cape town on a budget

Our Local Expert Says:

Although the most popular route up Table Mountain is Platteklip Gorge, there are numerous trails to enjoy. Of course there are also a number of ways down- hiking, the cable car, or an abseil off the mountain!

Description:

Standing guard over Cape Town, Table Mountain defines the city. For early seafarers, the Mountain signified arrival at this port of call. For the original inhabitants of the area, the Mountain was the source of myth and intrigue. For modern day Cape Tonians, Table Mountain is the heart of daily life. At 1086 meters and home to 1400 species of flora, Table Mountain is a spectacular nature reserve surrounded by a city. With hundreds of routes to ascend, the Mountain can keep an avid hiker and climber busy for years.

Our Local Expert Says:

In summer, Camps Bay is covered in tourists and models, if this is your scene, get yourself some Sinnful ice cream (shop above Pick n Pay across Main Rd) and enjoy. Otherwise, pack some wine and enjoy a Cape Tonian "sundowner" sunset drink- though alcohol on beaches is technically illegal, sundowners on the various Atlantic beaches are popular. If its windy, head to Clifton 4th just down the road instead, this little beach rarely gets the Southeaster wind.

Description:

Camps Bay Beach is a broad stretch of palm tree-lined white sand bordering the bracing waters of the Atlantic ocean. Set at the foot of a spectacular series of mountain peaks, the Twelve Apostles, yet only 10 minutes from the city center by car, it is one of Cape Town's most popular beaches. It is not a sheltered beach, so if the wind is blowing it is advisable to head for Clifton, another breath-taking and more secluded beach just around the corner. The beachside road has a festive atmosphere with a good variety of cafes and restaurants offering great sea views.

Description:

Established in 1990, the Backpack is Cape Town's original backpackers lodge. It is a clean, spacious and well-organised hostel. There is a swimming pool, satellite TV, laundry facilities, a kitchen and a great bar area. This hostel is centrally located in Tamboerskloof, on the cusp of the City Centre - with all its distractions. Within the Backpack you'll find the Africa Travel Centre, your one-stop shop to making travel bookings for Cape Town and the entire continent.

Our Local Expert Says:

For anyone who has ever wanted to try surfing, this is the beach to do it on. Claiming to be one of the most beginner friendly in the world, there are plenty of surf schools around to introduce you to the waves. Watch out when the Southeaster is blowing though, best to stay away from Muizenberg then.

Description:

Just at the northern end of False Bay, Muizenberg is a popular surfing and kite surfing spot, especially for beginners. The beach itself continues eastward and is popular for walkers on weekends.

Our Local Expert Says:

Kalk Bay is one of those places that you stop over at for a quick bite, then discover a great café, the interesting shop next to it, the fishermen selling fresh fish at the harbour, the cute ice cream shop and before you know it its time decide which of the restaurants with views you should do dinner at. Perfect for any leisurely vacation types.

Description:

Quaint little towns along the False Bay coast, Kalk Bay and St James surround an operating fishing harbour that lends the antique and coffee shops a tranquil view. In spring, Southern Right whales abound, often brushing against the harbour walls. Kalk Bay makes a great stop for lunch on a tour of the Cape Peninsula or a nice leisurely walking day.

Our Local Expert Says:

The local favorite- great breads and tasty bits at the bakery around the corner, seafood and other staples in the ever overcrowded restaurant with views of the harbor.

Description:

Just across from the Kalk Bay Harbour is this popular local hangout offering everything from breakfast, pastries, and cakes to tasty dinner entrees. Expect a wait, especially on weekends as the whole community drops in. Around the corner the bakery offers fresh breads, spreads, and pastries.

Our Local Expert Says:

Its hard to resist miniature animals, especially knee high penguins that waddle around and make funny noises. The penguins at Boulders Beach are sure to amuse visitors and locals of all ages.

Description:

Standing at just below a foot tall, the diminutive African penguins waddling onto shore, jumping into the sea or just sunbathing are quite a sight to see. Along the southern Cape Peninsula, just past Simonstown, there are several turnoffs for the Boulders Beach area. The second turnoff has the fewest tour buses and leads to a walkway above penguin nesting areas, to a beach where one can swim with penguins, or to another more secluded beach with fewer penguins but nice sheltered swimming areas and boulders.

Our Local Expert Says:

Hands down the best fish and chips in the entire peninsula. Far more than your basic fried hake and chips- expect large servings, a variety of seafood, and good ol' harbor atmosphere.

