The 20 Best Things To Do in Cape Town When it Rains

It’s been called the Cape of Storms, and for good reason; Cape Town is known to get a little wet in winter! Don’t let the rain foil your plans… When you need to pivot from outside to indoors, our weather-wise list ticks all the boxes. From warm and cosy settings, to foodie experiences, creative pursuits and even adventures for the high-energy brigade, we’ve got you covered.

What type of activity are you looking for?
Cosy and comforting
Creative and cultural
Foodie and social
Active and high-energy

Looking for something to do with children when it rains? See our list of Best Indoor Activities in Cape Town.

Cosy and comforting

Sunday jazz at Kloof Street House

There’s no better way to brighten up a grey day than with a long, lazy meal in atmospheric surroundings. This striking Victorian house, set back from bustling Kloof Street in a serene garden, is filled with Gatsby-esque furnishings and finishes that set the scene perfectly. Think lofty pressed ceilings, dazzling chandeliers, dark-wood floors and deep-buttoned leather sofas in the library lounge, with three crackling fireplaces topping off the cosy ambience. Toss in a live jazz set on Sundays from 1pm, and you have the makings of an unforgettable afternoon in the city. The brasserie-style menu features all the comfort classics, including an all-day brunch, and a selection of small plates.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – late
Monday, 11am – late
Contact 021 423 4413, [email protected]
Where to find it 30 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Spa day at One&Only Cape Town

Could there be anything more pleasant than swapping the cold rain for a hot, steamy space where you feel cosseted and special? The spa at the glamorous Only&Only Cape Town resort raises the bar with one-of-a-kind facilities on a private island in the Waterfront canals, creating one of the most atmospheric, exclusive wellness experiences in town. As well as 13 treatment rooms (including two for couples) offering a host of holistic, nature- and Cape-inspired experiences, there’s a thermal suite of aroma-steam rooms, saunas, bubble-jet vitality pools and experience showers; the Relax Lounge (for healthy snacks, sweet treats and beverages); plus a spa garden. A truly special experience is floating in the heated pool under the celestial Southern skies light installation.
Good to know Use of the spa facilities is based on booking treatments.
Opening times Daily, 8am – 8pm
Contact 021 431 5810, [email protected]
Where to find it Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Saunagus session at SaunaHaüs

Shake out rainy day blues in 60 minutes with a Nordic-style saunagus session. SaunaHaüs was founded by a group of devotees who experienced the benefits first-hand while spending time in Scandinavia, and brought the traditional ritual to Cape Town – a blend of heat, cold, local fynbos essential oils, fan-waving, breathwork and music, guided by a facilitator. The hour consists of multiple rounds of sauna and cold plunges/showers (with different levels of intensity: Flow, Deep or High), after which you’ll leave feeling like you’re walking on sunshine. This may be the reason Denmark is the happiest country in the world.
Good to know There’s a social lounge area where you can grab a drink or snack afterwards. There are also Silent Sauna sessions.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 6.30am – 8pm
Cost R300 for a guided session (1 hour)
R200 for an open sauna session (1 hour; no facilitator)
Contact [email protected]
Where to find it Prom Park, 160 Beach Road, Mouille Point, Cape Town
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A movie at the Labia Theatre

Pick a great movie – like The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, both out in May – and enjoy it on the big screen. This 1950s-style cinema is pure nostalgia. There are four theatres (with modern comfy seating and up-to-date audiovisual tech) and a foyer café serving fabulous snacks (from classic popcorn to spanakopita) and drinks (wine, gluhwein, coffee, hot chocolate, spirits and more). There’s no reserving seats; come early and pay cash for your ticket stub (you can also buy virtual tickets online, if you have to…). Keep an eye out for film festivals (like the Encounters documentary festival in June), arty films and retro hits every now and then, plus they sometimes haul out the film projector for really old-school screenings.
Good to know Want a good-old “movie and a meal” date? Enjoy ticket-and-meal combo deals in the neighbourhood at Our Local (toasties on Tuesdays), Chingadas (nachos on Sundays) and The Sanctuary (pasta on Thursdays) for R200–R220 for two.
Opening times Daily, 11.30am – 8.30pm (last screening)
Check online for specific movie screening times
Cost R90
R60 (seniors, students, children)
Contact 021 424 5927, [email protected]
Where to find it 68 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Warming treat at Honest Chocolate Cafe

