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Top Things To Do on a Cold Day in Cape Town

The Cape Town winter season is officially here!

The Mother City is filled with beauty, wonder, adventure, excitement, and a vibrant contagious energy, and this is no different during her stunning winter season. By far one of our favorite things about winter in Cape Town is the fact that it can still surprise you – but, in the VERY best way of course. For example, while winter in Cape Town is typically characterized by cooler temperatures, and wet gloomy days (it is Cape Town’s rainy season after all), every so often you will be blessed with a stunning, sunshine-filled, blue-skied, and utterly blissful summer’s day right in the middle of winter – how glorious is that?

Plus, Cape Town in winter is absolutely wonderful and not at all what you might expect – it’s not known as one of the Mother City’s best kept secrets for nothing. The city gets to show off an entirely different side of what it has to offer – and boy, oh boy its glorious! Boasting an endless variety of things to do, see, explore, and experience, there is something for absolutely EVERYONE to enjoy this winter season in Cape Town.

We’ve put together a list of the 10 top things to do on a cold day in Cape Town – All of which should be added to your ultimate Cape Town winter bucket-list right away!

**Extra Note: It is worth noting that Cape Town’s winter season temperatures are nowhere near as low / drastic as that of other travel destinations and countries known for their extremely frigid temperatures (such as Switzerland, Russia, and Austria for example). This gives locals, travelers, tourists, holiday-goers, adventures and absolutely everyone visiting Cape Town during winter the amazing opportunity to enjoy a vast array of both indoor and outdoor activities and experiences. Is there anything better than that? We think not!

Are you excited? You better be!

Have fun winter adventuring & exploring Cape Town!

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1. Enjoy a day or night out at the Labia Theatre

Revel in the ultimate Cape Town Theatre experience!

Top Things To Do on a Cold Day in Cape Town
Photo credit: The Labia Theatre

Is there anything better than enjoying a fabulous screening and wonderful night out at one of the city’s most prestigious theatres on a cold day in Cape Town – The renowned Labia Theatre?! The famous Labia Theatre the epitome of old-school cinema at its very best and any old-school movie buff’s dream come true. Even if you’re not much of an old-school / classic cinema lover, you’ll undoubtedly fall head-over-heels in love with the iconic Labia Theatre and everything it has to offer.

The Labia Theatre is the oldest Independent Art-Repertory Cinema in South Africa, showcasing the best off-circuit, independent movies, foreign films, documentaries, classics, and other alternative as well as art circuit films.

Besides a wildly authentic theatre experience, you can expect a whole lot more from the Labia Theatre Cinema, including:

It’s ALL this and so much more that makes enjoying a day or night out at the Labia Theatre one of the top things to do in Cape Town in winter. To top it off – This unique cinema experience can be enjoyed right throughout the year.

The Labia Theatre Details:

Other amazing theatres in Cape Town you absolutely have to go to include:

2. Visit the Two Ocean’s Aquarium

Top Things To Do on a Cold Day in Cape Town
Photo credit: Two Ocean’s Aquarium

If you’re looking for something fun and thrilling to do with the whole family on a cold day in Cape Town, going to the iconic Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront should be high up on your list – No doubt about it! Home to several (if not all) of the Western Cape’s magnificent marine life species, incredible exhibits, and a vast array of bucket-list worthy experiences and adventures, there is absolutely no doubt that this family-friendly winter’s activity / excursion will be thoroughly enjoyed by both the young and young at heart.

Some of the Two Ocean’s Aquarium exhibits you can look forward to include:

And that’s merely scratching the surface of what the amazing Two Ocean’s Aquarium has to offer. Not to mention the perfect opportunity and time to experience it all for yourself!

Click here to get your Two Oceans Aquarium ticket / tickets or to find out more about their exciting experiences and activities.

Two Ocean’s Aquarium Information & Details:

3. Go Winter Wine Tasting in the Cape Winelands

Explore & taste your way through the Western Cape Winelands!

Top Things To Do on a Cold Day in Cape Town

In Cape Town, any time is wine time! Home to the largest, and certainly the most unique and thrilling, wine producing regions in Africa, the Western Cape is the ultimate wine-lover’s paradise.

