Things to do when it rains in Cape Town

It’s raining, it’s pouring, but this city is far from snoring

Only a ten minute walk from your house, a grey cloud unleashes it’s rainy fury. When you arrive home, your clothes are sticking to you and your feet are squelching. Rest assured that from go-karts to sharks, there are plenty of things to do in Cape Town without getting drenched.

Things to do for women when it rains in Cape Town:

Zone Lifestyle
Turn over a new wintery leaf and whip your bums, tums and thighs into shape. Zone fitness is a fully-equipped, women’s only gym, complete with sensation showers and an aerobics studio. Putting fitness, fun and friendship in the same sentence, their classes include boxing, belly dancing and boot camp.
2nd Floor | Lifestyle on Kloof | 50 Kloof Street | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 422 2909

Oshun for Hair and Beauty
Pamper weathered hair and skin in a tranquil space, accentuated by white drapes and organic materials. There are 10 workstations, a lounge area, a separate colour and preparation room, and a new beauty therapy room. For silky locks, indulge in the latest Global Keratin conditioning treatment.
Shop 104 | 1st Floor | Lifestyle on Kloof | 50 Kloof Street | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 422 0492

Shimansky
Your partner will appreciate the expression, ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’, if he knows a bit more about them. Embark on a fascinating tour of Shimansky’s diamond workshop, visit the diamond museum and the sparkling showroom. Read more about Shimansky.
Top Floor | The Clock Tower | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 421 2788

Discover the Winelands
Cape Town is surrounded by luscious vineyards. Why not head out on a wine tour to some of Cape Town’s distinctive growing regions? You’ll be able to tell your Sauvignon Blanc from your Pinotage and have sampled some gorgeous cheeses by the end of it. For more grapetastic ideas, visit our Things to do in the Winelands section.

Things to do for men when it rains in Cape Town:

Glasshouse Rejuvenation for Men
This up market Green Point salon is a one-stop grooming emporium, created specifically for the new age of metro sexual males. Enjoy an exclusive whisky and recline on luxurious black leather, while treated to a facial, teeth whitening or waxing.
Unit 110a | The Foundry | 74 Prestwich Street | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 419 9599

Mavericks Revue Bar
Expect plush lounges on three levels, gold cages and an up market restaurant and sushi bar; not to mention 80 sexy dancers. Every Wednesday and Friday, the club hosts Cabaret Extravaganza, where Mavericks star performers entertain with choreographed, fantasy acts and professional costumes. Read more about Mavericks.
68 Barrack Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 461 9988

Things to do for kids when it rains in Cape Town:

Kenilworth Karting
This 310 meter, indoor go-karting track is packed with twists and turns to challenge kids who are partial to high speed and adrenaline. Kenilworth Karting also has 140cc GBP junior carts, so you’ll be racing your kids to the finish line.
10 Myhof Road | Claremont | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 683 2670

Two Oceans Aquarium
Certainly a more desirable watery experience than being rained on outside, this underwater treasure trove is home to over 3,000 living sea animals such as, sharks, fishes, turtles and penguins. The aquarium raises environmental awareness through high-quality exhibits, conservation and education programs.
Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 418 3823

Cosy winter restaurants in Cape Town:

Societi Bistro
Societi boasts a warm bar called the snug with a fireplace and a couch. Share a glass of wine with friends and tuck into a hearty pork belly ‘pot au feu’ (French soup), made with free-range pork, vegetables, broth and mustard-pickle relish.
50 Orange Street | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 2100

Posticino
Head to this popular Sea Point Italian restaurant for unusual pizza toppings including salmon and cream cheese or chicken livers, pan fried in white wine, onion and Peri-Peri. Have a Sunday evening chat over a jug of Sangria and a slice of homemade tiramisu, while you toast your mitts by the fireplace. Read more about Posticino.
Albany Mews | Main Road | Sea Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 439 4014

Cultural things to do when it rains in Cape Town:

On Broadway Theatre
In this intimate space, you can enjoy theatre as though you haven’t even left your own living room. On Broadway showcases a variety of genres including cabaret, comedy and modern dance. Tuck into meat, fish, pasta, salad or a burger at their onsite restaurant, before the show.
44 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 1194

Iziko South African Museum
Take your mind off the rain by getting lost in more than one and half million specimens of scientific importance, as well as a number of fossils and tools. It’s quite an educational exhibition, with a record of extinct species, like dinosaurs.
25 Queen Victoria Street | Company's Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 481 3800

Whatiftheworld Gallery
Whatiftheworld Gallery, situated in the Old Biscuit Mill, is a space where art voyeurs can view the work of talented new contemporary artists and serious collectors can get acquainted with new artists. By giving a voice to new artistic talent, the gallery intends to grow public dialogue and critical debate.
First Floor | 208 Albert Road | Woodstock | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 448 1438

By Lisa Nevitt

Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.