8 Cheap Things to do in Cape Town – December 2024

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Hunting for budget-friendly fun in Cape Town this December? Whether you’re chasing festive lights or adrenaline-packed adventures, the Mother City has plenty to offer without draining your wallet. The sun’s out, so why are you still inside? Step into summer with these cheap and free things to do in Cape Town.

Free Things to do in Cape Town

1. Experience the Free V&A Waterfront Christmas Wonderland.

A large, illuminated Christmas tree at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, surrounded by lit-up buildings and people enjoying the festive atmosphere. This is one of the cheap things to do in Cape Town.

Cost: Free entry, prices vary for food and activities

The V&A Waterfront is a sight to behold all-year-round but something magical happens in December. Take a look at the itinerary:

Meet Santa and the elves (till 24 December – free)
Visit the iconic Christmas tree (free)
Enjoy local talent at the amphitheater (Free)
NYE Fireworks And Matthew Mole Concert (31 December – Free)

Dates: 01 December 2024 – 31 December 2024
Location: V&A Waterfront
Discover the history of Cape Town

2. See the Christmas Lights in The City Center and Bothasig Houses

A night scene in Cape Town with a crowd walking on a street beneath a decorative light display that reads 'Cape Town,' featuring illuminated symbols like a map of Africa, musical instruments, a lighthouse, and a Ferris wheel. The buildings on either side are lit up, creating a festive atmosphere. This is one of the cheap things to do in Cape Town.

Cost: Free

We can’t mention cheap things to do in Cape Town without talking about gazing on the Christmas lights. Every December, Cape Town sparkles with the annual Christmas Lights Festival. The city centre, Greenmarket Square and the Bothasig Houses light up with thousands of festive lights, creating the perfect Instagram-worthy scenes.

Dates: Festival ended on the 6th of December but the lights are up till the 31st of December.
Location: City Centre and Bothasig

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3. Beach Hopping through Cape Town’s Attractions

A scenic view of Clifton Beach with Lion's Head mountain in the background. The beach features sandy shores and large rocks, with ocean waves gently crashing. The town, filled with houses and apartments, sits beneath the mountain. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds.

Cost: Free

Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno – take your pick. They’re all free, they’re all gorgeous, and they’re all ready for your December photo dump.

Local hack: Clifton 3rd is the sweet spot – less crowded than 4th.

Explore Christmas around the world, see 10 Christmas Markets Around The World

Cheap things to Do in Cape Town under R500

4. Table Mountain: Hike for Free or Take the Cable Car.

A panoramic view of Cape Town with Table Mountain and Lion's Head in the background. The cityscape includes buildings and roads at the base of the mountains, with the ocean in the foreground. The clear blue sky and expansive view of the ocean highlight the beauty of this iconic landscape. Visiting Table Mountain is one of the cheap things to do in Cape Town.

Cost: Free (if hiking), R360 for the Cable Car (one way)

One of the cheap things to do in Cape Town is surprisingly at the city’s most famous attraction. There’s no better time to climb or ride up Table Mountain than during December, when the skies are clear and the view is unbeatable. The hike is free (and a flex), but if you prefer to take the cable car up, it’s a great way to skip the sweat and enjoy the view of the city and the sea.

Tip: Hike early in the morning before it gets too hot (it is Cape Town after all). Wear comfortable shoes and bring lots of water.

Location: Table Mountain National Park

Enjoy hiking? Then you will love this: 10 incredible hiking trails around the world.

5. Enjoy a Scenic Walk at Kirstenbosch Gardens

A scenic view of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town. The foreground features a curved, elevated walkway with several people walking and observing the surroundings. The walkway is surrounded by lush, green vegetation. In the background, towering, rugged mountains are partially covered by clouds.

Cost: Adults: R230, Children: R40

Kirstenbosch is one of the best places to soak up the summer sun, and the gardens are even more beautiful in December. With special Carols by Candlelight concerts held during the month, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the gardens and festive music. It’s a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk among the plants and flowers.

Dates: 1 -31st December 2024
Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Speaking of gardens—here are 30 amazing ways to explore the Garden Route

6. Go Quad biking at the Atlantis Dunes

A person riding a quad bike on the white sand dunes of the Atlantis Dunes under a partly cloudy sky. The scene shows vast, undulating sand dunes with a bright blue sky in the background. The rider is wearing protective gear, including a helmet, and is actively maneuvering the quad bike

Cost: From R495 per person

Feel the thrill of zooming across the white sands of Atlantis Dunes. This adventure is perfect for adrenaline junkies and photographers alike, with views of Table Mountain and plenty of action. No experience is required and it’s a great way to tick something epic off your bucket list. Whether you are a daredevil or just curious, quad-biking is one of the enjoyably cheap things to do in Cape Town

Tip: Book in advance, as slots fill up quickly during the holiday season.
Location: Atlantis Dunes, about 40 km from Cape Town

If you’re a quad enthusiast then you’ll want to check out these Quad Biking Accommodations.

7. Catch a Sunset Cruise from the Waterfront

A luxurious yacht cruising on calm waters during a sunset at the V&A Waterfront. The yacht has multiple decks with people enjoying the view and relaxing. The sky is painted with warm hues of orange, pink, and purple, reflecting on the water's surface.

Cost: From R350 – R550 per person

Cape Town sunsets are next-level, and what better way to enjoy them than on a cruise? Hop aboard a boat at the V&A Waterfront for a front-row seat to views of the ocean and Table Mountain. Most cruises include snacks and drinks, making it the perfect pre-dinner activity.

Dates: Daily during December (weather permitting)
Location: V&A Waterfront

8. Hop on the Red Bus Tour

A red double-decker sightseeing bus, labeled 'City Sightseeing Cape Town,' is parked on a road with tourists onboard and nearby. The background showcases Cape Town's cityscape, coastline, and harbor. Taking a sightseeing bus tour is one of the cheap things to do in Cape Town.

Cost: R325

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers a convenient way to explore the city’s top attractions. With unlimited access to three different routes and over 30 stops, you can visit landmarks like Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and Robben Island.

How to Get Around Cape Town on a Budget

Cape Town is easy to navigate with several affordable transport options:

MyCiTi Bus: Convenient, affordable, and great for getting around the city and surrounding areas.
Walking: Many of Cape Town’s best attractions are within walking distance from each other.
Train: The newly revamped metro rail trains have state of the art facilities and are very efficient.
Biking: Rent a bike and explore Cape Town like a local!

Why December in Cape Town Is Unbeatable

December in Cape Town is pure magic. Whether you’re watching the sun dip behind Table Mountain (free), catching the Christmas lights in town (also free), or living your best life at one of the markets (entry’s free, your self-control with the food stalls is on you), this city knows how to do summer right.

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