Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 imprisoned years here. The four-hour tour — ferry crossing, island bus tour, and the prison itself led by a former political prisoner — is one of the most significant heritage experiences in Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and the single paid experience most visitors say was worth every rand.
91 hand-picked things to do in Cape Town, South Africa — 30 completely free — each with a real address, price, hours, and an insider tip. Updated July 2026.
Hike Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge, Lion's Head Summit Hike, Signal Hill Sunset Viewpoint are among the 30 completely free activities in our Cape Town list. Each entry includes the address, hours, and an insider tip.
Our 91 hand-picked Cape Town activities range from free up to about $46 per person, with most under $25. Use the Free / Budget toggle on the deck to deal within your price range.
Every activity is a real, verified place or experience with a current price, address, and opening hours — hand-picked for travelers and locals. Last updated July 2026.
Abidjan
Accra
Addis Ababa
Alexandria
Algiers
Casablanca
Dar es Salaam
Johannesburg
Khartoum
Kinshasa
Lagos