Warm up for Winter in Cape Town!

Cape Town can get pretty chilly in winter, although our cold spell is similar to London’s summer, so we can’t complain too much! It rains, the wind howls and people disappear behind layers of thick jerseys, coats and scarves. However, there are many things to keep you occupied when its cold- don’t let a little bit of rain stop you from getting the most out of your visit to the Mother City! If you choose self-catering accommodation, you will have a lot of flexibility to explore every inch of the beautiful destination and you can find out where the locals hang out when the weather takes a turn for the worst. Winter is coming; here are the top tips for keeping busy in bad weather! 

1.       Retail Therapy

Cold weather is the perfect excuse to spend a lovely day shopping in one of Cape Town’s many malls, including the upmarket V&A Waterfront, where you can find all of your favourite designer labels, Cavendish and the famous Canal Walk, a colossal center full of shops and restaurants to keep you entertained for hours!

.       Let’s go to the theatre darling!

Cape Town has numerous theatres on offer, including the well-known Artscape and the Baxter. Put on you glad rags and go and watch one of the many top performances on offer and forget the rain as you lose yourself in the acting and the story. 

3.       Mad about museums

Cape Town has many exciting museums to explore, including the South African Museum, the Slave Lodge, the BoKaap Museum, the Gold of Africa Museum and the District Six Museum. Spend a day really getting to know this historic city, and learn all about its past, and if the rain clears you can wander through the city gardens by the South African Museum and feed the tame squirrels. 

4.       Look at the stars…

The Planetarium is a fantastic place to learn about our stars and universe- lie back on the chair and look up at the domed ceiling as it suddenly lights up with the night’s sky. You can also see fascinating meteor debris and learn about our planet. 

5.       Finding nemo

The Two Oceans Aquarium is the perfect place for a fun day out with the kids! Admire the beautiful displays of fish and marine life and watch the graceful seals effortlessly gliding through the water. You can come face to face with a fearsome great white, and the Aquarium even offers the opportunity to dive in the shark tank! After you have seen the Aquarium, why not visit the Scratch Patch across the road and let the children dig for precious stones, and then play a fun game of cave golf which is putt putt with a difference. 

.       It’s bowling baby!

Stadium on Main, by Cavendish shopping centre, has its own ten pin bowling alley, gaming centre, and a Laser Quest area as well. Show off your bowling skills, and enjoy a fun afternoon with friends!

.       Cook like a local

Why not try a Cape Malay cooking class, in the historic Bo Kaap area? Take a cultural tour of this significant district, and admire the beautiful, brightly coloured buildings, before settling down in Zainie’s kitchen, and learning to make rotis, curry and divine samosas the traditional way. It’s a delicious way to pass the day! You could also go to the majestic Hohenort in Constantia and admire the gorgeous hotel as you learn to cook a traditional Cape Malay three course dinner with Martha Williams.

Zainie Misbach: Tel: 074-130-8124 email: bokaapcookingtour@gmail.com

Hohenort Hotel: Tel: 021-794-2137 email: coordinator@cellarshohenort.co.za

8.       Ice is nice

Go ice skating at the ice skating rink at Grandwest Casino, or while away some time trying your luck in the casino, watch a movie or pop into one of the numerous restaurants. 

9.       Let it snow

Take a day trip, along with most of Cape Town’s residents, to the stunning, scenic region of Ceres, and admire the gorgeous snow- capped mountains glistening in the sun. Build a snowman, or have a snowball fight in the designated areas. 

10.   Feeling Arty?

Admire the beautiful collection and visiting displays of art at the South African National Gallery, which is situated next door to the South African Museum, in the company gardens. You can also pop into the Old Town House to see the stunning paintings that form the Michaelis Collection. You can visit the What if the World Gallery in Woodstock, and the Irma Stern Museum, dedicated to the life and art of this famous artist. 

So don’t despair next time it’s winter and you’re feeling blue! There are plenty of attractions in Cape Town to keep you busy and happy during the cold spell. Check the internet for winter warmer specials that various restaurants and wine farms will offer, and cosy up by the fire, enjoying scrumptious food and the company of good friends at the end of a day spent exploring.

Images from:
the V&A Waterfront
Iziko Museums
The Two Oceans Aquarium
Paul from Cape Town Daily Photo
What to do in Cape Town