Valentines Day 2016 – 50 Valentines Day ideas in Cape Town
Cape Town Tourism has provided an extensive list for things to do on Valentine’s Day in Cape Town below.
Our Mother City really does offer something for every budget and for every couple to enjoy the day and romanticise together. From countryside picnics & live music and movies under the stars to Valentines Day brunches at the Shimmy Beach Club. You may also want to go to some of the best Cocktail Bars or buy your gorgeous lady some of the best macaroons in town or for the more adventurous, try horse riding trails or even Hot Air Ballooning?
More fantastic ideas from Cape Town Tourism:
1. HELICOPTER RIDE
It’s the best way to see Cape Town and your date will feel like a movie star. Soar over the majestic mountain ranges of the Cape Peninsula, across the glistening oceans, as you take in the bird’s eye view of the Mother City. Cape Town has plenty of operators such as Cape Town Helicopter Tours, Nac Makana Helicopters, Wings over Africa and Cape Town Helicopters, all of whom offer a range of trips to suit your needs.
2. COUPLE’S MASSAGE / SPA SESSION
Cape Town has a lot to boast about when it comes to top spas and retreats. Treat yourself and your nearest and dearest to a sensual, and intimate, couples massage. Mangwanani Spa is offering some seriously indulgent packages this Valentine’s Day, including a Romance Day Spa – includes breakfast, lunch and Amarula and chocolate on departure – and Romance Night or Half Day Spa, which includes champagne on arrival, a candle-lit dinner and Amarula and chocolate on deparute. Your only problem is going to be figuring out how to top this next year!
3. HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDE
Take a romantic trip for two around the city in a horse-drawn carriage. Nothing smacks more of romance than whisking your lady-love around the Mother City’s historic landmarks on this old-school mode of transport. The Cape Town Carriage Company runs trips that take in all the major historic landmarks, including a short stop-over at the Company’s Gardens. Trips last between 60-to-90 minutes with a glass of sparkling grape juice provided. But you are allowed to take your own refreshments along with you as well.
4. SUNSET CABLE-CAR TRIP
Table Mountain is iconic. And a trip up the cable way to watch the sun set over the Mother City is uber romantic. Once at the top crack open some bubbly as you and your date take in the views of the most beautiful city in the world. The sun sets at around 8pm this time of year, so you will have some time to soak in the vibes, before popping the cork (or question) as the city slowly descends into darkness.
5. HORSE-RIDING ON NOORDHOEK BEACH
It’s like something out of a movie. Watch the sun set on one of the most beautiful and serene beaches in the city, while sitting astride a horse, with your partner right beside you. Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding has been operating in the Noordhoek Valley since 1975 and offers a wide range of riding activities. Beach rides are limited to six people, so you could max out on the romance by enjoying the experience with two other loving couples. So take in a sunset over the Atlantic Ocean or feel the wind in your hair while cantering along the seashore, either way you score big in the romance stakes.
6. MOVIE UNDER THE STARS
Steer clear of the usual movie experience and take your date to an open-air cinema instead this V-Day. Choose from one of the Galileo Open Air Theatres or take advantage of the Pink Flamingo Rooftop Cinema at the Grand Daddy Hotel situated in the heart of the city. All will be showing themed movies to ensure the mood is just right. Shows sell out fast though, particularly on Valentine’s Day, so book quickly. But if you can’t make it on the big day, there’s nothing stopping you booking for another night, because romance should not be enjoyed only once a year…
7. SUNSET BOAT CRUISE
You are in Cape Town, the most beautiful city in the world, take advantage of the location and charter a luxury yacht for a sunset cruise to Clifton 4th Beach or Table Bay. Top if off with some champagne and some oysters as you and your partner soak it all in. Enjoy the tranquillity of the scene as the sun sets over one of the most incredible backdrops on the planet. In the heart of the V&A Waterfront you’ll find the exclusive Classic Cape Charters, which offers sunset cruises and more. You can browse through our list of operators RIGHT HERE.
8. HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE
There are so many ways to see and experience Cape Town, but none as exciting – or romantic – as riding in a hot-air balloon. Help with the rigging of a balloon at sunrise and float silently over the peaceful landscapes of the Cape Winelands for an hour. Enjoy the exquisite scenery and views of Table Mountain in the distance, followed by a luxurious breakfast at the Grande Roche Hotel. You will have your date swooning in no time! Check out www.kapinfo.com for more information on how to make this happen.
9. SUNDOWNERS
Sometimes it is the simplest things that are most romantic. Sundowners are something of an old faithful for all the Don Juans out there and Cape Town lends itself to the pastime perfectly. Seriously where else in the world are you going to find such prime locations for watching the sun go down with a glass of bubbly or fine wine in hand? That’s right, nowhere. From The Bungalow in Clifton and The Grand Café and Beach in Granger Bay, to the Roundhouse in Camps Bay and the Monkey Valley Beach Nature Resort in Noordhoek, the choices are unlimited.
10. THEATRE ON THE BAY
Nothing wrong with a bit of culture on V-Day and Theatre on the Bay is one of the most perfect locations to catch a show. Have dinner at the theatre’s restaurant before the show and then take advantage of any one of the bars on the Camps Bay strip for a late-night glass of wine or cocktail after the curtain falls.
11. TAKE A HIKE
Get those endorphins working overtime with a brisk morning hike! It’s not just beneficial to your health, but the pay-off in a city like this is huge. In fact, Cape Town is a hiker’s dream city with Table Mountain offering a range of trails, varying in difficulty, while Cape Point – just an hour outside of the city centre also offering a number of short walks with unrivalled views. Get back to nature this Valentine’s Day – your date will appreciate the change of pace and an early start means you can still pack in more romantic gestures.
12. VALENTINE’S UNDER THE STARS
This awesome open-air concert at the stunning new Century City Conference Centre sees internationally acclaimed musicians performing alongside the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s a ‘classic meets pop’ concert filled with love and romance, all under the magnificent Cape Town night sky. You will be batting over 100 in the romance stakes as all the elements combine for a super romantic night under the stars.
13. VALENTINE’S DAY AT THE ONE&ONLY
Treat your one and only to a day at the luxurious One&Only hotel and spa on Valentine’s Day. The resort hotel is big on romance and 2016 is no different with a range of options available to ensure you show your loved one that you only have eyes for them. From an intimate dinner at the Wine Loft to a gourmet picnic by candlelight, there is plenty happening in the love game.
14. EXCLUSIVE DINING EXPERIENCE AT GRANDE PROVENCE
Enjoy the seclusion of dining together as a couple within your own private luxuriously draped outdoor pavilion under the stars, within the beautiful Angels Garden (weather permitting) at the Grande Provence Wine Estate in Franschhoek. Executive Chef, Darren Badenhorst, has created a seductive seven-course Valentine’s menu with canapés, petits-fours and a long stemmed rose. To book, contact The Restaurant on Tel. 021 876 8600 or Email events@grandeprovence.co.za This insanely romantic experience is only available to a maximum of five couples, so book now to avoid disappointment.
15. CHOCOLATE LINDT STUDIO
Nothing goes hand-in-hand with Valentine’s Day more than chocolate. Treat your sweetheart to a trip to the Lindt Chocolate Studios in Cape Town and up the sweetness by choosing a personally selected gourmet goodie bag. The studios offer pick and mix facilities for all their elegant chocolate creations, while there are also a variety of courses to enrol in to keep the chocolaty goodness flowing.
16. VALENTINES DAY PICNIC
Spend your Valentine’s Day in the Cape Winelands with a romantic picnic on the Webersburg lawns in front of the Manor House. Overlooking the serene lake nestled between the majestic mountains, this lush estate with pristinely manicured gardens forms the perfect setting and backdrop for an idyllic day to remember.
17. PICK YOUR OWN ROSES AT CHART FARM
Chart Farm in Wynberg – just 10 minutes out of the city centre – offers a farm-style retreat from the bright lights of the city. It is also the only place in the Peninsula that allows you to pick your own roses. What better way to say ‘I love you’ with a bunch of hand-picked roses? If you want to extend the time on the farm, grab breakfast at the Coffee Terrace and take in the views of the Constantia Valley. For more information: www.chartfarm.co.za
18. IT’S ALL COMING UP ROSÉ
Everything’s coming up Rosé this summer with the Cape’s premium Rosé producers getting together at Rickety Bridge Estate in Franschhoek to showcase the diversity and versatility of rosé at the Revving Up Rosé Festival in February 2016. Rosé? Roses? Yep, sounds like a done deal come Valentine’s Day.
