Being a tourist in a world-class destination like Cape Town often has locals eyeing their shoestring budgets and wondering what's affordable. This September the city and its surrounds come alive with special offers that invite you to explore without emptying your wallet.
Believe it or not, there are free ways to rediscover Cape Town’s heritage and nature - especially during Heritage Month, with Heritage Day on Wednesday, 24 September, and a special focus on tourism on World Tourism Day on Saturday, 27 September.
We've rounded up some of the freebies and specials you simply cannot ignore, to enjoy more time out and about in the world's best city for 2025.
Time Out Tips to make the most of Heritage Month:
- Don't forget your ID: Many free admissions and discounts require a South African ID or proof of residence; keep your documents handy.
- Plan ahead: Check official websites for real-time updates or possible visitor quotas.
- Combine nature and views: Enjoy the cableway early, then hike a CapeNature reserve the same day.
- Be mindful: SANParks’ free weekend slots are limited. So arrive early.
ICYMI: You can still catch the tail-end of these winter specials running until the end of September - from spa days, brunch or wine paired menus.
1. CapeNature’s Free-Access Week
From 20 to 26 September 2025, CapeNature offers free access to many reserves across the Western Cape, including popular spots like Jonkershoek, Kogelberg, De Hoop, and more. This includes day-visitor conservation fees—for hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking.
Note: overnight stays and the Whale Trail are excluded. No booking is required, but arrive early, as visitor numbers are capped.
2. SANParks National Parks Week
Running from 22 to 26 September 2025, with select parks extending the offer to 28 September, SANParks opens several national parks in the Cape region for free day visits (excluding accommodation or paid activities):
- Agulhas National Park: 22–28 Sept
- Bontebok National Park: 22–28 Sept
- Table Mountain National Park: 22–25 Sept (Note: excludes Boulders Penguin Colony and the Cableway)
- Tankwa Karoo National Park: 22–28 Sept
- West Coast National Park: 22–26 Sept
3. Zeitz MOCAA: Free Entry on Heritage Day
Cape Town’s landmark museum of contemporary African art throws open its doors for free on Heritage Day (Wednesday, 24 September).
It’s the perfect chance to wander through world-class exhibitions - including the powerful Spring Is Rebellious showcase, and connect with African stories told through cutting-edge art. Arrive early to avoid the queues.
READ: The Culture Edit: Art, memory and reverence of soft vengeance
4. Table Mountain Cableway: Local Discount for Heritage Month
The September weather is perfect for exploring one of the Mother City's most striking wonders, Table Mount. Throughout 1–30 September 2025, locals can enjoy a special “Heritage Edition” fare at the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway:
- R250 per adult
- R100 per child
- Remember: during SANParks free-entry days, the cableway is not free.
SEE: Best day hikes in Cape Town, picked by a local
5. Robben Island Museum Reopened: Free Tour FULL BOOKED, Local discount still apply
The single day (Sigh RIM, only one day?!) for a free tour on 6 September was snapped up in a flash and is now fully booked. However, locals can still celebrate their heritage with a discounted rate.
The local rate for a Robben Island Museum standard tour is R400 for a South African adult and R210 for a South African child (under 18), compared to non-South Africans paying R600.
Yes, it's still pricey, but each South African should experience this rite of passage at least once, so why not during Heritage Month? The museum experience and facilities have also recently had an upgrade, making it even more enticing.
6. Time Out Market Cape Town — Local Love Through the App
Heritage Month isn’t only about the wild and the historic - it's also about the food, music, and stories that shape who we are.
This September, experience heritage flavours and stories front and centre at the Time Out Market, where chefs share the dishes and traditions that shaped their cooking.
At Time Out Market Cape Town, locals can celebrate with exclusive perks by downloading the app, verifying your local status, and unlock rotating weekly deals - think free sides with your main, Happy Hour specials on house wines, beers, and cocktails, and loyalty points that rack up every time you eat or drink at the Market.
- Foodie Hour (Mon–Fri, 1–4 pm): Grab a main meal and score a free side via the app (selected items).
- Happy Hour: Discounts on local house pours, from crisp wines to cold craft beers.
- Loyalty Rewards: Each purchase earns points redeemable for more Market favourites.
7. Sho’t Left Travel Week - up to 50% off experiences on your doorstep
Plan the perfect mini-break this Heritage Month with the Sho’t Left Travel Week. Running from 24 to 30 September, South African Tourism showcases deals across the country, including discounts on hotel stays, food tours, and boating experiences.
READ: The Ultimate Cape Spring guide with Leon Kluge
Deals are loaded directly by the provider, so for Cape Town-based deals, browse the Sho’t Left portal and filter for Western Cape listings.
Don't Miss: Cape Town's best 2-for-1 restaurants.