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In the heart of Cape Town pulses a nightlife scene brimming with dynamic, trendy bars. This guide explores the city’s top 10 clubs, taking you on a thrilling journey into Cape Town’s most vibrant and unforgettable evenings.
From upscale lounges to booming dance clubs, Cape Town nightlife is an intoxicating mix of experiences that cater to both laid-back revelers and energetic party-goers.
The importance of Cape Town’s nightlife in your travel experience cannot be overstated. It’s a testament to the city’s dynamism, a reflection of its multicultural society, and an avenue to let loose and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
The unique blend of local and international music, the electrifying energy of dance floors, and the mesmerizing beauty of rooftop bars overlooking the city — all contribute to a night out in Cape Town that’s unparalleled.
Now, it’s time to dive into the best clubs in Cape Town and reveal our curated list of the 10 must-visit trendy bars. Get ready to step into the night and dance until dawn, immersed in the dynamic, ever-evolving pulse of Cape Town’s nocturnal wonder.
Let’s explore the best clubs in Cape Town that will illuminate your nights in this vibrant city.
Beerhouse
Beerhouse is a popular nightclub located at 144 Long Street, Cape Town. It was founded in 2008 and has since become a favorite among locals and tourists alike as one of the best clubs in Cape Town.
One of the unique features of Beerhouse is its extensive beer list. The club offers over 100 different beers from around the world, including both local and international brands. Moreover, it has a large selection of cocktails and other drinks. Beerhouse is open from 7pm to 2am every day. The best part? Entrance is free!
The Waiting Room
The Waiting Room is a trendy bar in Cape Town serving guests since 2010. It is located in the city center and is known for its unique atmosphere, great music, and friendly staff. The bar is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and it is often crowded on weekends.
The music at The Waiting Room is a mix of genres, including rock, pop, and electronic music. The crowd is a mix of ages and backgrounds, and everyone is welcome. The overall atmosphere in The Waiting Room is relaxed and fun. Arguably one of the best spots to enjoy the city’s nightlife; and a great place to meet new people and enjoy a drink or two.
Harringtons Cocktail Lounge
Harringtons Cocktail Lounge is one of the best clubs in Cape Town for cocktails and live music. It was founded in 1999 by Harrington Myburgh, who wanted to create a place where people could relax and enjoy good drinks and music.
The lounge has a unique atmosphere, with dark wood paneling, leather sofas, and a fireplace. The music is a mix of jazz, blues, and soul, and the crowd is a mix of locals and tourists. The lounge is open from 7pm to 2am, and there is no cover charge.
The House of Machines
The House of Machines is a nightclub in Cape Town known for its unique atmosphere. It was founded in 2010 by a group of friends who wanted to create a space where people could come together to dance and enjoy electronic music. The House of Machines is open from Thursday to Saturday, and entry is free before 11pm. After 11pm, entry is R50. The club is located at 155 Loop Street, Cape Town.
Located in an old warehouse, this club exudes a raw and industrial feel. The walls are covered in graffiti, and the dance floor is made of concrete. It also has a large outdoor area, which is perfect for summer parties. The music at the House of Machines is a mix of electronic genres, including house, techno, and drum and bass.
Asoka
Asoka is a nightclub located in Cape Town. It was founded in 2004 by two friends and has since become one of the most popular nightclubs in the city. Asoka is known for its unique atmosphere, which is a mix of African and Asian influences.
The club also has a great sound system and plays a variety of music genres, including house, techno, and hip-hop. The crowd at Asoka is always up for a good time, and the overall atmosphere is electric, making it one of the best clubs in Cape Town. Asoka is a must-visit for anyone looking for a great night out in Cape Town.
Shimmy Beach Club
Shimmy Beach Club is a popular beach club in Cape Town. It is located on the beachfront in Camps Bay, and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The club is open from 10am to 10pm daily, and entry is free before 6pm. After 6pm, entry is R200 for men and R150 for women.
Shimmy Beach Club is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand. The club has a large pool, a bar, and a restaurant. There is also a dance floor, where DJs play a variety of music, including house, hip-hop, and R&B. While Shimmy is usually frequented by youngsters, this spot actually caters party goes of all ages and interests.
The Orphanage Cocktail Emporium
The Orphanage Cocktail Emporium is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar located in the heart of Cape Town. It was founded in 2014 by two friends who wanted to create a unique and intimate bar experience. The bar is named after the Orphanage Building, which it is housed in. The building was originally built in the 1800s as a home for orphans, and it has since been converted into a number of different businesses.
The Orphanage Cocktail Emporium is the latest in a long line of businesses to call the building home. The bar is known for its extensive cocktail menu, which features both classic and modern cocktails. It’s one of the best clubs in Cape Town to go to for a special occasion or a night out with friends. The bar is open from 6pm to 2am, seven days a week. Entry is free.
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar is one of the best clubs in Cape Town for both locals and tourists in Cape Town. The bar offers stunning views of the city and Table Mountain, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink. The bar also has a lively atmosphere, and it is often a popular spot for live music and dancing.
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar is located in the city center, and it is open from 12pm to 2am daily. Entry to the bar is free, but there is a dress code. Men are required to wear shirts and shoes, and women are required to wear dresses or skirts that are at least knee-length. It’s the best spot to flaunt your favorite party OOTD!
Café Caprice
Café Caprice is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and is known for its lively atmosphere, great music, and delicious food. The club has been in operation for over 20 years and has seen many changes over the years. The only thing that remained constant? It’s still considered one of the best clubs in Cape Town!
The club is located in the city center, and is easily accessible by public transportation. It is open from 10pm to 4am, seven days a week. Entry fees vary depending on the day of the week and the event. Café Caprice is known for its eclectic mix of music, which includes everything from house to hip-hop to R&B. The club also has a resident DJ who plays a mix of popular and underground music.
The Piano Bar
The Piano Bar is a popular spot for live music in Cape Town. It is located in the heart of the city, on Long Street. The bar has been open for over 20 years and has hosted a variety of local and international artists.
The bar is open seven nights a week and offers a variety of drinks and snacks. Entry is free. If you are looking for the best clubs in Cape Town, The Piano Bar is the perfect spot. With its intimate setting, friendly atmosphere, and excellent music, it is sure to be a night you will never forget.
Closing Time: Sealing Your Cape Town Nightlife
Through our exploration, we’ve found that Mother City’s after-dark appeal lies in its diversity of trendy bars, its unique fusion of local and international sounds, and the mesmerizing beauty of its nightscapes.
A toast, then, to the best clubs in Cape Town — a symphony of experiences that’s truly worth every moment. From the luxurious lounges to the high-energy dance clubs, the city’s nocturnal playground invites you to dance, laugh, and create memories that will echo long after the music fades. It’s the rhythm of Cape Town, and it’s calling out to you.
So, why not answer the call? With Hotala as your guide, plan a trip that aligns with your rhythm, and your beat. Cape Town is more than just a destination; it’s a feeling, an experience, and an adventure.
From the moment the sun dips below the horizon until it rises again, Cape Town’s nightlife is yours to explore, embrace, and love.
