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

Bartolomeu Dias named it the Cape of Storms and, boy, did he nail it! The Mother City can be sunny and glorious, but also moody and tempestuous on any given day. While beaches and summer sundowners may be the defining images of Cape Town, the city takes on a special kind of beauty during the colder months, when a blanket of mist often hangs over the Atlantic Seaboard, waves crash in the smaller harbours around the Peninsula, and rain beats down.

Whether you like it cosy, creative or energetic, there are new flavours to taste, inspirational art to be seen and indoor adventures aplenty.

Enjoy high tea at The Cellars-Hohenort

This gracious country hotel in the Constantia Valley is arguably one of the loveliest spots to enjoy high tea at any time of the year. The Classic High Tea served in the airy Greenhouse looking out over the award-winning gardens proceeds over four courses, from beef and mushroom empanada, smoked snoek terrine and braised lamb tartlets on the savoury side, to an array of sweet delights – raspberry and pistachio swiss roll, dark chocolate and honeycomb tart, and pineapple and coconut opera cake – not forgetting traditional finger sandwiches, and scones with jam and chantilly cream. 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 Booking is required 24 hours in advance.
Opening times Saturday + Sunday, 11am – 1pm; 2pm – 4pm
Cost R455 per person
R235 (children 4 – 11 years)
Contact 021 794 2137, functions@cellars-hohenort.co.za
Where to find it 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town
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Admire art (+ nature) at the Norval Foundation

Add a dose of culture to your visit to the Constantia winelands at this haven of art and nature. Located in the serene Steenberg wetlands amid indigenous flora, this art museum’s modern glass-and-metal exterior matches the splendour and inspiration within. The labyrinth of purpose-built galleries (nine in total) showcases top South African and African modern and contemporary art, including painting, sculpture, photography and fascinating, large-scale installations. A few hours here and you’ll forget all about the weather… Later, grab a bite to eat (or stay for dinner) at Grub & Vine, where you’ll find seasonal menus paired with excellent wine and views over the sculpture garden.
Good to know There are free guided tours on Thursdays at 2pm – all you need is a day pass or a membership.
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Cost Day pass: R200 (African national); R300 (international); R100 (age 18 – 24, students + pensioners on Thursday); free (children under 18)
Annual membership: R450 (bronze); R800 (silver; includes access for one guest)
Contact 087 654 5900, info@norvalfoundation.org
Where to find it 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
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Warm up at a spa

Could there be anything more pleasant than swapping the cold rain for a hot, steamy space, where the water’s warm and you feel cosseted and special? A spa date is sure to sweep the grey clouds out of your mind, and you’ll emerge glowing for the next sunny day. One&Only Cape Town’s island spa features a his-and-hers thermal section equipped with aroma-steam rooms, saunas and bubble-jet vitality pools, couples treatment rooms and a host of holistic, nature- and Cape-inspired experiences. Even better, it’s just had a magnificent makeover into a dreamscape of deep blues, greys and floaty white fabrics, and custom lighting used to ethereal effect.
Good to know Use of these facilities is based on booking treatments.
Opening times Daily, 8am – 8pm
Contact 021 431 5810, spa.reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com
Where to find it Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Jump for joy at Rush Extreme Indoor Adventure Park

The answer to many a parent’s prayer on a blustery Cape winter day, this spacious indoor playground – and kids’ party venue – offers loads of activities for children (and adults) to unleash their boundless energy – diving into a foam pit, bouncing off wall-to-wall trampolines, jousting on the Battle Beam, soaring five metres high on the Super Tramp, tackling a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course or testing their limits on the Air Walk. Other activities include trampoline-based dodgeball and slam-dunking (basketball), plus trampoline workout and Flip Out gymnastics classes. Trained staff are on-hand to provide instruction and watch over children. Cosmic Rush – a glow-in-the-dark experience with music and disco lights – takes place on Friday and Saturday nights (6pm to 8pm).
Good to know There is a coffee shop with free wifi and charging stations so parents have somewhere to hang out and grab a light snack.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 11am – 7pm (holidays from 9am + Monday)
Friday + Saturday, 9am – 8pm; Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Cost R160 (one hour, all access)
R200 (parent + toddler, one hour)
R260 (two hours, all access)
R40 (non-slip socks, compulsory)
R200 (Cosmic Rush, two hours)
Contact 087 094 0178, 021 683 3841, 021 671 1489, infoct@rushsa.co.za
Where to find it 25 Stegman Road, Claremont, Cape Town
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Ride the steam train to Elgin

Few things are more evocative than a steam-train ride… Ceres Rail’s grand old locomotives make a full-day round trip to Elgin in the Overberg on weekends, departing from the city and travelling up and over Sir Lowry’s Pass (one of the steepest rail lines in South Africa). Enjoy breathtaking mountain and ocean scenery, and views of fynbos-covered hills, farmlands and orchards. Drinks and snacks are available to purchase on board. The destination is the steampunk-style Elgin Railway Market (a huge covered space in a converted 1940s apple warehouse), where live music and street-food stalls create a fun day out, and kids can let off a little steam of their own in the play area.
Good to know There are two bar areas on board serving cocktails, beer, bubbly and wine; the Bar Lounge car is for adults only. The stop at the market is scheduled to last 2.5 hours before boarding for the return journey, but may vary if delays occur on the tracks. Passengers may also board the train in Somerset West.
Opening times Most Saturdays, selected Sundays + public holidays, 7.15am – 6.30pm
Cost R675 (adult); R540 (pensioner); R500 (child); kids under 3 free Book Now
R899 (lounge car seat) Book Now
R975 (observation car seat – selected dates only) Book Now
Family Coupé: R1 775 (two adults + 2 children) Book Now
Family Compartment: R3 350 (seats four adults + two children maximum) Book Now
Where to find it  AC Marriott Hotel platform, Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town

Feast your senses at Kloof Street House

Is there a better way to brighten up a grey day than with a long, lazy meal in gorgeous, atmospheric surroundings? This striking Victorian house, set back from bustling Kloof Street in a serene garden courtyard, 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 creating a cosy ambience. Toss in a live-jazz set on Sunday afternoons from 1pm, and you have the makings of an unforgettable afternoon in the city. The brasserie-style menu features all the comfort classics and a selection of small plates.
Good to know The all-day brunch menu is served until 4pm, with bottomless mimosas from 10am – noon (R199 extra). There is also a Winter Lunch Special (every day except Sunday): R250 (two courses), R295 (three courses).
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – late
Monday, 12pm – late
Contact details 021 423 4413, info@kloofstreethouse.co.za
Where to find it 30 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Keep moving at Total Ninja

If you’ve ever watched Ninja Warrior on TV, you’ll know what to expect at this indoor playpark and fitness centre. Not just a cool name, it also has the coolest combination of obstacles and inflatables to conquer. The black-and-red colour scheme, industrial aesthetic and funky lighting set the mood for some seriously fun action. Total Ninja will have kids of all ages (even grown-up ones) climbing, swinging, jumping, balancing, bouncing, sliding and negotiating everything from cargo nets, monkey bars, see-saws, wonky ladders and bridges to the wrecking ball, gladiator pit, Wipeout and Warped Wall – plus there’s the Strike Arena for competitive ninjas. It’s a full-body workout, and no matter what happens, there’s always a soft landing.
Good to know There are Ninja zones tailored to varying skill levels, including a dedicated area for “Mini Ninjas” (0 – 3 year old), all supervised and guided by trained professionals. The cafe serves all the family favourites, plus great coffee and even mocktails, and spectators can watch from here for free.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 10am – 9pm
Saturday + Sunday, 9am – 9pm
Cost R160 (one hour); R240 (two hours)
Mini Ninjas: R80 (one hour); R120 (two hours)
R45 (compulsory socks)
Contact 021 745 3089, brp@totalninja.co.za
Where to find it Black River Park (South Entrance), Fir Street, Observatory, Cape Town
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Shop local art, fashion and design at the V&A Waterfront

