Last Updated on July 23, 2024 by Hannah Stephenson
Cape Town can be a super romantic city.
With its stunning scenery and myriad of fun activities, I’d argue that it’s got even more romantic potential than Paris or Rome. And okay, to be honest, I don’t go on a ton of dates, but I do live in Cape Town and I have dated here.
But the less we say about that, the better…
Even though I may not be much of a player myself, I do know what makes a good date and what doesn’t. So whether you want a whole day out with your partner or a quick activity for a first date, there are so many fun, date-worthy activities in Cape Town for every budget.
1. Watch the sunset at Kloof Corner
Kloof Corner offers the best views in Cape Town. From this viewpoint on the side of Table Mountain, you get panoramic views stretching from the City Bowl to the Twelve Apostles. This is my favourite place to catch the sunset in Cape Town and I never get tired of how beautiful it is.
There’s a small car park near the Kloof Corner steps, so you can drive there, or you can just put “Kloof Corner” into Uber. Look for a green gate with a sign that says “Kloof Corner” and you’re good to go.
It takes 15-20 minutes to walk to the top of the Kloof Corner steps, so you don’t need to worry about committing to a long hike if it’s early days!
And to make it extra date-worthy, you can easily bring a small picnic or a bottle of wine with you, and it’s a good idea to bring a torch to walk down after dark. That last part isn’t especially romantic, but it’s just good sense.
Check out my full guide to hiking Kloof Corner here!
2. Champagne Cruise at the Waterfront
Does it get much more romantic than a sunset champagne cruise? This is easily one of my favourite Cape Town date ideas!
Okay, I did this cruise with friends, but it would totally work as a date. Cruising down the Atlantic coast at sunset is very romantic, and you get a bottle of bubbles to share! It’s not the best quality MCC, but bubbles are bubbles in my book.
The cruise lasts for 1.5 hours and the sparkling wine will certainly help ease any nerves! My friends and I had so much fun on this boat, and we loved the music and upbeat atmosphere. It wasn’t a super private experience as the boat was pretty full but I still think it’d be an absolute blast as a date.
The cruise costs R580 (£25/$30) per person. Bring a jacket with you as it can get chilly out on the water! We just took ours off for photos.
You can book your champagne cruise here!
3. Dinner at the Grand Life Cafe
I make no secret of the fact that I love the Grand Life Cafe. It’s chilled out, not too expensive, and it’s right on the edge of the harbour. I love sitting here with a glass of wine on a sunny day, or chowing down on their amazing seafood pasta.
Having dinner at the Grand Life Cafe at sunset can certainly be romantic. They’ve got twinkly fairy lights outside and blankets in case you get cold, or you can sit inside in the plush dining room. Wine also comes in generous portions, which I think is important for any date!
4. Helicopter ride
If you’re looking to wow that special someone, then a helicopter flight over Cape Town is sure to make for a memorable date night. I’ll be honest, I actually haven’t done this myself (yet!) but it’s on my bucket list because I’m sure it will be incredible. Given how beautiful and dramatic Cape Town’s landscape is, how can it not be?
For R3,757 (£160/$197) per person, you can take a 20-minute helicopter tour along the Atlantic Coast. You’ll see the City Bowl, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, the Twelve Apostles, and of course Table Mountain. It’s insane!
You can book your flight here!
5. Clay Cafe
Painting pottery at Clay Café is such a lovely thing to do in Cape Town’s city centre, and I think it’s such a sweet date idea. It’s relaxing, mindful, and fun. And hey, if the conversation dries up, at least you’ve got your painting to focus on!
There’s a range of items to choose from, including mugs, plates, butter dishes, and big fruit bowls. It’s best to book in advance as Clay Cafe is really popular. You can spend up to 2.5 hours there painting and then it takes 3-5 weeks to get your items back, as they get sent off to be fired and finished.
6. A prom walk
The Sea Point promenade hugs the Atlantic Coast from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay, and it’s a popular first date idea among Capetonians. There’s no cost involved and no commitment, so what’s not to like?
