Who says winter must be boring or expensive? Cape Town’s packed with cool, cosy, and pocket-friendly activities for everyone.
We’ve compiled a list of experiences all under R150 per person.
Cellar Collective Wine Bar
Cellar Collective Wine Barin Woodstock, offers a free weekly wine tasting every Thursday from 5pm, with a minimum spend of R100 on food or drinks. Each week features a different wine estate, giving you the chance to sample a variety of local wines. This stylish wine bar is the perfect place to warm up this winter, with delicious food, excellent drinks, and live music adding to the cosy atmosphere.
Location: 111 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock.
Price: From R100.
Website: cellar-collective-bar.com/
Coffee Shop hopping
Cape Town is brimming with charming coffee shops and cosy cafés where you can warm up with a flat white, espresso, or creamy latte. From Instagram-worthy brews to well-loved local spots, these coffee shops are part of what makes our city one of the best in the world for coffee.
Check Out the Museum Scene
Spend hours discovering Cape Town’s rich history, culture, and creativity at one of the city’s many museums. From thought-provoking art to fascinating stories about our people, wildlife, and past. Here are some budget-friendly museums to visit in the city.
Watch a Movie at The Labia Theatre
The Labia Theatre is the oldest independent art-repertory cinema in South Africa, showing the best circuit, independent films, foreign movies, documentaries, classics, and other alternative and art-house films. Check out their Movie Meal Specials for Two, available from Monday to Thursday, starting from R100.
Location: 68 Orange St, Gardens.
Price: Single tickets: R90.
Website: www.thelabia.co.za
Parisian Hot Chocolate at The Wes Bistro & Bar
The Wes Bistro & Bar is serving up the ultimate winter warmer: a hot chocolate made with real couverture chocolate and cream, melted low and slow for maximum decadence. Finished with a generous swirl of whipped cream, it’s rich, velvety, and totally worth the hype.
Location: 55 Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centre.
Price: R80pp
Website: thewes.co.za/
Theatre Nights
Get dressed up and head to The Artscape Theatre to watch a live production or play. This Cape Town performing arts centre hosts regular shows for all ages, so there’s always something great to see. Check here. for the latest events. Ticket prices vary.
Location: D.F. Malan St, Foreshore.
Price: Various.
Website: www.artscape.co.za/
Go Tobogganing
Hurtle down a half-pipe, around 17 corners, S-bends and even a tunnel in a wheeled bobsled at Cool Runnings, Africa’s first downhill tobogganing track. Blitz through this 1.25km track when you are feeling adventurous.
Location: Carl Cronje Dr, Tygervalley.
Price: From R90pp.
Website: coolrunnings.capetown
Hippo Watching at Rondevlei Nature Reserve
Tucked away a 20-minute drive from the city centre, Rondevlei Nature Reserve is the only nature reserve in Cape Town where you can spot hippos in their natural home! This stunning nature reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers with around 230 species fluttering about, plus you can see a fascinating mix of small mammals and reptiles.
Location: Perth Rd & Fishermens Walk, Zeekoei Vlei.
Price: Free.
Explore Scratch Patch
Did you know that almost half of the world’s gemstones can be found in South Africa? And you could scratch for these gems right here in Cape Town! The Scratch Patch, located both at V&A Waterfront and in Simon’s Town, is a fun way to dig for your beautiful gems. The gem exhibitions and shops are worth a visit afterward.
Location: 1 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Dido Valley Rd, Simon’s Town.
Price: From R35.
Website: scratchpatch.co.za
Guga Sthebe Arts & Culture Centre
The Guga S’thebe Arts & Culture Centre in Langa township is a vibrant spot dedicated to the arts. It features a gathering space, an amphitheatre, an arts and crafts shop, and a multipurpose theatre, making it a great place to catch local performances, browse unique crafts, and embrace the community.
Location: Washington St, Langa.
Price: Free entry, but various costs apply for certain activities.
Website: www.capetown.gov.za/Guga-Sthebe-Cultural-Centre
Go Salsa Dancing
If you want to learn salsa and get your hips swinging on the dance floor, head to Mojo Market for their free beginner Salsa classes every Sunday at 6:30pm. Everyone is welcome, whether you are single, in a couple, or in a group. Be sure to stay afterward for the Salsa Party featuring a hot line-up of DJs, unique bars, and food stalls.
Location: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point.
Price: Free.
Website: mojomarket.co.za/
South African Astronomical Observatory
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is where science and stargazing come together. Just outside the city, it’s home to some of the country’s coolest telescopes – and you can check them out during their Open Nights, held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. Expect fun, easy-to-follow talks about space and science, a look at the old-school McClean telescope, and a wander through the museum and library. If the weather’s good, you’ll even get to gaze at the stars through real telescopes.
Location: 1 Observatory Rd, Observatory.
Price: From R50pp.
Website: saao.ac.za/visit-capetown/
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