As all true Capetonians know, when the weather gets cold, the entire city heads into hibernation. But you really don’t have to! There are so many things to do in Cape Town on a rainy day, that you don’t have to stay at home.
Here are some of the fun indoor activities that Cape Town has to offer during the colder, wetter months.
Indoor Activities in Cape Town
The weather might be dull, but you don’t have to be. Here are some exciting activities to keep the fun going all through winter.
- Visit the Iziko South African Museum
The Iziko South African Museum is home to some of the most beautiful and interesting exhibits on Africa. They have a fantastic collection of masks, outfits, weapons and paintings from all over the continent – even an Egyptian mummy! With so many things to explore you’ll be sure not to get bored in this museum.
Located at the Waterfront, this stop is close to many of the other great rainy day activities in Cape Town. If the mood strikes, you could spend the rest of the day getting lost in the Waterfront Mall which is larger than most found in the city.
2. Visit The Red Sheds Market at Woodstock
If it’s rainy outside then what better place for exploring than indoors? You can head out into town or stay local with The Red Sheds indoor market at Woodstock where there are stalls selling everything from clothes and jewellery to food like freshly baked pies, biltong, as well as arts and crafts.
3. Play Golf Indoors at the Spekboom Golf Club
Haven’t had a chance to practice your swing due to bad weather conditions? No problem, because you can play golf indoors at the Spekboom Golf Club. It’s a nine-hole course and an 18-hole par-three layout that will be sure to keep things interesting for golfers of all skill levels.
4. Visit The Table Bay Hotel Spa
What better way to celebrate a cosy day than by hitting up the Table Bay Spa and enjoying some of the most luxurious treatments on offer? You can head in for a deep tissue massage, hot stone treatment or an aromatherapy facial.
Cold weather in Cape Town calls for a little pampering that goes above and beyond. Winter is a time to treat yourself a little more than usual.
5. Enjoy A Coffee at The Chocolate Factory Café
Need to get out and enjoy some caffeine? Head into Cape Town’s newest coffee house: The Chocolate Factory Café! There you’ll find authentic Italian-style espresso as well as delicious cakes like tiramisu and brownies.
There’s not much better to do on a rainy day in Cape Town than cosy up with a hot drink and indulge in chocolatey comfort food.
6. Visit Local Markets Like Woodstock Square Market
There are so many great markets that it would be impossible not to mention them at all in this guide! Take your pick from the indoor market at Woodstock where you can enjoy local vendors, or go to Cape Town’s oldest market: the Bo-Kaap Market where you’ll find a myriad of stalls selling everything from arts and crafts to clothing.
Another indoor market that has become increasingly popular with locals is the Mojo Market. It has plenty of food options ranging from sushi to burritos and pizza. There’s also often live music playing which adds to the ambience.
7. Visit A Museum Like The District Six Museum
Interested in learning more about Cape Town’s history? If so, then head into the city centre and explore museums like this one. Here you’ll learn about how the infamous District Six came into being and about its diverse architecture, check out a photo art gallery of local Cape Town talents or watch an interactive documentary.
8. Catch a Movie at the Labia Theatre
If you’re looking to escape the rain for a few hours, head out of town and catch a movie at Labia Theatre. Here there’s plenty of indoor entertainment options planned throughout the year – from workshops on digital literacy to screenings of classic films like Citizen Kane or Pulp Fiction!
They even have specials in combination with nearby restaurants every night of the week. So if you’re in search of an indoor activity in Cape Town to escape the cold and still remain budget-friendly, this should be your go-to.
For not much over R100, you and your partner can see a move and enjoy a delicious meal. If you’re a drinker you’ll be happy to know that you can sip wine or order a classic SA staple brannewyn and coke.
9. Enjoy a Book and a Coffee at Exclusive Books and Seattle
This is a great option for those of us who like to read and drink coffee!
Two of our favourite stores in Cape Town have teamed up all over the city. There are now Seattle Coffee branches inside many of the Exclusive Book stores, allowing readers to sit back sipping on their choice of brew while indulging in a new novel.
Seattle’s best has a really nice indoor area, with comfy chairs and plenty of outlets while Exclusive Books have lots of places to sit indoors when the weather outside isn’t so hot. They also offer light meals which include: sandwiches, salads, soup or at lunchtime they’ll be serving up all-day breakfasts from R 20 – R 40 (though we would recommend you try their famous “eggs benedict”!).
10. Play Cave Golf at the VNA Waterfront
The VNA Waterfront is a great place to spend a rainy day. Along with the penguins in their indoor habitat, you’ll find play areas for children as well as an 18-hole mini-golf course called Play Cave Golf.
Attached to the cave golf is a scratch path which makes for a wonderful activity for kids.
Wrapping Up Things to do in Cape Town on a Rainy Day
Although the city is predominantly thought of as a summer destination, there is still plenty to do in the winter months. Indulge yourself in some of these wonderful things to do in Cape Town on a rainy day to fight boredom.
Let me know what your favourite Cape Town things to do in the cold are in the comments below.
With love from,
A local
