Cape Town is known for its natural beauty, its culture, its history, and creative flair – it’s also known for what the locals call the Cape Doctor, the near gale-force South-Easter wind that comes howling around Table Mountain during summer. When the South Easter is pumping, being outdoors isn’t particularly fun, even a walk on the beach can be rather unpleasant. However, there are lots of things to do in the city when the Doctor calls.
Visit a wine farm
The Western Cape is a world renowned wine region, with an abundance of award-winning wineries that produce some of the world’s finest wines, even within the boundaries of the city. While most wine farms are geared towards making the best of the mostly beautiful weather of the region, many have cafes or restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal after tasting some of the estate’s top wines. It’s the perfect way to while away a day when the wind in Cape Town is howling.
Grab a coffee
Cape Town is South Africa’s coffee culture capital and you can find an artisan coffee shop around almost every corner, each with their own distinctive vibe and coffee blends and brews. If you love coffee, spending a day coffee shop hopping should be on top of your to-do list, even when the wind is not causing havoc outside.
Chill at a spa
Holidays can be exhausting, especially when you’ve got a packed itinerary, so when the wind is sending beach umbrellas flying off to hinter lands, why not spoil yourself with some relaxation and pampering at one of Cape Town’s many spas? Sit back, relax and enjoy some of the unique treatments the spas in the city have on offer.
Take in some art
Every year, artists from all around the world flock to Cape Town’s shores to tap into the city’s creative pulse. As a result, Cape Town boasts a large number of galleries that exhibit everything from edgy street art to classical pieces. If your beach day gets blown out by the Cape Doctor, head out to one of the city’s many galleries to get your art fix. There are also tours available to ensure you take in the best art the city has to offer.
Visit a museum
Cape Town has a rich, colourful, and often turbulent history that has shaped much of modern South Africa. There are a number of world class museums in Cape Town – many right in the city centre – that offer the opportunity to peer back in time to the ups and downs of the country’s past. It’s another great way to spend a day when the wind is howling around every corner.
