During the winter low-season, the Cape Town Central City Improvement District is encouraging Capetonians and visitors, to spend more time in the CBD. And you don’t have to break the bank to do this, in the light of the ever-increasing rise in the cost of living.

The CEO of Cape Town Central City Improvement District, Tasso Evangelinos says, “As Capetonians increasingly feel the pinch, there’s a lot to see and do in the CBD that is either free or budget-friendly. We invite you to come into town to enjoy our vibrant downtown. We invite you to support the inner-city economy without breaking the bank.”

According to the CCID, the Google search for “Things to do in Cape Town for under R200” has seen a 350% increase over the last 12 months.

Here’s the CCID’s guide to 10 budget-beating venues or experiences in downtown Cape Town:

1. The Company’s Garden

Beautiful, historic, child-friendly, and known for its resident pigeons, squirrels and trees, the Company’s Garden is a wonderful space. It was originally used by the Dutch East India Company as a refreshment station on its trade route from Europe to the east to replenish fleets that had been away for months at sea. Today the Company’s Garden – a National Monument (and treasure) – is the green lung of the Cape Town CBD, a favourite among residents and local and international visitors alike. Take yourself on a tour of the trees, some of which are 200 years old or more.

Address: Queen Victoria St
Cost: Free
Website:

2. First Thursdays

 Come into town on the first Thursday of every month when art galleries, retail venues and restaurants, bars and clubs stay open to welcome visitors with open arms. The monthly initiative started in Cape Town in 2012, inspired by similar global initiatives. The official organisers put out a programme that includes galleries and other cultural attractions, as well as retail stores, restaurants and bars. Promote the CBD’s night-time economy and enjoy the unique downtown vibe.
Where: Cape Town CBD
When: 17h30 until late (First Thursday of every month)
Cost: Free

Website: https://first-thursdays.co.za/

3. Sky-Hi Ride

Experience some of the best views of the city and a mighty adrenaline rush. 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.  Weather permitting, the Sky-Hi Ride is open to hotel guests and outside visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 12 pm – 8 pm. You can purchase a ride or observer ticket.
Address: 28th Floor, Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long St
Cost: R200 per person (Webtickets)
Website: https://sky-hiride.capetown/

4. Iziko South African Museum

Since 1825, the Iziko South African Museum, located in the Company’s Garden, has captivated millions of visitors with its vast historical collections, ranging from fossils to ancient insects and historical tools. Little ones will love the whale display, not to mention some of the temporary exhibitions on right now, from JellyWorld (meet the Medusozoa) to an augmented reality experience of Ancient Egypt.
Address: 25 Queen Victoria Street
Cost: R30 (Adults); R15 (Children aged 6 – 18); Free (Children aged 5 and under)
Website: https://www.iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-museum

5. Nelson Mandela legacy exhibition

Cape Town’s majestic City Hall boasts a permanent Nelson Mandela legacy exhibition, accessible to the public on weekdays. The installation, with interpretive panels, audio-visual and interactive displays, honours Madiba’s history and the country’s long struggle for liberation. One can either do a guided tour to see the various phases covered including an early life timeline, the 1940s and 1950s in Cape Town, 1960s events leading to imprisonment, prison years on Robben Island, struggle protests, 1980s negotiations, his release, 1994 democratic elections and presidency and legacy. To book a 45-minute viewing slot, email Mandela.Legacy@capetown.gov.za. The exhibition is open from 10h00 to 16h00 Tuesday to Friday.
Address: Darling Street
Cost: Free

Website:  

6. Rethinking the William Fehr Collection

People should not take things at face value and challenge themselves to grow and see the world differently. That’s the aim of this exhibition at the Castle of Good Hope, curated by Esther Esmyol. It has extensive historical art and decorative objects, including furniture, collected by Cape Town businessman Dr William Fehr, which first went on public display in the 1950s. The core of the collection comprises artworks dating from the country’s colonial past. Open from 09h30 to 15h30 from Monday to Sunday.

Address: Castle of Good Hope,
Cost: R25 for children, R50 for adults
Website: www.iziko.org.za

7. Clay Café in the City

Creativity and cake – a match made in heaven! This is a craft-focused space where you can paint pottery and enjoy tasty treats with friends. It’s also a renowned spot for kids’ birthday parties. When budgeted correctly, Clay Café in the City can come in under R250, which includes the studio fee of R40, painting a mug which starts at R55, and a small meal and drink.

Address: 199 Bree Street
Cost: Under R250 depending on painted item and meal
Website: https://claycafeinthecity.com/

8. Friday Night Live at The Royal Oyster Bar

Catch live music at The Royal Oyster Bar on Friday Night Live. Diarise it so you can ease yourself into the weekend with good music, a selection of oyster and cocktail specials, and good food. To book, call 071 490 2834.
Where: 17 Bree St
Cost: Free
Website: https://the-royal-oyster.com/

9. Storytime for children at the Book Lounge

This downtown gem is an all-time favourite with bookish people but did you know that you can treat your children to story time every week and allow them to become part of the magic world of story-telling every week?
Where: 71 Roeland St
When: 11h00 (all kids are welcome and there’s no need to RSVP)
Cost: Free
Website: www.booklounge.co.za

10. Fruit of the vine tastings

Let your weekend begin with a complimentary wine tasting at Divine Wine Boutique every Friday. The aim is to alert customers to the interesting offerings on the boutique wine store’s shelves. They focus on small, family-owned vineyards. Details are always posted on social media. It’s not necessary to book, and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. Space fills up fast though and you can reserve a table if you plan to linger longer and place a food and drink order, after the tasting.

Where: 35 Lower Long St
When: 17h00 to 19h00 every Friday
Cost: Free
Website: https:/divinewineboutique.com/

This article has been compiled by Atmosphere Communications on behalf of Sharon Sorour-Morris, the manager of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID).