20 Things to Do on Rainy Days in Cape Town

1. Dive into Books

Libraries and bookstores offer perfect spots for some quiet reading.

In Kalk Bay, Kalk Bay Books and in Roeland Street, The Book Lounge invite you to explore. Here, you can enjoy cozy seating, coffee, and Saturday kids programs.

Exclusive Books, with several locations throughout the city, also provides a vast selection, often with a café attached.

2. Savor a Cup of Tea

What’s better than a cup of tea with a cucumber sandwich? Cape Town boasts numerous high tea venues. Particularly famous is the Mount Nelson. At the Cape Grace, you can enjoy a light Cream Tea, at One & Only a refined selection, and at Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, the “Tea by the Sea” with a view. The President Hotel is also a top choice.

3. Hit the Dance Floor

A night on the dance floor warms you up even on the coldest rainy days. Que Pasa hosts salsa parties every Friday at Loop Street 91. If you prefer swing dancing, follow the Cape Town Swing newsletter or Facebook page for current dates.

4. Channel Your Inner Detective with HintHunt

If you love puzzles, HintHunt in Woodstock is perfect for you. In 60 minutes, your team must solve intriguing tasks to escape a locked room. Four scenarios are available, including crime scene investigations and submarine missions.

5. Broaden Your Horizons

The Cape Town Science Centre captivates with over 250 interactive exhibits on science, technology, and mathematics. Experiments and puzzles make it exciting for both kids and adults.

6. Warm Up by the Fire

A fireplace is soothing for the soul. The Kloof Street House offers cozy spaces in a Victorian setting. Other venues with fireplaces include Harbour House Restaurant, Rick's Café Americain, Café Paradiso, and Jonkershuis.

7. Support Locals at an Indoor Market

Covered markets offer local produce and handmade goods. Recommended are the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay, Bluebird Market in Muizenberg, Oranjezicht City Farm Market at the V&A Waterfront, and Earthfair Food Market in Tokai.

8. Go on a Craft Beer Tour

Cape Town is known for its craft beer scene. The Devil's Peak Brewing Company offers tastings and food in their taproom. The Woodstock Brewery and Brewers Co-Op are also popular. In the city center, Beerhouse on Long offers a vast selection and events.

9. Wine Tasting

For wine lovers, Constantia Glen and Beau Constantia provide stunning views and excellent wines. Along the Constantia Wine Route, Eagle's Nest, Steenberg, and Groot Constantia are worthwhile stops. The Constantia Wine Tour organizes full-day excursions with tastings.

10. Enjoy a Spa Treatment

Whether it's a pedicure or a massage, relaxation is guaranteed. The O on Kloof Boutique Hotel & Spa uses Africology products. The Heavenly Spa at the Westin Hotel offers wellness with a view. The spa at Babylonstoren is also very popular.

11. Watch a Film at the Oldest Cinema in the City

The Labia Theatre is the oldest independent cinema in the country. Here, you can experience arthouse films in nostalgic ambiance with popcorn and drinks like in the old days.

12. Visit a Museum

The District Six Museum documents the area's tumultuous history. The South African Jewish Museum highlights Jewish culture and history. Those with medical interest can visit the Cape Medical Museum or the Heart Transplant Museum. Sports fans will love the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum with its interactive exhibits.

13. Get Away with Murder

The Murder Mystery Crew organizes thrilling mystery evenings full of puzzles and entertainment – also available as a home event.

14. Play Golf in a Cave

Cave Golf at the V&A Waterfront offers indoor mini golf in an artificial cave with 18 varied holes.

15. Experience Art

The South African National Art Gallery showcases international and African art. At the Montebello Design Centre in Newlands, designers and artists present their work.

16. Warm Up with Curry

A spicy curry warms you up from the inside. Recommended spots include Vintage India, Bukhara, and Café Soul.

17. Get Up Close with Sharks or Octopus

At the Two Oceans Aquarium, discover over 3,000 sea creatures, including sharks, turtles, and penguins. The jellyfish exhibit is particularly impressive.

18. Discover the World of Diamonds

The Cape Town Diamond Museum educates about the history and processing of diamonds. Visitors learn fascinating facts about famous stones and the art of cutting.

19. Enjoy a Cup of Coffee

Popular cafés include Deluxe Coffeeworks, Tribe Coffee Roasting Company, The Haas Collective, Origin Coffee Roasting, and Truth Coffee. You can also find excellent coffee in Khayelitsha.

20. Visit the V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront offers much more than shopping. Restaurants, cinema, tours, art, and numerous indoor activities make it the perfect rainy day destination in Cape Town.