The views along the prom are really nice and you can see some amazing sunsets as you walk along here in the evening. I also like to stop at the food trucks next to the Sea Point pavilion for some food – especially the Falafel Guy! Or, sometimes I walk all the way to Saunders Rock Beach, which is another fantastic sunset spot.
7. Cocktails at Cause & Effect
Cause & Effect is well known amongst Capetonians for its quirky cocktails. It’s a great place to grab some drinks with your date because at the very least, the off-the-wall concoctions will give you something to talk about!
I’ve personally tried a cotton candy topped llama cocktail, a Table Mountain cocktail, and one that came with a toy skateboard ramp. The llama one (‘Larry the No Drama Llama’) is my favourite, but they were all pretty good.
There are two branches of Cause & Effect in Cape Town, but you’re better off going to the one at the V&A Waterfront. I’ve heard the service at the Camps Bay branch is lacking.
8. Beach picnic
Who doesn’t love a good beach picnic? Heading to one of the Clifton Beaches or to Saunders Rock beach with a blanket and a basket full of goodies is a surefire way to enjoy a romantic evening in Cape Town.
This is a simple, cheap, and easy date idea in Cape Town, and whichever beach you choose the setting is sure to be oh-so romantic.
9. Catch a movie at the Labia
The Labia is an old-school cinema in Cape Town city centre. They do cinema the old fashioned way, which perhaps explains why this theatre has stood the test of time – well, that and the fact that they sell wine!
There’s a nice outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a drink before or after your film, and you can even come to watch classic films here. I saw the Downton Abbey movie here and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been to such a charming little cinema.
They also offer a meal-and-movie combo pretty much every day of the week. These offers change regularly so make sure to check the website, but you can usually get some pretty good deals.
10. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson
The pink Mount Nelson hotel is one of Cape Town’s finest and most historic hotels. It’s been around since 1899 and has welcomed all manner of famous guests, from Winston Churchill to Kate Moss!
The hotel hosts afternoon tea between 12 and 3 pm from Wednesday to Sunday. For R550 you get a welcome glass of bubbles, lots of teas and specialty coffees, and some very fancy finger sandwiches. You can also add extra champagne and cocktails for an additional charge.
I think that this would make such a sweet date! Just make sure to book in advance so that your par amour isn’t disappointed.
11. Perfect your mixology skills
Cape Town’s “secret” Gin Bar is tucked away behind a cafe on Wale Street, and it’s widely regarded as the best place in the city to grab a G&T.
Better still, you can actually book a tasting and mixology class here. So not only do you get to taste a bunch of artisan gins on offer, you also get to learn how to make the perfect G&T – and if that’s not an important life skill, then I don’t know what is!
Every Tuesday night, this intimate 10-person class takes place at the Gin Bar. Keenan, the master mixologist, will lead you through a tasting of five gins and then you’ll prepare two cocktails before enjoying them as a group. This class costs R1213 and begins at 6 pm, and you get free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.
12. The Constantia Wine Bus
The Constantia wine bus is one of the BEST things to do in Cape Town, and it makes a fun full-day date.
It’s not officially called “the wine bus”, but if you catch the hop-on hop-off bus from the Aquarium, the Blue Route will take you to the Constantia Valley. From there, you can change to a smaller bus and visit up to three different wineries. The bus also stops at the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens before it reaches Constantia, so you can enjoy a romantic stroll there before you start on the wine.
I’ve got a full guide to the Constantia wine bus, but I’ll give you the abridged version now. Bsaically, you can visit up to three wine farms on the wine bus: Beau Constantia, Groot Constantia, and Silvermist.
Beau Constantia has incredible views and is the most famous of the three, so it makes for a spectacular date spot.
You can reserve your tickets for the Constantia wine bus here!
13. Explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch Gardens are world-renowned botanical gardens. They’re very beautiful and are home to lots of scenic walking trails, perfect for a romantic stroll!
You can drive here, or stop off on the hop-on hop-off bus on your way out to Constantia! Admission prices are as follows:
- R220 for international adult visitors
- R100 for adult South Africans and SADC Nationals
- R40 for kids over 6
You can also purchase a self-guided audio tour of the gardens if you want to learn more about the flora and fauna!
