There’s no shortage of amazing Cape Town experiences to share with your significant other, whether you’re a local or just visiting. From breathtaking natural landscapes to romantic dining spots, Cape Town has it all. Check out our list of 11 things to do in Cape Town for couples.
Also read: See the best of Cape Town on The Lion Trail
Here is a list of just a few activities for couples to enjoy together, including outdoor adventures, cultural experiences and cosy indoor activities. So grab your partner’s hand and start exploring the beautiful city of Cape Town with them.
1. Take a hike up Lion’s Head
A trip to Lion’s Head is a must-do experience for adventurous couples looking for some of Cape Town’s best views. This iconic peak provides a challenging but rewarding walk that culminates in panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
The trail to Lions Head’s summit takes about two to three hours and includes some scrambling over rocks as well as a few steep sections. But don’t let that deter you – the views from the top are truly spectacular, and the walk is well worth the effort.
You’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of Cape Town and its surroundings, including the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, once you reach the summit. It’s the ideal spot to take a break, catch your breath and take some incredible photos to remember your adventure.
So, if you’re up for a challenge and want to see some of the best views in Cape Town, make Lion’s Head part of your itinerary.
- Intensity: Moderate
- Duration: 4.3 kilometres | 2 – 3 hours
- Elevation: 341 metres
- Permit: N/A
2. Watch a film at the Labia Theatre
Looking for a one-of-a-kind movie experience that won’t cost the earth? Look no further than Cape Town’s Labia Theatre. With a rich history dating back to the 1940s, this intimate cinema is ideal for film buffs and couples looking for a romantic night out.
The Labia features a diverse selection of international films, including independent, arthouse, classic and blockbuster releases. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for a thought-provoking foreign film or the latest Hollywood hit.
One of the things that distinguishes the Labia from other cinemas is its dedication to hosting film festivals and special events. These can be a great way to discover new and interesting films while also sharing an unforgettable experience with your partner.
But the Labia is more than just a movie theatre; it’s also a great place to relax and unwind in the Cape. With ticket prices that are lower than those of most mainstream theatres, you can enjoy an affordable night out without sacrificing quality. And the cosy, intimate setting is ideal for a romantic date night.
- Location: 68 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
- Book: Webtickets
- Contact: 021 424 5927
- Website: thelabia.co.za
3. See an art exhibition at the Norval Foundation
The Norval Foundation is a one-of-a-kind museum and art gallery dedicated to exhibiting the most exciting 20th- and 21st-century visual art, all set against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain and the Constantiaberg mountains.
Heatherwick Studio designed the museum, which features a series of interconnected pavilions that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. You’ll be transported to a world of art and inspiration the moment you step onto the 7.5-acre estate.
Inside, you’ll find a diverse selection of exhibitions and installations ranging from painting and sculpture to photography and new media.
The Norval Foundation, however, is more than just indoor galleries; it also has a beautiful sculpture garden and a variety of outdoor art installations. This means you can spend an entire afternoon wandering around the grounds, taking in the art and nature.
The Norval Foundation is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the intersection of art and nature, thanks to its dedication to the most exciting contemporary art and its stunning location in Steenberg, Cape Town.
- Location: 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
- Book: Webtickets
- Contact: 087 654 5900 | [email protected]
- Website: norvalfoundation.org
4. Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town near Cape Point is home to a charming colony of African penguins that live in this sheltered cove. Watching these fascinating creatures waddle and swim in the clear blue water is an experience that both couples and families will remember.
But that’s not all – the cove at Boulders Beach is also a great place to go for a swim in the ocean. The water here is relatively warm compared to other Cape Town beaches due to its sheltered location, making it an ideal place to soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.
Boulders Beach is the ideal location for connecting with nature, relaxing on the sand or taking a refreshing swim.
- Location: Kleintuin Road, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
- Book: Online bookings
- Contact: 021 786 2329
- Website: sanparks.org
Also read: 5 romantic camping spots around Cape Town for nature lovers to enjoy
5. Go for a wine tasting at Beau Constantia
Some of the country’s finest wine estates can be found in the heart of South Africa’s Western Cape. This region is a true haven for wine enthusiasts and couples looking for a romantic getaway. You can enjoy world-class wines, breathtaking views and delectable cheese and charcuterie platters here.
The Western Cape has become known for its exceptional wines due to its rich history and ideal growing conditions. There’s a wine for every taste, from bold reds to crisp whites. Many of the region’s estates also provide guided tastings and tours, allowing you to learn more about the wine-making process and discover new favourites.
But wine tasting is about more than just the wine; it’s also about the experience. And the wine estates of the Western Cape have some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The landscapes here will take your breath away, from rolling vineyards to dramatic mountain ranges.
