Posted: 5/12/2023 | Might twelfth, 2023

Cape Town is likely one of the most lovely cities on this planet. With its gorgeous seashores, towering mountains, and vibrant cultures, it ought to come as no shock that it’s a well-liked hub for….nicely, everyone. It’s a spot that sucks guests in. I’ve tons of buddies who’ve gone there and ended up staying for months.

And, although it’s a reasonably cheap vacation spot (I’m speaking $2 USD cocktails), I all the time wish to current folks with suggestions and methods on how to save cash to eek out these additional financial savings.

That can assist you get monetary savings once you go to, right here’s methods to go to Cape City on a funds (there’s just a few issues you’ll want to know as town is already very reasonably priced for guests):

1. Go to through the low season

Cape City’s peak vacationer season is December by February, when town is stuffed with hordes of vacationers trying escape the chilly of the winter within the Northern Hemisphere. Costs for all the pieces from actions to lodging are notoriously excessive throughout these months. If you happen to can, plan your journey for the shoulder season (March by Might or September by November) when costs are far more cheap. That alone will prevent a fortune!
 

2. Contemplate staying in a hostel

Lodging is likely one of the greatest bills when touring, and Cape City is not any exception. Fortunately, there’s a variety of lodging kinds to select from — from guesthouses to motels to short-term leases. If you happen to’re on a good funds, hostels are the cheapest option. Nevertheless, in the event you’re searching for one thing nicer, you possibly can nonetheless discover nice offers on Airbnb or Booking.com in the event you guide no less than three months upfront.

As soon as issues promote out and there are fewer choices, lodge costs skyrocket, so ensure to not go away it till the final minute.
 

3. Make the most of ridesharing apps

The MyCiti bus system is a well-liked and cheap solution to get round, but it surely’s not all the time the most secure, particularly at night time. As an alternative, use ridesharing apps like Uber or Bolt. It’s safer, quicker, and nonetheless very low cost by Western requirements.

The typical price for a brief trip is 30-50 ZAR ($1.65–2.75 USD), and in the event you’re planning on utilizing ridesharing often, it could be value getting an Uber Go for 100 ZAR ($5 USD), which provides you a ten% low cost on every trip.

If you happen to’re staying for a month or extra, renting a car for about $300–500 USD monthly may very well be a great choice — however bear in mind that gasoline and parking charges might add as much as be greater than it could price to make use of a ridesharing app. For the most effective automotive rental costs, use Discover Cars.
 

4. Go for do-it-yourself excursions

If you wish to avoid wasting money, lease a automotive and splitting the price of visiting locations with buddies or different vacationers. One of the widespread excursions is a Cape Peninsula tour, which begins in Cape City and stops in varied vacationer locations, just like the well-known penguin colony in Boulders Seashore earlier than ending at Cape Level. These excursions price anyplace from 545 to 860 ZAR per particular person, not together with park entrances.

Alternatively, you will get an affordable automotive rental for 450 ZAR per day and slash the associated fee considerably by splitting it between folks. Not solely is it cheaper to plan excursions your self, but it surely offers you the pliability of doing the journey at your leisure and stopping wherever you need, with out feeling rushed.

Different widespread journeys, reminiscent of visiting wine nation and whale watching in Hermanus, are additionally simply accessible by yourself.

For an inventory of widespread actions and excursions, try Get Your Guide.
 

5. Take a free strolling tour

One of many first issues I do once I arrive in a brand new vacation spot is take a free strolling tour. It’s the easiest way to get the lay of the land, see the primary highlights, and join with an area information that may share insider suggestions and recommendation.

Free Walking Tour Cape Town runs every day free excursions in English — no advance reserving required. (Simply ensure to tip your information on the finish!)
 

6. Search for low cost eats

Consuming out might be fairly reasonably priced round Cape City. Most eating places, even within the extra tourist-centered areas, have meals starting from $5 to $10 USD per meal (and even cheaper at some locations).

Vagabond Kitchens is a superb spot for cheap wraps and fast meals, and Giovanni’s has a deli counter with scrumptious, home-style meals usually beneath $5 USD. Japanese Meals Bazaar and Mojo Market (in Sea Level) are two different low cost choices as nicely.

As well as, meals supply apps usually have offers that make it even cheaper than in particular person. If you happen to get Uber Go, you’ll get a reduction on Uber Eats as nicely, and paired with the buy-one-get-one-free promos and different meal offers which are persistently marketed at varied eating places, this may be even cheaper than cooking for your self.
 

7. Use low cost websites

Along with meals supply reductions, web sites reminiscent of Hyperli and Wikideals are widespread inside South Africa for discounted meals, drinks, and actions.

If you’re touring in a pair, The Entertainer app can be a good way to get buy-one-get-one-free gives on meals and drinks round city.

Earlier than reserving excursions or going out to eat, I’d suggest checking these websites to see if there are any offers you will get — there are some nice ones!
 

8. Search for free (or low cost) actions

Cape City is residence to numerous free (or low cost) actions and sights. Right here’s an inventory that can assist you have enjoyable on a funds:

• Hike up Desk Mountain
• Go to the District Six Museum
• Hit the seaside
• Hike up Lion’s Head
• Go to Slave Lodge
• Watch the sundown from Sign Hill

For extra options, try my guide to Cape Town. It has tons of budget-friendly options!

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By timing your journey properly, discovering reasonably priced lodging, making use of protected and low cost transportation choices, planning your individual excursions, and being selective about your actions, you possibly can get pleasure from all of the wonders of this gorgeous metropolis with out breaking the financial institution.