Looking for a few fun things to do in Cape Town for couples? After spending months in the city together, we feel confident we can share the best romantic things to do in Cape Town. It is the longest time we have spent as a couple in any one place we were not actually living in.
We fell in love with Cape Town, and even now, we are sad to be leaving. After spending months enjoying the city, we were sure to find some romance. Cape Town has everything you need to make a happy life, great food, stunning vistas, friendly locals, and many adventure activities.
That means there are many romantic things to do in Cape Town with your significant other. Not one day was boring for us, so we wanted to point out some of the most romantic things for couples and individuals to do in Cape Town.
Quick Links to Romantic and Adventurous Cape Town Attractions
Romantic and Fun Things to Do in Cape Town for Couples
Stroll Through Kirstenbosch Gardens
Not exactly one of those secret romantic spots in Cape Town. Nevertheless, a trip to Cape Town isn’t complete without a stop at Kirstenbosch Gardens. Situated at the eastern foot of Table Mountain is the beautiful 528-hectare garden with five of the six South African biomes.
There is plenty to see and do here for the family; however, we loved having a romantic stroll on the treetop canopy, and it is one of the places to visit in Cape Town for couples.
When our feet were planted back on the ground, we spent the rest of the day strolling around the vast grounds and admiring the spectacular views of Table Mountain. I would recommend planning at least half a day at Kirstenbosch, and try to visit on a sunny day!
Date Night at the V&A Waterfront
Looking for one of the best date ideas in Cape Town? The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s shining stars and one of the city’s main tourist attractions. It’s the perfect place to visit on a nice day and stroll around the harbor, try some artisanal food, or go shopping for souvenirs.
We always ended up at the waterfront on days when we had no idea what to do with ourselves. There is always some form of entertainment here; it is just a beautiful place to relax.
And you can dine at some of Cape Town’s finest establishments or go crazy in food lovers’ paradise inside the Market on the Wharf. This is probably your best option if you’re looking for fun things to do in Cape Town for couples at night.
Book a romantic V&A Waterfront Champagne Cruise
Get Out to Robben Island
While you’re at the waterfront, you may as well book tickets to Robben Island. The waterfront is the “gateway” to Robben Island, and all ferries leave from here to take visitors to the famous site where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life. Once you get to Robben Island, you will move to a guided bus tour, which will take you to all the stops on the island.
Towards the end of the tour, you will be met by a former inmate of Robben Island, who will walk you through the past days and show you some of the sad cells that political prisoners were forced to remain in. The whole Robben Island experience takes about 3.5 hours and costs R600.
Book your Robben Island tickets beforehand
Take a Walk Together on the Sea Point Promenade
If you’re in the mood to take a walk somewhere, there is no better place in Cape Town than the Sea Point promenade. The promenade stretches for 11km around Seapoint, overlooking the beautiful ocean.
Along the way are outdoor fitness parks, installation art, and swimming pools—the perfect place to come for sunrise or sunset in Cape Town. Walk hand in hand while admiring the sea views and Lion’s Head right in front of you.
Zeitz MOCAA
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is one of the best places to visit in Cape Town for couples. Here is a contemporary art museum that houses the largest showcase of art on the continent. It’s one of the best things to do on a rainy day in Cape Town, even if you’re not a “museum person.”
The Zeitz MOCAA is fairly new as it was established in 2017 and is housed in the historic Grain Silo complex at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
The museum has a collection of over 100 contemporary artworks from Africa and its diaspora, as well as temporary exhibitions of works by both emerging and established artists. Touted as Cape Town’s very own MoMa, the museum’s mission is to promote the understanding and appreciation of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, and to support the development of the contemporary art scene in Africa.
Go For a Hike!
It’s hard to find a major city in the world where you can go for a 10-minute drive and be at the start of a trailhead. However, in Cape Town, this is pretty standard. Within minutes, you can be hiking a beautiful trail in Table Mountain National Park. Some of my favorite hikes are Lion’s Head, The Pipe Track, Kloof Corner, and Chapman’s Peak!
Experience Table Mountain
Chances are, if you are a visitor to Cape Town, there is no way you’ll miss Table Mountain. The impressive mountain landmark truly defines the beauty of Cape Town and draws people in from all over the world. There are two ways to get up, the cable car or a nice hike. We did both, and they are equally enjoyable!
The unique Aerial Cableway has compartments that rotate 360 degrees so everyone gets a panoramic view of the picturesque city, sea, and mountain. A return ticket will run you R390, but if you are short on time, you can pay a bit more for the “skip the queue” option. If you want, you can always take the cable car up and hike down!
