Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
[Updated July 2019]
The much-loved and praised city of Cape Town is such a popular destination, thanks to the array of interesting activities and places which pop up year-round throughout the Mother City. No matter the season, there is always a buzz in this one-of-a-kind South African destination. Looking to discover winter fun in Cape Town? Travelstart takes a look at some of the cool, new and unusual things to do in Cape Town this winter.
Image courtesy of Cape Town Comedy Club
1. Giggles at the Cape Town Comedy Club
Located at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Comedy Club is the city’s only dedicated stand-up comedy venue. It is home to some of South Africa’s greatest comedic talent. Avoid the winter chills, and head to the Cape Town Comedy Club, where you can enjoy some good food and a glass of wine while soaking up the comedic banter. This is a great place for a date night or dinner with friends. Whatever the occasion, laughs are guaranteed.
Keep up to date with the comedy club’s winter programme and book your tickets!
| Address: | The Pumphouse at the V&A Waterfront, Dock Road (Near Two Oceans Aquarium), Cape Town |
| Contact: | 012 418 8880 or info@capetowncomedy.com |
2. Wine tasting in the CBD
Stay warm this winter in Cape Town and go wine tasting at the Rockwell Cellar. For your convenience, it is situated inside the Rockwell All Suite Hotel & Apartments. Try this fun alternative thing to do in the heart of Cape Town. From as little as R45 per person, you can book your private tasting experience at the Rockwell Cellars. You’ll get to savour a selection of top wines and spirits straight from their respective farms. A wine tasting experience awaits!
| Address: | 32 Prestwich Street, Green Point, Cape Town, 8001 |
| Contact: | 012 421 0015 or rockwellcellars@rockwellhotel.co.za |
Image courtesy of @scootourscapetown via Instagram
3. Zoom down the mountain into the City Bowl with Scootours Cape Town
Freewheel into the city on a Monster Mountain® Scooter. The scooters are eco-friendly and gravity-propelled. Anyone who can ride a bicycle can use them and you get to control the speed. Scootours will take you on an adventurous off- road track down the side of Signal Hill into Bo-Kaap, covering 5 kilometres with amazing views of the Mother City. The experience continues as you are transported to Table Mountain for your final run down a single track. Adults and kids over 10 years book solo tickets and children 9 years and under can double up with mom or dad. Remember to wear closed shoes and bring a windbreaker.
Tours depart from Table Mountain’s Kloofnek parking area.
Costs
| Driver Tickets (10 years and up) | R590 pp |
| Junior Passenger Tickets (4-9 years) | R270 pp |
Additional Info
| Departure Times: | 09:00 / 12:00 / 15:00 |
| Contact: | 082 776 0557 |
4. Eco-fun at Intaka Island
If you’re done shopping ‘til you drop at the third largest mall on the continent, Canal Walk, consider a peaceful ferry ride through the Intaka Island wetland area – an award-winning 16-hectare wetland and bird sanctuary. There’s even a hop-on, hop-off option at Canal Walk and Crystal Towers. Take a scenic ferry ride on the Grand Canal as well as around Intaka Island. The ferry ride lasts around 35 minutes.
Costs
| Entrance Fee: | Adults – R22 Kids under 12 / Pensioners – R13 |
| Boat Ride: | Adults – R65 Children – R55 |
Additional Info
| Winter Operating Times: | 07:30 – 17:30 |
| Contact: | 021 552 6889 or melissa@intaka.co.za |
5. Eat away at the city markets
Winter in Cape Town means locating exceptional food to keep your belly warm. Well, Cape Town markets deliver over and above when it comes to amazing food and great vibes. If you’re at the V&A Waterfront, stop by at the V&A Food Market for sweet waffles, craft beers, pizza and so much more. Mojo Market in Sea Point is another winner with an array of delicacies from around the world, including Dutch poffertjies, biltong, oysters, and chicken chow mein to die for. Each market offers a programme of live music to keep the vibe going while you enjoy the delicious food on sale! Other incredible worth visiting in Cape Town are Bay Harbour Market and Oranjezicht Farmers Market.
6. Volunteer at the Two Ocean’s Aquarium
Suited to Cape Town residents or long-term visitors, the volunteer programme at the Two Oceans Aquarium allows you to become an ocean ambassador and get involved in the marine conservation efforts at the aquarium. The volunteer programme takes place during the second half of the year. There are two training courses, one on Mondays and the other on Saturdays. There will be a R100 registration fee payable on the first day, with the rest of the course being free of charge. Keep up to date with the Two Oceans Aquarium volunteer programme as they reveal the final details.