19. LOVE ON THE TRAIL
Spread your love on the trail with Dirtopia with an awesome fun Trail Run on Valentine’s Day. Wear something red to celebrate the day and since you’re in the winelands, why not find a nice spot for a picnic and wine after the run?
20. SAMANTHA MORGAN CERAMIC CLASSES
If you ever saw ‘Ghost’ you know that clay is dead sexy in the right hands. Show off your creative side this Valentine’s Day by enrolling your and your partner for ceramics classes at Samantha Morgan Ceramics. Even if you don’t have the magic touch, your thoughtfulness and desire to try new things will definitely hit the right notes.
21. OTHELLO
Pack a picnic, a fine bottle of wine, and treat your partner to Shakespeare in the Park at Maynardville. This V-Day they will be performing Othello, a tale of passion, love and jealousy! Can’t be beaten.
22. MOULIN ROUGE AT PAUL CLUVER
Take your loved one’s breath away with a screening of the classic Nicole Kidman/Ewan McGregor blockbuster Moulin Rouge at Paul Cluver Amphitheatre in the Elgin Wine Valley. Romance is in the air and under the stars with the showing of this classic movie. Bring your beloved, some cushions and blankets and get cosy in the Camphor forest amphitheatre. There is also plenty of food and drink on offer, including wine from the Paul Cluver cellars.
23. MAKE A TRAIL OF LOVE
Cape Town has loads of trails to run, but Pipe Track is a personal favourite. Treat your better half to something different this Valentine’s Day by going for an early morning run. The trail can be tough in sections, but it’s not too brutal and the steps at the top provide you with one of the best views in the city for a sunrise. It’s the also the perfect spot for a proposal and she may even be too tired to say no… genius!
24. FULL MOON PICNIC AT SPIER WINE ESTATE
Find a special spot on the rolling lawns at Spier Wine Estate, settle down with your picnic basket packed with goodies, complimentary blanket and cushions while watching the classic romantic movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s starring Audrey Hepburn.
25. ROMANCE AT DURBANVILLE HILLS
Durbanville Hills has tons on offer this Valentine’s Day! Enjoy a five-course meal at the Durbanville Hills Restaurant or if you prefer, stretch out on the lawns for a picnic just for two. Both options are overflowing with Valentine’s Day delicacies, while the restaurant will also be offering its usual food and wine pairing as well as its à la carte menus for lunch.
26. RENT A MOTORBIKE FOR TWO
Here’s something a little different, but still a fun experience. You can pick your route to ensure that it’s scenic. Stop off along the way at a wine farm for a romantic picnic. Cape Town has a few companies to choose from such as Cape Bike Rentals and Cape Bike Travel. There’s also some information here.
27. RENT BICYCLES ON THE SEA POINT PROMENADE
The Sea Point Promenade has long been a popular place for couples to stroll hand-in-hand and enjoy whatever the area has to offer. Why not mix it up a bit this month of love and rent bicycles, picnic somewhere on the route and maybe get in a fun round of putt-putt? Try Up Cycles or Rent a Bicycle for bicycle hire.
28. EARLY MORNING LION’S HEAD HIKE TO WATCH THE SUNRISE FOLLOWED BY BREAKFAST
Hiking Lion’s Head (http://www.capetown.travel/activities/entry/lions_head) is always going to be scenic, but hiking it early to watch the sunrise from the top is simply spectacular and very romantic. After the hike, amble through the Company’s Gardens and eat at the restaurant for a delicious breakfast. It’s the perfect way to start Valentine’s Day.
29. CATCH THE SUNSET ON SIGNAL HILL
Sunrises and sunsets are perhaps the most romantic times of the day and Signal Hill is a great place to see the latter. Pack a picnic and take in the amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island.