A free alternative to the cableway is to hike up Table Mountain. There are many routes up, but the two most popular are India Venster and Pletteklip Gorge.
Pletteklip Gorge is certainly the safer one, albeit a little less exciting. This one will have you climbing 700 meters in 3km and is the oldest and most direct hiking route up Table Mountain, and involves what feels like a zillion steps.
The other, India Venster, is a more difficult route that involves a bit of scrambling and “don’t slip here” moments. Certainly more exciting but not for the faint of heart or those afraid of hikes. If you think this is you, then don’t try to go the India Venster way, as it will be tough to turn around and descend. Every year there are deaths from hikers on Table Mountain so stick to your capabilities (and wear proper footwear).
Whatever way you choose to get to the top of Table Mountain, once you are at the top, you will probably want a few hours to meander, take in the views, and have a glass of champagne in the cafe at the top. There may be two ways up, but there are infinite ways down. Try abseiling for an adrenaline rush!
Head to the Tip of Africa
Yes, you can get to the tip of Africa from Cape Town, and doing so is one of the best couple activities in Cape Town! Cape Point is located in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, near where the Atlantic and Indian oceans collide. (The Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean south of Africa at Cape Agulhas. )
Fantastic hiking trails, a cafe, a historic lighthouse, and even a shipwreck alley await you at the Cape of Good Hope. The entrance fee is quite steep for South Africa at 360 Rand for foreigners, but when you see where the money goes, you’ll be happy that you could do your part to contribute. Check the hours for today here.
From Cape Town: Cape Point and Boulders Beach Full-Day Tour
Galileo Open Air Cinema
One of the most romantic things to do in Cape Town is watch a movie under the stars! The Galileo Open Air Cinema experience is one of the best things you can do in Cape Town on a budget at night. It’s a beautiful way to relax with a loved one.
Most showings are at the Kirstenbosch Gardens, but there are a few others around the city too. Check their schedule for movie times, locations, and showings.
Road Trip the Cape Peninsula
Rent a car in Cape Town and jump in for one of the most beautiful road trips in the world! Best combined with your drive along Chapman’s Peak and visit to Boulders Beach, The Cape Peninsula drive is one of the most spectacular routes in the world! It’s best to save this drive for when you have an entire day to dedicate to it.
Along this route, you’ll hit Chapman’s Peak, the Cape of Good Hope, Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach, Kalk Bay, and Muizenberg! Make sure to stop in Kalk Bay for a stroll as well as lunch in Simon’s Town!
Boulders Beach Penguin Party
What if I told you there was a place near Cape Town where you could watch thousands of penguins waddle, dance, and talk to you? Well, there is! Okay, they aren’t really “talking” to you, but they certainly make a noise. Given their nickname as the “jackass penguin,” it’s distinct.
A half-hour drive from the center of Cape Town is Boulders Beach, a beach where humans can observe wild African penguins at a ridiculously close range. This is one of the most fun things to do in Cape Town for couples!
Boulders Beach is a protected area of Table Mountain National Park, and the penguin colony was reintroduced here, and since then, they have flourished. With nice boardwalks looping around Foxy Beach’s main beach, visitors can observe the funny birds without interfering with their natural way of life.
The Boulders Beach entrance fee is R176 for adults and R88 for children for foreign individuals. For South African citizens, it is R44 and R22 respectively, and for SADC nationals, the price is R88 and R44.
Have a Romantic Dinner in Cape Town
If you want a date night idea, you can’t go wrong with dinner and drinks in Cape Town. There is something to eat for everyone in Cape Town. From sushi to Ethiopian cuisine to a multicultural show with an African flair, there is no way you will go hungry in this city. So enjoy each other and have a romantic dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in town.
The best part about dining out? Dining in Cape Town is incredibly affordable internationally – so go ahead and get that extra glass of delicious Stellenbosch wine!
An entertaining night out can be had at Gold Restaurant, where they put on an African culture presentation! All while dining on a 14-dish tasting safari paired with traditional Mali puppets and entertainment.
Sunset at Llandudno Beach
Llandudno Beach is one of the Cape’s most naturally diverse beaches; surrounded by large granite boulders and overlooked by mountains, it’s the perfect spot to head to for sunset with a picnic in hand and a cold beer or wine in the cooler.
This small, exclusive beach is located between Hout Bay and Camps Bay and has stellar views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s popular with locals for surfing and swimming, but bring a wet suit and your own board if you want to get in the water yourself!
Learn to Surf Together in Muizenberg
Speaking of surfing, Cape Town is a great place to surf. World-class surfers come from around the globe to surf the big waves here in the winter. However, you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy the waves.