Exploring and tasting your way through the captivating Cape Winelands is not only one of the best things to do on a cold day in Cape Town, it is without a doubt one of the most sought-after experiences for locals, travelers, globe-trotters, wine enthusiasts, and absolutely everyone in between traveling to / visiting Cape Town. Plus, despite it being a great winter experience, going wine tasting in the wonderful Cape Winelands can be enjoyed all year-round in the Mother City.

The blissful, bold, and beautiful Cape Winelands is renowned for its award-winning wine collection, incredible wine routes, exciting food and wine pairings, pristine wine tasting experiences, and world-renowned culinary pursuits. This means you have absolutely everything and anything you could possibly want and need to enjoy a memorable day in the magnificent Winelands. And we haven’t even mentioned the sensational sweep-you-off-your-feet Cape Winelands’ views, scenery, surroundings, charm, remarkable vineyards, and irresistible allure yet. You’ll experience it all soon enough!

The unique way the Western Cape celebrates, champions, loves, and cherishes their vast assortment of exceptional wines is something truly special, and getting to share your unforgettable Cape Winelands’ experience with friends and family is nothing short of extraordinary – perhaps even magical!

**Bonus: One of the best things about going winter wine tasting in the beautiful Cape Winelands is that several of the Western Cape’s Wine Estates and Wine Farms have fireplaces to keep guests and avid wine lovers warm and loving every second and sip.

Here are some of the most popular & renowned wine routes in the Western Cape:

4. Visit some of Cape Town’s most iconic Museums

Top Things To Do on a Cold Day in Cape Town

If you’re keen to do something a little different and more stimulating, immersing yourself in Cape Town’s history, culture, and heritage by visiting one or all (we vote for the latter of course) of its remarkable and renowned museums is by far one of the best things to do in Cape Town on a cold winter’s day.

Not only does it give you the amazing opportunity to learn more about the Mother City as a whole, but its interesting, yet complex history, culture, heritage, triumphs, trails, and tribulations. Ultimately giving you a much deeper, and certainly a much-needed, understanding and insight into how Cape Town came to be, along with everything that shaped, influenced, and moulded it into the city it is today.

**Here are merely a few of the top museums to visit in Cape Town:

“People must know the past to understand the present, and to face the future” – Nellie L McClung

5. Have tons of fun at the Scratch Patch & Mineral World

Did you know that almost half of the world’s gemstones can be found in South Africa? The amazing Scratch Patch & Mineral World gives you the incredible and wildly exciting opportunity to search and scratch for these remarkable gems yourself right here in Cape Town.

With two thriving locations in the V&A Waterfront and Simonstown in False Bay, Scratch Patch & Mineral World is a unique and down-right thrilling activity / experience that will be thoroughly enjoyed by the whole family on a chilly day in Cape Town – Not to mention any other day of the year too!

What exactly can you expect? When visiting the Scratch Patch & Mineral World (at either location), you will be welcomed by a vast and varied assortment of beautiful gems and stones that quite literally cover the entire floor. Once you’ve scratched, searched, and selected your favorite gems and stones, it’s time for you to visit the gem exhibitions and shops.

Scratch Patch & Mineral World | V&A Waterfront

Scratch Patch & Mineral World | Simonstown | False Bay

6. Clay Cafe Ceramic Painting | Hout Bay | Gardens

Get the whole family together for a fun-filled day at the Clay Café in Hout Bay!

Clay Café Ceramic Painting | Hout Bay

Top Things To Do on a Cold Day in Cape Town
Photo credit: Clay Cafe

Situated in the heart of the Hout Bay valley, the Clay Café is the perfect place to explore your creative side, awaken the inner artist in you, and let your imagination run wild. Not to mention have TONS of fun playing around with different ideas, concepts, color combinations, textures, and shapes as you spend the day painting and creating your own ceramic masterpiece.

