Cape Town is a city of endless beauty, but even the Mother City has its rainy days. Don’t let the weather dampen your spirits—there’s plenty to do indoors! From luxurious spa retreats to interactive art experiences, here’s your ultimate guide to the best rainy-day activities in Cape Town.
Key Takeaways
- Indulgence: Spas, high teas, and whisky tastings offer luxury escapes.
- Creativity: Artjamming, DIY Craft Bar, and gin-making let you express yourself.
- Family Fun: From aquariums to bowling, there’s something for everyone.
1. Taking a spa treatment is a great way to warm up
“There’s something magical about swapping the cold rain for a warm, steamy sanctuary. A spa day is the perfect antidote to gloomy weather, leaving you refreshed and glowing for the next sunny day.”
Cape Town boasts some of the most luxurious spas in the world. At the One&Only Spa, indulge in a his-and-hers thermal experience with aroma-steam rooms, saunas, and vitality pools. Alternatively, the Taj Hotel’s Ayurveda-led spa offers a hammam, jacuzzi, and heated pool. The 10 Best Spas in Cape Town
Good to Know: Spa facilities are accessible with treatment bookings.
Opening Times: Daily, 8am – 8pm
Contact:
- One&Only: 021 431 5810, [email protected]
- Taj: 021 819 2028, [email protected]
Location: - One&Only: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
- Taj: 1 Wale Street, Cape Town
2. The Chef’s Studio will help you up your kitchen game
“Rainy days and cooking go hand in hand. At The Chef’s Studio, you’ll learn to whip up a feast under the guidance of Chef Matt Manning, who trained under Gordon Ramsay.”
This interactive culinary workshop offers themed classes, from mastering iconic dishes to exploring global cuisines. After cooking, enjoy your creations at a communal table.
Good to Know: Pair your meal with wine at Culture Wine Bar or cocktails at The Blue Room.
Cost: From R750 per person (four-course dinner)
Contact: 076 256 8654, [email protected]
Location: 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
3. Keep Moving at Total Ninja
“Channel your inner ninja at this indoor obstacle course. It’s a full-body workout disguised as fun!”
Total Ninja features cargo nets, monkey bars, and even a Warped Wall. With dedicated areas for mini ninjas (under 4s), it’s perfect for families.
Cost: R160 (one hour); R240 (two hours)
Contact: 021 745 3089, [email protected]
Location: Black River Park, Observatory
4. Treat Yourself at the Vista Lounge
“Dress up and escape the rain at this chic lounge with floor-to-ceiling views of Table Mountain.”
Enjoy theatrical cocktails or chef Karen Dudley’s all-day menu, from mushroom toast to Japanese seafood curry.
Opening Times: Daily, 7am – 11pm
Contact: 021 431 5888, [email protected]
Location: One&Only Cape Town, V&A Waterfront
5. Explore the World of Whisky at The Taj
“Whisky lovers, rejoice! The Taj’s Whisky Lounge offers tastings paired with chocolate truffles, mini desserts, and savoury canapés.”
Choose from beginner tastings or delve into specific regions like Scottish or Japanese whiskies.
Cost: R395 – R695 (pairings)
Contact: 021 819 2111, [email protected]
Location: 1 Wale Street, Cape Town
6. Paint Up a Storm at Artjamming
“Unleash your creativity at Artjamming, where you can paint your masterpiece on a blank canvas.”
Choose from various canvas sizes and acrylic paints, or try your hand at making slime at SlimeTime.
Cost: R185 – R1,200 (canvas); SlimeTime from R99
Contact: 021 425 5050, [email protected]
Location: V&A Waterfront
7. Scale New Heights at CityRock
“Swap Netflix for a Spider-Man experience at this indoor climbing gym.”
With walls for all skill levels, CityRock is perfect for families. Kids as young as 5 can climb in the dedicated Kids Zone.
Cost: R160 (child); R190 (adult)
Contact: 021 447 1326, [email protected]
Location: 9 Milner Street, Paarden Eiland
8. Enjoy High Tea at Cellars-Hohenort
“Indulge in a classic high tea surrounded by award-winning gardens.”
Savour smoked burrata mousse, mini beef Wellingtons, and Black Forest opera cake paired with exclusive teas.
Cost: R435 per person
Contact: 021 794 2137, [email protected]
Location: 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia
9. Make Your Own Gin at Distillers & Union
“Become a gin distiller for a day and create your own unique blend.”
Choose from botanicals like citrus, herbs, and spices, and take home a 500ml bottle with a handmade label.
Cost: R595 (standard); R750 (deluxe)
Contact: 021 447 2517, [email protected]
Location: 156 Victoria Road, Woodstock
10. Admire Art at the Norval Foundation
“Combine art and nature at this serene museum in the Constantia winelands.”
Explore nine galleries showcasing African modern and contemporary art, then dine at Grub & Vine.
Cost: R200 (adult); free for children under 18
Contact: 087 654 5900, [email protected]
Location: 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai
11. Gain Perspective at the Planetarium
“Step into the cosmos at the Iziko Planetarium, where the Digital Dome takes you on a journey through the universe.”
This state-of-the-art planetarium offers shows for all ages, from exploring ancient Mayan astronomy to uncovering the mysteries of the dark universe.
Good to Know: Combine your visit with the Iziko South African Museum next door, which features fascinating exhibits like dinosaur fossils and whale skeletons.
