Cape Town is a wonderful destination for couples beginning a new relationship or for anyone looking to rekindle old romances. Cape Town’s gorgeous scenery and well-developed tourist industry mean that the city offers all the most popular romantic activities, as well as some you’d never expect.

Romantic boat trips
It’s hard to top a sunset cruise in the harbour. What could be more tranquil than sitting back with a glass of champagne, taking in the views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town city skyline as the sun goes down. For an even more glamorous nautical experience, try a yacht trip off the Clifton coast.

Romance for the gourmet

If you prefer to stay grounded, a sunset stroll along the promenade in Sea Point is a winner. Then amble over to Wakame to share fresh sushi and a bottle of wine.

Cape Town is a gourmet paradise, and there are plenty of restaurants perfect for a romantic dinner for two. For special anniversaries, La Colombe in Constantia is one of the finest restaurants in the world. Mint Restaurant at the Taj Hotel offers local and international fine dining fare prepared with only the freshest ingredients. For a more casual supper, have a gourmet burger at the supremely hip Royale Eatery on Long Street before dancing the night away with your beloved.

Al fresco picnics
If you prefer to take your meal outdoors, Cape Town is not short of spectacular settings. A picnic remains a classic romantic idea, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is one of the world’s great picnic spots. You can buy a picnic hamper at the garden, which you can enjoy on the manicured lawns, surrounded by lush indigenous vegetation.

Positioned at the foot of Table Mountain, for many tourists this will be their first taste of the mountain’s verdant eastern slope. Cape Town’s elegant beaches are also wonderful picnic spots: Clifton at sundown is picture-perfect. Or have the novel experience of swimming with penguins at Boulders Beach.

Romance for the adventure-lover
Adventure lovers will find no shortage of things to do. Cape Town has too many hiking trails to mention, with several in Kirstenbosch alone. It is even possible to climb Table Mountain from there. Walk in Silvermine and enjoy the subtle beauty of Cape fynbos – and be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Hout Bay. For a real romantic adventure, climb Lion’s Head during a full moon.

If that sounds wastefully energetic, take a cable car up Table Mountain and take in a panoramic view of the city.

Cultural enjoyment
Visiting a wine farm is a more sedate way to enjoy Cape Town’s natural attractions. There are fine estates in the Cape Town suburb of Constantia, like Buitenverwachting and Groot Constantia (established by Simon van der Stel, it is the oldest estate in South Africa).

Cape Town has a rich heritage, and there are plenty of galleries and museums to interest more culturally inclined couples. Taking a walk through Company Gardens, in the centre of town, to the South African National Gallery must be one of the most romantic ways to enjoy fine art.

If you enjoy theatre, catch a play at one of Cape Town’s theatre venues, like the iconic Baxter or the new Athol Fugard Theatre, named in honour of South Africa’s greatest living playwright. For something edgier, try Vaudeville, fantasy a supper club where you can eat drink and be entertained – followed by a night of revelry at the adjoining Fez club.

Recuperate with breakfast (maybe even a champagne breakfast!) at one of Cape Town’s fine hotels. Try perfect pastries at Mint at the Taj Cape Town.

The Taj Cape Town is positioned in the heart of Cape Town, near the city’s natural and cultural attractions. The hotel provides a level luxury and elegance ideal for a special holiday with the one you love.