
The larger than life bronze statues of four Laureates are impressive.
DE GROOTE KERK
De Groote Kerk, South Africaโs oldest church on Adderley Street, doesnโt advertise it but if you pop into the church during opening hours there is usually a guide present to take you through the buildingโs finer architectural highlights.
And itโs free of charge (you are requested to leave a donation).
THE FIRING OF THE NOON DAY GUN
Every day in the city bowl at 12pm there is a big bang (it can take you by surprise if youโre not expecting it).
To witness the event head up Signal Hill, just before the red flag goes up, to hear the history behind the kaboom (there are two cannons; the second is backup).
Their firing is 100% accurate, set off from the South African Astronomical Observatory.
JAZZ FESTIVAL OPENING CONCERT
The pre-festival free community concert opens the annual Jazz Festival (Mar/April).
Itโs held every year at Greenmarket Square in the heart of the city, drawing thousands of music lovers for a taste of the festival. World-class performers for the people of Cape Town.
Can you suggest any other worthwhile Free Things To Do In Cape Town this Summer?