Everything’s better with chocolate, especially a gloomy day, and you’ll need no convincing to head straight to this cosy innercity haven, where treats are crafted from bean-to-bar artisanal chocolate. Start with the 70% dark hot chocolate (“short & dark” or “tall & milky”, with added flavours like Mexican spices, biscoff spread or peanut butter) – then be tempted by brownies, tarts, pastries, a banana bread ice-cream volcano, chocogato or an assortment of bonbon truffles. There’s something for everyone here, including vegan/dairy-free and gluten-free treats.
Good to know There’s a new branch of the café in Kalk Bay.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 9am – 6pm
Friday + Saturday, 9am – 9pm; Sunday until 5pm
Kalk Bay: Daily, 9am – 6pm
Contact Wale Street: 076 765 8306, [email protected]
Kalk Bay: 078 881 8340
Where to find it 64A Wale Street, Cape Town
Upstairs at De Kalkery, 52 Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape Town

Creative and cultural

Exhibitions at Norval Foundation

The year’s big exhibition at Norval is Brett Murray’s “Wild Life”, a curation of his sculptures (from small to outsize) made over four decades, in which the animal world mirrors our own. The acclaimed artist is known for his sharp commentary and even sharper wit, so this “art safari” will be a delight – and you’ll forget all about the weather outside. This modern art museum’s labyrinth of purpose-built galleries (nine in total) also showcases other top South African and African artists, including works by Irma Stern (until August).
Good to know There are guided tours on Thursdays at 2pm.
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Cost Day pass: R220 (African national); R330 (international)
R110 (age 18 – 24); free for children under 18
Contact 087 654 5900, [email protected]
Where to find it 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
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Clay play at Baikt Ceramics

Hear the word “mimosas” and you already feel your mood lift… Not your usual pottery class, this creative studio just off Kloof Street throws in drinks and a vibe. Baikt’s signature “Pottery & Mimosas” sessions on Saturdays offer a relaxed, no-pressure, two-hour delve into pure creativity, where you can hand-make whatever your imagination can conceive – with guidance from an expert. The fridge is stocked with mimosas, wine and soft drinks, and you’re provided with clay, an apron, basic tools and a workspace. So, if you know there are going to be Saturday showers, book your spot and make some magic happen.
Good to know Finished pieces are fired with glossy transparent glaze. To add some colour, pottery paints can be purchased for R30 each.
Opening times Saturday, 10am – 12pm; 1pm – 3pm
Cost R690 (includes delivery of fired item nationwide)
Contact [email protected]
Where to find it 7 Beckham Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Shopping at The Watershed

Rainy days are made for retail therapy! This light and airy, street-style (but undercover) retail space is home to more than 150 of Cape Town’s finest artisanal designers and makers. From Velt’s botanical art, Nammu’s earthy ceramics, Sama Sama’s linen clothing and Sylvan’s fynbos-inspired homeware to O’live’s organic soaps, Melvill & Moon’s safari-inspired luggage, Mille Collines’ African textiles and Ogun’s menswear, plus upcoming brands at the Design Lab. You can also pick up jewellery, candles, toys, vinyl records, woodwork, recycled furniture and flip-flop art… and even stop off at the K-beauty spa or have your hair braided. It’s a smorgasbord of feel-good colour, creativity and design.
Good to know There are several food kiosks on site.
Opening times Daily, 10am – 6pm (winter); 10am – 7pm (summer)
Contact 021 408 7600, [email protected]
Where to find it Dock Road (next to the aquarium), V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Ceramic painting at The Pottery

