Nightlife

Whatever your wish, Cape Town has a vibe and an energy that will have you partying the night away, sipping cocktails overlooking the sparkling sea or just relaxing, ‘chilling out’, and enjoying the city’s unique atmosphere.

With such immense variety to cater to your partying desires, we’ve selected a few of our favourites.

POLANA

KALK BAY HARBOUR

Polana in Kalk Bay has jaw-dropping views across False Bay and when the weather is good, the open windows above the waves allow sea breezes to blow away all your worries. There’s live music and DJs on Friday and Sunday.

Cape To Cuba

KALK BAY

 Paying tribute to the vibrant, truly unique, and rich Cuban heritage, the Che Bar will take you on a tour across the Atlantic for an authentic Cuban experience. Sip cocktails at the beach bar overlooking the harbour and be transported into a unique and eclectic world. The atmosphere and particularly the décor is worth a visit for an evening soaking up the local vibes.

+27 (0)21 788 1566
http://www.capetocuba.com

The Leopard Bar

TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL

Situated on the upper level of the five-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, which has Table Mountain National Park at its back and a marine reserve at its feet, the colonial style Leopard Bar is the place to come for sunset views. Go for the balcony seating in great weather and the snacks and cocktails, including the fashionable “Cosmo” and Vanilla Chocatini, are world class. A fine selection of cognacs and an impressive collection of ports are available.

The Bungalow Restaurant & Bar

CLIFTON

With influence from a St Tropez breach club and with beautiful white and blue décor and plush white couches and beds, guests are invited to relax and sip on a delicious cocktail off the extensive drinks menu. The scence is inviting, laidback and designed to cater to anyone and everyone looking to dine in a sophisticated but extremely relaxed vibe. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bungalow’s carefully planned menu is described as cutting edge molecular gastronomy created by Chef Gabriel Le Roux.

+27 (0)21 438 2018
www.thebungalow.co.za

The Planet Bar

MOUNT NELSON HOTEL

Located in the colonial-era Mount Nelson hotel, with tables on the terrace overlooking manicured gardens, world class cocktails, finger food and great service compete to make for a classy evening. Although a little on the pricey side, we recommend this bar given its location in one of South Africa’s most famous and prestigious hotels.

+27 (0)27 21 483 1000

Bascule

V&A WATERFRONT

 Unquestionably the best bar in the Waterfront, with yachts parked right outside, an intimate atmosphere, and the largest whisky collection in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 500 whiskies from nearly every producing region—including Scotland, Ireland, the US and Canada—every palette is catered for. Fridays often see live DJs, with the after work crowd spilling out onto the edge of the marina. It’s part of the Cape Grace but is separate and distinct from the hotel.

+27 (0)21 410 7100
http://www.basculebar.com

Shimmy Beach Club

V&A WATERFRONT

Shimmy, as the name suggests, overlooks a swimming pool and manmade beach, right on the water at the edge of the Cape Town harbour. It’s popular and super sexy when pumping but don’t expect to come to meet people with depth of character and sincerity. That said, it’s a fun place and if nothing else, you’ll enjoy watching the seals snooze on the rocks out front.

+27 (0)21 200 7778
http://www.shimmybeachclub.com

Beach Road Bar

A short walk up the road is our local bar which is perfectly situated with views from Chapmans Peak, across Noordhoek beach to Kommetjie lighthouse. Try the local craft beer or reach for the extensive cocktail menu, head out to the deck and wait for the sun to set right in the center of the view.  It’s very much a local’s establishment and the warm hospitality will make you feel like you are amongst friends.  We love this place in all seasons.

+27 (0)21 789 1783
http://www.theredherring.co.za

“This is a pretty and singular town; it lies at the foot of an enormous wall, which reaches into the clouds, and makes a most imposing barrier. Cape Town is a great inn, on the great highway to the east.”

Charles Darwin, 1836