Drink in some of the best views in the Mother City.
When the golden hour strikes, it’s rooftop time! Perched high above the busy streets and crowded divebars, these elevated watering holes provide vertical respite from the sweltering chaos below, offering fresh air, stellar views, a lively atmosphere, and a selection of crafty cocktails to boot.
Which are your favourite? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
The Nines
Dressed to the nines, it’s all about taking it to the next level at Sea Point’s newest rooftop restaurant and lounge (yip, it’s on the ninth floor). The cocktail lounge is plush, with leather couches and designer armchairs; then there’s the huge deck extending out from the restaurant with ocean views to die for. Fabulous cocktails (divided into Vintage, Modern Classics and Masterpieces), a superb food menu and a substantial wine and spirits list complete the picture.
Good to know Ample secure parking and a swift elevator make for easy access.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 11pm
Contact 021 745 6609, reservations@thenines.co.za
Where to find it Station House, 19 Kloof Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
Gigi Rooftop Bar
Situated on the sixth floor of the Gorgeous George Hotel, this chic 100-seater watering hole has been exquisitely decorated by some of the city’s hottest design talents, who’ve added their creative mark to the heritage building. An emerald-green, glass-panelled swimming pool and views of the city give the pool deck a slick designer edge, but the vibe is oh-so-easy, with lively chatter and cool tunes. In-house mixologist Leighton Rathbone creates wild, tropical African-inspired cocktails to match.
Good to know DJs on the decks from 7pm, Thursday to Sunday. Tuesday nights see “The Jam”, a loose gathering of musos playing together.
Opening times Bar: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 12am
Restaurant: Monday – Sunday, 7am – 12am (last orders 9.30pm)
Contact 021 612 0999, gigi@gorgeousgeorge.co.za
Where to find it Gorgeous George Hotel, 118 St George’s Mall, Cape Town CBD
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RED Roof at Radisson Red
This is not just any old hotel bar – it’s a red-hot venue where some of the coolest gatherings go down. It sits atop the Radisson RED Hotel in the trendy Silo District at the Waterfront, and drinks are served from a red bus. This rooftop sun terrace and pool deck eight floors up boasts killer views – of the harbour, bay, the city skyline and Table Mountain – making it the perfect place for sunset cocktails and tapas.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 12pm
Contact 087 086 1578, baxter@radissonred.com
Where to find it Radisson RED Hotel, Silo 6, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Chinchilla
This cool, colourful and contemporary rooftop bar on the Camps Bay strip offers killer views of the beach and ocean a stone’s throw away. It’s the ideal place to while away the hours, sipping on glorious cocktails (pineapple & sage margaritas, Amaretto & apricots sours, pina coladas) to a soundtrack of slick beats. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, resident DJs spin cool tunes from 5pm to 9pm.
Good to know No under-18s after 4pm. A food menu of seaside café classics and sushi means that you can stay for a light dinner, too…
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 286 5075, managers@chinchillarooftop.co.za
Where to find it The Promenade Building, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
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SKYE Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Perched high up on the seventh floor of The Hyde Hotel, Skye Rooftop Bar beckons with a sparkling pool, 360˚ views, tasty food, crafty cocktails and an upbeat vibe. A scattering of tables, with unhindered views of Lion’s Head and the Atlantic Ocean, is covered by a retractable roof that offers shelter from UV rays in summer and rain in winter – making it a wonderful spot all year round. In addition to wine, beers, bubbly and spirits, there’s a cocktail list of classics and innovative creations, such as The Hyde Club Sours and Salty Dogs.
Good to know An extensive food menu of sharing plates includes a potsticker trio, a slider board, loaded fries (poutine) and ocean tempura.
