Cape Town’s nightlife scene in 55 top clubs and bars
Cape Town nightlife, Cape Town night clubs & top bars
Whether it’s unruly behaviour you are looking for from your Cape Town nightlife or sophisticated cocktail sipping; whether it’s a rainy winter’s night or a smouldering summer evening….
…Cape Town nightlife spills out onto every street, so much so that you sometimes can’t avoid it… the spilling that is.
Cape Town’s TOP 55 BARS & CLUBS in Cape Town in alphabetical order
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
With colourful and exotic lights reflected on wet pavements Winter and short skirts with steep stilettos reflected in the windows in spring, the seasons alone contribute to the buzz of the nightlife and clubbing scene in Cape Town.
One can find eclectic mixes of music ranging from psychedelic sounds to the latest hits on the charts, tapping your toes to Jazz or dancing the night away to live music & the drum beats of local bands. There is also nothing stopping those wanting to inflict their own talents at the audience in some loud and cheerful classic Long street Karaoke bar.
From glittering Greenpoint to Gardens’ hipsterness or Sea Point sophistication to the student vibes in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, one will be sure to find a string of stupendous spots, leaving you walking home under the stars in the early morning hours serenading the old school Dirty Dancing tune to your beloved Cape Town City…
If you’ve not delved into Cape Town nightlife at least once in your life, you have not lived… ”
To help you plan your Cape Town nightlife experience, we have provided a list of Cape Town night clubs in alphabetical order for you below.
Alba Lounge
Alba lounge is into funk, R&B, jazz, live music, divine drinks and a harbour view to die for.
Hildebrand Restaurant at Pierhead, V&A Waterfront+27 (0)21 425 3385
& Union
& Union is all about beer and garden. Its is a lively venue in the centre of town and if you are passionate about craft beer this is the place to go. They work hand-in-hand with different brewmasters across Europe, to develop the finest, authentic lagers and ales, and bring them to your table. Carefully selected wines are served too.
Buckets of beer are served every day at 3 x 500ml or 4 x 330ml craft lagers for R100
Every Tuesday & Wednesday @ 7pm there is also live music featuring some top local bands.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 15:00 to 24:00
Friday: 12:00 to 24:00
+27 (0)21 422 2770
Alexander bar
At the Alexander Bar you will meet a good mix of local Capetonians both young and the odd tourists who have ventured from their hotels. Expect old world charm including the antique rotary dial telephone system which encourages you to chat to people all over the bar. Imagine that! Dial 0 to ring the bartender! A good menu that is fairly priced, beers, local lesser known wines and well-made cocktails. Music is background with carefully selected jazz and world music. There is also a little theatre upstairs showing live music, comedy, drama & readings.
Mondays – Saturdays from 11am – 1am
76 Strand Street, 8001 Cape Town+27 (0)21 300 1088
Assembly
The Assembly is a warehouse designed specially to host live bands, house and rock, and is situated in the heart of Cape Town. Discover where the bands battle it out at 61 Harrington Street, Cape Town,
61 Harrington Street, Cape Town+27 (0)21 465 7286
Asoka restaurant and bar on Kloof Street
Asoka Restaurant and Bar is a sophisticated lounge, bar with an olive tree in the middle of the venue with the night sky above – very unique. The lighting is ambient, the interiors are contemporary and the atmosphere allows for intimacy to chat to friends & loved ones. Don’t miss Asoka’s Tuesday Jazz Nights.
• Mon – Fri: 17:00 – 02:00
• Weekends: 18:00 – 02:00
+27 (0)21 422 0909
Barbosa
Buena Vista Green Point is now Barbosa Social Cafe – upgrades include new outdoor area with pizza oven and cocktail bar as well as a full new menu. With three bars, Latino inspired ambience, cocktails and a zest for life, Barbosa Social gives you all you need for a casual lazy cool Latino experience.
15 Alfred House, Portswood Road, V & A Waterfront+27 (0)21 421 0348
Baraza
Baraza is in Camps Bay where you can enjoy the usual spectacular site of Camps Bay in its beach and palm tree splendour – It is THE place to sip cocktails and watch the sun go down, you will enjoy smooth funky beats with an African touch & the cocktail menu is endless.
