Cape Town is a smorgasbord of some of the most romantic experiences in South Africa. Wrapped around in mountains and turquoise sea, Cape Town is full of surprises, adventure and relaxation.
The Mother City never disappoints, it is truly a paradise for love. From beautiful white-sand beaches to the enviable Cape Winelands, from hiking majestic Table Mountain and chasing sunsets along the Atlantic Seaboard, there are plenty of romantic places and experiences to enjoy dawn to dusk.
Here are my favourite romantic experiences in Cape Town.
Sundowners on Chapmans Peak
It’s simple, pack a bottle of wine, some local cheese and biscuits, and take a drive along one of the most sensational routes in the world, Chapmans Peak. The views are magnificent. The sheer height of this drive is gob smacking and to watch the sun set over the Sentinel is truly special. Sip on your favorite local wine and watch the skies dramatically evolve into evening.
Swimming with Penguins
This must be one of the most special and romantic experiences in Cape Town. Boulders Beach, a quick 40-minute drive from Cape Town, is a secluded beach full of big boulders, soft sand and African penguins. Boulders is tranquil and protected from the elements, and the perfect place to swim and share your time with these amazing creatures of the sea.
Picnic at Boschendal
The perfect picnic spot in the Cape Winelands! Made famous for its farm-to-table food, you will find everything in your basket. From the farm produce to the artisanal delights, Boschendal picnic baskets are just a treat! Enjoy freshly baked breads, salads, charcuterie and preserves, and the most delicious and celebrated desserts. This is a fantastic way to share beautiful foods in the most romantic setting under the old oak trees.
Open-air theatre at Kirstenbosch Gardens
Spoil yourself to cinematic pleasures, delicious treats and of course beautiful scenery under a canopy of stars. TheGalileo offers classical comedies, musicals and romantic films that will allow you and your partner to be completely entertained underneath the stars. A perfect date night option when visiting the Cape.
Creation Blackboard Menu
This must be my best wine pairing experience; Creation Wines – set in the beautiful Hemel en Aarde valley about an hour from Cape Town – has a Blackboard Menu that offers a choice of the best dishes made with fresh ingredients. Perfectly paired with an award-winning Creation wine, each dish serves to highlight the food-friendly, versatile nature of the local vintages. This is an experience that is not only romantic, but worthwhile. This taste experience will bring great pleasure and joy to the table.
Couples Massage at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
Your view is the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and the deep blue Atlantic Sea. This couples massage is like no other in Cape Town. Enjoy being spoilt together in an outdoor enclosed Spa Mountain Gazebo, with untouched views. If you are looking for a unique experience for you and your partner, this must be on your list. This 90-minute massage ends off with a bottle of sparkling wine and a delicious lunch.
Sunrise Hike up Signal Hill
For the more adventurous, this is a highly recommended activity. Remember to make sure you wear the right shoes and take water along; the hike is not very difficult but can be a good workout. Once you have reached the top, you will be spoilt with the most incredible views from Signal Hill, overlooking the sea and city as it wakes up! And unquestionably, the sunrise. It is always a good idea to get a guide or a local to join you!
Helicopter Flip over the city
Experience Cape Town from the sky. Experience exceptional aerial views of Table Mountain, Lions Head and more of the city and Atlantic Seaboard shoreline. Surprise your partner with this amazing experience, it’s a truly special way to celebrate!
Horse Riding at Long Beach
Long Beach, situated in Noordhoek, is a pristine 8km beach with a lagoon and a National Park-protected wetland. Is the perfect way to enjoy a walk or relaxed trot on a horse. Here you and your partner can walk through the shallow waters of the lagoon, reaching the unspoiled stretch of beach with magnificent views of Chapman’s Peak and The Sentinel. You are also able to see local wildlife and the washed-up ruins of Kakapo, a shipwreck that dates to the 1900’s.
Sundowners on the Silo Rooftop
The Silo Rooftop is an urban, city delight, it offers you an al fresco experience with panoramic views of Cape Town from the tallest building in the V&A Waterfront. The menu is sublime, from delicious tempura treats, fresh oysters, pulled pork sandwiches, and a selection of snacks from the bar. Sap up the last sunshine of the day, supping on a South African wine or a classic cocktail, nothing better.
Dine at the famous La Colombe
Led by multi-award-winning chef Scot Kirton and executive chef James Gaag is the Famous La Colombe. This stylish restaurant is situated on the slopes of the Constantiaberg mountains, with James and his team creating French-Asian styled dishes using foraged ingredients that are plated into immaculate presented foods. A truly special and romantic culinary treat!
From divine food and wine to local adventures, Cape Town and its surrounds is there to explore! From the tip of Cape Point to the beautiful and scenic Cape Winelands, there’s something for everyone to fall in love with. Be inspired to create memories for a lifetime with a romantic Cape Town experience on your next trip.
