Winter is here and with the recent downpours and icy cold temperatures, who wants to be outside? Capetonians are notorious for hibernating when it is cold out, but at some point, you may become bored of laying in bed all day. The Mother City has just as much to offer in winter as it does in summer, with cozy nooks and crannies scattered across the CBD.
Here is a list of activities to occupy your time as you wait for dreary days to pass:
Recline by a roaring fire
A hearty fire is the perfect way to chase away the rainy day blues. Kloof Street House, located in the CBD’s Kloof Street, is a restaurant which sports a range of interesting spaces within the confines of an old Victorian house. The restaurant also offers a variety of delicious food and drink to help you settle in comfortably as you watch the flames dance across the logs.
Try their dark chocolate fondant dessert, with homemade toasted marshmallow and marshmallow ice cream – the perfect sweet treat to enjoy by the homely fireplace.
Address: 30 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Contact: T: +27 21 423 4413
Website: www.kloofstreethouse.co.za
Visit the museum
The Iziko Museum houses nearly two million specimens of scientific importance, and the collections range from fossils which are over 700-million years old to stone tools that date back 120 000 years ago. Wander through the museum to discover these amazing objects on your own, or join a guided tour. Either way, you won’t regret spending a day there.
Address: 25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town
Contact: +27 (0)21 481 3800
Website: www.iziko.org.za
Enjoy a relaxing spa day
The Taj Hotel on Wale Street is home to the world-class Jiva Spa. The Jiva Spa makes use of methods and teachings rooted deep in India’s wholistic wellness approach, and offers unique signature experiences to rejuvenate your mind and spirit.
Address: 1 Wale street, corner St Georges MallCape Town South Africa 8001
Contact: +27 21 8192000
Website: ww.jivaspa.tajhotels.com
Board games with the family
Gather your friends and family for a day of board games at Big Box Café. Try making it a smart-phone-free day by reconnecting with those closest to you as you play the day away. Games range from classic to modern and cater for all moods. From wooden to strategy games, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Big Box Café also updates their games selection each month, so you will never run out of new games to try.
Address: 18 Roeland Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Contact: +27 (0)71 314 9134
Website: www.thebigbox.co.za
Try your hand at Mosaics
Bit by Bit is a mosaic studio in Observatory, which offers half-day classes catered specifically to beginners. Spend your day piecing your masterpiece together before taking it home to display proudly. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve in just a few hours.
Spaces are limited to attend half-day classes, so do book in advance by emailing your reservation to [email protected].
Address: 39 Duke St, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925
Contact: 079 042 3908
Website: www.mosaiccapetown.co.za
Catch a movie
Venture to the V&A Waterfront on a cold and dreary day, and warm yourself up in a cinema. NuMetro now offers lovely hot drinks and cakes to accompany on your journey to a whole new world as you become enveloped in the story of the film you’ll be catching.
Mama Mia: Here We Go Again is showing – make sure not to miss it!
Address: Nu Metro V&A Waterfront, 223, Victoria Wharf Shopping Center, Breakwater Blvd & Dock Rd, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8000
Contact: 086 124 6362
Website: www.numetro.co.za
Have some laser tag fun
Laserquest offers indoor laser tag facilities in the heart of Claremont. It is loads of fun and a less painful alternative to paintball. Teams of up to 25 players can partake in a game, and prices range according to how long a session you’d like. It is advised that players wear dark clothes, because you may be a little dirty by the end of it.
Address: Stadium on Main Centre, Main Road, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708
Contact: 021 683 7296/3931
Website: [email protected]
Picture: Pixabay