WITH the ever-rising cost of living, Capetonians are looking for ways to entertain themselves without breaking the bank. Tasso Evangelinos, CEO of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District, says, “As Capetonians increasingly feel the pinch, there’s a lot to see and do in the Cape Town CBD that is either free or budget friendly.”
Here’s the CCID’s guide to some of these budget beating venues or experiences:
- The Company’s Garden: Beautiful, historic, child-friendly, and known for its resident pigeons and squirrels (pictured above), the Company’s Garden is a wonderful space. The National Monument is the green lung of the CBD, a favourite among residents, local and international visitors.
Address: Queen Victoria Street
Cost: Free
- First Thursdays: Come into town on the first Thursday of every month when art galleries, retail venues and restaurants, bars and clubs stay open late to welcome visitors. Promote the CBD’s night-time economy and enjoy the unique downtown vibe.
Where: Cape Town CBD
When: 5.30pm until late
Cost: Free
- Sky-Hi Ride: An eye-catching feature on the 28th floor of Hotel Sky, Sky-Hi Ride is a 35-metre thrill ride that takes you up in a chair lift, giving you a bird’s eye view of Cape Town and a mighty adrenaline rush.
Address: 28th Floor, Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long St
Cost: R200 per person (Webtickets)
- Iziko South African Museum: Since 1825, the Iziko South African Museum has captivated millions of visitors with its vast historical collections, ranging from fossils to ancient insects and historical tools.
Address: 25 Queen Victoria Street
Cost: R30 (adults); R15 (children aged 6 – 18); free (children aged 5 and under)
- Clay Café in the City: A craft-focused space to paint pottery and eat. When budgeted correctly, Clay Café in the City can come in under R250, which includes the studio fee, painting a mug, and a small meal and drink.
Address: 199 Bree Street
Cost: Under R250 depending on painted item and meal