12 noon – late
The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay+27 (0)21 438-1758
Bascule whiskey bar & wine cellar
The Bascule Whiskey bar is at the international yacht marina and sits right on the waters edge of Cape Town’s Waterfront. It is a great coffee destination by day, and an ideal & sophisticated place to ease into the evening with a whisky in hand.
Cape Grace Hotel at the V&A WaterfrontBosa Nova
At Bossa Nova look out for pulsating South American, Latin beats six nights a week, or learn to salsa 2 nights a week
Currently Cover charge of R30 for women and R50 for men applies after 2130
43 Somerset Road, Greenpoint, Cape Town+27 (0)21 425-0295
+27 (0)21 425-0291
Bungalow restaurant & Club – Clifton (Formally La Med)
The Bungalow is in an exceptional location looking out over the ocean with a relaxed, summer time vibe and extensive areas for lounging and being fancy schmancy. The uber chic interiors and new pool make this a very popular place to spend time enjoying this old La Med venue.
Glen Country Club, Victoria Road, Clifton+27 (0) 21 438 2018
Bunker 9
Bunker 9 – Get down get down…..Bunker 9 is a stylish, upmarket venue in Cape Town’s northern suburbs. Skae that thang and boogie the night away to the sounds of house, R&B and hip hop
Manhattan Plaza, Edward Street, Durbanville+27 (0)21 910 0705
Cafe Caprice
Caprice is a trendy, glitzy pavement café where the sexy people of Cape Town hang out and show -off their assets. It’ s a young vibe with delicious snack type meals and no doubt that you will party late and hard here after your beach frolics.
37 Victoria Road, Camps Bay+27 (0)21 438 8315
Clarkes Bar & Dining room
Clarke’s is a tiny little trendy bar & dining room on the vubey and trendy Bree Street in Cape Town. You will often, on Summer nights find trendy Capetonians spilling onto the pavement as they socialise, chat, sip and absorb hip art on the walls & funky bands tickling their guitar strings.
133 Bree Street, Cape Town+27 (0)21 424 7648
Club 91
Club 91 is the perfect venue for those who enjoy themed parties whilst listening to sensual hip hop and R&B beats
91 Main Road, Claremont+27 (0)21 674 9191
Cocoon Cape Town
Cocoon is a trendy club with stunning city views and friendly staff.
2 Riebeek St, Cape Town City Centre
021 421 0581
Coco Nightclub
Coco has a good vibe, good mainstream music, 2 dance floors and lots of seating space
70 Loop St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
072 673 6869
Cubana Havana lounge & Latino bar
Cubana Havana Lounge & Latino Café says it all with its vibey bar and comfortable lounge this place welcomes a great flow of relaxed conversation and upbeat energy. The cocktails & shooters are superb – the occasional fire show by the very professional bar staff – even better. You will hear sophisticated house music, and modern pop which flows nicely to the outside area. It is a great stop for warm summer evenings.
Aska House, Main Rd, Claremont+27 (0)21 683-4040
+27 (0)21 683-4050
Dizzy’s pub & cigar bar
Dizzy’s Pub and Cigar Bar in Camps Bay offers live music and a very festive vibe after lazing around on the beach all day. They have an adjoining restaurant offering tasty pizza made in a classic pizza oven. If you are into backgammon, the owners, Bernard & Ron will take you on every Monday evening in the off-season months otherwise boards are available for practising your next move.
Currently no Cover Charge
Midday till very late (wee hours of the morning)
+27 (0)21 438-2686
+27 (0)21 438-7654
Dragon room
Sure thing Fridays is an event at the upmarket nightclub in Cape Town where the visuals and lighting distort the gyrating bodies and hot beats in line with the thundering bass. Let yourself go in the plush surroundings with sexy bartenders serving at 5 bars and seductive dancers on 2 dance floors.