Image courtesy of @soulvacation_ via Instagram
7. Ceramics at Clay Café
The Clay Café is the perfect thing to do in Cape Town in winter with the whole family. Situated in picturesque Hout Bay, the Clay Café prides itself on creating an enjoyable experience for adults and children alike. You’ll choose from an array of unfired bisque (pottery pieces) which you can decorate and paint to make your one-of-a-kind crockery. Get your creativity on!
| Address: | Clay Café, Erf 4080, 177 Main Road, Hout Bay |
| Contact: | 076 810 5120 or info@claycafe.co.za |
8. Explore art at the Zeitz MOCAA Museum
Situated at the V&A Waterfront’s Silo District, this impressive museum deserves an entire day of your time. There is just so much art to see and interact with. Zeitz MOCAA offers daily complimentary museum highlights tours, including the Zeitz MOCAA member tours, private pre-booked tours and event tours to suit your specific needs. You’ll get to see 21st century art from Africa and its diaspora. There are always mind-blowing, progressive exhibitions and workshops for you to attend. The building itself is an impressive piece of architecture. The galleries are spread over several floors with exhibition galleries, centres for art education, performative practice, photography and more.
Costs
| Daily Admission: | R200 per adult Free for children under 18(must present ID) |
| First Fridays: | Half-price admission of R100 between 16:00 and 21:00 every first Friday of the month |
| Wednesdays: | Free entry for African citizens between 10:00 and 13:00 (must present ID/driver’s license/passport) |
Additional Info
| Address: | V&A Waterfront, Silo District, S Arm Road, Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001 |
| Contact: | 087 350 4777 or info@zeitzmocaa.museum |
Image courtesy of @rerouting2017 via Instagram
9. Beer tasting at Cape Town’s breweries
Head to one of Cape Town’s several craft beer breweries for a taste of exceptional beers and heartwarming food. Whether you’re looking for a Monday burger special or delicious steak and beer or a cosy quiz night, there’s definitely a deal to be found at places such as Woodstock Brewery and Devil’s Peak Brewing Company. Best enjoyed with a group of friends!
10. Jazz at The Crypt
The Crypt is a special space in Cape Town, nestled below the historic St. George’s Cathedral. The space is complete with vaulted ceilings, solid stone pillars and gothic windows. You can enjoy the beautiful fusion of African and international jazz with delectable cuisine and pulsating culture. Welcoming an evening of jazz and scrumptious food for your soul is a must on our list of things to do in Cape Town in winter.
Costs
| Live Jazz Show Cover Charge: | R110 pp |
Additional Info
| Address: | 5 Wale Street, c/o Wale and Adderley Streets (St. George’s Cathedral), Cape Town |
| Contact: | 084 232 4125 |
Image courtesy of @llaouraa via Instagram
11. Wine tasting at Cape Town’s vineyards
Warm up with a glass of excellent South African wine straight from the vineyard. Cape Town’s vineyards are a major draw card for many tourists. Whether you’re driving along the Constantia Wine Route or venturing along the epic Stellenbosch Vineyards, you are bound to find some stellar wine selections.
You might like: 6 Undiscovered Wine Farms around Cape Town
12. Kitesurf or kiteboard at the renowned Blouberg Beach and Big Bay
Take advantage of Cape Town’s favourable watersport conditions. If you’re looking for some fun water activities, the perfect thing to do in Cape Town in winter is kitesurfing or kiteboarding at the serene Blouberg Beach and Big Bay. Get an adrenaline rush and feel the wind through your hair as you take advantage of the big waves, clear water and perfect view of Table Mountain.
Image courtesy of @carinaaa_li via Instagram
13. Ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram
One of the best ways to discover the Franschhoek Valley is by doing the Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour. Journey through the rolling vineyards on a double-decker tram. You’ll get to stop at and visit some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates. Learn about Franschhoek’s history and wine cultivation!
Costs
| Hop-on Hop-off price | Adults: R240 |
| Children (3-17) R90 |
Additional Info
| Address: | Franschhoek Square, 32 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek, 7690 |
| Contact: | 021 300 0338 / 021 876 4943 or info@winetram.co.za |
14. Relax at Caledon’s natural hot springs
A superb thing to do in Cape Town in winter is a day visit to the Caledon Resort’s renowned mineral rich warm springs. You’ll be happy to know that the natural-warm mineral pools are kept naturally pure – no chemicals are added. The iron particles seen in the water acts as a body exfoliant. Unwind and get the beautiful boost of blood circulation and reduce your stress levels at this one-of-a-kind feature in the Western Cape.