Whether you’re thinking retail-therapy or window-shopping, there’s something that warms us to the core about soaking up the vibrant colours, designs and textures dreamed up by our local designers and artisans. At the V&A Waterfront there’s a huge concentration of outlets vying for your attention, but if it’s colour you’re after, start at The Watershed. A vast, light and airy street-style covered retail space hosts around 150 unique, artisanal and proudly local small and medium businesses – selling art, ceramics, craft, fashion and accessories, furniture and furnishings, gifts, jewellery, curios and textiles. Explore further by moving on to Africaa in The Alfred. Filled with luxury artisanal items and an ever-changing rotation of collections and collaborations – intricate Keiskamma Art Project textiles, Fezile Ntshofu’s ceramic vases, indigo and mudcloth cushions, Mami Wata Surf posters, wax-print bucket hats, Kirsten Goss jewellery – it’s guaranteed you’ll go home with a piece of art for your home, wardrobe, walls or as a gift. Don’t stop there though. Wander through the precinct all day and make your own discoveries.
Opening times Watershed: Daily, 10am – 7pm (summer); 10am – 6pm (winter)
Aafricaa: Daily, 9am – 8pm
Victoria Wharf: Daily, 9am – 9pm
Contact 021 408 7600, enquiries@waterfront.co.za
Where to find it Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Have a vino adventure at Culture Wine Bar

When the weather draws in and a wine-tasting road trip is less than appealing, head to Culture to get your wine fix. On bustling Bree Street, overlooking Heritage Square, this is the spot to unwind (or warm up for a night on the town) over a glass or two of vino, or a spontaneous tasting (there are over 50 wines available by the glass). 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 wine list (awarded the Grand Prix Best Wine List in SA 2024 by Star Wine List), there’s not a hint of wine snobbery. Sit back and sip superb varietals with classic platters or gourmet “snacky bits” from the Grub & Vine kitchen – chef Matt Manning’s adjoining bistro. Or ask to peek at the “Wanderlist”, a leather-covered menu of wines from around the world that takes you on a journey in the glass (and imagination) through some of the best wine regions around the globe. Look out for regular events, like wine tastings, live music, bar takeovers, and more.
Good to know Downstairs, The Blue Room is a cocktail and live music lounge with sets by some of the country’s best musicians and an intimate speakeasy style.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 2am
Contact 021 216 0035, sommelier@culturewinebar.com
Where to find it 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Celebrate water at the Two Oceans Aquarium

This world-class aquarium is home to more than 10 000 sea animals of all shapes, sizes and colours. It’s an exciting peek into life off our shores, with a mesmerising swaying kelp forest, schools of shiny fish swimming in unison, gliding turtles and even sharks, which can also be viewed from within a 10-metre glass tunnel. There are more exotic fish too, such as jellies, octopus, seahorses, pufferfish and moray eels. The popular penguin exhibit is always a hit with the kids, plus they can get up close to anemones and starfish at the Touch Pool.
Good to know Don’t miss the mass fishy feast during feeding time at 12pm; the penguins are fed twice a day, at 11.30am and 2.30pm. If it’s your birthday month, you get free entry (SA ID required).
Opening times Daily, 9.30am – 6pm
Cost R265 (adult); R200 (after 3pm)
R195 (teens, students, pensioners); R147 (after 3pm)
R120 (children 4 – 13 years); R90 (after 3pm)
Contact 021 418 3823, aquarium@aquarium.co.za
Where to find it Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Cocoon with cocktails (and live music) at Bascule Bar

Hidden below 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 forget about the winter weather outside. A Cape Town icon since the early days, with a tradition of late-night cocktails (or 20-year old Scotch), well-loved local DJs and live music sessions on weekends, it recently underwent a top-to-toe refurb that’s added another layer of sophistication to the ambience. While in summer, the breezy terrace looking over the yachts towards Table Mountain is the ideal spot for afterwork drinks, in winter, the cosy alcoves, velvety banquettes and long bar beckon. Plus there’s an art collection of established and emerging local artists worth its own visit. Trailblazing bartender AJ Durow has injected her fearless creativity into a menu of superb signature cocktails and classics to complement one of the largest whisky collections in the southern hemisphere. A casually sophisticated menu of small plates also goes down a treat.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 12am
Contact 021 410 7069, capegrace.bascule@fairmont.com
Where to find it Cape Grace, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Explore the world of whisky at Taj Cape Town

