Are you perhaps one of those that find themselves in recovery after the celebrations of Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, and in more than one way? While some are getting back to reality, tourists especially may feel the effects (most notably the financial kind) and might feel their holiday in the Cape has reached a dead-end. But if there is one thing you must know about Cape Town and surrounding areas (especially if you don’t know already) is the wealth of activities and attractions you can find, and plenty being at affordable rates.

The setting in which Cape Town exists is one of the reasons tourists spend their vacations here. Picturesque mountain ranges, the flourishing plant life and infinite reach of the ocean are part of the reason why the Mother City is so valued by locals and visitors alike.

While the breathtaking views are not enough on their own to occupy visitors to the Cape, in and around the city holding the title of World Design Capital 2014 exists plenty of entertaining activities and tasteful dishes at unbelievably reasonable prices.

Eateries

Charly’s Bakery, Cape Town City Centre

While on a vacation it makes sense to satisfy your sweet tooth now and then, and for an establishment such as Charly’s Bakery in Cape Town’s City Centre, the kids will definitely appreciate this choice of affordable dining. This colourful eatery will draw your eyes before you are overwhelmed by the wealth of cakes, cupcakes, cookies and so much more in various hues.

Situated in the historic suburb of District Six, you won’t fail to spot the bakery with its colourful exterior. While their cakes are adored by many, their most affordable and delectable options are their cupcakes (as low as R 19.50), petit fours (R 17.00), cookies (R 19.50) and quiche slices (R 35.00).

Eastern Bazaar, Cape Town City Centre

While staying in the Cape Town city bowl or passing through on your explorations, you may have seen or heard of the Eastern Bazaar. A broad corridor between Darling and Longmarket Streets, this is an establishment you will notice metres away, even as you enter the street. A tantalising aroma will lead you to a buzzing scene with enticing dishes on offer.

If you’re longing for a taste of the Far Eastern kind, the Eastern Bazaar will definitely satisfy you. While their delicious meals will fulfil you, what you will remember the most is the shocking prices at which these scrumptious dishes are offered. The most expensive items on their menu are under R 50.00!

Activities

Putt Putt/Cave Golf, Mouille Point/V&A Waterfront

These seemingly simple games put a twist on the golf practice of putting. In both establishments mentioned, an 18-hole course (with obstacles) awaits those interested in trying their hand for the sake of some fun, or even to find out who is the best.

The Cave Golf, next to Scratch Patch in the V&A Waterfront is indoors and features 18 holes but with quirky obstacles providing a considerable challenge to players looking for that hole-in-one. 1 game costs R 18.00 per person, with a discount for groups of 10 or more, but prices are subject to change without notice. At Mouille Point, enjoy a game of Putt Putt with family or friends with a lovely view of the Atlantic Ocean, especially during sunset. Here there are two courses, with 18 holes each, with their own unique obstacles. An added handicap is the wind that the Cape is famous for, but that just makes a hole-in-one so much sweeter! 1 game will cost R 20.00 per person.

Hike from Constantia Nek to the Kirstenbosch Gardens

For those looking for some physical stimulation, to catch some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful scenery which is found in many parts of the Cape, a walk along the trail starting at Constantia Nek and ending in Kirstenbosch Gardens is just what you need, and it’s free to do. Considered by many to be one of  the easiest of hiking trails in the Western Cape, this route caters to children as well since it is relatively flat and gradually descends as you get closer to the Kirstenbosch Gardens. The return journey is tougher since going back the trail ascends somewhat, and if you spend time in Kirstenbosch and then head back to Constantia Nek, you would have to pay a fee (although it is free to enter the gardens from the trail from Constantia Nek, to access the trail back is not). If you have only one car, you could park at Constantia Nek and when it’s time to leave one of you can go back. If you have two cars, you could go first to Kirstenbosch Gardens, park one car there, and then head to Constantia Nek to start the hike. Once you’re done at the gardens, you simply take the car you parked there earlier to collect the other car at Constantia Nek.

Constantia Nek

1 Hout Bay Road, Constantia (this is the address of the restaurant, but the hiking trail is just a minute’s walk away to the north, parking is available at the trail)

Kirstenbosch Gardens
Rhodes Drive, Newlands

Entertainment

Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts

In the summer, you would surely want to take advantage of the good weather and take in all the fresh air, especially around a venue as flouring as the Kirstenbosch Gardens. With the added appeal of an open-air concert, a group of family and/or friends could enjoy a picnic out on the grass while being entertained by the performances of the featured artists.

Last New Year’s Eve, the concert featured likes of the legendary Mango Groove, and future line-ups include well-established and currently successful artists such as Johnny Clegg, Jimmy Nevis, Just Jinjer and Prime Circle, to name a few. Tickets usually cost in the range of R 100.00 to R 160.00 and can be purchased online from WebTickets (which is advisable since you can get the cheapest rates this way). Picnic hampers can be purchased from moyo Restaurant and the Kirstenbosch Tea Room.

As for how you can get to these various attractions, the convenient MyCiTi bus service is available for your use, and in the cases where MyCiTi buses do not go for the time being, driving should not be a problem, since the cost of fuel in the country has currently been on the decrease.

Even though your holiday budget may be reaching its end, these affordable options will ensure you will still get to enjoy your vacation in and around the City of Cape Town.