Cape Town is one of those places that can be as cheap or expensive as you make it. It has everything you need for an ideal vacation, from breathtaking mountains and beaches to a buzzing food scene and engaging cultural activities. Whether splurging on a luxury getaway or travelling on a shoestring, having a solid budget plan will help you maximise your trip. Here are some tips to help you plan your Cape Town travel budget and make your money go further.
Table of Contents
Setting Your Travel Budget 💸
Before anything else, decide how much you’re willing to spend whilst taking into consideration the following:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Food & drinks
- Transport
- Activities
- Extras (souvenirs, shopping, tips & emergency funds)
Once you have a rough idea of what you want, prioritise accordingly. Maybe you’re okay staying in a hostel but want to splurge on a sunset cruise or safari. Or perhaps you’d instead save on activities and enjoy free hikes and beaches. This Cape Town travel budget guide will detail each aspect to help you make your choices!
Finding Affordable Flights! 🛫
Flights are often the most expensive, but there are ways to save! The first is to book at least three to six months in advance. Mid-week flights tend to be cheaper, so be flexible with timing.
Also, think about what you want out of your trip! While many people want to enjoy Cape Town in the summer, there are benefits to visiting in winter. There are fewer crowds and tourists, which is especially great for hiking, whale watching, and tasting the season’s best red wine. The best part? It is much cheaper in the off-season!
Use flight comparison sites likeGoogle FlightsandSkyscannerto find the best prices for your travel budget. Consider taking layover flights instead of direct flights if you’re visiting internationally. They’re usually a bit cheaper!
Where to Stay on Any Budget 🏨
Cape Town has accommodation for every price range, whether you’re looking for budget-friendly hostels or luxury hotels.
Budget Options $
(R300 to R800 per night)
Consider hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs. Neighbourhoods like Observatory and Green Point have affordable options.
Check out: Curiocity on Kloof Street, A Sunflower Stop, Long Street Backpackers or Villa Viva Cape Town
Mid-range Stays $$
(R800 to R2,500 per night)
Focus on boutique Hotels, B&Bs, private Airbnbs, and self-catering villas. Look outside the city centre for cheaper options, such as Sea Point, Constantia, or Gardens.
Check out: Mojo Hotel, 91 Loop Boutique Hotel, City Lodge Hotels, and Constantia Cottages
Luxury Accommodation $$$
(R2,500+ per night)
Look for high-end hotels and private villas in Clifton, Camps Bay or the V&A Waterfront. If you want a quiet place a bit further from the city’s bustle, the Cape Winelands wine estates and vineyards have a sweeping range of places to stay!
Check out: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, One&Only Cape Town, The Silo Hotel, The Radisson Collection
❗Keep in mind, the luxury accommodation options provided can have mid-range prices depending on the type of room and season you visit ❗
Transportation Options 🚙
Getting around Cape Town doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but it’s good to know your options. Public transport is reliable! Try to avoid taxis; while cheap, they aren’t always the safest or most reliable option. You can use the MyCITI Bus using their route and station timetables. It traverses most of Cape Town reasonably quickly and is always on time!
Uber and Bolt are app-centred driving companies that help you get around within the city, and they are relatively affordable compared to renting a car. If you are considering renting a car, it’s best to do so for road trips outside the city, mainly to visit Sea Point or the Cape Winelands. Keep in mind that fuel, parking, and insurance do add up! Walking and cycling are great ways to explore, especially in areas like the V&A Waterfront. However, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-populated areas.
What and Where to Eat 🍝
Cape Town is known for its incredible food scene, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well. Cape Town street food is an excellent option if you’re on a budget. Travel to the Eastern Food Bazaar for vast portions of cheap and delicious international cuisine. Another incredibly accessible aspect of Cape Town’s budget-friendly food scene is its markets, from its trendy V&A Waterfront market to the Oranjezicht Farmers Market!