Fine whiskies in crystal glasses, old black-and-white photos on exposed brick walls… Taj Cape Town’s Whisky Bar is an intimate space adjacent to the hotel’s Lobby Bar, and the perfect place to retreat on a chilly evening. The sophisticated space is dedicated to an extensive whisky collection, including rare single malts, and offers a series of tastings that are the perfect way to learn more about this age-old spirit. Three food-and-whisky pairings cover Irish whiskey (with chocolate truffles), Scottish whisky (with mini desserts) and global whiskies, including SA’s own (with savoury canapés). Or you can delve deeper with customised tastings – from a newcomer’s intro to a focus on specific countries (including American and Asian whiskies) and exploring certain flavour profiles.
Opening times Daily, 5pm – 2am
Pairings daily from 2pm
Cost R455 – R800 (pairings)
Contact 021 819 2111, restaurants.capetown@tajhotels.com
Where to find it 1 Wale Street, corner of St Georges Mall, Cape Town
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Find a full beer experience at Woodstock Brewery

Drawing on the free-wheeling rock ’n roll spirit of the famous 1960s music festival, this craft brewery takes an experimental approach. Come for a tour and a tasting (10 brews, ranging from Born Slippy lager and Happy Pills pilsener to Sugarman’s Belgian quad and hazelnut-chocolatey Mr Brownstone). Then settle into a communal table in the beerhall and enjoy your favourite pint with beer-matching comfort food (burgers, schnitzels, curries, wurst, giant pretzels, steaks, ribs, or hake and chips).
Good to know Small-batch Thursdays (every second week) introduce limited-release experiments, and the brewery attracts some big names as a live-music venue. There is also a Taproom in Observatory (105 Main Road).
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm
Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
Cost R12 per taster
Contact 021 203 3045, mark@woodstockbrewery.co.za
Where to find it 252 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
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Take in a meal and movie at The Labia Theatre

When you’re fresh out of ideas for a cold winter’s night, there’s always the good old “dinner and a movie” to fall back on. The Labia Theatre, in addition to being Cape Town’s cinema of choice for film aficionados, just so happens to have wonderful movie-and-meal deals on offer.
The voucher includes two movie tickets and – depending on which day of the week it is – two burgers at The Wolf House on Kloof Street (Monday); two toasties at Our Local (Tuesday), also on Kloof Street; two takeaway pizzas from Diva (Wednesday), just off Buitenkant Street; or two pastas from The Sanctuary at Kloof Street Hotel (Thursday).
Good to know The vouchers are purchased at the restaurant, and exchanged at the Labia Box Office for tickets, although it is important to do so in a timely manner, as seating is unreserved and cannot be guaranteed for the movie of your choice.
Opening times Various; check online for movie screening times
Cost R160 – R210 (for two)
Contact 021 424 5927, labiatheatre@telkomsa.net
Where to find it 68 Orange Street, Gardens

Scale new heights at CityRock

You could sit on the couch watching action films on Netflix – or you can harness up and make like Spider-Man. This 3 600-square-metre indoor climbing gym offers various walls for different types of climbing, solo or with a partner, for the experienced or newbies. CityRock allows youngsters on its climbing walls (age 5 – 12 in the dedicated Kids Zone) as long as children under 16 years have an adult/parent accompanying them. It also offers courses so parents and kids can learn to supervise and climb safely.
Good to know Bookings are required for children under 13 years. Children under 5 are not permitted to climb.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 11am – 10pm
Friday – Sunday + public holidays, 9am – 6pm
Cost R210 (adult) for two hours
R180 (student/pensioner); R170 (child, 5 – 18 years)
Bouldering: R170 (adult), R130 (student)
Gear: R110 (shoes + harness); R80 (shoes or harness)
R270 (intro to climbing)
Contact 021 447 1326, capetown@cityrock.co.za
Where to find it Unit 5, The Island, 9 Milner Street, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town
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Warm up your creativity at The Pottery

When winter waves are crashing on Camps Bay beach and you need a place to warm up and get your creative energy flowing, The Pottery is an appealing place for all ages. Just up from the Camps Bay strip (in the same block as The Codfather), the laidback Wonki Ware ceramic-painting vibe is layered with warm and 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 pizzas are a highlight: chewy, Neapolitan-style with (IYKYK) leopard prints on the crust; then there are fresh salads, wraps, smoothies and milkshakes – a real hit with the kids. It also dials up its own brand of Camps Bay nightlife with happy hour cocktails and late opening on the weekends.
Good to know The First Thursday Sip and Paint sessions (with cocktail specials, Aperol spritzes and draught beers) are a vibe.
Opening times Monday – Wednesday, 9am – 5pm
Thursday – Saturday, 9am – 9pm
Sunday, 9am – 7pm
Contact 087 470 0743, campsbay@thepottery.co.za
Where to find it 41 The Drive, Camps Bay, Cape Town
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Paint up a storm at Artjamming

