TripAdvisor recently embarked on a world-wide TripIndex Cities survey to discover the most expensive and affordable cities to enjoy a night out on holiday. They selected a number of cities from across the globe and calculated the cost of a couple staying 1 night in a 4-star hotel, cocktails, a 2-course dinner with a bottle of wine, and a return taxi fare of 3.2km each way. While it may come as no surprise that cities like Oslo, Zurich, and New York are among the most expensive, South Africans may be surprised to find that Cape Town came out as the 9th cheapest city for travellers in the world.

According to TripAdvisor’s calculation (which they have nicely laid out in a cool infogram) a night out for 2 in Cape Town will cost $219.46, which works out to R2 190 (at roughly R10/$). A similar night out in Oslo, Norway, ranked as the most expensive city, will cost $581.08 (R5 810). The dream destination for budget travellers turns out to be Sofia in Bulgaria, where a night of revelry costs only $158.42 (R1 580).

cocktails (The Oyster Box)

Cape Town also came out cheapest in the cocktail category, with an estimated cost of $8.85 (R88) compared to the $66.06 (R660) you would spend for the same drinks in Paris. As a South African (and Capetonian) myself, it’s encouraging to know that even when you’re travelling on a shoestring, you can plan a lavish night out in the Mother City without blowing your entire holiday budget. If you’re looking for a great spot for cocktails, try one of the venues on Cape Town’s coast or along the new Urban Brandy Route!

Cape Town is a culinary mecca, so have a look at our reviews of moyo V&A Waterfront, GOLD Restaurant, and Richard’s Supper Stage & Bistro to help you decide where to eat. You can also browse through our recommended French restaurants, pizza places, sushi spots, and some of Cape Town’s more creative concepts!

GOLD food (gold restaurant)

TripAdvisor’s destination list of key cities from 49 countries is based on those that receive the largest number of international visitor arrivals according to data compiled by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). You can see TripAdvisor’s full press release here.

Here are the 10 most expensive and 10 cheapest cities, according to TripAdvisor’s TripIndex Cities.

10 most expensive cities

1. Oslo, Norway $581.08 (R5 810)

2. Zurich, Switzerland $523.41 (R5 230)

3. Stockholm, Sweden $521.68 (R5 210)

4. New York City, US $515.97 (R5 150)

5. Paris, France $511.40 (R5 110)

6. Sydney, Australia $460.21 (R4 600)

7. London, Great Britain $451.35 (R4 510)

8. Copenhagen, Denmark $443.58(R4 430)

9. Cancun, Mexico $441.06 (R4 410)

10. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic $435.66 (R4 350)

Urban Chic Boutique Hotel (TG)

10 cheapest cities

1. Sofia, Bulgaria $158.42 (R1 580)

2. Hanoi, Vietnam $176.14 (R1 760)

3. Warsaw, Poland $187.45 (R1 870)

4. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt $191.34 (R1 910)

5. Budapest, Hungary $193.44 (R1 930)

6. Bangkok, Thailand $201.15 (R2 010)

7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia $217.73(R2 170)

8. Tunis, Tunisia $218.91 (R2 180)

9. Cape Town, South Africa $219.46 (R2 190)

10. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia $220.14 (R2 200)

Primi Royale (TG)

Don’t quite believe that you can book a 4-star overnight stay for 2 in Cape Town for only $134,85 (R1 340)? A quick browse through our 4-star Cape Town accommodation will prove that you can do it for even less! So when are you planning your lavish night out in the Mother City?