The best place to learn to surf and take surfing lessons in Muizenberg. SurfEmporium has lessons and rentals for everyone and will help you get accustomed to the surroundings and water here.
Be Happy in Bo Kaap
Another fun thing to do in Cape Town for couples is to visit the Bo Kaap neighborhood. If you’re on Instagram, you may have seen photos of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood of Cape Town.
The brightly colored buildings of this Cape Malay neighborhood make it a popular stop for tourists with cameras and one of the best places to go in Cape Town. Take some time and stop by to get your photos in! Bo-Kaap is within walking distance of the Cape Town CBD and has some excellent Cape Malay restaurants to try. Remember that people live here, so respect their home while taking photos.
Catch Sunset On Signal Hill
If you are looking for a great spot to watch sunset together in Cape Town, look no further than Signal Hill. Signal Hill is a small mountain in Cape Town located near Lion’s Head. You can drive right up to it for sunset and enjoy views over the city, Table Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and there’s a nice walking/running patch around so you can take in nature from many different views.
The hill is also home to several historical landmarks, including a cannon that was used to signal the arrival of ships in Table Bay, and a beacon that was used to communicate with ships at sea (hence the name).
Have a Beach Day
Cape Town truly does have it all. Beaches, mountains, and everything in between! If you are looking for a chill day with your significant other, grab some snacks and hit up one of the white sand beaches. The most popular in Cape Town are Camps Bay Beach and Clifton Beach!
There are no fees to use the beach, and they are easily accessible from Cape Town. So if you are on a budget, this is a great free thing to do in Cape Town.
CityRock Cape Town
Rock climbing may not seem like your idea of a romantic time, but spending an afternoon at CityRock is one of our favorite things to do in the city on a rainy day. CityRock has world-class rock climbing equipment suitable for beginners and advanced climbers. Here, you can rent climbing shoes and a harness, and hit up the routes that have a self-belay system.
Or you can take an Intro to Rock Climbing course, enjoy the fitness center, or take a Pilates class. Day passes are less than R200 and offer a range of activities in that fee! See more pricing options here.
Take a Helicopter Ride
Cape Town is such a beautiful city; we just had to explore it by air. We’ve each wanted to ride in a helicopter since we were teased in Seychelles earlier in the year, so we knew we had to book with NAC Helicopters.
NAC offers a few different routes. We went on the Atlantico tour that took us around Hout Bay.
The mountains, city bowl, and crystal clear waters barely look real and should be seen in person by everyone traveling to Cape Town. I’m not sure there is a better city in the world to splurge on a helicopter ride in.
Snorkel With Seals
I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it, but there are some seriously adventurous and fun things to do in Cape Town for couples. From Seal Snorkeling to Canyoneering and even bungee jumping off the world’s highest bungee bridge, there is no way you will get bored in this city.
Go ahead and egg each other on to do something crazy. These adventures can turn into one of the most romantic things to do in Cape Town! Science says physical activity together increases intimacy and communication.
Seal snorkeling is one of the most romantic things to do in Cape Town together. Head to Hout Bay, and jump into the icy waters to see the Cape Fur Seals in their natural environment.
Go Kayaking
Book a guided kayak trip and enjoy the views and stories of beautiful Hout Bay. While kayaking, you’ll even likely get a visit from a cheeky Cape Fur Seal!
Enjoy a Weekend at the Bay Harbour Market
Every weekend at 31 Harbour Rd, the town of Hout Bay takes on some of the finest bakers, artisans, artists, and food creators in Cape Town. You can come here to get just about anything to eat, but perhaps the fish is what many of the booths specialize in.
Don’t come full or with an empty wallet because everything in sight looks delicious, and the handicrafts are unique.
Drive Chapman’s Peak
One of the most fun things to do in Cape Town for couples is take a scenic drive! It’s a South Africa fact that Chapmans Peak is one of the best drives in the world. If you are without a car in Cape Town, I highly recommend renting one to drive Chapman’s Peak for at least the day. This is one of the world’s most scenic drives in the world and it is worth the R56 toll to cruise on this beautiful road together.
One of the most romantic places in Cape Town is the Tintswalo Atlantic, hidden along Chapman’s Peak. It’s a splurge-worthy stay for a romantic weekend getaway in Cape Town.
Renting a Car in South Africa? Here are 21 Must Read Tips
Admire the Street Art of Woodstock
Woodstock is a hip neighborhood in Cape Town undergoing serious gentrification. What does that mean? There is some amazing and unique street art in the city! We enjoyed an afternoon of walking around and snapping photos of all the impressive street art in the area together.
