Backpacking Cape Town-The Mother City-is a truly remarkable experience. Southern Africa’s most visited and awe-inspiring city is the crown jewel for many travelers. Set against the dramatic mountainous backdrop of Table Mountain with Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head on either side; Cape Town is famous for its landmarks and nature.
A blend between high-income and low, this coastal metropolis and capital of the Western Cape is one of the most multicultural cities on the planet. Noted also for its harbour, Cape Point, and its setting in the Cape Floristic Region, the Mother City is sure to captivate worldly trekkers.
Whether you have a gusto for coasts and diving, mountains and hiking, or cities and dining; Cape Town for backpackers is surely the place to be! Luckily, Cape Town on a budget is feasible with South Africa’s affordability and a myriad of free natural attractions. This Cape Town travel guide has everything a traveler needs to make their way around the city while on an allowance.
How Much Does Backpacking Cape Town Cost?
If you are a broke backpacker in the literal sense, or just a fan of budget travel and you’re planning your South Africa backpacking trip, you came to the right place! Fortunately, for the majority - regrettably for South Africans trying to make a living - most currencies stand strong in comparison to the South African Rand (R). Simply put, your money will go a long way while backpacking Cape Town.
In general, Cape Town can be cheap for accommodation, food, and transportation. Therefore, a Cape Town daily budget of $50 will buy you quite a nice day. However, you can get by on far less if you do not wish to indulge in restaurant meals and sip on South Africa’s incredible wines. (It is probably best you make room for the finer things in life within your Cape Town budget. If not here, then where?)
Read also: Planning Your Trip to Cape Town
Average Costs of a Trip to Cape Town
The following is a breakdown of items to consider for your Cape Town budget:
- Hostel - Dorm Bed: $15-25
- Airbnb: $12-30
- Uber - Airport to Waterfront: under $20
- Beer - Bar: $2
- Wine Bottle - Supermarket: $3
- Breakfast: $3-6
- Lunch: $4-9
- Dinner: $7-12
- Hiking - Table Mountain, Lion’s Head: Free
Chapman’s Peak
Cape Town Budget Backpacking Tips
Backpacking Cape Town on a budget is certainly easier than other top destination cities. Be that as it may, sometimes we could use city-specific advice to be sure we are on the right track-the economy track, that is! The following are a few tips to note before you head to Cape Town.
- Taxify: This is a transportation network company similar to Uber, however, it is only available in limited cities around the world. Taxify has become huge in Cape Town, and Capetonians believe this app to be cheaper than Uber. At the end of a trip, there is an option to pay cash (unlike other ride-share apps), which is beneficial for splitting costs with your friends.
- Free Walking Tours: A great way to discover Cape Town is with free walking tours. Obviously, there are not any fees, but the guides do operate on a tip basis-use your own discretion for tipping amounts. Guides are knowledgeable and there are several different walking tours to discover the city in many ways.
- Explore and Hike around Cape Town: Hike Lion’s Head and Table Mountain for free. (Table Mountain Cableway offers free return rides down the mountain on your birthday.) Aside from these two, there are a lot more trails that are more remote and worth checking out BUT it is highly recommended to go with a local guide. There have been a number of hikers attacked in recent years and being away from the popular areas is riskier.
- Stroll the Sea Point Promenade and wander around the V & A Waterfront. Watch the sunset at Signal Hill or check out the many beaches within the city. Enjoy the murals and graffiti located throughout Woodstock neighborhood. Catch the incredible view from Chapman’s Peak or take scenic walks through the local parks and forests.
- Markets: Cape Town always has plenty of markets to amble, especially food markets. Not only is entrance free, but there is often live music by local musicians and food is sold at excellent prices. The Old Biscuit Mill, Bay Harbour Market, and Mojo Market are all worth checking out.
- Drink Hacks: Try happy hour for up to 50% off drinks or buy-one-get-one-free specials at local bars. Generally, you can drink at an extra low price if you start early. Most happy hour specials run between 4pm-7pm. Many wine estates offer great prices on wine tastings, and some liquor stores offer free tastings! Wine Concepts offers daily, in-store tastings for free-for those bargain drinkers out there!
- Pack a travel water bottle: save money (and the planet) every day! Stop buying bottled water!
Why You Should Travel to Cape Town with a Water Bottle
Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller.
Read also: Cape Town Hotel Experience
Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.
Backpacker Accommodation in Cape Town
Cape Town has a huge variety of neighborhoods, and each one offers many qualities that make it uniquely distinct from one ‘hood’ to another. Hostels or ‘backpackers‘-in the Mother City can be found in nearly every single neighborhood and there are also a wide variety of guesthouses in Cape Town that are a great alternative if you want your own private space.
The following are a select few districts in Cape Town to be discovered that you could rest your head for the night.
- Green Point: Home to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Stadium, this is a popular location for sporting events and concerts. A trendy residential area that is within walking distance to the Waterfront and the Sea Point Promenade.
- Central Business District (CBD): What was once the place to be for business travelers has since become popular for people in search of shopping, coffee, bars, or a bite to eat. Located within the city center is hip Bree Street and the famous Long Street.
- Woodstock: An artsy, up-and-coming area similar to Brooklyn, NY. Definitely famous for its street art and the Old Biscuit Mill.
- Observatory: ‘Obs’ is a fusion of art, urban-life, and rich culture. Offering a cool nightlife, coffee shops, and second-hand stores, Observatory is also within close proximity to just about everything. A great place to call home for a few nights.