Wine estates in the Western Cape are not to be missed, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a romantic getaway.
- Location: 1043 Constantia Main Road, Constantia, Cape Town
- Book: [email protected]
- Contact: 021 794 8632
- Website: beauconstantia.com
6. Picnic at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a true haven for nature enthusiasts and couples looking for a romantic getaway in Cape Town. This internationally renowned botanical garden contains over 7 000 plant species, including a unique collection of indigenous South African flora.
A stroll through the gardens is a sensory feast, with vibrant colours, intoxicating scents and a sense of calm that is difficult to find in Cape Town. There are also several walking trails in the gardens that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Cape environment.
Kirstenbosch isn’t just for admiring nature; it’s also ideal for a picnic. The lush lawns and peaceful surroundings make it ideal for unwinding and connecting with your partner. If you’re looking for something to do, the garden hosts a number of outdoor concerts and events throughout the year.
- Location: Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town
- Book: Webtickets
- Contact: 012 843 5000
- Website: sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/
7. Visit the top of Table Mountain
A trip to the top of Table Mountain via its renowned aerial cableway is an unforgettable experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Table Mountain is a well-known landmark in South Africa, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town and its surroundings.
Taking the cable car to the summit of the mountain provides a scenic and easy journey to the summit, where couples can enjoy a romantic picnic or a leisurely stroll on one of the many hiking trails. The mountain also has a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Location: Cape Town
- Book: Webtickets
- Contact: 021 424 0015 | [email protected]
- Website: tablemountain.net
Also read: Romantic picnic spots perfect for dates in Cape Town
8. Take a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive
Locals affectionately call Chapman’s Peak Drive ‘Chappies.’ It is one of Cape Town’s most iconic scenic drives. This breathtaking route follows the Atlantic coast, providing breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.
As you wind your way along the cliffside road, you’ll come across numerous lookout points where you can take in the scenery and take some memorable photos. The drive is especially popular at sunset, when the sun’s warm glow paints the sky in pink and orange hues.
Chapman’s Peak Drive is a feat of engineering as well as natural beauty. In the early 1900s, the road was carved into the mountainside, and it features several impressive bridges and tunnels that add to its allure.
- Location: Western side of the Cape Peninsula, between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, Cape Town
- Cost: Toll tariffs
- Website: chapmanspeakdrive.co.za
9. Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium’s marine exhibits
The marine exhibits at the Two Oceans Aquarium give visitors an immersive, educational, and inspiring experience. Sharks, turtles, penguins and vibrant tropical fish populate the aquarium’s diverse collection of marine life.
Couples can marvel at the beauty and diversity of the marine world as they walk through the aquarium’s many exhibits. At the aquarium, for example, touching and feeding rays can be a fun and memorable way to connect with your partner and nature.
The Two Oceans Aquarium in Waterfront, Cape Town is dedicated to conservation and education in addition to providing entertainment. The aquarium’s exhibits and programmes are intended to raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation and the need to safeguard our oceans for future generations.
- Location: Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
- Book: Tickets
- Contact: 021 418 3823
- Website: aquarium.co.za
10. Go for a scenic meal at Cape Point
The Two Oceans Restaurant, situated on the stunning cliffside of Africa’s southwest coast near the famed Cape Point, has reopened under fresh management. This eatery offers visitors not only breathtaking panoramic views of the junction where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet but also a menu full of delectable cuisine.
Drawing inspiration from its proximity to Cape Point, the Two Oceans Restaurant offers fine dining with world-class views. From its outdoor terrace, you can even catch sight of the old Cape Point lighthouse, perched high on the skyline, its beam sweeping over the waters below.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two under the stars, within sight of Cape Point, or seeking a family-friendly meal with a spectacular view, the Two Oceans Restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the magical fusion of taste and sight, all under the watchful eye of the ever-present Cape Point.
- Location: Cape Point | Southeast corner of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town
- Book: 021 780 9010
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: capepoint.co.za/facilities
11. Watch a Galileo Open Air Cinema screening
Experience a unique entertainment experience with the Galileo Open Air Cinema’s outdoor screenings. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these screenings offer the perfect opportunity to take advantage of Cape Town’s beautiful locations and vistas.
A Galileo Open Air Cinema, Cape Town, screening is an ideal setting for a romantic evening, a fun night out with friends and family, a birthday celebration or a work social. With good music, entertaining games and even a roaming photo booth, the atmosphere is sure to be lively and enjoyable.
Immerse yourself in an evening of movie magic and enchanting ambience under a canopy of stars, accompanied by delicious food.
- Locations: Venues, Cape Town
- Book: Tickets
- Contact: 071 471 8728 | [email protected]
- Website: thegalileo.co.za
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Picture: Unsplash
