10 Best IRL game spots in Cape Town every gamer needs to try

Escape rooms are a global phenomenon, but here in Cape Town, they have a vibey local flair. With the infamous Hint Hunt at the V&A Waterfront, you can break out of prison, solve wily mysteries, find the treasure and save the world - as long as you don’t let the timer run out!

You only need a minimum of two players, and with varying difficulty levels, you have a choice between just having fun or really furrowing the brow as you try to solve the myriad of clues.

If being stuck in a small room sounds a little too claustrophobic, Hint Hunt also offers an Amazing Race option where you race against other teams to solve clues around the Waterfront area.

This one is especially great for large groups, and you need a minimum of four people to play. There are also various package options, from focusing on historic landmarks, coastal marine life, street art - even kayaking the Waterfront’s secret canals while hunting for clues.

Time Out Tip: Leave your phone in your pocket - HintHunt’s escape rooms are strictly screen-free, with all clues hidden in the room itself. Book ahead (especially on weekends) and arrive at least 15 minutes early for your mission briefing.

Where: The Watershed (Ground floor),
17 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront,
Cape Town

Closest parking: Portswood Parking Garage 

When:

Escape Rooms & Indoor Games
Monday–Thursday: 10:00 – 19:00
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 – 20:30
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:30 

Outdoor / Amazing Race games
Monday–Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 13:00 

Ready to play a round of cave putt-putt?!

Many know about the cave ‘golf’ in V&A Waterfront, but do you know about their sister course on the other side of Fish Hoek?

Head to the False Bay coastal stretch between Simon’s Town and Glencairn, to have some fun at Mineral World Scratch Patch. 

It offers a great test of skill with a putter, and afterwards you can reward yourself with some special stones that will make you feel like a dragon with its hoard.

Time Out Tip: There’s also a special glow-in-the-dark section to light up the course (especially for those who miss the Milnerton course that has permanently closed), where you can pretend to magic your way to a hole-in-one. Best of all, you don’t have to make any bookings, which makes it perfect for a last-minute game when the weather has turned most foul.  

When:

Mon–Fri 08:30–16:45

Sat–Sun & public holidays 09:00–17:30

This is your chance to play arcade, in a bar. 

What’s better than mixing a lekker South African beer with a game of Mortal Kombat?

Barcadia in Hout Street in the city centre lets you play all of your nostalgia arcade games FOR FREE - a perfect spot to distract your opponent with a shot of tequila for a K.O. 

Even though the games are a little wonky and not all of them always work (maintaining old arcade games in the modern world is a miracle in itself), the neon-bright decor and memorabilia will transport any serious gamer to the Nintendo and Atari era.

Minus the hunt for coins to play! 

Time Out Tip: Levelling up your nightlife at Cape Town’s first retro arcade bar sees free entry and it's strictly 21 and over. Get there early to snag a machine and stay late to soak up that nostalgic neon vibe.

Where: Hout Street, Cape Town CBD

When: Tuesdays to Saturdays 6pm to 2am

If you want to run that Ghost of Tsushima obstacle course in real life, geeks who need a little fun with fitness will get pumped by the Total Ninja venue in Black River Park, Observatory.

Reimagine yourself as a samurai of old in their bouncy castle-esque inflatable course or, use your upper body strength to conquer their warrior course. 

There are also many other challenges, like sprinting up an impossible wall or trying to avoid wiping out with a spinning whammy.

A café and viewing area, secure lockers, free Wi‑Fi and free parking make it a breeze for spectators and families. Perfect for unleashing your inner warrior any day of the week!

Time Out Tip: You have to buy their extra-special socks the first time you go, but you can reuse them after that. They also have child-friendly courses for mini ninjas - be wary of them when running the gauntlet though!

Location: Blackriver Parkway

Time: Monday–Friday 10 am–9 pm, and weekends 9 am–9 pm 

Want to experience Call of Duty in real life? Take up arms at the popular indoor shooting range Gun Fun in the middle of the city. You can shoot with the guns from the 007 movies, or you can practice with an AK-47 on a rhino ‘poacher’. 