Costs
| Caledon Spa pool access price (day visits): | Adults: R165 |
| Children under 5: Free |
Additional Info
| Address: | 1 Nerina Avenue, Caledon, Western Cape |
| Contact: | 028 214 5100 |
Image courtesy of @cfengwong1960 via Instagram
15. Find a cool book store in the city
Cape Town has many amazing bookstores to get lost in. Why not grab a flat white and head to a cosy bookstore, where you’ll find all types of genres, from classics to African literature. The Book Lounge, Clarke’s Bookshop and Kalk Bay Books are worth visiting!
16. HintHunt at the Old Biscuit Mill
For something a little different get involved with HintHunt – a unique experience for families, friends and colleagues. This exciting game includes solving puzzles and opening locks in a fast-paced environment which will guarantee a ton of laughs. Designed for groups of 2-6 people, you’ll be locked in a themed room, and will be required to solve hidden clues and overcome various mental tasks to escape the room.
Costs
| Per Couple: | R460 |
| Group of Three: | R690 |
| Group of Four: | R920 |
| Group of Five: | R1150 |
| Group of Six: | R1380 |
Additional Info
| Address: | A304, The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925 |
| Contact: | capetown@hinthunt.com or HintHunt South Africa |
Image courtesy of @fred_saal8 via Instagram
17. Let’s go bowling!
For some indoor fun, and definitely an exciting thing to do in Cape Town in winter, get stuck in a game of ten-pin bowling. It’s ideal for team-building, a family outing and a fun night out with friends. Test your bowling skills at Let’s Go Bowling in Claremont or Grandwest Casino in Goodwood.
18. A free walking tour through the CBD
If the weather is pleasant, consider an informative tour with Cape Town Free Walking Tours. The great thing about doing this walking tour is that you’re bound to learn so many things about Cape Town’s history and its buildings. All you have to do is arrive at Motherland Coffee Company in St. George’s Mall and sign up. Learn about the Company’s Garden, Bo-Kaap, Greenmarket Square and so many iconic places in Cape Town’s CBD. A small donation is appreciated at the end of the tour.
Image courtesy of @sofia_so_far via Instagram
19. Fun at Butterfly World Zoo
For a chance to be one with tropical gardens, beautiful butterflies and the melodic sounds of birds chirping, go to Butterfly World Zoo. There is so much to see in this sanctuary for exotic animals. Situated just outside Cape Town, in Klapmuts, Butterfly World Zoo is an interactive animal attraction that is great for family outings and photography opportunities.
Costs
| Entrance Fee: | Adult – R88 |
| Children – R49 | |
| Students and Pensioners – R79 |
Additional Info
| Address: | Route 44, Stellenbosch, Western Cape |
| Opening Hours: | Monday to Sunday 09:00-17:00 |
| Contact: | 021 875 5678 or education.bfw@gmail.com |
20. Get a taste of indoor rock climbing
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rock climber, HangTime Gym offers the perfect conditions with custom-built walls, dedicated bouldering areas and top-end training facilities. This is a fun way to burn some winter calories. Get a full-body workout and develop core strength as you learn to navigate your way around different climbing areas. With a gym in Pinelands and Bellville, you are spoilt for choice!
Costs
| Pinelands Day Pass: | R85 |
| Bellville Day Pass: | R120 |
Additional Info
| Address: | Pinelands Gym
Sunrise Park, Sunrise Circle, Prestige Drive, Pinelands/Ndabeni Bellville Gym 2 Pioneer Street, Oakdale, Cape Town |
| Contact: | 074 134 8981 or climb@hangtime.co.za |
Image courtesy of @dfriasruiz via Instagram
With all of these fun things to do in Cape Town in winter, your itinerary just got a whole lot warmer. Your options are endless this winter, leading you to jazz, art galleries, eco-adventures, wine tasting and so much more. Remember to keep warm while enjoying these incredible features in the Mother City.
Do you have any special things to do in Cape Town in winter? Tell us how you like to spend this cosy season in the comments below.
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Also read: The Best Winter Restaurants in Cape Town
23 Budget-Friendly Family Activities in Cape Town
All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.