With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to share an updated list of romantic things to do in Cape Town. There are plenty of similar lists out there, but they usually repeat the obvious, so I’ve added my own twist with ideas that feel a bit more special. I’ve also included options for different budgets because romance shouldn’t have a price tag.
If you’re in Cape Town and looking for something meaningful, fun, or unforgettable to do with your partner, you’ll definitely find an activity here to fall in love with.
Planning for Valentine’s Day 2026? Here are the most romantic spots and experiences in Cape Town.
Discover Horse Riding Safaris
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Cape Town, horse riding safaris promise incredible views and lasting memories.One of the top options is African Horse Safaris, where you can enjoy the thrill of horseback riding while spotting wildlife. Their tours are known for being well-organised, immersive, and perfect for travellers seeking something truly unique. Not sure yet? Their Why African Horse Safaris page goes into all the details you might need.
Contact African Horse Safaris
E-mail: info@africanhorsesafaris.com
WhatsApp: +44 7419 744829
If you prefer a local Cape Town experience, Noordhoek Beach—the longest beach in the city—offers a breathtaking setting for horse riding. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply trying something new, riding along this scenic coastline is always a highlight. Prices usually start at R450 per hour per adult. Two reputable local companies offer Noordhoek beach rides:
Horse Riding on Noordhoek Beach
Sleepy Hollow Lane
Noordhoek
+27 (0)21 789 2341
Imhoff Farm
Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie
+27 (0)82 774 1191 / +27 (0)82 418 7877
For an added romantic touch, you can even request a bottle of champagne or wine to make your horse riding experience extra special.
Soar Above Cape Town: Hot Air Ballooning for an Unforgettable Adventure
Most hot air balloon flights operate just outside Cape Town, in scenic areas like Durbanville, Paarl, and the Cape Winelands, where weather conditions are ideal. Flights usually include tea or coffee before take-off, a pilot briefing, a one-hour balloon ride, and a celebratory glass of bubbly after landing.
Top Hot Air Balloon Operators Near Cape Town
Air to Air Africa
Website: airtoairafrica.com
Phone: +27 (0)82 552 8206
Wineland Ballooning (Cape Winelands)
Website: winelandballooning.co.za
Phone: +27 (0)83 457 9062
What to Expect:
- Early morning departures (around sunrise)
- Approximately 1 hour in the air
- Incredible panoramic views of vineyards and mountains
- Optional champagne breakfasts
- Perfect for romantic surprises or special occasions
Cable Car Rides Up Table Mountain
For a more budget-friendly way to experience Cape Town’s stunning views, consider taking the cable car up Table Mountain. The cable car ride offers an affordable alternative to aerial adventures and provides incredible panoramic views. Locals can enjoy a free sunset trip during the summer season, with terms and conditions applying. Cape Town’s sunsets are renowned for their vivid colours and glowing beauty, making this a perfect romantic outing or a memorable experience for anyone. I recall visiting Table Mountain on the cable car at 11, and I’m long overdue for another trip. To book see: https://www.tablemountain.net/
The Cape Wheel at the V&A Waterfront
One of the must-visit attractions at the V&A Waterfront is the Cape Wheel, a massive Ferris wheel beautifully lit at night. The ride offers panoramic views of Table Mountain, the harbour, and the city skyline. For a special occasion, book the VIP box, which includes champagne and a picnic basket.
Look out for Museum Night specials too-tickets to the Cape Wheel are often 50% off.
Website: https://capewheel.co.za/tickets-prices/
Wine & Platter for Two at Morgenster Estate
Just outside Cape Town in Somerset West sits Morgenster Estate -a dreamy blend of vineyards, olive groves, and tranquil dam-side scenery. Grab their Italian-style platter for two (cheeses, charcuterie, focaccia and wine), and enjoy a relaxed, romantic meal with unbeatable views. Add a wine or olive-oil tasting for a full experience.n They also have a dlicious lemon flvoured olive oil which they pour over ice cream and it’s actually suprisingly phenomenal.
Chart Farm: Your Rose-Picking Paradise in Cape Town
Tucked away in Wynberg, Chart Farm is a hidden gem many Cape Town locals still haven’t discovered. This charming rose farm offers a peaceful escape with beautiful gardens, a cosy outdoor café, and the chance to hand-pick your own roses.
For a small fee, visitors can wander through the rose fields and pick their own blooms—shears and buckets are provided. Prices depend on the number of roses you pick, making it a personalised and affordable outing. Whether you’re exploring the gardens, enjoying tea and cake, or filling a bucket with fragrant roses, Chart Farm is an ideal romantic or relaxing day out.
Visit Chart Farm
Location: Klaassens Road, Wynberg Park, Cape Town, 7708
Coffee Shop
Phone: 079 684 8797
Email: cafe@chartfarm.co.za
Farmstall
Phone: 021 761 0434
Email: admin@chartfarm.co.za
Horse Riding Lessons (Nearby)
Anita – Constantia View Stables
Phone: +27 82 922 2249
Email: evan@hyperlink.co.za
Polkadraai Farm: A Romantic Strawberry Picking Experience
For a sweet and affordable romantic date near Cape Town, head to Polkadraai Farm in Stellenbosch. For just R50, you can pick your own punnet of fresh strawberries—perfect for couples or anyone looking for a fun outdoor activity. The farm even earned some celebrity attention when Mariah Carey visited!
Strawberries make a healthier alternative to chocolate, and the peaceful countryside setting makes the experience even more memorable.