84 Harrington Street+27 (0)21 461 8701
+27 (0)82 077 0335
Ferrymans Tavern & Restaurant
The Ferryman’s Tavern and Restaurant at the V&A Waterfront has a wide selection of beers & bitters and is more of a traditional but quality tavern/pub in nature with hearty meals. It has both a cozy bar and outside area to suit all weather and at night it gets very festive.
Open daily:
• 11:00 – 23:00 (bar)
• 12:00 – 23:00 (kitchen)
+27 (0)21 419-7748
Fire & Ice Bar – Protea Hotel
The innovative Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Bar has some tempting surprises for you in that the bar concept is unlike anything you have ever seen before where ice is placed into the bar counter to keep your drink cool.
New Church Street Cape Town 8002+27 (0)21 488 2555
Galaxy Club
The Galaxy has been going for over 30 years and gives visitors of all ages extremely fun and memorable on the dance floor.
College Road, Rylands, Athlone+27 (0)21 637 9132
HQ (Headquarters) Heritage Square
HQ is an absolute winner on a Friday night for the exclusive & well dressed Capetonians that simply have the need to dance. Primarily HQ is an exclusive fine dining steak restaurant but small dance floor entices guests to enjoy the incredibly vibey beat that makes even non- dancers want to dance. The up beat tunes are cleverly blended with perfectly calculated & addictive real live drumming and the large lounging area are designed to encourage socialising and chatting with friends or strangers.
Kitchen serving 11h30 – 22h30
Bar open till late
Heritage Square, 100 Shortmarket Street+27 (0)21 424 6373
ThirtyOne (formerly Hemisphere on top of the ABSA building)
The big plus about Hemisphere is its 180 degree city views from the 31st floor of the ABSA building. This gives clubbing a brand new dimension. It is extremely sophisticated – make sure you dress well and cocktails are a must.
31st floor, ABSA centre, Riebeek Street+27 (0)21 421 0581
Jade Lounge
Jade lounge is a very cool and chilled venue which dishes out mellow sounds and designer drinks. Definitely worth a visit for lazy nights
39 Main Road, Green Point+27 (0)21 439 4108
Karma Lounge
Karma is a stylish & upmarket beach lounge bar in Camps Bay where you can enjoy cocktails, sushi, prawns and champagne from the Moët & Chandon Champagne bar on large lazy sofas. The DJ’s will play sexy soulful beats until the early hours.
No under 23s (guys)
No under 21s (girls)
+27 (0)21 438 7773
Mavericks
A sophisticated Gentlemen’s Club in Cape Town for those looking for elegant temptation and alluring erotic fantasy.
68 Barrack St, Cape Town City Centre
+27 (0)21 461 9988
Mercury live & lounge
Mercury Lounge is the perfect venue for top acts by local live bands
43 De Villiers Street, Cape Town+27 (0)21 465 2106
Mezepoli Meze and Wine Bar
Great for yet another Camps Bay sundowner with the added advantage of an urban no fuss dining, experience in a contemporary and cool environment on Camps Bay’s idyllic promenade
The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay+27 (0)21 438 1915
Neighbourhood Restaurant, Bar and lounge on Long Street
Neighbourhood is close to all the other bars on Long Street and is a friendly bar to have a drink and play a game of pool. With its long balcony overlooking Long Street, its combination of booths and long dining tables, it is abuzz with locals and tourists lounging and sipping to their hearts content.
Long Street, Cape Town+27 (0)21 424 7260
News Cafe
The News Café was founded by 5 enthusiasts in 1995 where the venue offers different architectural and philosophical themes and the cocktail connoisseur is able to offer anything from creamy to fruity.
Week: 07:30 – 12:30 (last rounds)
Weekends: 08:30 – 01:00 (last rounds)
+27 (0)21 434-6196/7
Oblivion
Oblivion is a very popular European style wine bar which becomes a dancing scene later into the night. The bar has fun games like Jenga to 30 seconds on offer for those that want to add a twist to their evening and it offers great wines and home cooked meals.
• Oblivion opens at 11:30 am 7 days a week.
