Cape Town winters can be chilly, but that doesn’t mean you should stay inside and avoid all activities. We have a guide to keeping you entertained while in Cape Town so wrap up, get up and start exploring this beautiful city.
1. Go for a hike
Cape Town has some of the most beautiful trails around and you would be silly not to take advantage of them. Whether you want to head up Table Mountain or have a run-up Lion’s Head, there is something for everyone.
2. Paragliding
If you are a bit of an adrenalin junkie then this is the perfect adventure for you. Join a team of professionals and see Cape Town from a whole new view, from high up in the sky.
3. Visit a museum
If you’re looking to spend a day indoors then you are in luck because Cape Town has some of the best museums around. Here are some of your options:
• South African Jewish Museum
• The Heart of Cape Town
• The Springbok Rugby Museum
• Martin Melck House
• Cape Town Holocaust Museum
• District Six Museum
4. Wine tasting
Nothing keeps you warmer than a good glass of wine and Cape Town has some of the most beautiful wine farms around. Get familiar with our grapes at these stunning wine farms:
• Groot Constantia
• Constantia Glen
• Beau Constantia
• Eagles Nest
• Simonsig Wine Farm
5. Lunch in Hout Bay
Hout Bay is a beautiful fishing town that has so much to offer its visitors and some of the freshest seafood around. Stop by at Wharfside Grill at Mariner’s Wharf where you will be treated to some of the best seafood around and beautiful views. If you’re lucky you’ll see the cute seals as they come and say hi.
6. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Boomslang
Although our winters can be chilly, the seasons do get confused and there are days of beautiful sunshine. This is the perfect time to explore Kirstenbosch Gardens and the Treetop Walkway or Boomslang. Take a walk through the gardens and explore the Protea Garden, the Fragrance Garden and so much more. While on the Treetop Walkway you will be spoilt with some of the most breathtaking views of the city.
7. The V&A Waterfront
Where do we start when it comes to this treasure? The V&A has something to offer everyone from the Hamley’s Train for the little ones or the many restaurants and clothing shops on offer.
8. Rhodes Memorial
Rhodes Memorial is situated on the slope of Table Mountain and has views that stretch over the entire city. Have a bite to eat at the tea garden and then stroll through the beautiful memorial.
9. The Cape Town Comedy Club
The Cape Town Comedy Club is the Mother City’s dedicated stand-up comedy venue and it’s known as one of the best in the world. Sit back and enjoy some of South Africa’s funniest while enjoying time with your friends and family.
10. Oranjezicht City Farm
Spend your Saturday walking through this amazing market packed with the freshest produce around. All the fruit and vegetables sold at the market is sourced from local farmers with other stands selling unique treats like delicious Gelato, fresh fruit juices and artisanal bread.
11. City Sightseeing Bus Tours
Get to know Cape Town a little better from one of the famous City Sightseeing double-decker buses. Depending on the tour you pick you can choose to spend a whole day on the bus or half of your day as there are pick-up and drop-off points along the routes. If the weather isn’t great then you can sit on the lower desk and listen to complimentary audio tapes in 15 different languages.
12. Get local at a brewery
Visit the historic Newlands Brewery dating back to the 1800s. The brewery is the producer of nine world-famous beers and is the oldest operating brewery in South Africa. Embark on a fully guided tour of the brewery and discover its history and gain insights into modern-day brewing methods. Guests learn the fine details of the craftsmanship involved in the beer-making process.
13. The Old Biscuit Mill
If you have time to kill on your Saturday then stop by the Old Biscuit Mill and take a walk through the diverse stalls and their offerings. You will find everything from delicious food, healthy smoothies and beautiful garments from local designers. It’s easy to lose track of time when walking through this colourful market.
14. Restaurants for days
Great food and restaurants have become synonymous with Cape Town and for good reason – there are hundreds of amazing restaurants. Here is a list of a few of our favourites:
• Mama Africa Restaurant
• Jonkershuis
• Simon’s
• Culture Club Cheese
• Bouchon
• 95 on Parks
• Richard’s Bistro
With this wintery guide, you are bound to have a great time in Cape Town regardless of the weather so make sure you get out and about!
