A Couple's Guide to Cape Town

It may be a cliche, but there’s nothing quite like a long walk on the beach, particularly at sunset. If the weather’s playing along, and the wind isn’t pumping too hard, make your way to one of the city’s famous beaches. Close to the city, you can’t go wrong with Clifton or Camps Bay. Slightly further afield, Blouberg and surrounding beaches offer incredible postcard perspectives of the city and Table Mountain, which is particularly romantic as the sun slips behind the Atlantic.

Cape Town serves up some of the world’s best sunsets, and there are dozens of places from which to enjoy the sight. If you’re an active couple, why not head up Lion’s Head or Table Mountain for an incredible aerial view? Though it’s possible to descend Lion’s Head after dark, provided you have a headlamp or torch and take it slow, it’s not recommended to be on Table Mountain after dark. For that, there’s the Cableway, which has at least one car heading back to ground level after dark each evening, weather permitting.
If you’d prefer to be closer to sea level, head to another top sundowner spot in Cape Town and make it your own.

Cape Town has many elevated spots that boast unparalleled views of the city and oceans. From majestic Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Lion’s Head to Chapman’s Peak and the Silvermine Nature Reserve, there is no shortage of idyllic locations providing the perfect setting for sundowners.
Depending on your interests, hike to the top of Table Mountain or take the cable car — there’s a restaurant at the top that serves a range of alcoholic beverages to celebrate your partnership. If you’re pressed for time, a drive along Signal Hill, with views of the harbour, ocean and twinkling city lights is also painfully romantic.
Further south, visit the Old Lighthouse at Cape Point. If the moment takes you, you can be that couple and re-enact the iconic scene from Titanic where Jack and Rose stood at the bow of the ship.
In the northern suburbs, the Taal Monument on Paarl Mountain is a superb location for a picnic with its glorious views over the Cape Winelands.

Cape Town knows how to do high-end romantic hotels, but you’ll also find accommodation to suit all budgets.
If you’re looking for luxury and romance from a large hotel, head to the likes of the Twelve Apostles, One&Only, Tintswalo Atlantic, Mount Nelson, or Cape Grace. If you prefer a more personal touch, there are also dozens of boutique hotels dotted throughout the city.
If you’d rather skip the idea of a hotel, then consider booking your own apartment — there are hundreds of Airbnb spots located throughout the city, and also further afield with incredible sea or mountain views.

Cape Town’s variety of gardens and parks are an ideal and inexpensive setting for romantic walks, picnics and languid lunches under the shade of oak trees.
Visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and admire the variety of flora on display — it’s perfect for a lazy walk, brisk stroll, or a lengthy picnic beneath the shade of a large tree. On Sundays in summer, the gardens come to life with a sunset concert that’s a popular event for groups and couples alike. Closer to the city, there’s the Company’s Gardens, and the tranquil Green Point Urban Park just metres from the ocean.
If you’re more a fan of slow, scenic walks, you can leave the confines of the Green Point Urban Park, and saunter hand in hand along the serene Sea Point Promenade.

Wine estates are among the most romantic places to spend an afternoon with your partner. There are several beautiful estates both close to the city, and in neighbouring towns like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. Many estates have in-house restaurants, but you can also just opt for a quick wine tasting or chocolate pairing before heading off to a new one.

There are dozens of incredible restaurants in Cape Town that will set the tone for any romantic evening. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining establishment with a view, the most exquisite food in a unique setting, or a hearty meal for two, the establishments around the city will have you covered. If it’s a special occasion, start off by making an advance reservation at one of these top 10 restaurants in Cape Town.

Once the sun has set, you might want to consider another activity to keep the night going. During summer, the Galileo Open Air Cinema screens a host of romantic comedies, cult classics and award-winning documentaries at various open-air locations around the city after sundown. Tickets usually sell out quickly, so be sure to book in advance. An equally romantic alternative is the Pink Flamingo Rooftop Cinema at the Grand Daddy Hotel, which screens a selection of popular films and includes a welcome drink, a bag of sweets and popcorn with your ticket.
If the weather turns bad, there’s always the quaint and quirky Labia Theatre — one of the oldest cinemas in town.