10 Top Dating Ideas in Cape Town

A selection of the best dating ideas in Cape Town and the Surrounds

Cape Town is certainly the city that you can fall in love with, so why not get the best of both worlds and fall in love in it. We’ve come up with a list of lovers’ lairs, to make finding romance in the Mother City a little more flowery.

1 - A lovers’ boat cruise with Tigger Too
The word ‘no’ won’t even come into it if you whisk your girlfriend off for a sunset proposal. Either there’s something in the sea air, or these guys really know how to bring out the love. A private, couple only charter, will sail you and your wife to be from the V&A Waterfront to Clifton Fourth Beach. Expect unforgettable mountain views, topped off by a candlelit, four course dinner.
In front of the Hildebrand Restaurant | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 418 0241

2 - A picnic at Warwick Wine Estate
Romantic views and spectacular tastes are the stuff of fairytale honeymoons. Like two lovebirds in a Warwick Wine picnic pod, kick back in the spacious lawns and surrounds of this classic Cape Dutch building. Sip a glass of Chardonnay from an antique wedding cup, whilst indulging in gourmet picnic nibbles including; biltong and brandy pate and a charcuterie selection. For a romantic read The Story of Warwick Wine Estate
Between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts | Stellenbosch | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 884 3144

3 - A drive along Chapman’s Peak
Dubbed one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak is where many a spectacular relationship may blossom. This stunning stretch of rocky coastline, situated between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, has many viewing areas along the way, so why not stop, have a romantic picnic and take in the 180 degree coastal views?
Chapman’s Peak Drive | Between Noordhoek and Hout Bay

4 - Ice-skating at Grandwest Casino
The Olympic-sized ice-skating ring at the Grandwest Casino is a fun place to start a new relationship and you can even hire skates there. Just make sure you aren’t gazing into his eyes so much that you trip over an unsuspecting child and plummet headlong into the barriers. The idea of ice-skating on a first date is to break the ice and not your leg (that’ll put you out of action for at least six weeks, by which time he’ll have probably lost interest).
Vanguard Drive | Goodwood | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 535 2260

5 - Dinner beneath the stars at Planet Restaurant
Nothing says romance quite like dining beneath a sparkly sky. Mount Nelson's offering boasts zodiac-themed mirrors and graceful, star-inspired chandelliers. Rudi Liebenbergs six-course, Journey tasting menu, featuring rare tomatoes and exquisite wines, is an aphodisiac of galactic proportions. Read more about Planet Restaurant.
Mount Nelson Hotel | 76 Orange Street | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 483 1000

6 - A romantic flight in a hot air balloon, courtesy of Book Cape Town
I wouldn’t recommend doing this until a few dates into the relationship, when you are absolutely certain that he won’t turn into an axe murderer at high altitudes. Your balloon floats off just before sunrise and sails over the vineyards of the Berg River Valley, between Paarl and Malmesbury. You’re even treated to a wholesome breakfast before you set flight.
46 Main Road | Claremont | Cape Town | +27 (0)87 820 5406

7 - A date at Clifton Fourth Beach
You haven’t spent your single days slaving away at the gym for nothing. You want to show that hot body off to your date and what better way to do that than to cavort around the beach in a sexy bikini? Idyllic Clifton Fourth Beach, aka ‘Babe Watch Beach’, is the perfect setting for a picnic. Brave the cold waters to show off your body boarding skills.

8. Couple Pampering at the Wine Spa
Not only is a pamper day a sublimely intimate experience for you and your partner, but it also shows that you are attentive to his/her daily stresses whether it’s travelling, minding the kids, a demanding job or sitting awkwardly at an office desk. Why not indulge in a couples massage to ease away daily stress and relax together? You can book a double massage room at the Wine Spa in Franchhoek. Beautiful scenery and romantic lunch options to boot. Read more about A Healing African Wine and Spa Experience.
Lambrechts Road | Franschhoek | Cape Town | +27 (0)86 126 6626

9 - Dinner and a movie with Labia and Societi Bistro
A movie = classic date scenario. How about a little Lights! Dinner! And backseat action! A mere R70 will see you dining on two delicious pastas at Orange Streets, Societi Bistro, followed by a movie at old world cinema, Labia, from 5pm, on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Societi Bistro | 50 Orange Street | Tamboerskloof | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 2100 ; Labia | Lifestyle Centre | 50 Kloof Street | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 5927

10 - A tandem skydive with Skydive Cape Town
He and she who dares! Skydiving is the ultimate adrenalin rush and you and your partner will talk about this thrilling experience for years to come. A scenic ride in a light aircraft to (gulp!) 9000ft, and it’s all systems go. Experience a 30 second freefall at 120mph (quite fast), then let out a sigh of relief as your open parachute floats you gently to the ground. It’s Cape Town, so you’ll be treated to majestic views of Table Mountain, Robben Island and the West Coast.
+27 (0)82 800 6290

It’s winter. Are you and your date looking for something to do when it rains or a cosy restaurant with a fireplace? Check out our popular Best of Cape Town Section

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