Cost: R70 (adults); R40 (children, students, pensioners)
Contact: 021 481 3800, [email protected]
Location: 25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town
12. Feast Your Senses at Kloof Street House
“This Victorian house is a feast for the senses, with crackling fireplaces, live jazz, and a brasserie-style menu.”
Enjoy comfort classics like steak and burgers, or indulge in the all-day brunch menu with bottomless mimosas.
Good to Know: Winter Lunch Specials are available daily (except Sunday) at R250 for two courses.
Contact: 021 423 4413, [email protected]
Location: 30 Kloof Street, Gardens
13. Solve Real-World Mysteries at HintHunt
“Put your problem-solving skills to the test in one of HintHunt’s thrilling escape rooms.”
Choose from six themed scenarios, including a submarine adventure and a classic prison break.
Cost: R335 per person
Contact: 021 001 4215, [email protected]
Location: The Watershed, V&A Waterfront
14. Spoil Yourself at Honest Chocolate Café
“Everything’s better with chocolate! This cosy café serves bean-to-bar treats, from hot chocolate to truffles.”
Try the 70% dark hot chocolate with added flavours like Mexican spices or peanut butter.
Good to Know: Join a chocolate-making workshop at their Woodstock factory.
Contact: 076 765 8306, [email protected]
Location: 64A Wale Street, Cape Town
15. Hang Out at the Mojo Market
“This buzzing indoor market is a foodie’s paradise, with over 30 food outlets and live music.”
From ramen and dim sum to Middle Eastern desserts, there’s something for everyone.
Good to Know: Salsa Sundays feature Latin DJs and cocktails.
Contact: 021 422 4888, [email protected]
Location: 30 Regent Road, Sea Point
16. Time Travel at the Irma Stern Museum
“Step into the home of one of South Africa‘s most flamboyant artists, Irma Stern.”
Explore her eclectic collections and studio, which still feels as if she’s just left the room.
Good to Know: Join an art class every second Saturday.
Cost: R65 (adults); free for under-18s
Contact: 021 650 7240, [email protected]
Location: 21 Cecil Road, Rosebank
17. Ride the Steam Train to Elgin
“Experience the romance of a steam-train ride through breathtaking landscapes.”
The Ceres Rail journey takes you over Sir Lowry’s Pass to the Elgin Railway Market, where live music and street food await.
Cost: R675 (adult); R500 (child)
Contact: Book via Ceres Rail
Location: AC Marriott Hotel platform, Dockrail Road
18. Go Old-School with 10-Pin Bowling
“Strike out the rainy-day blues at Let’s Go Bowling, complete with craft beer and pizza.”
This family-friendly spot also features a video-game arcade and a supervised indoor playground.
Cost: R85 (one game)
Contact: 087 378 0891, [email protected]
Location: Stadium on Main, Claremont
19. Taste the Globe at Time Out Market
“This food court brings together Cape Town’s top chefs under one roof.”
Try dishes from Peter Tempelhoff, Giorgio Nava, and Bertus Basson, paired with wine from Culture Wine Bar.
Contact: [email protected]
Location: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
20. Celebrate Water at the Two Oceans Aquarium
“Dive into an underwater world with over 10,000 sea creatures.”
Highlights include the kelp forest, penguin exhibit, and a 10-metre glass tunnel.
Cost: R250 (adult); R115 (child)
Contact: 021 418 3823, [email protected]
Location: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
21. Find a Full Beer Experience at Woodstock Brewery
“This craft brewery combines experimental brews with rock ‘n roll vibes.”
Try their Born Slippy lager or Dublin Soul stout, paired with beer-matching comfort food.
Good to Know: Small-batch Thursdays feature limited-release experiments.
Contact: 021 203 3045, [email protected]
Location: 252 Albert Road, Woodstock
22. See Top Art at Zeitz MOCAA
“Africa’s largest contemporary art museum is a must-visit for art lovers.”
Explore cutting-edge exhibitions in a stunning repurposed grain silo.
Cost: R250 (adult); free for children
Contact: 087 350 4777, [email protected]
Location: Silo District, V&A Waterfront
23. Get Your Craft Kicks at the DIY Craft Bar
“Unleash your creativity with hands-on crafts like shibori dyeing and macramé.”
Perfect for tweens, teens, and adults, these workshops are both fun and educational.
Cost: R180 – R330
Contact: 082 373 0149, [email protected]
Location: Red Herring Centre, Noordhoek
24. Drink Wine in a “Cave” at Klein Roosboom
“Hibernate in style at this boutique winery’s cosy cave tasting rooms.”
Each cave is uniquely themed, from “Versailles” to “The Pantry.”
Cost: R160 (premium tasting)
Contact: 086 057 2572, [email protected]
Location: Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville
25. Explore the Atlantic Rail Steam Train
“Take a scenic journey from Cape Town to Simon’s Town, with stunning views of False Bay.”
This historic steam train runs on public holidays and is a nostalgic way to explore the Cape.
Cost: Check Atlantic Rail for pricing.
Location: Cape Town Station
FAQs
Q: What are the best family-friendly activities in Cape Town when it rains?
A: The Two Oceans Aquarium, Total Ninja, and the Planetarium are perfect for families.
Q: Where can I enjoy a unique dining experience in Cape Town?
A: Try Kloof Street House for live jazz and comfort food, or Time Out Market for global flavours.
Q: Are there any free activities in Cape Town for rainy days?
A: Yes! The Mojo Market offers free entry, and Zeitz MOCAA is free for children and SA citizens on Wednesday mornings.
Disclaimer: WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.
Follow Us:
For more travel inspiration, visit Cape Town Tourism.