Polkadraai Farm Details
Address: M12 Stellenbosch Arterial Road, Stellenbosch
Telephone: +27 (0)21 881 3303
Email: info@polkadraaifarm.co.za
Website: polkadraaifarm.co.za
Romantic Sunset Spots in Cape Town
Cape Town is famous for its golden sunsets. Here are some of the top spots to enjoy them:
- Table Mountain – panoramic views across the city and ocean
- Signal Hill – one of the most popular sunset viewpoints
- Sea Point Promenade – ideal for a sunset stroll
- V&A Waterfront – bustling, beautiful, and full of atmosphere
Sunset Bus Tour: A Unique Way to See Cape Town
For a memorable sunset adventure, hop on the City Sightseeing Sunset Bus. The route offers a scenic drive with ocean views, mountain landscapes, and a final stop at Signal Hill, where you can enjoy a picnic while watching the sun set over the city.
Key Details
- Tour: Red Bus Sunset Tour
- Highlight: Signal Hill stop for sunset views
- Extras: Bring your own picnic or pre-order one
- Book: https://www.citysightseeing.co.za/destinations/cape-town/products/sunset-bus
Signal Hill View
Signal Hill is just as spectacular at night and during the day. Easily accessible by car, it offers breathtaking views of the city lights at night, and in the day you can see Cape Town harbour. On clear nights, the sparkling lights and quiet atmosphere make it one of the most romantic spots in the city.
A special thank you to my boyfriend for taking me here on my 26th birthday-it was unforgettable.
Champagne Boat Trip at the V&A Waterfront
For a luxurious experience, enjoy a champagne cruise around the V&A Waterfront. Sail across the bay with a chilled glass of champagne while admiring Cape Town’s skyline and ocean views. Sunset cruises are especially magical.
Book With:
- Waterfront Charters Sunset Champagne Cruise
- City Sightseeing Sunset Champagne Cruise
Dance at the beach
Cape Town has plenty of free dance events, especially during summer. One of the best is the Summer Tango Series at Sea Point Promenade, held every Sunday next to the tidal pool. Everyone is welcome-join in or simply watch the dancers.
Contact: 083 533 3333
Email: summertangoseries@yahoo.com
Pack a Picnic
Cape Town is a picnic lover’s paradise. From beaches to wine estates to the iconic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, there are endless places to spread a blanket.
A few favourites:
- Spier Wine Farm-beautiful lawns and tasting experiences
- Marianne Wines– great picnic baskets and scenic views
- Kirstenbosch Gardens-Africa’s largest botanical garden
⚠️ Note: Alcohol is banned on South African beaches. Rather enjoy a non-alcoholic picnic and save the sundowners for a local bar-Camps Bay is perfect for post-picnic drinks and happy hour specials.
Dine at a Fancy Restaurant
Cape Town’s food scene is incredible. For a romantic dinner, try:
- Mariners Wharf – seafood with views over Hout Bay
- Quay 4 – casual waterfront dining
- Harbour House – upscale seafood with incredible views (Kalk Bay + V&A Waterfront)
- De Grendal’s resturant– a wine estate with upscale dining
Chocolate Tasting in Cape Town
Swap the usual box of chocolates for a chocolate tasting experience. Some top spots include:
- Honest Chocolate (Wale Street) – sustainable, artisanal chocolate
- Lindt Chocolate Studio (V&A Waterfront)
- Cocofair (Meerendal Wine Estate) – ethical bean-to-bar chocolate
My favourites are Honest Chocolate and Cocofair-both are absolutely delicious.
Outdoor Cinema Experience
The Galileo Open Air Cinema is one of the most unique date-night ideas in Cape Town. Watch a movie under the stars at venues like Kirstenbosch, wine estates, and the V&A Waterfront.
You can bring your own picnic or buy snacks on-site. January and February are usually the best weather months.
Book tickets: The Galileo Open Air Cinema
Cape Town and its surrounds are packed with unforgettable experiences for couples, from scenic sunsets and chocolate tastings to horse riding, wine estates, and charming farm adventures. Whether you’re a local or visiting, there’s something special for every couple to enjoy.
I hope this guide inspires your next romantic outing! If you try any of these experiences, I’d love to hear about it-leave a comment below or share your favourite Cape Town date ideas.
Wishing you a magical Valentine’s season, whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself and someone special.
Nikkidiscovers 
Romantic gestures do not need a day. Only retailers need a day to make us feel guilty so we buy their stuff. I will be hand-making a card for my Valentine. We will go to lunch at our local French Canadian restaurant on Valentine’s Day, only because that is the one day we have the time. Capetown looks beautiful with lots of options. Enjoy. Allan
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I agree retailers need to make profits and guilt is a easy way to make it. Your plans for the day sound so lovely. I often make cards too although I haven’t done so in a while. I made a digital collage for my Valentine this year. Thank you for you comment and hope you enjoy your day.
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Liked the comment man! I had fun on Valentine’s day and I bought few gift’s at the retailers even though I also felt like I could have just made what I bought with ridiculous price but I chose to buy for the sake of supporting and probably helping someone keep their jobs.
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Like the pics, they are amazing and they show exactly how cape town is and how much fun and romance one could have on that side. Next time I want to go somewhere romantic I will consider cape town.
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Thank you I’m glad you enjoyed the post. And hope you will love Cape Town when you visit. Also a major thank you for liking the photos as they were all taking using a phone ( :
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Your photo capturing is amazing and you knew how to take great angles which makes the pics so nice…
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Thanks again and I’m following your blog. You’re writing is interesting.
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Thank you very much, such comment really makes me want to write even more than ever. Nikki I appreciate and respect every single view expressed by my followers, once again thank you.
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