When inspiration strikes (or energy needs to be calmed and channelled), pop in at Artjamming, either at the V&A Waterfront or Lourensford Wine Estate. Choose a blank canvas (various sizes available), pop it on an easel, don an apron and get going on your masterpiece. There’s an array of drawing materials and acrylic paint colours to choose from, as well as stencils, sponges, spray nozzles and even hairdryers (good for artistic effects and for drying paint!). Kids can also custom-make their own slime at SlimeTime with a choice of colours, glitters, textures and flavours(!).
Opening times Daily, 9am – 6pm (5pm Lourensford)
Cost R200 – R1 200 (depending on size of canvas)
SlimeTime: From R99
Contact V&A Waterfront: 021 425 5050, waterfront@artjamming.co.za
Lourensford: 082 560 3866; swstudio@artjamming.co.za
Where to find it Above Toy Kingdom, Breakwater Boulevard, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Lourensford Wine Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West
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Taste next-level street food at Time Out Market

Time Out Markets, which began in Lisbon in 2014 and spread to New York, Boston, Chicago, Montreal, Dubai and more, gather the best of the best under one roof to reflect the cool culinary and cultural trends of a city. On a quay overlooking Table Mountain, the Mother City’s food court features well-known chefs (Peter Tempelhoff, Giorgio Nava, Bertus Basson among others) and concessionaires wielding their magic in 13 kitchens and four bars. Here you can try dishes from top restaurants in a relaxed setting – seafood, sushi, oysters, burgers, ramen, Cape Malay, Mexican, Indian, plus there’s Siba Mtongana’s The Siba Deli, How Bao Now, Yard pizzas and Unframed ice cream. With a stage for live performances upstairs in the Time Out Studio, three bars and plenty of seating inside and out, it’s a culinary hotspot!
Opening times Sunday – Wednesday, 11am – 10pm
Thursday – Saturday, 11am – 11pm
Cost Free entry
Contact info.capetown@timeoutmarket.com
Where to find it Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Solve real-world mysteries at HintHunt

Many stories, whether in books or on screen, present a thrilling narrative of an escape plan in one form or another. Now you can immerse yourself in a similarly riveting adventure at HintHunt, which offers six different scenarios. You’ll need to solve challenging riddles, crafty puzzles and interpret clues in order to complete the escape – all within a time limit. The themed Escape Rooms include futuristic superhero-style “Marble”, a shipwreck, a submarine, a mysterious old hotel, a cursed treasure and a classic prison break.
Good to know The games are open to groups of two to six people and last 60 minutes, except “Marble” which lasts 75 minutes.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 10am – 7pm
Friday + Saturday, 10am – 8.30pm; Sunday, 10am – 5.30pm
Cost R350 per person (off-peak); R395 (peak)
Marble: R395 per person (off-peak); R445 (peak)
Off-peak rates apply Monday – Thursday, outside of peak season
Contact 021 001 4215, capetown@hinthunt.co.za
Where to find it The Watershed, 17 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Spoil yourself at Honest Chocolate Café

Everything’s better with chocolate, especially a gloomy day – you’ll need no convincing to head straight to this cosy haven, where treats are crafted from bean-to-bar artisanal chocolate (made with ethically sourced organic cacao beans at the factory down the road). Start with the 70% dark hot chocolate (“short & dark” or “tall & milky”, with added flavours like Mexican spices, orange or peanut butter) – then be tempted by brownies, pastries, banana bread ice cream volcano, miso choc-chip ice-cream cookies 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 upstairs at 52 Main Road, Kalk Bay. Learn how chocolate is made at workshops at their factory in Woodstock and make your own truffles to take home (on the last Saturday morning of the month).
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 9am – 6pm
Friday + Saturday, 9am – 9pm; Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Contact 076 765 8306, cafe@honestchocolate.co.za
Where to find it 64A Wale Street, Cape Town
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You might also be interested in
The Best High Teas in Cape Town
The Best Spas in Cape Town
The Best Things To Do with Kids in Cape Town
The Best Indoor Activities in Cape Town
The Best Wine Bars in Cape Town
The Best Restaurants with Fireplaces in Cape Town

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