When stormy waves are crashing on Camps Bay beach and you need a place to warm up, The Pottery is there for laidback Wonki Ware ceramic-painting vibes layered with friendly service and easy café food. Pick an item to paint, dip your brush into vibrant colours and go with the flow. On the food front, the chewy, Neapolitan-style pizzas are a highlight; plus there are wraps, toasties, waffles, wine, more than a dozen hot drinks and milkshakes – a real hit with the kids, whatever the weather.
Good to know It dials up its own brand of Camps Bay nightlife with happy hour cocktails and occasional live music. If it’s the first Thursday of the month, stay for the Sip & Paint sessions.
Opening times Monday – Wednesday, 9am – 5pm
Thursday – Saturday, 9am – 9pm
Sunday, 9am – 7pm
Cost From R165 for pottery items
Contact 087 470 0743, [email protected]
Where to find it 41 The Drive, Camps Bay, Cape Town
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Art and architecture at Zeitz MOCAA

Touted as Cape Town’s Tate Modern, it’s impossible to miss the impressive structure that is Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa when visiting the V&A Waterfront. Its raw-concrete bulk and convex windows tower over nearby buildings and ships in the harbour. Known for its cutting-edge exhibitions, the building itself is a showstopper too, with 42 historical grain silos given an eye-catching makeover courtesy of the UK’s Heatherwick Studio. Its many and varied spaces over seven floors include the cathedral-like Atrium, Koyo Kouoh Atelier, a museum shop stocked with art-inspired items, as well as a sixth-floor restaurant with fabulous views of Table Mountain and the city.
Good to know There are guided one-hour tours on weekdays at 12.30pm.
Opening times Daily, 10am – 6pm (last entry 5.30pm)
Cost Day pass: R265; free for children under 18
Annual membership: from R430
Contact 087 350 4777, [email protected]
Where to find it Silo District, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Foodie and social

Whisky-tasting at Bascule Bar

Hidden below the Cape Grace at the V&A Waterfront, there’s a secret speakeasy glamour to this intimate whisky and cocktail bar, where you’ll sink into the sultry ambience and soon forget about the rain. A Cape Town icon since the early days, a top-to-toe refurb has added another layer of sophistication – think cosy alcoves, velvety banquettes, a long bar and an art collection of established and emerging local artists worth its own visit. Work your way through a whisky-tasting or two (self-guided or tutored) – by country, style, region, distillery or independents – courtesy of one of the largest collections in the southern hemisphere. There are also signature cocktails, like the Coffee Banoffee, and a menu of small plates or platters that go down a treat.
Opening times Daily, 12pm – midnight
Cost Whisky-tasting: R100 – R1 215
Guided tasting: R450 (classic); R650 (premium)
Contact 021 410 7100, c[email protected]
Where to find it West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Curated wine flights at Culture Wine Bar

When wet weather makes a wine-tasting road trip less than appealing, head to Culture to get your fix. On bustling Bree Street, overlooking Heritage Square, this is the spot to unwind over a sommelier-curated wine-tasting flight, allowing you to explore a selection of outstanding South African wines side by side (and some with their international counterparts), highlighting different regions, grape varieties, and more. The vibe is cosy, candlelit, grown-up… And, while you’ll find some of SA’s finest vintages (including rare gems and cult classics) on the extensive, award-winning winelist, there’s not a hint of wine snobbery. Sit back and sip superb varietals with gourmet “snacky bits” or starters, mains and desserts from the Grub & Vine kitchen, chef Matt Manning’s adjoining bistro.
Good to know Look out for regular events, live music, bar takeovers and more.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – late
Contact 021 216 0035, [email protected]
Where to find it 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Bean-to-cup experience at Truth Coffee Roasting

Head to Cape Town’s famous steampunk-styled coffee emporium and order “The Full House”. You’ll get a private booth and your own barista to guide you through a tasting paired with dessert of your choice, and get up close to Colossus, the vintage coffee roaster that takes centre stage, to learn about the top-notch beans and roasting. Plus you’ll go home with a goodie bag. This exclusive experience is available for up to four people per session. There is also a “Geek Session” that delves into the intricacies of brewing the perfect cuppa (involving the “clever dipper”), or an intro to cupping (which allows you to slurp, er, taste all of Truth’s coffees).
Good to know If you prefer a different sort of bean, head over the road to Rapt Indulgence, David Donde’s “wonderland” of chocolate, offering choc-o-lattes, build-a-bar experiences and more.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 7am – 6pm
Sunday, 8am – 4pm
Cost R1 000 (2 hours)
Geek Session: R300 (1 hour)
Cupping: R150 (30 minutes)
Contact 021 201 7000, [email protected]
Where to find it 36 Buitenkant Street, East City, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

