Couples in South Africa will find they’re in no shortage of adventurous and interesting activities to partake in. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or an adrenaline-fuelled night out you’re after, you’ll find it all in Cape Town. Fun things to do in Cape Town for couples are not limited to this dozen we’re about to present, but this article is going to be a great starting point if you have no idea about what to do.
Take your significant other out for a night of extravagance or just a plain old date – it is really up to you. But if you really want to sweep them off their feet, we suggest you follow closely.
Hike up the Lion’s Head
A hike may not be right up everyone’s alley, and far from an idea of fun. But hiking up the mountains surrounding Cape Town is more breathtaking (quite literally) than anything you can imagine.
All around you, incredible vistas will open up, and since you need to circle the entire mountain to get to the top eventually, you’ll basically get a 360 degrees lay of the land. Twelve Apostles, Table Mountain, the ocean, and of course Cape Town itself will open their secrets to you from this mighty vantage point.
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Climbing Lion’s Head is a great challenge to test the mettle of couples, and quite a romantic spot to get you. You won’t regret the hike of 2 hours, which also a good prep for the infamous Table Mountain.
Challenge Table Mountain
You may or may have not tried to beat the Lion’s Head hike first, and you may or may have not found it too easy to traverse.
If that is the case, then muster all your strength as a couple and challenge the immense Table mountain. There probably is no place more iconic and more “Cape Town” than this ancient monolith. It will take you approximately 4 hours to beat it, although the time required may depending on which trail you opted for, and how strong as a couple you are.
But beating this difficult opponent and climbing the highest peak above Cape Town, the reward will be unimaginable. Dare yourselves to push upward and onward. Word of caution: Crime is not unheard of in the vicinity of the mountain, so make sure not to go wild too much and leave the safety of the group.
Go Surfing
From the highest peak and onto the waves: Cape Town is known for several really intense surfing spots.
It can be a great experience for couples that enjoy challenging themselves ever-further. Now, it may seem that we’re just going to toss adrenaline-pumping activities at you – we won’t, but the simple fact is that Cape Town is probably more inclined towards couples that don’t shy away from the action.
Make sure to keep an eye out on weather forecasts – you wouldn’t want to bite off more than you can chew. Speaking of chewing, be mindful of shark attacks, and always inquire about them before heading into the water. They’re common near the False Bay.
Take a Heli Ride
Believe it or not, helicopter rides are not uncommon at all in Cape Town. More than a handful of operators offer scenic tours of the city from above.
You’ll get to see the “bowl” in which the city itself is located, locked between the Table Mountain on one side and the ocean on another. This activity can combine your adventurous spirit with a more romantic approach to Cape Town. It’s not as physically exerting as hiking or surfing, but it’s a great opportunity for couples to hang back and enjoy themselves (and the view).
Hop-on, Hop-off Tour
By far the easiest and most time-efficient way of discovering Cape Town is joining a hop-on, hop-off tour bus.
You’ll get to drive around and enjoy the sights along the way, opting to join the group for activities that are of interest to you, while skipping those that don’t speak to you. That way, couples will get to see a decent amount of landmarks in a single go, free to leave the tour bus whenever they like.
You can simply decide to take off on your own and continue the adventure with just the two of you. If you happen to find a particularly romantic spot that you’d like to spend more time on, you can always do that.
Spot African Penguins
There’s no denying it – the adorable denizens of Boulders Beach and Foxy Beach are simply heartwarming to observe.
African Penguins exist only in this part of the continent are superstars of the above-mentioned beaches. There aren’t that many places where you actually get to see penguins frolicking in their natural habitat, going about their daily business as if there were no throngs of tourists passing nearby. It’s a great opportunity to see such a wonderful species out in the open and snap a couple of photos of them.
Also known as jackass penguins, you’ll be able to divine the true reasons behind their name once you get to know them.
Dine at Crypt Jazz Restaurant
If you’ve never had dinner and attended a live performance in a cathedral before, now’s the time to change that.
Crypt Jazz Restaurant is located inside St. Geroge’s Cathedral and boasts an atmosphere that’s simply divine (pun intended). Semi-casual dress code is more than lax enough to suit most people’s needs, and the contemporary style of the venue actually mixes well with its surroundings. Treat yourself and your significant other to a couple of cocktails and a meal in the most unusual place imaginable.
Discover Bo-Kaap
Such colorfulness can be found in few places in the world. But visiting Bo-Kaap really is one of the fun things to do in Cape Town for couples for more than just its lovely hues.
There’s history abound in this small neighborhood, and if you, as a couple, would like to become a part of it, you’re welcome to. What used to be a slave quarter lined with white houses that represented rentals has long since changed its personality. When the slaves (mostly from Malaysia, Indonesia, and other parts of Africa) were finally freed, they changed the color of their homes from white to whatever they wanted.
It’s a simply breathtaking place where you can wander around and meet the locals, all the while enjoying learning more about Cape Town.
Hinthunt
Who doesn’t love escape rooms? Grab ahold of 6 people at most and try to solve puzzles and challenges of varying difficulty in an exotic setting that Cape Town is.
While having a group would definitely make the game easier, a smart and cooperative couple could do just as well. If you’re familiar with the idea of escape rooms then you know what to expect of Hinthunt. If not, get ready to be locked in a room for sixty minutes, with your wit as the only tool available to get you out of there.
Hot-Air Balloon Ride
We’ve already taken to the skies once previously in this article. But going on a hot-air balloon ride is going to be a whole other level of romantic and adventurous.
While some may consider hot-air balloon rides to be a waste of time and a dreadful bore, others still think of it as just a bit scary. And scary is good, at least for those who plan on making the most out of their visit to Cape Town.
Take this opportunity to share an unforgettable moment with your loved one as you’re slowly drifting in the skies above Cape Winelands, looking on towards the sunset. Not even photos can capture that much serenity and beauty.
Check out the Aquarium
Cape Town has an air of mysticism about it, it is a very unique and unusual place to visit. A lot of it stems from its incredible geographic location.
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What’s curious about Cape Town is that it’s located very close to the place where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. At V&A Waterfront, where this great phenomenon occurs, there’s an aptly name Two Oceans Aquarium that celebrates Cape Town’s unique place in the world.
Here you’ll find over 8,000 marine animals from over 200 species. They offer so much knowledge and interactive fun that it’s hard to say no to.
The Cape Wheel
To top off your adventure, go for a ride on the famous Cape Wheel, conveniently located at V&A Waterfront as well.
Need we remind you what’s so fun and romantic about Ferris wheels? We didn’t think so. It’s such a romantic spot for you and your significant other to share some immemorable moments. Enjoy the sunset as you climb ever-higher, while at the same time planning where to head next. After all, Cape Town never sleeps, and never ceases to amaze.
Conclusion
This is not where fun things to do in Cape Town for couples end. Continue your journey on your own, and discover all that Cape Town has to offer. Always remember to stay on the safe side, and we hope you have a wonderful journey.
