Bars & Nightlife in Cape Town

Cape Town has many bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from creating a vibrant nightlife that caters for a variety of tastes. Bars stay open late and clubs get going from 11pm; many restaurants are open till midnight, some later. There are restaurants and bars a-plenty at the V&A Waterfront  as well as in the city centre and along the Atlantic Seaboard areas of Clifton and Camps Bay. Alternatively, head to Grand West Casino for a glitzy night of gambling, wining and dining. The casino offers a host of restaurants and bars as well as cinemas and other entertainment.

The V&A Waterfront offers a variety of nightlife and entertainment from pubs and restaurants to jazz and live music in the outdoor amphitheatre.

Bars

Trendy bars along the Camps Bay strip offer cocktails and sundowners and a place to be 'seen' - try Caprice or Sandbar for a sundowner drink or Baraza for drinks accompanied by local DJ's. For a straight-off-the-beach drink and some good music stop in at La Med beach bar in Clifton. Also on the Atlantic Seaboard, Wafu in Mouille Point has a fantastic wooden deck which overlooks the sea - perfect for chilling with a cocktaik and some of their speciality Asian tapas.

Long Street in the city centre offers an eclectic mix of entertainment and is within walking distance of the many backpackers lodges found in the area. For a trendy hang-out in the city, try Po Na Na Bar on Heritage Square. For a mellow and laid back evening, try Kennedy's Cigar bar with its plush interior, cigars and bourbon. And, for an ultra-cool experience head for the Planet bar at the Mount Nelson hotel for exotic cocktails, champagne, caviar and oysters.

In trendy Kloof Street, Asoka Son of Dharma is a sophisicated lounge and bar with an upmarket yet comfortable feel. 

Asoka Son of Dharma Lounge & Bar

The V&A Waterfront caters for a variety of tastes including live Jazz at the Green Dolphin restaurant and a lively dinner and pub atmosphere at Quay Four and Ferrimans.

In Greenpoint, Pulse is a trendy sports bar featuring big screen sports events, good food and dancing.

Pulse Sports Bar in Greenpoint

The southern suburbs offer a handful of venues frequented mostly by locals including Cubana Cafe on Claremont Main Road and the Forrester's Arms pub and De Wijnhuis wine bar in Newlands. Also in Newlands, Caveau at the Mill (sister to the original Caveau in town) is located within the historic Josephine Mill and offers a huge selection of wines. In Observatory you'll find a collection of hippie and student type bars including Rolling Stones pool hall. In Kalk Bay there's the waterside Brass Bell for a casual meal and drink, as well as the Morrocan inspired Polona in the harbour.

Clubs

Cape Town, with its laid back locals, doesn't have hundreds of clubs to offer but there is enough of a variety to keep party seekers happy.

One of the most popular clubs is Opium in the vibey Greenpoint area. With a cigar bar, whiskey lounge and regular events and DJ's it is an extremely popular venue.

Somerset Road towards Greenpoint offers the Budda Bar and the Buena Vista Social Club for a sultry Cuban feel. The top end of Somerset Road and the De Waterkant area offers the traditionally gay scene at Bronx, Angel and Detour - although nowdays the area offers a real mix of clubs and entertainment including the popular Chilli 'n Lime.

The city centre is the main hub and offers a range of venues from ultra-trendy to ultra-laid back. The Fez, Rhodes House, Jet Lounge and The Ivory Room are a few which fit the ultra-trendy profile. Club Hemisphere on the 31st floor of the ABSA building in the city centre offers cocktails and dancing with a view!  In the District Six area The Jam and 206 attract a more relaxed crowd offering a variety of music and live bands.

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