Description:

Across from the fancy restaurants in the Kalk Bay Harbour, this fish and chips shop has a menu larger than many restaurants and serves only the freshest of seafood. Huge portion sizes are served to locals who value good seafood at great prices to cutlery and tablecloths. Indoor and outdoor seating right in the harbour.

Description:

Established in 1990, the Backpack is Cape Town's original backpackers lodge. It is a clean, spacious and well-organised hostel. There is a swimming pool, satellite TV, laundry facilities, a kitchen and a great bar area. This hostel is centrally located in Tamboerskloof, on the cusp of the City Centre - with all its distractions. Within the Backpack you'll find the Africa Travel Centre, your one-stop shop to making travel bookings for Cape Town and the entire continent.

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the best views of Cape Town and surrounds come from the trail that winds its way around Lions Head. Beautiful at any time of the day, a walk up Lions Head is an essential part of enjoying Cape Town’s natural beauty.

Description:

Guarding the western edge of Cape Town, Lion's Head offers hiking with views over the Atlantic Seaboard, Robben Island, the Cape Town city bowl, and Table Mountain. For those who prefer having their feet off solid ground, tour companies operate tandem paragliding from Lions Head's slopes to the Atlantic coast. Locals can be found hiking Lions Head daily but full moon evening is often popular for sunset drinks on the summit.

Description:

Before the bulldozers of the apartheid government came in the 1960s and 70s, District Six was a 55,000 strong close knit lively community known for its jazz and anti apartheid sentiments. The District Six Museum is a small but creatively powerful museum that captures the history and culture of the neighborhood. Across town, the Bo Kaap offers a taste of a Cape Malay neighborhood that survived the apartheid years in Cape Town.

Description:

Home to a large collection of cultural artifacts, the Slave Lodge in Cape Town's city bowl is a small museum dedicated to slavery in the Cape. The Slave Lodge was built in 1679 by the Dutch East India Company. Including housing nearly a thousand slaves, the building was the Cape's main brothel. After the British takeover, the building became the Supreme Court, a post office, government offices, and eventually a museum.

Our Local Expert Says:

Interlinked with the struggle against apartheid, St George’s Cathedral is one of Cape Town’s landmark sites. Modern day Cape Tonian activists often use the Cathedral as a launching place for activities and action.

Description:

A landmark site for its role in South African history and a meeting place for modern day protests, St Georges Cathedral in the heart of Cape Town represents a time of change in South Africa. In 1986, Desmond Tutu was enthroned as the first black archbishop of South Africa. From the doors of Ste Georges Cathedral, he led numerous marches and campaigns for the formal end of apartheid.

Our Local Expert Says:

Temporary “home” to many of South Africa’s most famous anti-apartheid activists including Nelson Mandela, Robben Island served as prison, place of learning, and international symbol of apartheid governance. Today, the island is an UN World Heritage Site and has taken on the role of museum with tours led by former prisoners. Access is available by ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V and A Waterfront. Book ahead to ensure availability and allocate half a day to the full trip.

Description:

One of the oldest residential areas of Cape Town, the Bo Kaap is a unique neighborhood with a strong cultural and social history. Home of a "Cape Malay" community, the neighborhood is a collection of brightly painted houses and mosques. Strolling through the streets (daytime and larger streets only) of the Bo Kaap provides a taste of a distinctly Cape Tonian community and lifestyle. If you find yourself in the area for dinner, try out Biesmielleh restaurant on Wale Street that serves delicious Cape Malay fare. A visit to the District Six Museum will offer some more insight into the history of the Cape Malay community of Cape Town.

Our Local Expert Says:

Local family owned Cape Malay restaurant. Good food, friendly service, and tacky décor.

Description:

Situated in the heart of the Bo Kaap and family owned and operated, this Cape Malay restaurant has no pretentions, just good food and warm service. Local specialtys are served on plastic covered tables with 80's-style placemats and gold framed pictures on the wall. Remember, this is a real Cape Malay restaurant- no alcohol is to be consumed or bought on premesis.

Description:

Established in 1990, the Backpack is Cape Town's original backpackers lodge. It is a clean, spacious and well-organised hostel. There is a swimming pool, satellite TV, laundry facilities, a kitchen and a great bar area. This hostel is centrally located in Tamboerskloof, on the cusp of the City Centre - with all its distractions. Within the Backpack you'll find the Africa Travel Centre, your one-stop shop to making travel bookings for Cape Town and the entire continent.