Cape Town has a fascinating history combined with a normally excellent climate, so it’s popular with both cultural and leisure tourists. The city can be quite expensive though, so some forward planning is a good idea if you are on a budget.
There are plenty of hostels in Cape Town and prices for a bed are quite competitive, especially outside of the peak December/January season. Hotels are spread all over and booking a bit into the suburbs can deliver a higher standard at a lower price.
Attraction prices can be quite steep so it’ll save money if you plan on seeing some of the museums and spending time on the beach instead. Food and drinks are quite affordable on the low end, and beer and wine are particular bargains for those who like to imbibe.