Looking for inexpensive date ideas in Cape Town? You’ve come to the right place!
Here are some of our favourite budget-friendly things to do for a romantic and memorable date night.
Train Trip to Kalk Bay and Beach Picnic
Take a scenic trip along the coast with Metrorail’s Southern Line, which winds through the Southern suburbs into the seaside suburbs of Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, and ending in Simon’s Town. For under R10 per trip — depending on your starting point — you’ll be treated to stunning views of some of Cape Town’s most iconic beaches.
Hop on the train at Cape Town Station or conveniently park and ride from stations like Rondebosch, Kenilworth, or False Bay. Jump off at Muizenberg or Kalk Bay and head to a beach for a picnic (we recommend packing some goodies at home or popping by the local fish and chips place for a lekker takeaway).
Price: From R8
Website: cttrains.co.za/
Pedal Boat at the V&A Waterfront
This activity requires some teamwork and is bound to get you and your date closer. Pedal boating is a fun-filled activity where you power a boat by pedaling — just like riding a bike, but on water! Enjoy a 30-minute adventure through the canals at the V&A Waterfront as you soak up some romantic views.
Location: Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Price: R100 per person; Kids under 4: R50.
Contact: Visit bit.ly/3Onab03
The Labia Theatre
The Labia Theatre, one of Cape Town’s oldest independent cinemas, is a charming spot for a cosy date night. From Monday to Thursday, they offer Movie Meal Specials for Two, which you can take advantage of by dining at the chosen restaurant. You can pay at the selected restaurant and exchange your till slip or voucher for tickets at the theatre. Please note, no bookings are accepted for this special at the Labia. Find the deals here.
Location: 68 Orange St, Gardens
Price: R200 for 2, including a meal. Single tickets: R90
Website: www.thelabia.co.za
Wine Tasting
Groot Constantia
Enjoy a wine tasting at Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest and award-winning wine estate. Select five of their finest wines and savour each sip while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards. As a keepsake, you’ll receive a branded wine glass to remember your experience.\
Location: Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia
Price: R155pp
Website: grootconstantia.co.za/experience-groot-constantia/
Ice Lolly and Wine Pairing at Cavalli Estate
Cavalli Estate’s ice lolly and wine pairing is worth adding to your wine pairing experiences. Their wines are thoughtfully paired with the ice lolly sorbet, which includes flavours like apple and fennel, plum and rosemary, sage and vanilla and pear, sage and vanilla.
Location: Strand Rd, Somerset West
Price: R150pp
Website: cavalliestate.com
Nougat and MCC Pairing at Villiera Wines
If you have a sweet tooth, Villiera Wine’s Cap Classique & Nougat Pairing is worth a visit. Try four wines, including French champagne Grier Brut and the wine estate’s bestselling Villiera Tradition Brut, paired with their selection of handcrafted nougats. Flavours include berry and cherry, macadamia, almond, goji berry, almond and rooibos tea.
Location: Cnr R304 & R101 Koelenhof Near, Stellenbosch
Price: R175pp
Website: villiera.com/cap-classique-nougat-pairing/
Sunset at The Rock
For some of Cape Town’s most spectacular sunsets, head to The Rock. To get there, drive along Ocean View Drive in Bantry Bay until you reach the cul-de-sac (we recommend finding parking before this point) and then walk towards the rocks. With stunning views of the Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head, it exudes romance. Gents, if you’re considering popping the question, it’s a popular attraction for proposals. Be sure to arrive early to secure parking and find a good spot to sit.
Galileo Open Air Cinema
One of the best summer activities in the city, Galileo Open Air Cinema hosts daily screenings during the summer months, from October to April. With several screening locations, including Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Asara Wine Estate, Central Park, Century City, Blaauwklippen Wine Estate and Lourensford Wine Estate, it makes for the perfect, affordable date night.
Price: From R145pp
Website: thegalileo.co.za/
Ice Skating at GrandWest
Home to the only indoor ice-skating rink in the Western Cape, The Ice Station at GrandWest invites couples to glide hand in hand on an Olympic-sized rink. Whether you’re an amateur or a seasoned skater, you can enjoy the magic of skating together in a fun and intimate setting.
Location: 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Goodwood,
Price: From R75pp
Website: icerink.co.za/
Rollercade
Rollercade, Cape Town’s first indoor roller-skating amusement park, is the perfect place for a lively date night. Roll under colourful lights with your special person.
Location: Table Bay Mall at R27, Berkshire Blvd, Sunningdale
Price: R180pp for a 2-hour session, which includes rental of skates and safety gear
Website: /rollercade.co.za/
Rose Picking at Chart Farm
Stop and smell the roses, then pick ’em for your loved one. The Chart Farm in Wynberg boasts a wide variety of roses. Choose and pick your own bunch of blooms from the rose garden or select some freshly picked ones instead. Once you’ve picked your flowers, make your way to their restaurant for breakfast or lunch.
Location: 1A Klaasens Rd, Wynberg
Price: R10 per stem if you pick your own and R12 per stem for picked roses
Website: www.chartfarm.co.za/roses
Salsa Lesson at Mojo Market
Shake up your Sunday nights with a free salsa lesson at Mojo Market, held every week at 8pm. Learn the Latin dance, which blends mambo, pachanga, rumba, along with elements of swing and tap. Grab your partner, get those hips swinging, and let your feet tap to the rhythm.
Location: 30 Regent Road, Sea Point
Price: Free
Website: www.mojomarket.co.za/
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