14. The Galileo Open Air Cinema
The Galileo Open Air Cinema screens outdoor movies, including lots of romcom faves, which is perfect for a date night!
They only run movies during the summer months, usually from October through April. Often, they host screenings in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, after the official closing time, or at Century City.
You can bring a picnic and make a night of it! I think this is such a romantic thing to do. Standard tickets cost R140 and you can check the movie schedule here.
15. Have a sunset picnic on Signal Hill
A sunset picnic is pretty romantic, and even more so when you’re enjoying panoramic views of the city! The only problem with going up Signal Hill during the summer is that it gets really busy, so it can be a bit of a nightmare to drive there.
For that reason I think that booking this sunset tour is the best way to do it! It takes care of all of the transport for you, so you don’t need to worry about traffic and parking.
Bring your own food and drink, and then enjoy cruising around the city in an open top bus before you get to Signal Hill. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this is always a treat. And if you’ve got a hot date by your side, well, that’s even better!
What I really love about this tour is that it’s super affordable. At R195 per person, it pretty much costs the same as an Uber to and from Signal Hill, and it’s safer. The bus will whisk you off once the sky has finished its spectacular show, so there’s no chance of you getting stranded if Uber is busy.
Click here to book your spot, with free cancellation!
16. Play Putt Putt
For the non-South Africans reading this blog post, putt putt is mini golf, but it’s more fun to say!
A game or two of putt putt is such a cute date idea. It’s fun, it’s affordable, and it’s not too much of a time commitment. Basically, it’s a good way to get to know someone better without committing yourself to an hours-long activity.
There are a few places to play putt putt in Cape Town. One of the best is the course along the promenade in Mouille Point. It’s R40 per person for a round, or you can get 3 rounds for R80. I like this course because it’s right next to the sea!
If the weather isn’t great, there’s also Cave Golf at the V&A Waterfront, which is an indoor course. A game costs R35 and you have to put a R20 deposit down for your clubs.
17. Hussar Grill Date Night Special
This is one of my personal favourites. I love the steak at the Hussar Grill and the date night special is such good value for money, too!
Date night is every Tuesday night. You pay R450 – R550 for two people, which gets you:
- Nibbles on arrival
- A two- or three-course meal each
- A bottle of red wine to share
- A chocolate vodka martini (which is just like drinking melted chocolate – it’s delicious!)
You can check out the full menu here. This is so much fun and really great value – I mean, R225 per person? Come ON!
The Hussar Grill sells alcohol but they also permit you to bring your own wine for free. Yup, you read that right!
You can either visit the one in Mouille Point or Camps Bay.
18. Go beer tasting
Cape Town is well known for wine tasting, but there are also plenty of places to go beer tasting.
If you want to stay central, head to BeerHouse on Long Street where you can bond with your date over the Beer o’Clock tasting tray. You get twelve 100ml samples for R180, which should help grease the wheels of conversation!
Or if you want to kick the romance up a notch, my favourite place for a flight is the Aegir Project in Noordhoek – and their amazing burgers don’t hurt! The best thing about this plan is that you can drive there via Chapman’s Peak Scenic Drive, which is a stunning drive. It will definitely a little extra romance!
19. Grab a drink at Rockpool
Rockpool is a casual spot that serves good food and drinks, with views of the Sea Point promenade. It’s nothing spectacular, but it’s a really good first date spot. You don’t need to stay long, it’s not too expensive, and it’s really easy to get to.
I always get really nervous about meeting people from dating apps, so Rockpool is a go-to for me.
And if you do want to stay, they’ve got nice food, and a pleasant ambience. Plus, you can go for a prom walk before or afterwards!
20. Visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach
I can’t think of a cuter date idea in Cape Town than going to check out the adorable African penguins at Boulders Beach!
A whole penguin colony lives on this picturesque sandy beach. It’s covered in boardwalks so that you can safely view the penguins without disturbing them. There are also restaurants and cafes nearby where you can grab a drink afterwards. And to make the day even more fun you can drive there via Chapman’s Peak!
