Just because the weather has turned colder does not mean that you now have to hole up at home for the winter. Cape Town and surrounds offer a multitude of glorious activities to keep one warmed and entertained during these chilly months.
CAPE TOWN WINTER WANDERINGS
BEACH
There’s something wonderfully adventurous about braving the outdoors in the cooler weather, armed with a blanket, a picnic basket and a bottle of delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s the perfect excuse to snuggle up next to your plus-one or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline and enjoy the natural surrounding beauty while you watch the sun go down over the Cape horizon. When choosing a beach, we’re spoilt for choice but our personal preference would be Camps Bay, Clifton 4th, Llandudno or Noordhoek beach for some of the best breath-taking sunset scenes.
CULTURE
When the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor activities, there are plenty of options to broaden your cultural experience indoors – many of which are also family-friendly.
–Two Oceans Aquarium
This world-class aquarium situated at the V&A Waterfront offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Discover an underwater wonderland where you can see an array of marine creatures ranging from sharks and penguins to jellyfish and starfish.
–Planetarium & Iziko South African Museum
This dome-shaped attraction, nestled within the Iziko South African Museum in the Company’s Garden offers a fascinating view of our skies above. With guided tours and many celestial bodies to explore, it’s a trip that promises to be an enlightening one.
The Iziko South African Museum was initially founded in 1825 and was moved to its current location in the historic Company Gardens in 1897. Housing over one million examples of scientific, cultural and natural history, the collection includes fossils, dinosaur dioramas, Stone Age tools, stuffed animal exhibits and one of the main attractions, the Whale Well.
CITY
If ever there was a city that catered to a life of wining, dining and fine entertaining, it’s this one. In the central business district alone there are dozens of quirky retail shops, steam punk coffee shops and uniquely-themed restaurants. Whatever your culinary preference there is something for everyone. We recommend taking an afternoon out to explore the coffee shops, bakeries and bistros of the bustling Bree Street and then enjoy some leisurely bar-hopping on the ever-popular Long Street where you can also enjoy our local musical talents. For a more diverse option, be sure to visit one of many indoor markets Cape Town has on offer such as the Bay Harbour Market open on weekends or the City Bowl Market open Thursday evenings.
And of course, what would the Mother City be without her bountiful Winelands? Boasting top-class wine routes with delectable food and wine pairing, you wouldn’t be wrong to plan an entire weekend exploring the world-class wines on offer in the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek or Constantia wine regions.
WHALE WATCHING
One of the more unique attractions during our winter months is that of whale-watching. With the peak season being July through September, it’s the most ideal time to spot those gentle giants along our scenic coastline of False Bay and Hermanus. The annual Whale Watching Hermanus Whale Watching Hermanus happens in September, and with just a short hour and a half drive from central Cape Town, it’s well worth the trip.
SPECIALS
One of the undeniable highlights of the winter season, is the many off-peak specials that restaurants, tour operators, venues and attractions offer during the colder months. Exploring Cape Town during outside of the busy period offers many additional perks such as fewer queues, less crowds to contend with, minimal traffic and great bargains! Search for a comprehensive list of current winter specials at CapeTown Etc, Food24 and Cape Town Magazine.
Winter gives the perfect excuse to sample some fine culinary delights and drinks while lazing by the fire with good company. Check this list of Cape Town restaurants with a fireplace.