There are many cafes to duck into, including the Old Biscuit Mill, best visited on weekends in Cape Town.
Visit an Alpaca Farm
Just outside the Cape Town city center is where you can interact, go on walks, have coffee, and even adopt an alpaca. The Alpaca Loom is a farm for kids, families, couples, or friends to go on a nice day in Cape Town.
There is a petting area, a weaving studio, and tons of information about breeding alpacas. It’s a fun and affordable activity in Cape Town at R150 per person.
Go on a Hop on Hop-Off Tour
Only have a few days to explore Mother City together? Perhaps a sightseeing bus tour of the city is the best bang for the buck as it’s under R300. Boarding this bus may not seem like one of the most romantic things to do in Cape Town, and I know sometimes these tours seem a little touristy.
However, it is an excellent way to get around the city and see the notable sites efficiently.
Book a City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Hike Up Lion’s Head
A hike up Lion’s Head is much less effort than hiking Table Mountain, but with the same advantageous views. This is a must for anyone visiting Cape Town and is very popular with locals and tourists alike. The hike takes about two hours round trip and is best at sunrise and sunset! Don’t forget a camera – the views are incredible!
Enjoy a Morning Coffee At Truth
It’s hard to say coffee and Cape Town in the same sentence without mentioning Truth Coffee. This steampunk-style coffee shop has won numerous awards throughout the world of coffee, and when we stepped in, we saw why. Everything at Truth is combined for a top-notch cafe experience, from the decor to the service to the coffee.
Day Trips From Cape Town
Shark Cage Dive – Gansbaai
One of the top adventure activities in Cape Town is seeing a great white! Ever since the movie Jaws, the fear of the Great White Shark has been palpable. After all, it is the shark responsible for the highest number of recorded shark-caused human fatalities. Near the southernmost point of Africa is “Shark Alley,” a strait between an island and beach home to thousands of Cape fur seals.
Here, the Great Whites come for a feeding frenzy. You’ve probably seen it before in a nature documentary where sharks jump out of the water with a seal in their teeth. Here, you can have one of the most surreal adventures in the world, which is why it is one of our top adventures in Cape Town.
Jump in the waters with these ocean giants and come face to face! We spent some time doing our research about the best provider, given that it can be considered a controversial practice and found that Marine Dynamics is the company to go with,
Our tour kept us well-fed and warm, had a professional staff and a marine biologist on board, and they made sure to put the client first. They’ve even won several responsible tourism awards – a big deal to us – and are very active in conserving these incredible animals. They are truly majestic in the water, and if you don’t have respect for them before you go, then you will undoubtedly walk away changed.
The sharks themselves are massive – close to 5m long – and their sheer size is awe-inspiring. However, most shocking is how calm things seem in the water as they swim by. While sitting in the cold ocean water surrounded by a metal cage, you can hear the famous soundtrack to Jaws playing in your head.
Book your eco friendly shark trip!
Head to Stellenbosch
Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town lies one of the best wine regions in the world. Of course, many travelers get caught up with names like Bordeaux, Tuscany, and Burgundy, but don’t forget about the fantastic New World wine regions in the Southern Hemisphere.
The wines around the Western Cape are just as quality and at a fraction of the cost. South Africa has many crown jewels, and the stunning Stellenbosch wine region is one of them. The wine region has a rich heritage, splendid landscapes, a lively university, and fine restaurants paired with beautiful wine.
Constantia Valley
As far back as the 1800s, grapes were transplanted here specifically for the country’s blossoming wine industry. The Constantia Valley is about 10 miles from Cape Town and is as rich in charm and history as it is in wine. It’s one of the most romantic places to visit near Cape Town.
The oldest winery is Groot Constantia, which offers tours of its stunning grounds, a glimpse into its history, and a post-tour tasting that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t tried a South African wine before.
All-inclusive, guided wine tours are available, or if you’ve rented your own car, you can drive around the area and see what interests you. Remember that each winery has its own schedule and entrance fees if you’re not part of a tour.
Franschhoek Wine Tram
Just an hour from Cape Town is the beautiful and quaint town of Franschhoek. It’s where you can find plenty of wineries and vineyards among the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.
The Franschhoek Wine Tram is one of the most popular things to do here, and is a very intimate way to enjoy multiple wineries in one day.
This is a hop-on hop-off tram tour that takes visitors through the Franschhoek wine region. The tour includes stops at several wineries, where visitors can taste local wines and learn about the winemaking process, without having to drive.
The tram travels along a set route through the valley and includes commentary from a guide, who provides information about the history and culture of the area. If you start early in the morning like we did you might be a bit drunk by lunch, and then suffer through a hangover together the next morning. The wine tastings at these vineyards don’t skimp you on wine!
