Top 10 Indoor Attractions in Cape Town
It may be raining (and even snowing) in Cape Town, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore all the wonderful treasures the Mother City has to offer. Cape Town offers a great selection of indoor activities for the chilly winter months.
While you’re at the Waterfront…
1. Cape Town Diamond Museum
Certain to add a little sparkle to a cold, rainy day, the Cape Town Diamond Museum pays tribute to the world’s most precious gem, the diamond. Explore the history of the South African diamond rush and see life-size replicas of the world’s most famous diamonds. You can even walk through a replica mine shaft, complete with realistic sound and lighting. The cutting and polishing process can be viewed first-hand at the museum, making it the place to visit, whether you are a diamond fundi or simply appreciate the perfect beauty of these precious gems.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 9am – 9pm
2. Two Oceans Aquarium
Explore the deep sea, from indoors, where the two oceans meet. Home to over 3000 living animals – including sharks, fish, turtles, penguins and more – the Two Oceans Aquarium provides hours of fun exploring the exciting underwater world.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 9:30am – 6pm
Visit their website here.
3. V&A Waterfront
With over 450 retail outlets selling everything from fashion, homeware and curios, to jewellery, leather goods and audiovisual equipment, the V&A Waterfront is South Africa’s most popular shopping destination offering an abundance of indoor shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 9am – 9pm
Visit their website here.
4. V&A Waterfront Food Market
Located next to the V&A Waterfront, the Market on the Wharf is an indoor fresh food and produce market offering a wide variety of delicious food, drinks and snacks to suit every taste. Experience an adventure of flavours, including a foodie bookshop, and a demo kitchen, offering culinary experiences for the mind and the body.
Opening hours: Wednesday– Sunday: 9:30am
Visit their website here.
5. The Artscape Theatre
Catch a show at the Artscape Theatre, formerly known as the Nico Malan Theatre Centre, for a unique blend of theatre productions. The theatre plays host to world-class acts, ranging from ballet to magic performances.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm; Saturdays 9am – 12:30pm
Visit their website here.
6. Heavenly Spa (Previously Arabella)
Treat yourself to a day filled with some TLC at the Westin’s Heavenly Spa. Unwind with a full body massage, have a nap in their hot water beds complete with fleecy blankets, or relax in a warm Jacuzzi overlooking the Cape Town harbour.
Visit their website here.
A short drive away…
7. The Planetarium
The Planetarium transports you through the wonders of the universe; the ultimate in armchair travel. Inside the domed auditorium, the night sky is recreated so so whatever the weather outside, the Planetarium sky is always clear, an extraordinary audio-visual experience for old and young.
Opening hours: Shows on Monday to Friday: 1pm and 2pm. Tuesdays: 8pm; Saturdays and Sundays: 1pm and 2:30pm
Visit their website here.
8. Cape Town Science Centre
A world of discovery under one roof, the Cape Town Science Centre is filled with fascinating activities, interactive activities and displays. Build a house in the exclusive ‘kids only’ building site, challenge your mind with puzzling things, experience weightlessness similar to that of space, control a ball with your brain waves and enjoy a game of chess on the giant chess set.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday 9am – 4:30pm; Sunday 10am – 4:30pm
Visit their website here.
9. Butterfly World
Located in the Winelands near Stellenbosch, Butterfly World consists of a tropical garden in a 1000 square meter greenhouse. Experience free flying exotic butterflies and spectacular displays of indigenous and exotic spiders and scorpions that are housed in locked glass terraria.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 9am to 5pm
Visit their website here.
10. Ice Skating Grand West Casino
Hire some skates and have fun at the Olympic-sized ice rink at the Grand West Family Entertainment Centre. With bright lights and contemporary music adding to a festive vibe, The Ice Station offers energetic entertainment for all ages. The Ice Station is also host to ice hockey championships, figure skating competitions, special events during school holidays, as well as ice skating clubs – catering to beginners and pros. Remember to dress warmly!
Opening hours: Mondays – Fridays: 10am – 12h30pm, 2pm – 4:30pm; Saturdays: 9am-11.30am, 12pm-2.30pm, 3pm-5.30pm, 6pm – 8.30pm; Sundays: 12pm -12am.
Visit their website here.
