Cape Town Winter Hot Spots
Cape Town is the ultimate summer destination for locals and tourists alike, but the Mother City has plenty of excitement in store for any visitors who brave the cold. There are plenty of cozy restaurants, museums and well-known spots like The Labia theatre. But what about something a little different? Whether you’re an adventure seeker or someone who enjoys the softer things in life, we’ve rounded up a selection of activities certain to please. Here are ten experiences to seek out in this beautiful city on those nippy wintery days:
Coffee Appreciation Course
Cold and rainy days are perfect for steaming cups of coffee! Truth Coffee hosts a 2-hour course where you can bring out your inner coffee snob: learn all about the history & production of coffee as well as different equipment and brewing techniques. Tour the Roastery & Bean Chamber and experience “cupping” — the professional method of tasting coffee. (Bookings required)
Glowing Indoor Mini Golf
What’s not to love about mini golf? You don’t have to trudge around outdoors, there are bright and colourful courses, and the competition is up close and personal! Glowing Rooms in Milnerton gives you all this and more with their unique course that incorporates fun 3D elements and even a complete glow-in-the-dark experience. Head over on the weekends for a little fun on their 18-hole course, or plan an excursion with 9 friends and book their specially themed UV room.
Get Cozy Eco-Style
In between all of your adventures, you need a base of operations. And what better base than Cape Town’s premium green hotel? Hotel Verde is not just accommodation. They offer comfort that is sustainable, eco-friendly and carbon-neutral.
Their exclusive Warm Winter Welcome deal is the perfect way to get a taste of their unique Green Story. At R1335 per room per night (single), and R1685 per room per night (double) — inclusive of bed, breakfast, and an a la carte dinner of up to R200 per person, it’s a Ver-steal.
Wine, Tea, and the Amuki
Located between Cape Town and Stellenbosch, Hazendal Wine Estate is a treasure trove of activities. Browse their classic car collection or the Marvol Gallery, indulge in a beautiful picnic (weather permitting) or experience an Eastern European tea ceremony featuring a traditional samovar.
Bring the kids along too because while you’re taking in the sights, Wonderdal is taking care of kids ages 5–13 years. This interactive, edutainment experience is guided by colourful characters called the Amuki and supervised by qualified WonderPals. It’s fun for the whole family!
All Aboard The Wine Tram
No trip to Cape Town would be complete without some wine tasting, but with so many venues to choose from it can be hard to find the quintessential experience. Well, struggle no longer! Tour the Cape Winelands with the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
There are many different experiences to choose from, the most popular being the Hop-On-Hop-Off. Your choice of 8 different lines will take you to different estates where there are plenty of activities, luncheon spots and of course, incredible wines.
Rush Indoor Trampoline Park
One way to beat the cold is to work up a sweat! Rush is the perfect place to pass the afternoon when the weather gets wet. An indoor trampoline park equipped with foam pits, battle beams, and trampolines galore — what more could you ask for? Well, there’s also a cafe and wifi!
It’s a Party on Wheels
If bouncing is not your style, then perhaps wheels are more your thing. Get your heart pumping with an evening of good old-fashioned rollerskating at Rollercade. Strap on a pair of skates and boogie the night away to great tunes. There is also a selection of arcade games and pool tables for those who want something a little less zooty.
Go With The Wind
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Do you crave the excitement of extreme sports? Well we’ve got you covered too. The beautiful beaches of the Milnerton Lagoon and Melkbosstrand are perfect for power-kiting and buggying. Book a lesson with Good Hope Adventures and learn how to harness the wind before racing across the sands. The thrill of powerslides awaits!
Escape The Cold
Teamwork and deduction, clues and camaraderie. Escape rooms are all about testing your wits under pressure. Get your indoor thrills at HintHunt Escape Rooms! Raid a lost ship while storms brew around you, solve a mystery in an old hotel on the brink of demolition or even take on an enemy submarine in a race to the surface. Rooms are designed for 2–6 players so you can pass away a rainy day with a group of friends in classic mystery novel style.
Steam Train Adventures
If you’ve got plenty of time to plan, you may want to consider a proper day outing featuring a beautiful, old-fashioned steam train! Ceres Rail Company offers the Elgin Railway Market trip on weekends.
Board the historic train and travel in either your own private booth or the observation car. After a relaxing 3-hour trip through the countryside, you’ll arrive at the bustling market featuring live music, mouth-watering food stalls, artisanal foods & brews, and bespoke crafts. You’ll have a few hours to wander about and enjoy the sights before the train departs back to Cape Town.
Whether you’re a guest in our beautiful city or local seeking new thrills, we trust this list has inspired you to banish the winter blues!
