You don't need to earn the big bucks to enjoy the Mother City. Here are some tips for enjoying Cape Town on the cheap.

Tantalize your taste buds

Finding a place to eat in Cape Town is not an impossible task. Capetonians have a weakness for good food.

For something local and truly off the beaten track try Pizza Time in Gatesville, Rylands. They offer the yummiest pizza with the most delectable base and toppings.

Or if a roadhouse tickles your fancy, try Wembley Roadhouse in Athlone. Always packed to capacity, this roadhouse basically serves up a menu that can entice and seduce any taste bud requirement.

Have a bite at Long Street Café with its art-deco timber and cosmopolitan clientele; the menu offers a varied array of breakfasts, salads, business lunches and substantial dinners that won't hurt your pocket.

For the love of nature

Kirstenbosch is a world-renowned botanical garden best known for its beauty and diversity. You can explore the gardens, take photographs, have a picnic on the lawn or even stare at the sky. Entry to the Garden is only R30.00.

Tygerberg Zoo is Cape Town’s only zoo. With 24 hectares of land it is situated roughly 40-minutes from Cape Town central. The zoo is home to lions, tigers, zebra, cheetah, chimpanzees and marmosets. Prices are R48 for adults and R32 for children (2 -14 years of age). Don’t forget that group rates are available on request.

Become theatrical

Take in a live show at the Baxter, in Rondebosch, the Artscape on the Foreshore in Cape Town or the Maynardville Open Air Theatre situated in Wynberg.

You can either book at the respective venues, or through Computicket's website. Prices vary between R85.00 – R100.00. Students also get a discount.

Enjoying the wonders inside

The aquarium is the window to the ocean. You get to see and experience the diversity of what happens beneath the sea. Prices: R76.00 with special discount for children, students and pensioners.

The “theatre of stars” is one of only two planetariums in South Africa. The planetarium in central Cape Town offers excitement for the whole family. Prices: R20.00 for adults and R6.00 for children

The city experience

Go topless! I'm talking the Cape Town open-top double-decker buses. Buses depart daily from 09h30 outside the Two Oceans Aquarium in the heart of the V&A Waterfront.

Between Strand Street and Darling Street, lies the famous Adderley Street Flower Market - a century-old trade. The flowers are freshly cut and sold weekdays. Flowers cost from R25.00 upwards.

For an experience that will leave you breathless head down to Clifton from 4pm onwards. Firstly, purchase a bottle of bubbly, spread out the blanket and prepare for a beach-kissed Cape Town sunset.

Shopping haven

Capetonians know that nothing beats retail therapy to distress. Okay, maybe it’s a woman thing. But there is an abundance of bargain bins in the city.

No idea what to do on a Saturday morning? Venture down to the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock and feast your eye on everything from designer objects to food and clothes. There is something for everyone.

The V & A Waterfront’s Red Shed is proudly South African. From glassblowers, to clothing, your options are endless. Cavendish Square in Claremont with its new section Cavendish Connect is bigger and better than before so expect lots of added shopping time with extended shopping hours. Access Park in Kenilworth offers great bargains, whether its clothing, accessories, toys or appliances.

Don’t forget to try out the uber-chic Willowbridge along Carl Cronje Drive, TygerValley. It’s regarded as South Africa's first true lifestyle centre with its world-class open-air shopping experience.

Okay, we’ve established that Cape Town can be friendly on your pocket. Now go out and explore.

While you are visiting, venture through the Cape with our packages and explore its budget wonders.

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