Mid-range restaurants in Kloof Street or Sea Point offer great value with plenty of international and local dishes. You can also get delicious fast food! If you’re in the mood to splurge, Cape Town has immaculate fine dining experiences with restaurants like Fyn and La Colombe. If you want to save even more and have self-catering, Cape Town’s grocery stores like Woolworths and Checkers have fresh ingredients and restaurant-grade pre-made meals.
Budget Friendly & Free Activities 🏖️
Many of the best experiences in Cape Town are free. Your travel budget can focus more on accommodation and food, while most daily activities are inexpensive or entirely cost-free. No charge activities include hiking up Lion’s Head for a priceless view, relaxing on Clifton Beach, watching the penguins at Boulder’s Beach, or wandering through the Company’s Gardens. The City of Cape Town offers free self-guided walking tour pamphlets for historical and cultural experiences.
If you want to spend a little more time, activities like visiting Robben Island, wine tasting in Stellenbosch, or exploring Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are well worth it! For those wanting to go all out, shark cage diving, helicopter rides, and safaris are unforgettable but come with a higher price tag. A good way to save is to look for city passes or combo tickets that bundle multiple attractions at a discount.
Extra Costs & Travel Tips 🛍️
When budgeting for your trip to Cape Town, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket items like flights and accommodation, but the small, unexpected costs can sneak up on you. One of the most important things to budget for is travel insurance. If something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you had it. Another cost to factor in is tipping. In Cape Town, it’s customary to tip 10 – 15% at restaurants if service isn’t included in the bill. You should also tip hotel staff, tour guides, and even petrol attendants if they help you fill up your car.
When it comes to exchanging money, ATMs usually offer the best rates, but check with your bank about foreign transaction fees. Lastly, be mindful of tourist traps and scams. Some taxis overcharge unsuspecting travelers, so it’s safer to use Uber or Bolt. If someone offers you a “special discount” on a tour or attraction, double-check the price online first. Always book with reputable companies to avoid being overcharged or scammed. A little research goes a long way in making sure you don’t spend more than necessary.
Sample Budget 📔
Your Cape Town travel budget will depend on your travel style, but here’s a rough estimate to help you plan:
Budget Travel $
(R600 – R1,000 per day)
Accommodation: Hostel dorm bed or budget Airbnb (R300 – R600)
Food: Street food and cheap eats (R100 – R200)
Transport: Public transport or occasional Uber rides (R50 – R150)
Activities: Free attractions like hiking and beaches (R0 – R100)
This budget is ideal for backpackers and frugal travelers who are happy with shared accommodations, self-catering, and free activities.
Mid-Range Travel $$
(R1,500 – R3,000 per day)
Accommodation: Mid-range hotel, guesthouse, or private Airbnb (R800 – R2,000)
Food: Mix of casual restaurants and self-catering (R300 – R600)
Transport: Mostly Uber or rental car (R150 – R400)
Activities: Paid attractions like Robben Island or wine tours (R300 – R800)
This is a comfortable budget that allows for a relaxed stay, good food, and a mix of free and paid activities.
Luxury Travel $$$
(R5,000+ per day)
Accommodation: High-end hotels or private villas (R3,000 – R10,000)
Food: Fine dining at top restaurants (R800 – R2,000)
Transport: Private driver or luxury rental car (R500 – R2,000)
Activities: Private tours, helicopter rides, and premium experiences (R1,000 – R5,000)
If you’re going all out, Cape Town has plenty of luxury experiences to enjoy. From five-star hotels to exclusive wine tastings, the city also caters to high-end travelers wanting a premium experience.
Pro Tip: No matter your budget, always set aside an emergency fund for unexpected costs. Whether it’s a last-minute Uber ride, a medical expense, or a souvenir you can’t resist, having a little extra money ensures you don’t stress about overspending.
A Cape Town travel budget is made easy with these tips! It’s all about knowing where to save and where to splurge. Knowing where to cut costs help to stretch your budget without missing out. The key is to decide what’s worth splurging on and where you can save. Whether you’re a backpacker, a mid-range traveler, or looking for luxury, Cape Town has something for everyone. Plan smart, spend wisely, and enjoy every moment in this incredible city.
