In preparation for the warmer weather I roamed around in the Mother City, in search for the best of Cape Town‘s Rooftop Bars. I did the required research, tasting the multitude of pretty drinks on offer. I discovered several new favourite watering holes that I’ll be returning to shortly …
Be sure to head to one of these trendy bars listed below for sundowners to enjoy the longer days with unforgettable views over the city!
Life On The Top Floor – Cape Town’s Top Rooftop Bars
1. The Grand Daddy Hotel
Perfectly located on Long Street, the Grand Daddy Hotel is a local favourite. It’s not only popular for its seven slick vintage trailers (each converted into individually designed hotel rooms) but also for its rooftop Sky Bar. If the vintage trailers aren’t fully booked by guests, be sure to go on a quick tour of them.
The Grand Daddy has plenty going for it. You can lunch at the hotel’s downstairs restaurant, called L’Apero, before making your way up for sundowners at the Sky Bar. It’s a long way up if you take the stairs but (if you’ve had one too many already) don’t fear – there’s a nifty little lift.
On Friday afternoons it’s not unusual to find a live band playing at the bar. Watch classic and cult films at the Pink Flamingo Roof Top Cinema, deemed “a little bit drive-in and a little bit open-air theatre”. You can find all the activities of the Grand Daddy, it’s worth a look.
38 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27(0)21 424 7247
2. Tjing Tjing
You’ll thank us for diverting your attention to the Tjing Tjing bar… Situated on Longmarket Street in the CBD, atop a 200-year-old building, it’s easy to miss if you’re just passing by. Inside it features a loft-style design with exposed original wooden beams and cosy modern decor. It has an outside area with a wood-fired oven (making it a great option no matter the weather).
The cocktail and tapas menu is constantly changing, keeping things fresh and exciting so you can keep going back for more. It’s simply the perfect place to chill with a group of friends or get a little more boisterous on a night out. The outdoor area hosts regular complimentary wine and beer tastings. Follow them on Twitter for event updates. They even stock my personal favourite drink – CBC beers.
165 Longmarket Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27(0)21 422 49 20
3. The Waiting Room
Waiting Room offers fantastic views of Cape Town’s main vein, Long Street, and at night you can watch the street as it comes alive with tourists and locals alike. Up one narrow staircase you’ll reach the bar, with its stage for live music gigs, lounge area and outdoor balcony. One floor up, on the uppermost terrace is a fairy light-lined balcony where you can get some fresh air while looking out over the city. From this high up you can see Table Mountain towering over the lit-up streets and the night’s stars shining brightly above Lion’s Head. Besides views, be sure to head to Waiting Room for its great line-up of DJs and acoustic gigs. Thursday is Hip Hop night.
Read our blog for other great places to go for live music in the city.
273 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27(0)21 422 4536
4. Cape Royale’s Sky Bar
An evening of drinks at the Cape Royale‘s Sky Bar will no doubt make you feel like royalty, or something close to it. But sadly, you have to be a paying guest or friend thereof to visit it. The Cape Royale is one of our favourite hotels in Cape Town and we frequently recommend a stay here to guests. If you’re lucky to get to enjoy life from the Sky Bar, up on he 10th Floor, you’ll be afforded some of the best views the city has to offer – over the Greenpoint Stadium, Atlantic Ocean and Signal Hill.
There’s an enticing pool and deck area beside the bar where you can lie back and soak up some rays, cocktail in hand.
Read our blog, “A Right Royale Treat” for more about the hotel.
47 Main Road | Sea Point | Cape Town | +27(0)21 430 0500
5. Wafu
Wafu offers arguably one of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean in Cape Town when it comes to rooftop bars. It has an Asian-inspired restaurant with a long cocktail menu that is sure to make the hours pass quickly… Wafu is a great place to take friends or a date (when the sun is shining), with lights meals like sushi or Asian tapas to soak up those drinks.
Corner of Beach Road & Surrey Place | Mouille Point | Cape Town | +27(0)21 433 2377
Come enjoy the best Cape Town’s Rooftop Bars
For more information about booking a holiday to Cape Town, contact one of our expert travel consultants.
Read our comprehensive 2013 list of Top 5 Restaurants & Bars in Cape Town for more inspiration!
See you soon !!! 🙂
Will be there!! Soon!! 🙂
rhinoafrica Thank you for the great mention… We love VIPSkyBar
now where do you see summer …….
Graeme Spicer this is what I was talking about! 🙂
fingers crossed….