High tea at The Cellars-Hohenort

If the weather report is predicting a wet weekend, book for an indulgent spoil at this gracious country hotel in the Constantia Valley, arguably one of the loveliest spots to enjoy high tea at any time of the year. Served in the airy Greenhouse with views over the beautiful gardens, it meanders over four courses, from traditional finger sandwiches to savouries, including a truly delicious baked chevin cheesecake with beetroot chutney, and the mind-bending savoury smoked salmon macaron. After light and fluffy scones with jam and chantilly cream, move on to nibble on an array of sweet delights: hazelnut cromboloni, strawberry and white chocolate entremet, matcha and cherry tartlets and more. To drink, there’s a fine selection of 11 loose-leaf Nigiro teas, rooibos and herbal infusions – the exclusive hotel blend of green rooibos with various fruits, flowers, herbs and Liz McGrath rose petals truly conjures a sense of place.
Good to know Book 24 hours in advance.
Opening times Saturday + Sunday, 11am – 1pm; 2pm – 4pm
Cost R485
R265 (children 4 – 12 years)
Contact 021 794 2137, [email protected]
Where to find it 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Streetfood and shopping at OZCF Market

The smell of freshly baked bread, the aromas of myriad spicy foods, the tantalising fragrance of sweet treats or grilled meats… Nothing better to turn a grey day into a good day! The OZCF Market has been a cheerleader for local produce and artisanal culture in Cape Town for over a decade and has recently moved into a more permanent set-up of wooden barns, making it weatherproof and even cosier. You’ll find a colourful, seasonal spread of fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, cheeses, breads, preserves, wine and charcuterie – all sourced from some of the region’s most respected farmers and makers. It’s a great spot to grocery-shop, but it’s an even better spot to dine on global streetfood. You’ll be hard-pressed to choose: gourmet burgers, flammkuchen, French crêpes, dim sum, Korean fried chicken, golden samoosas and fruit-filled pies – it’s all here. And the experience doesn’t end at the table. Woven through the market is a curated mix of design and lifestyle traders: thoughtfully made clothing, handcrafted jewellery, vintage finds, ceramics, homeware, and even stylish accessories for four-legged companions.
Good to know Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary preferences are well catered for. There’s ample parking and seating, plus a bar for craft beers and cocktails.
Opening times Saturday, 8am – 2.30pm (stay inside until 3pm)
Sunday, 8.30am – 2pm (stay inside until 3pm)
Wednesday, 4pm – 9.30pm (August – May)
Contact 083 628 3426, [email protected]
Where to find it Corner Dock Road and Granger Bay Boulevard, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

City flavours at Time Out Market

Like its counterparts all over the world, the Time Out Market Cape Town reflects the culinary and cultural trends of our city under one roof. At this quayside warehouse, you’ll find kitchens and bars where well-known and up-and-coming chefs, restaurateurs and mixologists serve their magic. Think Giorgio Nava’s Milanese dishes, Siba Mtongana’s local flavours, ramen by Peter Tempelhoff (and his fabulous sushi collab with Japanese chef Shin Takagi), Callan Austin’s Greek food at Opá!. There’s also Mexican by Una Más, Asian by How Bao Now, wagyu burgers by Zuney, pizzas by YARD… With seasonal menus, three bars, a boutique wine bar and indoor seating, it’s a cooking spot in more ways than one.
Good to know Download the market’s app (on Google Play or App Store) for exclusive deals, loyalty perks, happy hour specials and rewards.
Opening times Thursday – Saturday, 11am – 11pm
Sunday – Wednesday, 11am – 10pm
Note: Individual kitchen times may vary; coffee + breakfast from 8am.
Contact 021 408 7688, [email protected]
Where to find it Old Power Station Building, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Active and high-energy