30. ENJOY A VALENTINE’S MEAL AT A TSOGO SUN HOTEL
Between the Southern Sun in Newlands, the Southern Sun Cullinan, the Southern Sun Waterfront and SunSquare, Tsogo Sun has Valentine’s meals to suit everyone. Newlands is offering a buffet lunch and live entertainment, the Cullinan has a buffet dinner at its Peach Tree Restaurant, Yizani at the Waterfront will offer a five-course dinner while Zepi at SunSquare has a romantic three-course set menu available. All these offers are available on 13 and 14 February. Prices vary for each hotel.
31. GO TEN-PIN BOWLING
Enjoying life like a kid is probably one of the best ways to experience anything. One of the ways to do so is ten-pin bowling. It’s fun and hassle-free and no one can really take themselves too seriously in those bowling shoes. Grand West boasts a great venue while there are also alleys at the Pines Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre in Parow and Let’s Go Bowling at Stadium on Main in Claremont.
32. FOR THE THRILL SEEKERS – PARAGLIDING OR ABSEILING OFF THE MOUNTAIN
There’s no bonding quite like the kind that takes place when you’re jumping off a mountain together, right? If that strikes your fancy, then paragliding or abseiling off the mountain is a good bet. The paragliding is done in tandem with an instructor, so not really all that romantic on the way down, but it gives you a great experience as a couple.
33. A PICNIC ON AT ONE OF THE LOCAL WINE FARMS
There are five big wine routes in and around Cape Town and most offer amazing picnic spots. You can call ahead to book a picnic basket and some places allow you to reserve a specific spot. It’s romantic and very easy to organise.
34. RENT A CLASSIC CAR AND GO A SCENIC DRIVE
Everyone can appreciate a good looking classic car and its back-to-basics driving dynamics. If you’re looking for a way to treat your guy or girl, why not see if you can rent an old version of one of their favourite cars? Classic Car Hire does just that. You can plan the day so that you take in a scenic route and with a stop at a wine farm on the way.
35. WINE AND CHOCOLATE PAIRING
Two of the best things in life are wine and chocolate. And some of our local farms offer the two together in a wine and chocolate tasting experience. Why not try it out with your significant other?
36. TAKE A CITY SIGHT-SEEING BUS AND STOP OFF FOR LUNCH ALONG THE WAY
The City Sightseeing Bus is one of the must-do activities in Cape Town as it offers a unique perspective on the city, while offering up some interesting insights into the various places on the route. Whichever route you choose, why not plan it so that you stop off for a romantic lunch spot along the way? It’s a fun activity for couples to do together. And this year, City Sightseeing is giving you the perfect opportunity to spoil your loved one with fantastic discounts. Valentine’s day on a budget! And if you buy two one-day tickets online, you’ll receive two Harbour Cruise tickets for free! Your date will be blown away by the amount of effort you’re putting in.
37. A TOUR OF THE DIAMOND MUSEUM
Diamonds are girl’s best friend. Or so the saying goes. So, taking a tour of a diamond museum will surely be an activity that she will love. And for extra points, you could always buy her a diamond on the way out. Visit the Cape Town Diamond Museum or Prins & Prins for this unique experience.
38. ROMANTIC OVERNIGHT STAY AT ONE OF THE HOTELS IN THE CITY
An old favourite is a night away. Even if it’s just up the road, it will still feel like a special occasion when you stay overnight at one of the amazing accommodation spots that this city has to offer. You can plan ahead and have the room made up or book a table at the establishment’s restaurant for dinner.
39. SET UP A HASSLE-FREE ROMANTIC DINNER/PICNIC AT HOME WITH DIAL-A-PICNIC
If you don’t like stressing out over the finer details of planning a romantic evening at home or you’re not a whiz in the kitchen, then this is a great solution and a wonderful treat for your loved one. Dial-a-picnic will ensure that you have everything you need for the night. To make it extra special, try setting a theme and both of you can dress up for it.
40. VISIT THE AQUARIUM
This year Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday so a daytime visit to the Aquarium is definitely an option! It’s a fun activity that both of you can enjoy and it will take you back to being a kid again. There’s alsoa great new Smart Living Challenge Zone that comprises of interactive stations that have the themes of energy, water, waste and biodiversity. In this zone, you get to learn more about how to better treat the environment. You and your loved one can make a pledge to live cleaner together!
