From the vibrant Long Street to the scenic Camps Bay Strip, Cape Town comes alive at night. Boasting bars, clubs and DJs of world-class standards, you’ll never lack for a place to drink, dance, or people-watch, no matter what style of partying you prefer.
Here is a round up of the best bars and clubs in Cape Town, South Africa’s Mother City of nightlife.
The Camps Bay Strip
Courtesy of Caprice
Situated in the wealthy suburb of Camps Bay along the Atlantic Seaboard, the strip, along the beachfront, is lined with a few clubs and bars. Perfect sundowners – with the most incredible sunsets, the strip is casual yet classy. Here are places to head to when you are in the area are:
Caprice: Just a few steps from the infamous Camps Bay Beach, Caprice is the place to see and be seen. With the queue out of the door on warm summer nights, this lounge/restaurant/club is the most popular spot on the strip. Open all day as a restaurant before transforming into a rowdy club after 9pm. Best time to go: Sunday. Entry: Free
Le Roi Beach Bar: A bar by day turning into at club by night, Le Roi has some of Cape Town’s best house DJs on the decks that will have you dancing the night away. Not only does it have an awesome vibe, but is located two stories up overlooking the white, sandy beach. Best time to go: Sunday. Entry: Free
Dizzy’s: With live entertainment on Mondays, karaoke on Tuesdays, pub quizzes on Thursdays and beer pong on Sundays, Dizzy’s is a popular spot for locals. Small, warm and snug, Dizzy’s is also known to have some of the best pizza. Best time to go: Thursday. Entry: Event dependent
V&A Waterfront
Shimmy Beach Club (Photo by Karen Elowitt)
A shopping haven for tourist, the V&A Waterfront is also home to some of the best bars and clubs in Cape Town. Here is a few of the best:
Shimmy Beach Club: With an outdoor pool and sandy beach area, Shimmy’s is one of the coolest private clubs in Cape Town. Located in the industrial area of the waterfront, this club/restaurant is open for a poolside lunch and stays open to the early hours of the morning. Boogie the night away on the sand-filled dance floor lit up by a neon-lit transparent pool in the middle of it. Best time to go: Sunday. Entry: R100
Mitchell’s Brewery: In the heart of the waterfront, Mitchell’s offers sports lover a tasty pub meals and beer while watching their favourite team play. The electric atmosphere often spills out of the doors draws passersby into this stone pub. Best time to go: During any big sporting event. Entry: Free
Alba Lounge: With a view of the infamous V&A harbour, Alba Lounge is an elegant yet cozy lounge. Enjoy some of the best cocktails in the city on the balcony on hot summer days or close to the fireplace on colder ones. Open all day for drink and light meals, it is ideal for sundowners. Best time to go: Sunset on a Saturday or Sunday. Entry: Free
Long Street
Courtesy of Dubliner
The most vibrant street in Cape Town is Long Street. Packed with bars, clubs and restaurants, the street is a hub of activity. No matter who you are or where you’re from, Long Street has something for everyone. Here are a few of the top spots along the street.
Beer House: Overlooking Long Street, this unique establishment is a beer lovers dream. Indulge in a few of the 99 imported and craft beers while watching your favourite supporting event and lining your stomach with delicious food. Best time to go: Anytime. Entry: Free
169 on Long: Going from a Cuban style restaurant to an R&B night club after dinner, you can enjoy a tasty meal accompanied by heavenly cocktails before dancing the night away. Best time to go: Saturday. Entry: Event dependent
The Dubliner: South Africa’s very own version of an Irish pub, The Dubliner has live music every night, stock some impressive Irish beer and great pub meals. Great on nights when there are big sporting events and St Patrick’s Day. Best time to go: Saturday. Entry: Event dependent
Fiction: Home of electronic and base music, Fiction has played host to some of the best international and local djs. Overlooking the busy street below, Fiction keeps the vibe of Long Street going within the club. Best time to go: Thursday and Saturday. Entry: Event dependent
City Centre
With Long Street packed with awesome venues, many club and bar owners have expanded to other areas of the city. Still dusted with energy of the inner city, here are a few of the best clubs in the city:
The Assembly: Cape Town ultimate live music venue, The Assembly caters to every genre of music from Afrikaans rock to drum and bass. Host to some of Cape Town’s biggest music events and international artist, The Assembly is a must-visit when in the city.
Best time to go: Event dependant
Entry: Event dependant
Tjing Tjing
COCO Lounge, Bar & Nightclub: Situated on Loop Street (one road away from Long Street), COCO is a high-end, sophisticated blend of great music and a beautifully designed environment. With some of Cape Town’s best djs being regulars on the decks at this venue, you can be sure to have an amazing night. Best time to go: Saturday. Entry: Event dependent
Orphanage Cocktail Emporium: One of the coolest bars around, Orphanage serves the most unique cocktails presented in weird and wonderful ways. From boozy tea served in tea cup with a cucumber sandwich on the side to classics with a twist, your taste buds are in for a definite treat. Best time to go: Friday and Saturday. Entry: Free
The Loop: Hosting some of South Africa’s best DJs, The Loop (also situated on Loop Street) is nothing less that a world class nightclub. With banging beats and a brilliant vibe, The Loop caters to anyone who is looking to have a fun night out on the town. Best time to go: Saturday. Entry: Event dependent
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar: For a chilled evening in an amazing venue, head to Tjing Tjing. Located on a rooftop in the middle of the city, not only do they serve great wine and cocktails, but also amazingly decedent bar food. Best time to go: Friday and Saturday. Entry: Free
Deco Dance: For anyone who loves 80s and 90s music, Deco Dance is for you. About 15 minutes outside of the CBD, this club will have you dancing the night away to your favourite classic. Best time to go: Friday and Saturday. Entry: Event dependent
The Pink Strip
Cape Town has a huge gay and lesbian community and Green Point (a few minutes out of the CBD) is where you’ll find some great pink pubs and clubs. Here are a couple of the best the city has to offer.
Crew Bar: With topless guys dancing on the bar to the lavish decor, you’ll get an eyeful from the moment you walk into Crew. The music is always pumping and the vibe top notch. Best time to go: Friday and Saturday. Entry: Event dependent
Beaulah Bar: This women’s bar with its boho-chic decor, is a relaxed lounge by day turning into a club at night.
Best time to go: Friday and Saturday. Entry: Event dependent