Book your wine tram experience!
Getting Around Cape Town
We initially came to Cape Town thinking it would be a big city with extensive city transport options available. This was NOT the case, and there is no efficient way to get around Cape Town. The best way to see this city’s offerings is by car. There are many options to rent in South Africa for an affordable price. We love to compare prices on Discover Car Hire.
Uber is also a prevalent and safe option in the city and is incredibly affordable. The MyCiti bus is always available to get you to your destination if you are on a significant budget. Is it your first time driving abroad? Check out our tips!
Renting a Car in South Africa? Here are 21 MUST READ Tips
The Most Romantic Place to Stay in Cape Town
The Tintswalo Atlantic
Not a cheap stay, but a memorable one. Rooms have tubs with views over the bay and a wood stove for when the winter winds blow. Evenings at the Tinstwalo feel like a dream with sunsets over in Hout Bay, bubbles, plush bathrobes, and some evening canapés. See our full review here.
Travel Tips for South Africa
- Languages Spoken: The most widely spoken languages are Zulu and Xhosa, followed by Afrikaans. However, just about everyone speaks English.
- Capital: South Africa has no legally defined capital city. Instead, there are three South African capitals. They are Pretoria (executive capital), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative).
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
- Visa: Some nationalities are issued a 90-day visa on arrival. Check with your embassy for the best information. The visas are consecutive, not concurrent; don’t be like us and get kicked out.
- What to Pack: Depends on the season and where you are at. Definitely bring hiking shoes, a bathing suit, and a jacket.
- Malaria: Not a threat in Cape Town.
- Stay Connected: Vodacom, Telcom, OneCell, and MTN are cell phone and internet providers. Check here for more information.
- Adaptor: You’ll need this adaptor in Southern Africa.
- Tipping: This is a tipping country and visitors should expect to tip for anything from a lunch out, to gas station attendants, to security guards in parking lots. Tips to car guards can be anything between 2 and 10 ZAR while 10% is the norm for waitstaff.
25 South Africa Vacation Travel Tips To Know Before You Go
Book A Safari Near Cape Town
Traditionally, if you wanted to book a safari, you’d have to go to a travel agent and have them book your safari for you. They suggest camps and lodges and then present you with a hefty bill. Most of the industry still operates in this fashion.
However, Timbuktu is a new platform that allows you to select the lodges you’d like and see the pricing per day so you can select the best itinerary for yourself. They will then contact the lodges and help you through booking your safari. Experts on staff can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details like a travel agent.
When is the Best Season to Travel to South Africa?
High season (November and March)
This is the high season in South Africa, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best time to visit South Africa. The weather in South Africa starts to warm up beginning in November; some may say it gets unpleasantly hot in some places. December and January are particularly busy because of the holidays. If you can manage it, I would generally try to avoid travel during this time.
Shoulder Season (April-May and September-October)
The weather throughout most of South Africa is pleasant during this time. Not too hot and not too cold. April and May are some of the best times to go on safari in South Africa. Crowds are low, and the wildlife still gathers around the watering hole, making for easy viewing.
Low Season (June-September)
This is South Africa’s winter season meaning low numbers of tourists and cooler weather. We traveled around South Africa in August and September and still had a fabulous time. The weather was cool, but only really at night did we need a jacket. Winter means the middle of the dry season, making game viewing on safari generally quite good. This is also the time when you’ll be able to score deals across the country!
Plan Your Trip to Africa
- Travel Insurance: We don’t travel without travel insurance and neither should you. You never know what can happen while traveling so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Travel Waterbottle: When we’re uncertain about the water supply we use our Grayl Purifier. It’s come in exceptionally handy around Africa.
- Camera Gear: Chances are you’ll want a camera for your trip to Africa. We love the Sony RX100V for a pocket-size camera and the Fujifilm XT-4 for a professional camera. Check out our favorite cameras for Africa.
- Safari Clothes: Lightweight, beige, and moisture-wicking clothing are great for traveling Africa. See our favorite safari clothing here.
- Safari Hat: A good hat is both stylish and functional.
- Safari Bag: A durable bag is ideal for traveling around Africa.
- Safari Pants: We recommend neutral-colored pants as they’re great at hiding dirt and can match most shirt colors.
- Safari Shirt: Shirts like these are lightweight and keep the bugs away!
- Boots: While you don’t need to wear sturdy shoes every day, at least one pair of safari boots will make your trip nicer!
- Travel Adapter: You’ll need a special travel adapter for traveling to Africa. Get one before you get there so you don’t pay a premium on the ground.