The Best Places to Stay in Cape Town
For more inspiration, check out our Cape Town Neighborhood Guide!
| Neighborhood | Description |
|---|---|
| Gardens | An inner-city suburb of Cape Town right next to the CBD. Laid-back but with plenty to see and do, Gardens is close to major attractions and nightlife while still providing a more local experience. |
| CBD | Cape Town’s busiest and most vibrant area. With lots to see and do by day and by night, it’s also the best Cape Town neighbourhood for nightlife. |
| Camps Bay | The sandy beach, plentiful restaurants, street entertainers, and fun activities make this one of the best Cape Town neighbourhoods for families. |
For more great places to stay in Cape Town, check out our full list of backpacker hostels in Cape Town.
Read also: Luxury Shopping in South Africa
Top Things to do in Cape Town
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (2024) | 15 Best Things To Do In Cape Town (+ Essential Travel Tips!)
- Hike to the top of Table Mountain
If you only have a few days in your Cape Town itinerary, make sure you include a hike to the top of Table Mountain. This flat-topped mountain, a prominent landmark, offers stunning views of Cape Town. Appreciate the many life forms that surround you during your hike. At an elevation of 1,067 m (3,501ft), the cableway is a relaxing means of getting yourself back down Table Mountain.
- Take a tour of Robben Island
Take a tour around the political prison on Robben Island. Former inmates are used as guides to tell the true story about victims of political oppression. Robben Island’s most notable prisoner, Nelson Mandela, went on to become South Africa’s first black president and the leader of their civil rights movement. Tours depart from the V & A Waterfront, and ferry tickets should be purchased ahead of time.
- Watch the sunrise or sunset on Lion’s Head
Hike above the city skyline to the top of Lion’s Head. Impressive views of the sea, city, and Table Mountain are had here, so do not forget your camera! It is truly special to make your way above the clouds, and this is a remarkable spot for a sunrise or sunset.
- Grab some food at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town’s busy retail, dining, and entertainment district is the V & A Waterfront. Definitely a tourist spot, but it is still nice to have a walk around the waterfront or enjoy a cocktail or ice cream on the water. I wandered down one afternoon and was surprised to stumble upon several fantastic markets, that offered food and local art.
- Go to Chapman’s Peak
Often overlooked by backpackers is the magical Chapman’s Peak. Cruise down Chapman’s Peak Drive, between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, for one of the most scenic marine drives in the world. Be sure to catch a sunset here-breathtaking.
- Hang out on the Beach
There are no shortage of beaches to bask in the sun while visiting Cape Town. Clifton Beach, Camps Bay Beach, and Fish Hoek Beach are just a few names worth remembering to feed your seaside appetite. The best rolling waves in the world and the spot to learn how to surf is at Muizenberg. Stare at mountains in amazement while riding waves, and snap a few shots of the colorful huts on the boardwalk.
- Stroll along Sea Point Promenade
Sea Point Promenade offers a seaside pathway from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay. A lovely spot for a stroll, run, or bike ride.
- Watch another sunset on Signal Hill
Another ideal spot for a pretty sunset is Signal Hill. You can catch an Uber, and your driver will likely hangout while you take a few photos, or you could stay for a nice picnic. Have you noticed that Cape Town has no shortage of places to watch a picture-perfect sunset? Did you also know that you can totally jump of the side of this mountain and paraglide down to the city?!
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
These botanical gardens are dubbed “The most beautiful garden in Africa.” An escape from the city, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens exhibits plants native to the Cape Region on the outside, and the large conservatory houses plants from regions including savanna and fynbos.
- Dive with Great Whites
Cape Town is one of the best and most affordable places to go diving with Great White sharks! East of Cape Town and closer to the Agulhas Current is an absolute feeding frenzy and sharks love to frequent these waters. For those who want to see sharks from a slightly more secure position can also go on an ocean safari.
- Chill with penguins in Simon’s Town
A small, quiet village with magnificent views and history. A few kilometers south of Simon’s Town is Boulders Beach. Here you will find a colony of African penguins, and the option to swim with these cool creatures is given. Did you know Africa was home to penguins?
- Snap some photos in Bo-Kaap
Walking distance from Cape Town’s city center is the colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap. A vibrant and bright neighborhood you need to see, even if only for a quick stroll and Instagram shot. It’s one of the best places to visit in Cape Town and should be on your bucket list of things to do!
Backpacking Cape Town 3-Day Itinerary
Admittedly, 3 days in the Mother City is not nearly enough time if you yearn to see and do it all. Hey-that just comes to show that Cape Town is bustling with all of the things that make a city great! Obviously, if you are limited on time, you should try to adjust this itinerary to match your personal desires. What one backpacker in Cape Town deems important may completely differ to another.
I have done my best to break down 3 days in Cape Town, to maximize the amount of sights you can see in this huge city.
Day 1 in Cape Town
Start your day off right with a breakfast on the water, and continue with a walk down the Sea Point Promenade. Make your way over to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for the possibility of live music or specialty markets.
The V & A Waterfont offers ferry services to Robben Island. Take a guided tour of Robben Island to see where Nelson Mandela and many others were imprisoned under the apartheid regime.
Head towards the city center and have a look at the FIFA World Cup Stadium on your route. Support the local craftsman by picking up a few authentic South African items at Greenmarket Square. Grab lunch at one of the local restaurants or cafes in the area.
After some replenishment, you are ready for your hike up Lion’s Head to watch an unbelievable sunset. Stand above the city, and the clouds, and appreciate Cape Town in all its glory.
Day 1 in Cape Town is the perfect evening to take pleasure in dinner from a restaurant of your choice and savor local South African wine.
Day 2 in Cape Town
Rise and shine for day 2 in Cape Town. This should be an early start-here is to hoping that you did not indulge in too much wine on night-one!
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