Opening times Monday – Thursday & Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Friday + Saturday, 12pm – 2am
Contact 021 434 0205, fb@thehydehotel.com
Where to find it The Hyde Hotel, 13 London Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar
Part of Tjing Tjing’s three-storey Japanese emporium on Longmarket Street, the Rooftop is the ideal spot to kick off a special night out. Whether you sit inside (in a 200-year-old Cape Dutch-inspired attic, complete with wooden mansards) or on the view-drenched deck, you’re poised for an evening of pleasure, with some of the best cocktails in the city (plus Japanese whisky, gin and sake), finger-licking otsumami (snacks) and a toe-tapping electro-indie playlist. There are no bookings so seating is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Good to know On the first floor is Momiji, a reservations-only restaurant, while Tjing Tjing Torii on the ground floor serves sensational Japanese street food.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 4pm – late
Contact 021 422 4374, info@tjingtjing.co.za
Where to find it 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town CBD
Rick’s Café Americain
Taking inspiration from the piano bar in the classic movie Casablanca, this popular spot (previously just off Kloof Street) is now closer to the main buzz, in a charming Victorian building. The vibey rooftop terrace offers views of Table Mountain that visitors can enjoy from a comfy couch or one of the tables. Tasty grub, an extensive drinks list (probably Cape Town’s most wide-ranging, from bubbly and spirits to liqueurs and mezcal) and the same festive atmosphere it’s always been known for make it a fab spot for a night out.
Good to know Rick’s has not one but two happy hours: 3pm – 6pm and 10pm – 12pm.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 11am – late
Contact 021 822 1100, info@rickscafe.co.za
Where to find it 103 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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The Silo Rooftop
There are views of Cape Town, and then there are views of Cape Town… the latter of which you’ll find on the top floor of the Thomas Heatherwick-designed Silo Hotel: mind-blowingly epic. Order a delicious cocktail or a glass of bubbly or wine to go with your fresh poké bowl, flammküchen, oysters, or Greek lamb man’oushe (baked flatbread), and drink in the urban panoramas from this elegant eyrie.
Good to know If you’re not staying at the hotel, you’ll need to book.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 8pm
Contact 021 670 0511, dining@thesilohotel.com
Where to find it The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
The Skybar at The Grey Boutique Hotel
Conveniently (and secretly) located on top of The Grey Boutique Hotel in De Waterkant, the third-floor Skybar is a compact yet comfortable and sophisticated space with panoramic views of the mountain and city – plus a cool stretch of sparkling blue pool. It’s first-come-first-served, so come early to grab a daybed or sofa. It’s a stone’s throw from The Piano Bar (part of the same building), a favourite for delicious food and live jazz, making this bar a great choice for pre- or post-dinner cocktails.
Good to know No under-21s. Bookings only for private functions.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 418 1096, 021 007 5212, bookings@thepianobar.co.za
Where to find it The Grey Boutique Hotel, 49 Napier Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
The Mountain Club at Cloud 9
One look at the views and you’ll understand the name of this hidden gem above a boutique hotel on one of the hottest corners in the City Bowl. With jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramas of the city, fabulous decor, a sparkling blue plunge pool, sun loungers and an utterly Instagrammable shot of Table Mountain, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy refreshing signature cocktails on the deck – and a scrumptious bite to eat (tapas, sushi and bistro lunches) in the bistro just below.
Good to know The pool is available to outside guests (18 years or older) who spend at least R300 per person at the bistro.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 11pm
Contact 021 424 1133, mountainclub@hotelcloud9.com
Where to find it Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel, 12 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerksloof, Cape Town
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The Ghibli Bar and Pool Terrace
With urban panoramas, plush decor and inviting sun loungers, The Ghibli is every cocktail-lover’s dream. Chaise-lounges surround the sparkling pool, creating the perfect summertime invitation to arrive, recline, and sip exotic cocktails while nibbling on delicious snacks.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 11am – 10.30pm
Contact 021 467 4000, reservations.capetown.residence@radissonblu.com
Where to find it Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, 22 Riebeek Street, Cape Town CBD
The Sky Bar at The Grand Daddy Hotel
This rooftop bar at the heritage Grand Daddy Hotel on Long Street was one of the first to open in Cape Town. Situated alongside vintage Airstream trailers (which double as hotel rooms), The Sky Bar has a kind of otherworldly feel – a cool space where you can enjoy your favourite tipple and amazing views. And since the installation of a permanent tented roof, not even the southeaster will put a dampener on your plans.
