8 Unconventional Things to Do in Cape Town This Weekend

Tired of the same Table Mountain, wine farm, penguin routine?

Cape Town has no shortage of beauty... but if you’re craving something truly different, this list is for you. Whether you're a local looking to spice up your weekend or a tourist dodging the usual tourist traps, these 8 unconventional activities are guaranteed to shake things up:

1. Craft a Memory You Can Hold: The 2handsy Experience

Want a weekend activity that’s creative, social, and leaves you with a personalized souvenir? 2handsy is Cape Town’s first and only hand casting experience, where you literally sculpt your own memory.

Here’s what to expect:

• Make a mold of your hand (solo, with a partner, friend, or child)

• Play nostalgic games while it sets (like spaghetti and marshmallow towers)

• Paint and personalize your sculpture with gold or silver

• Enjoy music, good vibes, bring along your own food and drinks if you want

They host sessions on Saturdays at the vibey Montebello Design Centre, and also offer private house calls... including for couples, friend groups, and even pet paw casting.

📍 Montebello Design Centre in Newlands. From R395 pp (less for kids)🔗 Book your slot

2. Barcadia: Cape Town’s Hidden Arcade & Pinball Lounge

Nostalgia meets nightlife at Barcadia, a secretive arcade bar tucked into the CBD. Inside you’ll find:

• Vintage arcade video games & pinball machines

• Skeeball, claw games, and joystick classics

• Craft cocktails, beer and cozy lighting

It’s the perfect mix of low key fun and 90s vibes, especially great for couples, solo adventurers, or anyone avoiding loud club scenes.

📍 Cape Town CBD🎮 Buy drinks and play games for FREE 🔗 Check them out here!

3. Weapons On Wheels: Axe Throwing, But Make It Mobile 🪓🔥

Yes, you read that right. Weapons On Wheels (WOW) is Cape Town’s first mobile axe throwing experience, and it brings the mayhem to you. Whether you're at a house party, office courtyard, or private event, this team rolls up with a rigged out trailer or targets, and actual axes...and teaches you how to throw them like a Viking.

Here’s why it slaps:

• Completely mobile setup: They pitch up anywhere in Cape Town with pro-grade targets, axes, and safety barriers

• No experience needed: You get hands on coaching so you're sticking axes in no time

• Themed events: They've done date nights, team builds, birthday parties, and even silent disco axe battles

You can book Weapons On Wheels for private events, but they also pop up at markets and festivals, so keep an eye on their Instagram for spontaneous public appearances.

📍 Mobile (they come to you). For groups of 6+ only. Pricing starts at R290 per person. Discounts for groups of 25+.

🔗 https://www.weaponsonwheels.com/

4. Go-Karting at Xtreme Outdoor Karting 🏎️

Channel your inner Max Verstappen at Xtreme Outdoor Karting, a competitive, high-adrenaline go-kart track in Stellenbosch. This is not your average kiddie circuit ....it’s fast, furious, and outdoors.

• 200cc karts

• Competitive lap timing

• Group bookings available for events or races

This is a great pick for both solo thrill seekers and friend groups wanting to go wheel to wheel.

📍 Welgelegen Farm, just next to Stellenbosch. Pricing starts from R200. 🔗 Check them out here!

5. Cape Town Sidecar Tours: Ride in Vintage Style 🏍️

Ditch the Uber. Jump into a vintage WWII style sidecar and cruise the coast like you’re in a movie. With Cape Sidecar Adventures, you can book:

• Atlantic Seaboard rides

• Peninsula day trips

• Even Chapman’s Peak in full leather and goggles mode

Every tour comes with a sidecar chauffeur, helmets, jackets, and killer photo ops. It’s bucket list stuff.

📍 Departs from Sea Point. Custom pricing depending on route🔗 Check them out here!

6. Steam Train to Elgin: Time Travel on Rails 🚂

Board a restored vintage steam train for a full day experience to the Elgin Railway Market. Depart from Cape Town, chug through the winelands and Sir Lowry’s Pass, and spend your afternoon eating, drinking, and browsing artisanal crafts at a retro market.

• Departs early Saturday & Sunday mornings

• Retro coaches with windows you can lean out of

• Onboard bar and snacks available

Great for couples, families, or anyone craving that nostalgic adventure feel.

📍 Departs from CBD. From R499 pp🔗 Check them out here!

7. Castle of Good Hope Tunnel Tour: Go Underground 🏰

You’ve walked past the Castle. Now go beneath it. This rare tour takes you through:

• Dutch built water canals

• Eerie tunnels under the fort

• History packed dungeon like spaces

It’s a side of Cape Town even most locals haven’t explored. Bring closed shoes... and a sense of adventure.

📍 Castle of Good Hope, CBD. Tour fee applies🔗Check them out here!

8. Signal Hill Noon Gun: Experience the Blast 💣

Yes, it fires daily. No, most people never go see it. The Noon Gun on Signal Hill has blasted Cape Town into lunchtime since 1806. Climb up to the military cannon site and witness the boom from metres away.

Bonus: You’ll also get panoramic views over the City Bowl and harbor...minus the crowds at Table Mountain.

📍 Signal Hill battery⏰ Monday–Saturday at 12 PM🔗 Check them out here!

🧭 Final Tips Before You Go

• Book 2handsy early...popular time slots go fast

• Several venues listed here require advance booking or cash

• Bring weather appropriate gear for outdoor activities

• Explore with friends, or solo....most activities on this list works for both

📌 Craving More Offbeat Cape Town?

Start with 2handsy. One booking could lead you to pop up axe throwing, a night of drinks and old school video games, or a trip on an ancient steam engine.

👉 Check this weekend’s schedule and discover something you’ve never done before.

Visuals courtesy of FreePik, 2handsy and linked websites.