• Doors are closed at midnight although the bar is licensed to serve until 2am
+27 (0)21 671-8522
OBS Cafe
Obs Café is on Lower Main Road in Observatory just outside the CBD. It has a large lounge and great cocktails. The Long Island Ice Tea is a winning hit if you do not plan to drive home!
There is also a deli and they offer light meals & good coffee
Obz Cafe opens early in the morning from 07:00 until 01:00 at night, everyday of the week.
+27 (0)21 448-5555
Planet champaign & cocktail bar at The Mount Nelson
The Planet Bar at the Mount Nelson hotel is a true hot spot where smart Capetonians and international visitors will sip champagne and exotic cocktails & eat decadent meals
Mount Nelson hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens+27 (0)21 483 1000
Polana – Kalk Bay
Enjoy cocktails literately on the rocks at Kalk Bay Harbour, only meters away from the ocean waves crashing onto the very deck. Relax on leather sofas and sip a pre-dinner cocktail while soaking up the sea views.
Main Rd, Kalk Bay, Cape TownPower and the Glory – Tamboerskloof – See: “T” The Power & the Glory
Shimmy Beach in the waterfront
This is a spanking new premier ocean-front exclusive beach bar & restaurant. Choose to arrive by car, helicopter or boat & smother yourselves in luxury Influenced by some of the world’s most glamorous entertainment venues. The location, with its private beach & large deck is simply spectacular. Enjoy the champagne bar, infinity swimming pool and superb food.
South Arm Road, V&A Harbour Waterfront+27 (0)21 200 7778
Sinsation Club in Camps Bay
Sinsation Club is the latest lounge/nightclub in trendy Camps Bay. It was formerly known as Nisha Nightclub. It is a grrove bar, a cocktail lounge and a music lovers paradise as the DJ’s kick off at 10pm with an assortment of house music. Up till then it is the perfect spot to replax on the balcony and enjoy the view of Camps Bay
Shop 202, Promenade Building, Victoria Road, Camps Bay+27 (0)21 437 1401
Springbok Pub
The Springbok Pub is naturally a no frills “pubby” pub which transforms into a club at night – a perfect student hang-out with six bars and 5 entertainment areas, a VIP Whiskey Lounge and a summer beer garden. You will hear a good mix of modern pop and the happy classics
1 Sport Pienaar Road, Newlands, Cape Town+27 (0)21 671 4251
St Yves
For one of the hottest clubs in Cape Town looking out over glorious Camps Bay, go to St Yves. With exquisite interiors, it is ideal for sundown cocktails.
The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay+27 (0)21 438 0826
The Fez
The Fez is as cheeky and elegant as its host venue, Vaudeville. With its plush surroundings, the best house, R&B and live beats in town and cocktails to die for, this is a great party venue. Pull in with the party crowd at
11 Mechau Street, Cape Town+27 (0)21 419 7000 .
The Grand – Granger Bay
Exclusive, unique, opulent and idyllic, the Grand at Granger Bay offers an experience rather than just a bar & restaurant. You will find it located adjacent to Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, off Beach Road – the entrance is easy to miss and not very impressive until inside. The restaurant is housed in a large warehouse style building with chandeliers and French glamour everywhere you look. Designer
Granger Bay Road (off Beach Road)+27 (0)21 425 0551
The Loop
Anything and everything from R’nB to Commercial, House and Progressive beats will get you dancing three nights a week. The multi-levelled venue has a Bo-Kaap inspired exterior in varying colourful shades, while the interior flaunts gorgeousdécor and a number of dance floors that are sure to keep you grooving until the early hours. incredible Technicolor displays open-air balcony
Open your mind, let loose and dance
161 Loop St, Cape Town 8000+27 (0)72 855 3311
The Power and the Glory – Tamboerskloof
This place is your local “hipster” hangout, The Power and the Glory is very laid back and very cool. By day enjoy delicieous pastries and breakfasts and at night fight your way to the bar to hip tunes. You will see it directly below Rafikis.
