Thanks to the inconsistency of our Cape Town weather, it’s easy to feel frustrated when that hike you had planned out can’t happen due to bad weather, or that sunset excursion is foiled by overbearing clouds.
Thankfully, there are a few experiences in Cape Town that can have us feeling like we’re outdoors without actually needing to be outside. Here are 5 indoor experiences that feel like outdoor ones in Cape Town:
1.Experience the seascape at the Two Oceans Aquarium:
The Two Oceans Aquarium has stood as a local and tourist favourite for the past 26 years, allowing us to explore the seascape’s creatures and wonders up close. Is there really a better way to spend a day indoors than to explore an entire world of life beneath the surface? It’s like going to the depths of the ocean without needing a wet suit, and is a perfect activity for the whole family.
- Where: Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
2. Head off to the Planetarium and experience the stars
Take your outdoor desires to out of this world ones with the SAAO planetarium in Observatory. And, if you were ever wondering where Obs’s name comes from, X marks the starry spot. On open nights, which happen on the second and fourth Saturday of every month at 8pm, you can learn about the great starry world beyond and even get some star-gazing in.
- Where: Observatory Rd, Observatory
3. Feast ‘outdoors’ at Babylonstoren’s Green House Restaurant
Babylonstoren isn’t only a place of outdoor wonders thanks to its Greenhouse Restaurant. Situated at the rear of its fairy tale garden, the Greenhouse Restaurant is the epitome of the outdoors, indoors. With food served up picnic-style, offering preserves jams and salads as well as fresh bread, it’s just like experiencing a picnic, except in a gorgeous Green House.
- Where: Klapmuts – Simondium Rd, Simondium
4.Enjoy an icy adventure at the Ice Station
Step into a winter wonderland indoors with the Ice Station, where you’ll do a little gliding, some falling, but a lot of laughing.
Open since 1971, The Ice Station is the number one cool spot for all things ice-skating. With an Olympic-sized ice surface housed in a world-class facility, the Ice Station offers lessons, functions and sessions for all types of experience levels and even has a mini rink for the little snowflakes.
- Where: Grand West Casino, 1 Jakes Gerwel Drive, Acacia Park
5. Venture through the treats of an indoor market
Indoor markets are like Aladdin’s Cave of Wonders, only without the collapsing in on itself part. There are dime a dozen indoor markets in Cape Town just waiting for the curious onlooker to enjoy the creations and foods they boast. For a market that’s open every day of the week, head on to Mojo Market in Sea Point where music, beverages and an array of thrilling dishes await. It has that outdoor market buzz all in the comfortability of the great indoors.
- Where: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point
Also read:
Pigcasso’s barn, Franschhoek, needs to go on your winter stay bucket list
Picture: @babylonstoren
