Best Bars & Nightlife in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

1. Cape Town's House of Machines

Industrial-chic bar with craft beer and classic motorcycles, perfect for bikers and bike enthusiasts.

Unique Atmosphere: Offers a unique blend of motorcycle culture and craft beer.
Specialized Drinks: Focuses on locally brewed craft beers.
Live Music Events: Regularly hosts live music events and motorcycle shows.

Luxurious rooftop piano bar with panoramic city views. A classy spot for cocktails.

Breathtaking Views: Provides stunning vistas of Table Mountain and the harbor.
Live Piano Music: Features live piano music performances.
Exclusive Ambiance: Offers a sophisticated and exclusive environment for an unforgettable night out.

Modern gin bar within the Test Kitchen restaurant, offering a variety of creative gin cocktails.

Speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden behind a false bookcase in an unassuming building.

Hidden Gem: Located in a secret location, adding to the mystery and excitement.
Craft Cocktails: Serves innovative and expertly crafted cocktails.
Themed Decor: Features vintage decor inspired by the Prohibition era.

Iconic seaside restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere and stunning ocean views.

Location: Situated on the picturesque Camps Bay strip.
Al Fresco Dining: Offers outdoor dining options with breathtaking ocean views.
Lively Atmosphere: Known for its energetic and lively vibe, especially during sunset.

Exclusive members-only bar located inside the V&A Waterfront's historic clock tower.

Membership Required: Accessible only to members or their guests.
Historic Setting: Housed within the historic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront clock tower.
Premium Drinks: Serves an extensive selection of premium spirits and wines.

Indie rock bar with live music and a vibrant atmosphere in Kloof Street.

Live Music Venue: Regularly hosts live indie, pop-punk, and rock performances.
Affordable Prices: Known for its reasonable drink prices compared to other bars in the area.
Friendly Crowd: Boasts a friendly and welcoming crowd, making it easy to meet new people.

Quirky rooftop bar with vintage Airstream trailers and panoramic city views.

Vintage Trailers: Features two refurbished Airstream trailers for unique seating.
Panoramic Views: Offers a bird's-eye view of Cape Town's cityscape and Table Mountain.
Lively Atmosphere: Provides a lively atmosphere with DJ sets and themed events.

Industrial-style bar within the Old Biscuit Mill market, offering craft beers and cocktails.

Located in a Market: Located within the trendy Old Biscuit Mill complex.
Craft Beers and Cocktails: Specializes in locally brewed craft beers and inventive cocktails.
Food Stalls Nearby: Surrounded by a variety of food stalls for late-night snacks.

Steakhouse and pub offering a lively atmosphere and hearty meals.

High-Quality Steaks: Famous for its high-quality steaks cooked to perfection.
Lively Atmosphere: Known for its energetic and lively vibe, especially on weekends.
Live Sports Broadcasts: Screens major sporting events and matches.

Cozy wine bar with a focus on South African wines and artisanal cheeses.

South African Wines: Features an extensive selection of South African wines.
Artisanal Cheese Selection: Offers a variety of artisanal cheeses to pair with the wines.
Intimate Setting: Provides an intimate and relaxed environment for wine tasting.

Tropical-themed bar with a focus on rum, reggae music, and vibrant Caribbean vibes.

Classic British-style pub with a focus on ale and hearty meals.

British Theming: Decorated in traditional English pub style.
Ale Selection: Offers a variety of ales, both local and imported.
Traditional Pub Food: Serves classic pub fare such as fish & chips, bangers and mash, etc.

Asian-inspired rooftop bar with panoramic city views and tropical cocktails.

Rooftop Setting: Located on the rooftop of a building in Long Street.
Asian-Inspired Cocktails: Serves exotic cocktails inspired by Asian flavors.
Panoramic City Views: Offers stunning views of the city and Table Mountain.

Seaside wine bar located in the coastal town of Hermanus, offering stunning ocean views.

Location: Situated in the picturesque coastal town of Hermanus.
Ocean Views: Features breathtaking ocean views, perfect for whale watching (in season).
Wine Tastings: Offers wine tastings from local vineyards.