41. VISIT CAPE POINT
Cape Point is a spectacular sight, covered in endemic fynbos and home to breathtaking bays, beaches and rolling green hills and valleys, just 60km outside of Cape Town. There is so much you can do here with your loved one on Valentine’s Day – ride the fenicular, gran a meal at Two Oceans Restaurant, explore the shipwreck trail together, do one of the many hikes in the reserve and more! Pack a picnic and enjoy!
42. DINNER AT RICHARD’S SUPPER STAGE
Enjoy a delicious dinner at this Cape Town establishment while listening to some of the best love songs of all time. The talented cast at Richard’s will entertain and make sure that the night always feels romantic. The price is R480 per person and includes a four-course dinner and a glass of pink bubbly on arrival. Booking is essential. Call 076 1444 809 for more information
43. DINNER AND LIVE JAZZ AT THE CRYPT RESTAURANT IN THE DUNGEON OF ST GEORGE’S CATHEDRAL
Dinner and live music in the dungeon of St George’s Cathedral? Sounds great, doesn’t it? Well, you can have just that at the Crypt Restaurant. The setting is romantic and intimate, so the perfect dinner place for this month of love.
44. CATCH A SHOW AT THE BAXTER THEATRE
There’s always something going on at the Baxter Theatre. For February there’s a wide variety of shows that will appeal to everyone. The Baxter venue itself has a fully equipped restaurant and bar so you can go through early and grab dinner and a drink before the show.
45. HAVE SOME FUN WITH ICE SKATING
Another one of those experiences that come straight out of a movie for me – ice-skating hand-in-hand. The ice rink at Grand West is a cool (see what I did there?) way to spend time together. Assuming that both of you have at least a small grasp of ice-skating, it should be fun. And if you end up on your bum most of the night, just keep laughing it off. It’s all part of the fun.
46. SPEND THE DAY AT THE V&A
Aside from dining at one of the many great restaurants in the Waterfront, you could easily spend the whole Valentine’s Day here and have the most romantic time. If you and your loved one are into design, then definitely check out the SAADA Cpt Expo 2016. There is also a spoken word event by Split Image at the Amphitheatre 14h30 – 18h30. Here you can take in astounding poets, a live band and heartwarming vocalists.
47. RIDE THE BIG WHEEL
I know I need to stop watching rom-coms, but this too comes from the movies. Catch a ride on the Cape Wheel of Excellence at the V&A Waterfront and take in the amazing views. It’s a quick ride, but it’s romantic and you can always get something to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area.
48. DINNER AT THE TOWNHOUSE HOTEL
The Townhouse hotel chef and his team have put together the most delectable menu to celebrate intimacy and delight couples. This indulgent menu will consist of divine made-to-share platters for couples to enjoy together. Sip and share a platter of teasing tasters to start, including tuna tataki, beef fillet, smoked salmon trout, shucked oysters and mushroom croquette. This will be followed by a main platter that consists of poached crayfish and/or delicate slices of pink roast beef. And of course, there’s also dessert. The price ranges from R717 to R878 depending on which main meal you choose. The hotel is also hosting a champagne breakfast the morning for R190 per person. This gets you a glass of MCC, a continental buffet, a hot meal and specialty coffees.
49. TAKE A WALK IN NATURE TOGETHER
Did you know that Cape Town is home to some of the most gorgeous wetlands and nature reserves? And we also have a number of gorgeous gardens in this city. For Valentine’s Day and this month of love, you and your loved one can explore these areas together. Try your hand at fishing, do some bird watching or picnic. It’s all worth a visit and will be a great adventure.
50. HAVE A LAUGH AT THE CAPE TOWN COMEDY CLUB
The Cape Town Comedy Club is gearing up to make you a funny Valentine. With four comedians including the Brothers Streep keeping you entertained and an a la carte menu or the set Valentine’s menu to keep you full and fed, it is sure to be a night to remember. Doors open at 18h00 with the show starting at 20h00. Tickets cost R120 from Computicket and does NOT include a meal.