Whether you want to sip champagne in a sophisticated lounge or groove the night away to the latest Amapiano tracks, Cape Town’s nightclubs and bars are as diverse and eclectic as its people.
Here are some nightlife life experiences to explore in the Mother City:
Bars
The House of Machines
By day, The House of Machines is a motorbike workshop, men’s apparel shop and coffee hotspot, but at night, it transforms into a slick hipster cocktail bar. Here, guests can sip on the finest aged spirits, over-the-top cocktails, and some of the best craft beer in the city. Their goal is simple: “bring together man, woman and machine — and celebrate that union in all its expressions.”
Location: 84 Shortmarket Street, CBD, Cape Town
Entry fee: Free
Opening times: Mon to Fri from 7am to 2am; Sat from 9am to 2am; Closed on Sunday
Website: thehouseofmachines.com
Fable
Fable is not just a bar, it’s an experience. The signature drinks created by expert mixologists represent a collection of beloved local fables that transport you into different worlds.
With an inventive line-up of drinks and the hottest DJs on the decks, Fable is among the hottest cocktail bars in Cape Town.
Location: Corner Bree & Wale Streets, Cape Town
Entry fee: Free
Opening times: Tues to Thurs: 5pm to 2am, Fri and Sat: 4pm-2am.
Website: fablecocktailbar.capetown
The Athletic Club and Social
Refined and edgy, this classy three-storey venue has stirred up the nightlife scene in Cape Town. Each floor has its own distinct vibe and boasts a balcony that overlooks the majestic Signal Hill. The Trophy Room, where live jazz creates sultry magic, tops off the design fantasy of old meets new.
Location: 35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Times: Mon: 4pm-11pm; Tues: 12pm-11pm; Wed: 12pm-12am; Thurs to Sat: 12pm – 2am
Website: theathletic.co.za
The Dark Horse Bar
Electric-blue walls lined with vintage art, a backlit bar and mirrored ceiling create a luxurious yet whimsical atmosphere at The Dark Horse Bar.
This opulent setup serves some delightful classic cocktails, including an Old Fashion, Margarita, and Mojito.
PS: Your first sip of a tongue-delighting cocktail will have you planning your next visit.
Location: 145 Kloof Street, Cape Town
Entry fee: Free
Opening times: Tues to Thurs: 4pm-11pm; Fri – Sat: 1pm-11pm
Website: darkhorsebar.co.za
Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen
If you’ve ever wondered what Table Mountain would look like in the form of a drink, then you should visit Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen.
The team has created an expansive cocktail menu that turns the traditional cocktail on its head. Think adventurous flavour combos, jaw-dropping interactive presentations, and inspiring stories about Cape Town and its landmark.
Locations:
- The Rocket Shed, 280 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- 69 Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Entry fee: Free (both locations)
Opening times:
- Mon to Fri: 10am-1am; Sat – Sun: 9am-1am (V&A Waterfront location)
- Monday to Sun: 10am-1am
Website: causeandeffect.co.za
Nightclubs & Lounges
Rands Cape Town
No list of nightlife venues would be complete without mentioning the infamous Rands Cape Town. Rands is one of Cape Town’s must-visit nightlife spots known for its live entertainment and unique flair. Local is definitely lekker at this venue, with the latest Amapiano and Gqom sounds flowing on the dancefloor.
Location: Shop 6 Khaya Bazaar, Makhabeni Road, Khayelitsha.
Entry fee: Free
Opening times: Sun to Wed: 10am-10pm; Thurs to Sat: 10am-11pm
Website: rands-cape-town.business.site
Safehouse CPT
At first glance, Safehouse is a treehouse eatery, but as soon as the clock strikes 8pm, the venue turns into a full-blown nightclub.
The establishment, which opened in February 2023, has a vault door that leads you into the secret nightclub. The newest nightlife spot plays everything from deep house to hip hop, bound to keep you dancing for the entire night.
Location: 75 Church Street, CBD, Cape Town
Entry fee: Free
Opening times: Thurs to Sun: 12pm-2am
Website: www.instagram.com/safehousecpt/
Club Paradise
Welcome to Club Paradise, a nightclub known for its neon lights and the up tempo sounds of house and techno music. The nightclub opened in 2022 and has since become a popular spot in the Cape Town nightlife scene. Expect some of the top musical acts and an assortment of beverage options.
Location: 9 Albertus Street, District Six, Cape Town
Entry fee: Free
Opening times: Thurs to Sat: 8pm–2am
Website: www.instagram.com/clubparadise_sa/
Saint Champagne Bar and Lounge
Saint Champagne Bar and Lounge is one of the trendiest nightclubs in the Mother City. With its sophisticated atmosphere, regular celebrity sightings, and the best local and international artists (think Uncle Waffles) on the decks, Saint Champagne Bar and Lounge is a must visit Cape Town attraction. Visitors can expect all kinds of music genres-from amapiano, hip hop, and everything in between.
Location: Ground Floor, 37 Harrington Street, District Six, Cape Town
Entry fee: Prices vary as per table reservations
Opening times: Fri – Sun: 8pm-2am.
Website: saintlounge.co.za/
Evol Nightclub
If punk rock hole-in-the-wall sounds like your idea of a great night out, Evol is the place to be. This unassuming club has two dance floors, pool tables, and a stage for live music. The crowd is typically young and alternative, and you’ll often find rock bands playing here.
Location: 69 Hope Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Entry fee: Varies per event
Opening times: 12pm – late
Website: www.facebook.com/evolnightclub/
DecoDance Night Club
DecoDance is one of the finest retro club venues in Cape Town. Playing the best old school music from the 70’s 80’s, 90’s and 2000s, a trip here is bound to bring on nostalgia! The venue is known for its out-of-this-world theme parties, including 80’s Disco Fever, The Great Gatsby, and 80’s Zombies.
Location: 66 Albert Road, Woodstock Exchange, Woodstock
Entry fee: Varies per event
Opening times: Fri and Sat: 8pm-2am
Website: www.decodance.co.za/
Modular
Modular is known for its strict no-photos policy, which helps to create a sense of exclusivity and mystery for club-goers. The club is a popular destination for music lovers looking to experience the latest in cutting-edge sounds. Think lights, no cameras, and all the action!
Location: Riebeek Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Entry fee: Varies per event
Opening times: Thurs to Sun: 10pm-4am.
