If you only have two days to spend in Cape Town, you need to make them count. You have to see the sights, taste the food and experience the magic of Table Mountain. This city is bursting with energy, colour, and natural beauty, from mountain views to ocean breezes, hidden markets to historic streets. Whether you're here for a quick weekend escape or just passing through, 48 hours is enough to soak up some of the best sights, flavours, and free activities in Cape Town!
Start your day with one of Cape Town’s top things to do! Hiking Lion’s Head. With free entry and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain, and the City Bowl, it’s a fun way to kick off your adventure. This spot is perfect for locals and visitors looking for breathtaking scenery without spending a cent.
A walk along the Sea Point Promenade is one of the best free things to do in Cape Town. Stretching along the coast with public art, locals jogging, and views of Robben Island, this flat, scenic route is a great way to see the Mother City.
Located near the stadium, Green Point Urban Park is a serene spot to relax. Pack a picnic and chill among indigenous plants, shaded lawns, and families enjoying the sun. It’s a fun activity for all ages.
You don’t need to spend to enjoy Cape Town’s iconic V&A Waterfront. Stroll the Silo District and enjoy free exhibitions, watch local talent at the amphitheatre, or explore the public art around the marina. Art lovers can visit the Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa for free on your birthday month!
Catch one of the best sunsets in South Africa from Bloubergstrand. It offers postcard-perfect views of Table Mountain across the bay. This is one of Cape Town’s best photo ops and a favourite free thing to do for both locals and visitors.
Enjoy a free walking tour of Bo-Kaap, one of the Mother City’s most iconic cultural spots. Learn about traditional Cape Malay heritage while snapping photos of its bright, historic houses. Join at the City Sightseeing stop number 5 - 81 Long Street.
If you’re up for spending a little, Bo-Kaap Kombuis offers one of Cape Town’s best South African breakfasts with Table Mountain views. Traditional Cape flavours, great service, and a setting in the heart of Cape Town make it a top pick.
Located in the City Centre, the Company’s Garden is full of heritage, squirrels, and hidden statues. It's free entry and surrounded by museums and galleries. A quiet escape in the heart of the city.
Bring a sandwich and find shade under the old oaks at De Waal Park. On weekends, you might catch live music or local events. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy one of Cape Town’s community spaces without spending a thing.
For those looking to experience the mountain without the cost of the cableway, the Pipe Track trail is perfect. Running along the base of Table Mountain, it offers epic views and is one of the city's best free hikes.
Wrap up your 48 hours with a movie under the stars. Galileo Open Air Cinema screens films at rotating venues around Cape Town. While not free, it’s a fun thing to do if you want to spend a little for a memorable last night.
Many places across Cape Town offer free birthday activities. You can get a free ride on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway or enjoy free entry to places like the Cape Wheel and Zeitz MOCAA. Bring your valid South African ID and celebrate your birthday with these free activities in Cape Town!
(Image: City Sightseeing)
Want to make the most of your time in the Mother City with City Sightseeing? Get your Premium Hop-on-Hop-off ticket to easily access top attractions like Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the famous Sea Point Promenade, all without worrying about transport. For a more scenic route, explore Hout Bay, stroll through Kirstenbosch Gardens, or connect to the Purple Route if you're looking to treat yourself. Don’t miss the Sunset Bus Tour for a golden hour view over the City Bowl from Signal Hill.
Book Tickets Now!Yes, absolutely. There are many spots in Cape Town that cost nothing to explore. From sunrise hikes on Lion’s Head and walks along the Sea Point Promenade to picnics in Green Point Urban Park and visits to Bo-Kaap, there are plenty of memorable experiences without spending a rand.
Watch the sunset from Bloubergstrand with views of Table Mountain, hike Lion’s Head, stroll the Pipe Track, or relax in De Waal Park. These spots offer great views of the coastline and mountains at no cost.
You can enjoy a free Table Mountain Aerial Cableway trip (bring your ID number), free entry to Zeitz MOCAA at the V&A Waterfront, and a free ride on the Cape Wheel.
Try Mojo Market in Sea Point for affordable street food, or grab a coffee at the V&A Waterfront with live music. Pack a picnic for Green Point Urban Park or Camps Bay Beach for a low-cost meal with a view.
The City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus is a convenient way to get around for 48 hours or a week. Tickets are valid for 30 days from first use and cover routes to Hout Bay, Camps Bay, Kirstenbosch, and the V&A Waterfront, so you can reach top attractions without a car.