Climbing at CityRock

You could sit on the couch watching action films – or you can harness up and make like Spider-Man. This 3 600-square-metre indoor climbing gym offers various walls (reaching up to 16 metres high), 180 top rope anchors, 16 automatic belay walls and 600 square metres of bouldering for different types of climbing. You can climb by yourself on the autobelays and in the bouldering section, or bring a friend to rope up with. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a newbie, you’re in for a treat. There’s also a good coffee shop onsite, for a caffeine kick or snacks before or after your climb.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 11am – 10pm
Friday – Sunday + public holidays, 9am – 6pm
Cost Full day pass: R210; R180 (student/pensioner)
Boulder day pass: R170; R130 (student)
Gear: R110 (shoes + harness); R80 (shoes or harness)
Contact 021 447 1326, [email protected]
Where to find it The Island, 9 Milner Street, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town
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Roller-skating at Rollercade

Lace up and step into retro heaven, to the soundtrack of disco beats (“It’s Raining Men”, anyone?), with some hip-hop and R&B thrown in. A smooth, glossy-painted floor, kaleidoscopic lights, glitter balls and red leather booths create the ideal setting for a fun two-hour session of pure nostalgia – or discovery, depending on your age. Roller-skating’s the name of the game, but there are also pool tables, photo booths and arcade games to amuse yourself. Occasionally, they throw in fun themed sessions and roller-karaoke.
Good to know Bring your own socks (compulsory) and cash for the vending machines. Book ahead to reserve skates in your size.
Opening times Morning session: 10am (Saturday + Sunday)
Afternoon sessions: 1pm + 4pm (Wednesday – Sunday)
Evening session: 7pm (Friday + Saturday)
Cost R180 per two-hour session; R100 with own skates/rollerblades
R40 spectators/non-skaters
Contact 072 064 3963, [email protected]
Where to find it Table Bay Mall, corner R27 and Berkshire Boulevard, Sunningdale, Cape Town

Swimming at Long Street Baths

If you’re a dedicated water baby, this swimming pool complex (slap-bang in the centre of town) is heaven-sent on rainy days. The retro building dates back to 1908, but don’t expect turn-of-the-century facilities here; the slick, revamped pool – heated to 26˚C – is perfect for midweek laps or a casual splash with the kids (they have their own pool). It’s a serene space, with music, balls, inflatables and other beach gear all banned.
Opening times Daily, 7am – 7pm
Ladies only (except public holidays): Tuesday, 10am – 2pm (1pm in school holidays)
Cost R39 (adults); R22 (children); free (pensioners)
Contact 021 400 4269
Where to find it Long Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Indoor Padel

Padel courts are popping up everywhere, and a rainy day is a great time to find out what all the buzz is about. It’s like tennis, but on a smaller court, and with glass walls you can use to your advantage (like squash). You can play doubles or singles games, and book anything from a half-hour to two hours. The indoor clubs offer a climate-controlled environment, lockers and showers, and a café or restaurant (and bar in some). Options include Virgin Active Padel Club Epicentre in Paarden Eiland (5 courts, open to everyone); Arturf Arena, also in Paarden Eiland (9 courts); Bay Padel in Retreat (5 courts plus a kids’ court) and the unique Rotunda court at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay, where you play under a 1904 domed ceiling and chandelier.
Good to know Padel bats can be rented but balls must be purchased.
Opening times Daily, 6am or 7am – 10pm, 11pm or midnight
Cost From R370 per court (depending on size and time)
Rental: bats around R50; balls R135 – R170
Contact All courts are booked via the Playtomic app.
Book Now

You might also be interested in:
The Best Cosy Restaurants with Fireplaces in Cape Town
The Best Wine Bars in Cape Town 
The Best Spas in Cape Town
Our Favourite Art Galleries in Cape Town
The Best Museums in Cape Town
The Best High Teas in Cape Town

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