Make your pick and choose from an array of unfired bisque (already made pottery pieces) and the vast selection of colorful paints and tools on offer – All ready and waiting for you to take full advantage off! From there, the gloves are off (well, so to speak), as you are free to create and craft your very own one-of-a-kind piece of crockery and/or ceramic work of art which you can take home with you – It’s your creative masterpiece after all!

Top Things To Do on a Cold Day in Cape Town
Photo credit: Clay Cafe

Besides the obvious, another amazing perk of The Clay Café is that there is NO age limit! Allowing both the young and young at heart to express their wild and wonderful creative flair and join in on all the Clay Café fun and games. Undoubtedly making it one of the top things to do on a cold day in Cape Town with family and friends.

Besides it’s sought-after status, the Clay Café boasts a beautiful large open patio with outside tables overlooking a luscious garden – Perfect for spending a beautiful day in Cape Town. They also have a veggie garden, their own African chic boutique, and a wonderful restaurant serving delicious meals throughout the day.

In addition to its wildly popular Hout Bay location, the Clay Café has opened another branch in the trendy inner-city neighborhood of Gardens – Clay Café In The City!

Clay Café In The City | Gardens | @Claycafe_inthecity

Top Things To Do on a Cold Day in Cape Town
Photo credit: Clay Cafe In The City

Bookings:

Located in the hub of Cape Town, Clay Café in the City is Clay Café’s new, vibrant, and exciting creative space where everyone is encouraged to let their hair down, get wildly creative, free their creative minds and spirit, and show off their super cool artistic side. And let’s not forget, have the absolute best time every step of the way!

Clay Café in the City is a craft focused space that strives to teach like-minded adults to be creative, learn new techniques and skills, and have tons of fun experimenting with different colors, shapes, textures, and ideas, all while enjoying great tapas, winter-warmer meals, and relaxing music. Clay Café in the City also focusses on creative experimentation guided by a team of knowledgeable individuals who will help you achieve your ceramic masterpiece.

This is one fun-filled and beyond fantastic activity / experience that will be thoroughly enjoyed by all your family and friends!

Make sure you add this to your list of things to do in Cape Town in winter, or anytime of the year for that matter. You definitely won’t regret it!

7. 3D Glow-in-the-dark Mini Golf

Top Things To Do on a Cold Day in Cape Town
Photo credit: Glowing Rooms

Time to get SUPER excited – and yes, we’re talking to all the adults too – because there is no way you’re going to want to miss out on this cool Cape Town experience! This uniquely epic luminous 3D course features 3D murals, UV and disco lights for a fun and thrilling 18 holes of 3D glow-in-the-dark mini golf. You even get to play with special imported 3D glasses! How unbelievable does that sound?

Besides it being one of the coolest and most entertaining things to do in Cape Town, it’s a total bucket-list worthy experience that will without a doubt be thoroughly enjoyed by the entire family.

8. Go for a scenic coastal drive at sunset, sunrise, or anywhere in between

Top things to do in Cape Town

Watching the glorious Mother City sunset and/or sunrise is by far one of the best things to do in Cape Town in winter (or anytime of the year for that matter). However, seeing the sun set and/or rise while taking a drive along one of the Mother City’s most magnificent coastal roads is a bucket-list worthy experience in its own right.

There is absolutely no denying that Cape Town is home to several of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, some of which include:

And last, but most definitely not the least – The renowned Chapman’s Peak Drive of course!

Top things to do in Cape Town

Showcasing some of the most sensational panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean, you will pass rugged mountains, picturesque white-sand beaches, and vibrant fishing harbours on your drive along Chapman’s Peak.

** Important note: Chapman’s Peak Drive may be closed during severe weather conditions or due to road maintenance. Contact the customer service line (021 791 8220) or visit their Facebook page or website to check the current status.

Chapman’s Peak Details:

Chapman’s Peak Drive Hidden Gems

If you’re an avid thrill seeker – this is the perfect ADVENTURE for you!

…That’s only if you’re not afraid to step outside of your warm comfort zone & embrace the slight Cape Town winter chill of course!

Top things to do in Cape Town

**Tip: Chapman’s Peak Drive is known for its amazing hidden gems scattered along the route. Two of which include the waterfall walk and the secret Look-out Cave.