Good to know The rooftop can be booked for private events and movie screenings. If you book a night in a trailer, you can add a rooftop braai or picnic to the experience.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 9pm
Contact 021 207 8888, info@granddaddy.co.za
Where to find it The Grand Daddy Hotel, 38 Long Street, Cape Town CBD
14Stories Rooftop Bar
Towering above the city centre, this beautifully decked-out rooftop bar on the 14th floor of the SunSquare hotel is a cool place to soak up the last rays. Enjoy tasty finger food, colourful cocktails that match the sky, and stunning mountain and sea views with the world at your feet. There’s a glass-walled indoor lounge area if the weather’s not playing nicely.
Good to know The pool is only for the use of hotel guests.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 12am
Contact 021 492 9999, SunSquareCityBowl.Reservations@southernsun.com
Where to find it SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl, 23 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town CBD
Oblivion
The rooftop deck at this Southern Suburbs hotspot draws the summer crowds for fun, casual get-togethers. Bask in the sun and enjoy mountain views, while downing an ice-cold ale (craft beer on tap) or Aperol Spritz, and something tasty to eat (the restaurant stays open until late). Fridays and Saturdays rock, so book a table to make sure you get a place.
Good to know There’s a happy hour from 5pm to 7pm daily.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7.30am – 11pm
Saturday, 8am – 11pm
Sunday, 8am – 10.30pm
Contact 021 671 8522, 064 983 4045, gm@oblivion.co.za
Where to find it 22 Chichester Road, corner Third Avenue, Harfield Village, Cape Town
The Dark Horse
From the team behind Black Sheep restaurant, this aptly named watering hole on upper Kloof Street is a cornucopia of surprises that reveal themselves as the evening progresses. Inside, electric-blue walls, retro art and collectables, a sumptuous green velvet couch, backlit bar and scattering of small tables create a whimsical atmosphere. But it’s the rooftop deck, dotted with succulents and mood lighting, where you’ll want to be, with its stunning view of Table Mountain and the city. A dazzling array of cocktails are shaken, stirred, whizzed and poured, including lemon-drop martinis, ginger or lime daiquiris or Aperol sours. There’s also an extensive drinks menu of wine, beer, cider, spirits and the like.
Good to know Feeling peckish? The small plates are sure to hit the spot – think steamed bao buns, Asian crispy fish with tamarind chutney, Cajun potato skins, prego steak bruschetta…
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 4pm – late
Friday + Saturday, 1pm – late
Contact 021 422 0825, info@darkhorsebar.co.za
Where to find it 145 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Yours Truly
Buzzy Kloof Street has no shortage of great venues, but this one takes things to another level (pun intended). It feels like an inner-city oasis or someone’s ultra-cool back garden where there’s always a party happening. Situated next to a backpackers’ lodge, the upstairs terrace is a popular hangout for locals, world travellers and lovers of sizzling beats. From 4pm to 10pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, a DJ keeps things hopping.
Good to know The café downstairs serves coffee, gourmet sandwiches, wraps and pizzas.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 3.30pm – 12am
Contact 021 426 2587, info@yourstrulycafe.co.za
Where to find it 73 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Utopia
Perched on the 15th floor of a slick modern building in De Waterkant, this sophisticated (and sky-high) rooftop spot boasts spectacular views – over Green Point Stadium toward the sparkling ocean beyond, plus the Mother City’s mountains perfectly framed. A heavenly array of curated cocktails (and mocktails) and superb winelist combined with those views will leave you awe-struck. Stay for a dinner date (Mediterranean cuisine, including a linger-longer tasting menu), surrounded by sparkling city lights.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 11pm
Contact 021 418 3065, info@utopiacapetown.co.za
Booking is essential.
Where to find it The Capital Mirage, 40 Chiappini Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town
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2 Responses to “The 15 Best Rooftop Bars in Cape Town”
Cedric Van Blerk
Rooftop bars with music
Kari
For over 50’s bars and dining