Both spots are located at the bottom of Kloofnek road, a 10 minute drive from Camps Bay.+27 (0)21 422 2108
The Reserve – St Georges Mall
The Reserve is situated in St George’s Mall, a pedestrian street in the centre of Cape Town. Just behind the Taj Hotel on Wale street, and just opposite St George’s Cathedral, this relatively exclusive club is popular on Fridays and Saturdays with various themes for the night. Doors open at 10pm and the music is an interesting mix of commercial and dance tracks that will keep you dancing to 3am.
+27 (0)21 424 0102
+27 (0)76 358 8881
+27 (0)71 115 1660
The Sugarhut Club
This club in the city centre is inspired by the UK-based nightclub of the same name. It features themed bars, dance floors, chilled lounges and diverse music to suit any mood.
Corner of Canterbury and Constitution Roads+27 (0)21 801 5699
The Waiting Room
A trendy nightspot in the city center, above Royale Eatery in Long Street. A chill lounge playing music like downtempo, funk, hip hop, dub, jazz, reggae, breaks and soul. Here you can dress up or down, as the Waiting Room offers a style that can be enjoyed either way. Enjoy great views over the city on the upper (third) level, couches and a dance floor downstairs for your enjoyment.
Enjoy Live bands from Tuesday through to Thursday.
UPPERCUT every Friday and PRIVATE LIFE every Saturday
Open: 7pm – 2am
+27 (0)21 422 4536
Tjing Tjing roof top bar
Tjing Tjing roof top bar is on the third level of a very old house going back nearly 200 years on Longmarket Street. It is located above “Dear Me” restaurant. The interiors are dark and intimate and the bar opens up to a lofty outside terrace where cocktails are served as well as delicious light snacks when you need them most!
Open Tuesdays to Fridays from 4pm to late, Saturdays from 6.30pm to late.
165 Longmarket Street+27 (0)21 422 4920
Train station parties
These have recently become popular taking place on vacant & neglected platforms of the Cape Town Train Lodge where revellers have the chance of dancing between old train carriages providing party-goers with grungy, industrial unique party spaces for something completely different.
The last one was held at the African Train Lodge – Old Marine Drive, Foreshore, Cape Town+27 (0)21 418 4890
+27 (0)21 418 4892
+27 (0)82 2920 744
Trinity
Trinity is a multi level venue in an old brick warehouse in Green Point’s Bennett Street and it offers entertainment larger than life, sushi bar, grill restaurant, roof top terrace and pizzeria as well as its opulent night club hosting jazz, comedy and top DJ’s & bands. It’s a winner for all the family!
15 Bennett Street, Green Point+27 (0)21 418 0624
Tin Roof
Tin Roof in Claremont gets completely crowded by fun loving students and youngsters with some good old classics that are so good, you will find people dancing the night away on the tables and chairs as if the dance floor was not big enough.
No Cover Charge*
20:30 – 04:00
+27 (0)21 674-6888
Wafu above wakame – Mouille Point
Wafu is the upper level of the popular Sushi restaurant Wakame. Walking distance from our properties in Mouille Point, it is one of the best and most popular spots for lounging the Cape Town sunset away and for some great sushi and drinks overlooking the ocean.
This cosmopolitan bar/ restaurant is great for a chilled “pre drink” get together with friends.
Mouille Point+27 (0)21 433 2377
ZAR – Green point
This is a haven for sushi lovers and the second in a series of clubs launched by controversial party tycoon Kenny Kunene.
Find ZAR at the Cape Royale Luxury Hotel
47 Main Road, Green Point+27 (0)79 496 4239
+27 (0)21 430 0500
Jess Josephs
Hi guys, Just to add my 2 cents.
Noticed you haven’t included Waiting room on Long street: https://www.vibescout.com/host/FB199485896817997/the-waiting-room
Just a night life guide to some of the parties they have. Hope this helps.
PS. I dont work for waiting room haha, just spend every one of my Saturdays there.
claire
Hi Jess! Thank you! This is really helpful. We will add it for sure. Really appreciate it as we can’t possibly have eyes everywhere! :-) Thanks a mill!
claire
All done! Thanks again Jess!