If you’re single on Valentine’s Day or just like to rebel against the system there’s still plenty of things to do in Cape Town to make the 14th of February aka Singles Awareness Day a memorable one. It’s a day of love so why not show some love to your bestie, family, pet or yourself? Here’s how you can celebrate anti-Valentine’s Day in Cape Town.
Go to the Tinder party at Beerhouse
If you’re sexy, single, and ready to mingle then head over to Long Street’s beloved Beerhouse for their Tinder Party. Test your knowledge with a sex quiz and YOLO with half-price beer cocktails all day long and their bottomless ribs special.
Website: beerhouse.co.za
Take a hike
Watching the sun rise or set over the city is the perfect way to meet your soulmate — endorphins. Join the cool kids for a morning hike up Lion’s Head or if you have more free time hike up Table Mountain, have a slice of their milktart, and take the cable car down. See our top five ways to hike Table Mountain for some inspiration.
Single ladies assemble
Ladies get in formation at Beefcakes in Green Point where they’re hosting a single ladies party with dinner (hello gourmet burgers), a fun drag show, and a free Cosmo on entry. R80 gets you in and the rest is up to you.
Watch anything besides a romcom
While the couples smooch away watching romantic comedies or Fifty Shades of something, why not get your friends together for a scary movie night? If you feel like going out, the Labia on Kloof Street is one of Cape Town’s favourite cinemas and allows you to drink your beer, alcoholic slushy, or wine while you enjoy the latest art film or documentary.
Get a Tattoo
There’s no better time than the 14th of February to get “Love Kills” tattooed somewhere on your body. The Wildfire Tattoo collective team will be setting up a flash tattoo station at The House of Machines in town for one night only. Walk-ins are welcome, but bookings are recommended.
Go to a Love Bites party
If you’re of the opinion that love sucks then you’re most likely to find your kin at one of the Tiger’s Milk Love Bites parties. Who needs chocolate hearts when you can have tequila, right? The Century City, Claremont, Kloof Street, Long Street, Muizenberg, and Stellenbosch branches are all in on it so you can check out any or all of them for a good time.
Go to a comedy show
Laugh in the face of love at the Cape Town Comedy Club where their Anti-Valentine’s Day comedy show is guaranteed to have you in stitches. Lateef Lovejoy from the UK will be the headliners with local acts Suhayl Essa and Francois van As as supporting acts. Enjoy a dinner from 6 pm at the venue at the V&A Waterfront and the show starts at 8:30 pm.
Treat yourself
We’ve got at least 11 unique spa treatments you can try to relax your body and mind. Nothing will banish any thoughts of Valentine’s Day from your body like a session in a floatation tank at the Ubuntu Wellness Centre on Kloof Street. Alternatively go for a de-stress back, neck and shoulder massage at the Hatyai Thai Massage Centre and you’ll feel brand new in no time.
Go on a Speed Date
The wonderfully red Radisson Red in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront is hosting a speed dating session for Valentine’s Day. In partnership with SmartDate, the evening is set up to give singletons between the ages of 29 to 40 a chance to meet and get to know each other for five minutes before moving on. You’ll get to meet some interesting people and you’ll be at one of the hottest hotels in town, it’s a win-win!
Walk with your bestie
Whether your best friend is your dog or a human, talking a walk with them in the great outdoors is guaranteed to make you love life. The pipe track on Table Mountain is incredibly picturesque, while the Sea Point promenade or Newlands Forest will give you plenty of opportunity to people-and-pet watch. If you’re keen for something different try Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West or take a trip to the West Coast National Park.
Go for a cheap date
Nothing says “death to romance” quite like dinner at a pub or fast food chain. Take your best friend for fish and chips at Kalky’s or ice cream at Eastern Food Bazaar in town and you’ll not only have a great time but also save some big bucks. We’ve summed up all the restaurant specials you’ll ever need and lucky for you the 14th happens to be a Wednesday, so you’ll pay less for delicious ribs at Bombshelter Brewpub in Ndabeni and Spiro’s in Hout Bay.