The waterfall walk is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers and is found just before you reach the toll gate on your way towards Noordhoek.

The Chapman’s Peak Look-out Cave is not only one of its most beautiful hidden gems, but one of Cape Town’s top secret caves and best sunset spots too. Like all of the Mother City’s best kept secrets, you may need to wander a little off the beaten path to find it. Make your way along Chapman’s Peak Drive until you reach the famous Chapman’s Peak Lookout Point – This is where the real adventure begins!

Positioned just below the pass, you’ll have to climb over the railing and carefully make your way down the mountainside to reach the Lookout Cave. Once you’ve reached this cool secret hideaway and stunning sunset spot, it’s time to sit back, relax and soak it all in. The sheltered sand-stone cave boasts the perfect view over Hout Bay and Atlantic Ocean. An extra bonus is that it has enough space to enjoy a picnic and a few sundowners paired with one hell of a view.

Besides these two must-visit secret spots, there are a variety of look-out points and picnic sites located at various points along the drive. Chapman’s Peak Drive is also known as one of the best places to spot the beloved members of Cape Town’s Marine Big 5. Make sure to keep a look-out for Cape Fur Seals, Dolphins, Southern Right Whales, and African Penguins.

9. Go Ice Skating!

Top Things To Do on a Cold Day in Cape Town
Photo credit: The Ice Station at GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World

While we’re well aware of the irony here – suggesting an ice cold / potentially freezing family-friendly activity on a cold day in Cape Town – But, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love going ice skating in winter? Plus, while we’re on the honesty train, look at it this way – you’re already cold, what’s a little more chill right?! That’s the spirit!

Reminiscent of a winter wonderland, The Ice Station at GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World is one of the best places to go ice skating in Cape Town for both the young and young at heart.

Home to the only indoor ice-skating rink in the Western Cape, The Ice Station at GrandWest invites first-timers, amateurs, mid-level, and professional ice skaters to hone their skating skills, show off a few cool moves & thrilling skating tricks and twirls, all while having TONS of ice skating fun on an Olympic-sized rink.

**Bonus: The Ice Station at GrandWest offers free-style open-air ice-skating for individuals and groups. It is also a great and incredibly fun way to celebrate a kid’s birthday party, especially if you’re looking for something unique and exciting to do. To put the cherry on top of an already fantastic ice-skating cake – GrandWest ice rink offers special rates for groups.

Top Things To Do on a Cold Day in Cape Town
Photo credit: The Ice Station at GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World

Cost | 1 HOUR SESSION

Cost | 2 HOURS SESSION (LAST)

10. Cozy-up in a cool Cape Town Coffee Shop or trendy Café

Top Things To Do on a Cold Day in Cape Town
Photo credit: Truth Coffee Roasting Cafe

In addition to exploring and discovering the best coffee shops & coolest cafés in the Mother City, chilling out and cosying-up in one of these incredible spots is definitely one of the top things to do on a cold day in Cape Town.

In Cape Town, living that cool laid-back coffee shop and café lifestyle is as easy as savoring a down-right delightful knock-your-socks-off cup of artisan coffee or indulging in a delicious baked good. This is only amplified in winter!

In addition to the greatest cups of brew (dare we say award-winning? Or perhaps the BEST you’ll ever have) made especially for your enjoyment, sensational sweet treats, croissants and colorful plates of food, Cape Town’s coffee shops and cafés are all about the vibe too – which you better believe the Mother City has locked down – no question about it!

Top Things To Do on a Cold Day in Cape Town
Photo credit: Yours Truly Cafe

From trendy street-side spots, quirky corner coffee shops and cafés, and warm and cozy hideaways to bold and bohemian café and coffee shop escapes, and several hidden gems and secret spots scattered about, there truly is something for every coffee and café lover to enjoy!

While there are countless incredible coffee shops & cafes in the Mother City, here are merely a few of the best coffee shops in Cape Town:

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Check out our ‘10 Best Things To Do In Winter In Cape Town‘ blog for some more exciting winter adventures & experiences!

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