They offer a variety of experiences, and teenagers between 12 and 18 can also join in on the action alongside a parent or guardian. What better way to find out if you’re just as good as your aim in-game?

Time Out Tip: First-timer? Go for the themed packages - like the “Combat Rifle” experience - for a guided intro that feels like stepping into a movie. Arrive early to get through safety briefing and paperwork, and don’t forget your ID (or guardian if you're under 18)

Where:: 57 Hout Street, CBD, Cape Town

When: 

Monday to Friday: 09h00 to 17h00

Saturday: 09h00 to 12h00

Question your friends with a classic pub quiz.

There are as many pub quiz nights in Cape Town as there are pigeons, but a great place to start is at one of the oldest bars in the Mother City - Firemans Arms! Hosted by QuizNite Cape Town as their longest-running pub quiz, you and your nerdiest of friends can join in every week. 

Not only can you slake your thirst for glory, but Firemans has an Odin worthy beer range on tap, plus tuck into their hearty pub food for extra brain food - or test your tastebuds as well as your brain cells with their fiery Firemans pie filled with the hottest of chillies. 

Time Out Tip: Get there early to snag a good table, as Fireman's fills up fast on quiz nights. Bonus points if you come up with a punny team name and order the Fireman’s pie… if your trivia skills don’t burn you, the chillies might.

Where: Firemans Arms, CBD Cape Town

When: Thursdays from 7pm

Throw like a Viking at XOXO Urban Axe Throwing.

Cape Town’s first axe-throwing lounge, at The Spice Yard  in Salt River, lets you hurl hatchets at targets in a neon-lit urban setting - perfect for groups looking for a quirky, competitive night out. Sessions are instructor-led, and you can book as a crew or join a public slot. 

Time Out Tip: Don’t forget your closed shoes and your camera - nothing says “I nailed it” like a slow-mo axe hit. Bookings essential.

When: Wednesday–Saturday, 6PM–9PM

Where: The Spice Yard, 100 Voortrekker Rd, Salt River

Slay dragons at the tri-annual medieval festival. 

If you have a hankering for travelling back in time like in Age of Empires, Magic & Mayhem hosts a medieval festival and market three times a year - Summer, Winter and for Halloween - where you can live out your knightly fantasies. 

Come dressed up in your shining armour or wispy gowns, where board game tournaments, Dungeons and Dragons and other battle-ready feats are on display.

Time Out Tip: Dress the part for serious cosplay cred and aim to arrive early to catch the opening events. There are also vendors selling fantastical treasures to take home with you. 

When: 2 August 2025

Where: Voortrekker High School, Kenilworth
Tickets: R50 entry | R30 in costume | Free for kids under 12 

Just follow their socials to find out when the next joust is happening. 

Learn how to make your own games! For any wannabe game developer, Maker’s Massive hosts monthly game jams where gamers don’t just meet up to discuss everything that makes the industry tick, but also to come up with different bizarre consoles to play wacky games in partnership with Super Friendship Arcade.

They also organise the annual Playtopia - normally near the end of the year - where African gamers can showcase their talents and indie developers can highlight their homegrown games.

Time Out Tip: Not only can you check out the latest games, but they also have an eclectic art show to celebrate everything geeky and techy.

Where: Homecoming Centre, Cape Town 

When: 5 to 6 December

Ready to race your friends? If you’re more of a Need for Speed gamer, hit the (indoor) streets with Century Karting.

Take a group of friends to see who will be crowned the fastest on the track, or who will bomb the hardest on tight turns. 

Go-karting is a high-intensity activity, and has some risk involved if you like to go fast - but as long as you listen to the instructors, you should all good.

Time Out Tip: It's more affordable to make a block booking for 12 or more drivers with a lot more time on the track. Century Karting also has a driving simulator if you prefer to stay off the streets where it’s a little safer. 

Where: Mezzanine Level of Canal Walk (0A Century Ave, Century City)

When: Daily, 9 am–9 pm