Find yourself in Cape Town during the autumn season and on the hunt for some fun things to do? We’ve got you covered! While summer is the most popular time to visit the Mother City thanks to the incredible sunshine and warm weather, the autumn months in Cape Town hold a special charm of their own. From spending time in the city’s stunning outdoor areas to tasting unique varietals in the famous Cape Winelands, there are a number of wonderful activities to enjoy this autumn.
As Cape Town says farewell to summer, the city swaps the hectic heat from warm days and slightly cooler evenings. The sun still shines most of the time making it a great time to enjoy the outdoors. We have put together a list of great things to do in autumn; take a look and start planning your next day out in Cape Town.
Here are the 5 best autumn activities you can enjoy around Cape Town this year!
1. Take a hike or beautiful autumnal walk
In autumn, the high heat of summer fades creating great conditions for getting outdoors! Cape Town and its surrounds boast several beautiful green spaces and as autumn arrives, the city transforms into a riot of warm hues. Leaves turn red, gold, and orange and there is nothing quite like catching a few under your heel and hearing a satisfying “crunch” while on a walk outdoors! Choose to embrace nature on a hike - Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and various routes in Hout Bay are great options. The cooler weather makes for great hiking conditions. Or, slow it down with a walk somewhere scenic such as Newland’s Forest, Green Point Park, the Alphen Train in Constantia and more.
Top tip! Take a stroll at dusk - at this time of year, Cape Town’s sunsets can be phenomenal! Popular sunset spots include the Sea Point Promenade, Llandudno Beach, Sunset Beach near Milnerton, Clifton’s beaches and Camps Bay (just to name a few!).
2. Visit one of the city's art galleries
Cape Town is home to several world-class art galleries that showcase local and international art. These include the striking Zeitz MOCAA located in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront as well as the Norval Foundation situated in the scenic Constantia wine valley in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs.
Spending an afternoon pursuing the galleries and appreciating the artistry is the perfect way to spend an autumn afternoon in Cape Town - especially as the winter season draws closer and the temperatures start to dip! You can admire the art, get your creative fix and cozy up with a cup of coffee or delicious meal afterwards!
Looking for more arty things to do? Take a look at our pick of Cape Town’s top activities for art lovers here.
3. Flex your culinary skills at a cooking class
Warm up, fill your belly and learn some new culinary skills this autumn! South Africa’s culinary scene is fantastic with several world-class restaurants and fine dining destinations located around the country. There are a mix of cuisines, influences and cooking styles; from elite fine dining to delicious street food and wholesome home cooking.
Enjoy a taste of it all when you join a local cooking class. Stir Crazy in the Waterfront offers a variety of cuisines as well as date night and ladies night options, Ginger and Lime offers indepth classes throughout the year, Top Nosh in the Southern Suburbs have themed cooking classes on offer as well as courses to help you learn the basics, while The Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour showcases local Cape Malay dishes and culture!
4. Enjoy a road trip along the West Coast
Keen on a break from the city? We have just the thing for you - a West Coast trip! Travelling along this scenic stretch of road which winds up South Africa’s western coastline is bound to put a smile on your face this autumn. Whether you are heading off to stay the night somewhere or are simply getting away for a day trip, a west coast roadtrip is a great autumn activity. During this season, there are fewer crowds meaning you can enjoy a relaxing and peaceful getaway.
For an unforgettable trip away, take a look at dk villas Skilliepark Dwaskersbos property on the West Coast. This tiny hamlet on the coast offers the ultimate chance to get away from it all!
Follow the R27 north from Cape Town and get ready for a mini adventure. Stop in Langebaan and pay a visit to Die Strandloper for some mouthwatering seafood. Enjoy time in Paternoster for a relaxing walk on the beach (and visit the quirky local “Panty Bar” at the Paternoster Hotel). Make your way to St. Helena Bay to admire the views and enjoy a sundowner! These are just a few of the charming towns found along the coast.
5. Hop aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram
Head into the Cape Winelands for a memorable way to spend an autumn day! Enjoying the famous Franschhoek wine tram before Cape Town’s notorious winter weather arrives is a great idea! The wine tram is a hop on hop off experience that takes you around to a number of different wine farms. A combination of a double decker tram, open air tram-buses and 4x4 people carriers ferry travellers between wine farms. A number of routes are available - all you need to do is pick the line you’d like to travel and you’re off! It’s a unique and memorable way to discover the Franschhoek Wine Valley. Plus, with transfers offered to and from Cape Town, you can enjoy your wine, knowing you have a safe ride home.
Keen to learn more about the wine tram? Read dk villas top reasons to enjoy this unmissable Cape Winelands activity!
If you are in Cape Town in autumn and searching for a few fun things to do, give this list a go! When the weather starts to turn cooler, these awesome autumn activities are sure to keep you entertained in the Mother City!