You do need to pay to access Boulders Beach, but it’s totally worth it. The prices are as follows:
- R45 for South Africans
- R95 for SADC Nationals
- R190 for visitors from other countries
21. Take the cable car up Table Mountain
Heading up Table Mountain in the cable car could make for a fun date. I actually did it once, and although that situation didn’t work out, it’s a nice memory.
At certain times of the year, you can even go at sunset and enjoy a drink up there as the sky does its thing. Or, you can go up during the day to hike to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on the mountain, or do one of the guided walks that leave every hour between 9 am and 3 pm.
The views from the top of Table Mountain are absolutely insane – you can see for miles in every direction. I was so impressed with the fact that I could see all the way down to Kalk Bay – how cool is that?
Return tickets cost R395 before 1 pm, or R340 during the afternoon. At the top, there’s also a restaurant/slash bar and a terrace where you can enjoy a drink with a serious view.
Open times change throughout the year and it’s also possible to hike up one way, and then take the cable car back down. Thinking about it, that could be a great idea for an active date!
22. Go SUPping in Battery Park
If you’re looking for an active Cape Town date idea, I think that SUPping in the canals around Battery Park and the V&A Waterfront is fantastic. It only takes around an hour but you get beautiful views and a gentle workout while you’re at it! I managed to do it hungover and was fine… but I could definitely feel my abs the next day.
If you head to SUP Cape Town, you can rent a board for R280 for one hour. You can then head out on the 3 kilometre loop around the Waterfront canals and paddle past swanky apartments and gorgeous scenery.
23. Chapman’s Peak Scenic Drive
Chapman’s Peak Scenic Drive is one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever done. I think it’s second to only the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam, but there was WAY more effort involved with that.
I’ve got a full guide to the drive here, but basically it’s a gorgeous stretch of road that winds along the side of Chapman’s Peak mountain. As you drive with red cliffs on one side and deep blue sea water on the other, you’ll feel like you’re in some kind of fancy car commercial (in fact, several have been filmed along here!)
You do need to stop and pay a fee along the way, which goes towards the maintenance of the road. It costs R61 per day, so if you keep your receipt you can use it to drive back that way later.
Chapman’s Peak Drive only opens during calm weather, so make sure you check the road status before you go. And if you want to continue your date afterwards, you can head to the Aegir Project for a beer and an insanely good burger!
24. Have drinks at a rooftop bar
Drinks with a view are always romantic, and Cape Town has plenty of rooftop bars to choose from. This is basically a bunch of Cape Town date ideas in one!
If you want to pull out all the stops, you can head to the swanky Silo Rooftop for gorgeous views over the Waterfront. 14 Stories at the Sun Square Hotel is another good choice, as they’ve got an outdoor section and an indoor lounge if you get chilly. I like the margaritas here, too!
Chinchilla in Camps Bay would be my top pick for a date. I caught the most beautiful sunset from here and had a really nice meal, so I think it’s an amazing date spot.
I did really like The Nines in Sea Point, too, as it felt very swanky and the huge open windows offered amazing views.
25. Ride the Cape Wheel
Last but not least, a ride on the Cape Wheel could be a super romantic experience. It’s not super long, though, as it only lasts about 12 minutes, but you could do this and then head over the road to grab a drink at Tasha’s.
I went on the wheel at sunset which was pretty spectacular! To ensure we got the timing right, we just went and asked the lady at the kiosk when the optimal time for a sunset ride would be. She told us, so we paid for our tickets and went and grabbed a drink while we waited.
There’s also not really any need to book tickets in advance, as you can just turn up and buy them on the day.
It costs R250 for internationals and R175 for locals for a standard ride.
However, if you really want to sweep that special someone off their feet then you can actually rent out an entire pod for R2,875. If you book this, you’ll be in the VIP gondola which has tinted windows and a glass floor. You also get a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and music in your pod!
If you just want a regular ride on the Cape Wheel, there’s no need to book in advance. However, if you want to treat your date to a VIP experience, you’ll need to email manager2@capewheel.co.za to make a reservation.
Okay, those are all my Cape Town date ideas, but for more fun things to do in the city, check out…