Your guide to nightclubs and bars in Cape Town

House, pop throwbacks or amapiano: There’s something for everybody

Last updated: Tuesday, 27 February 2024

Whether you’re wanting to sip champagne in a sophisticated lounge or party to rock music in a hole-in-the-wall dive bar, Cape Town’s nightclubs are as diverse and eclectic as its people. We've found some of the oldest, newest and most unique clubs in the city. 

DISCOVER THIS SECRET CLUB

From street-view, Safehouse, which opened in March 2023, seems like a treehouse eatery. But at 8pm, it turns into a full-blown club. Behind the vault door, at the back of the restaurant, you’ll find a moody corridor leading you into the secret nightclub, which can fit up to 200 people. If that’s not cool enough – the restroom has a party button, turning the room into a disco dance floor. Find out more about Safehouse club and eatery.

75 Church Street | CBD | 067 332 3558 | @safehousecpt | Image: Safehouse

DANCE HEMINGWAY-STYLE 

The Moveable Feast doesn’t look like your typical nightclub. Named after Ernest Hemingway’s memoir, the decor pays homage to the writers of yesteryear. Dance between the red velvet seats, framed Victorian portraits and an old-timey fireplace – thankfully, the music doesn’t match the decor. Expect pop throwbacks, Nineties hip hop and indie rock hits. 

13 Kloof Nek Road | Tamboerskloof  | 021 213 1212 | @themoveablefeast_ | Image: The Moveable Feast 
 

NIGHT (OR DAY) OUT AT AN EXCLUSIVE CLUB

A club where alcohol isn’t allowed? What they do have are over 90 strains of weed (many of them mood lifters), ‘90s RnB and throwback hits playing, and The Serenity Room, filled with trippy 3D psychedelic art. For R100 a month, you can get into this exclusive cannabis club. Read more about how to get a Cannibisters membership.

65 Regent Road | Sea Point | 0087 537 8000 | Website | Image: Lara Van Zyl

FROM JAZZ TO COMMERICIAL HOUSE

Funk nights and disco parties set the scene for First Thursdays and Fridays at Harringtons Cocktail Lounge. It’s indie and house music, cocktails at hand, shimmering decor, and disco balls. And the party stretches onto a rum bar. And around the corner is one of the hottest live music venues in town. Find out more about live music at Harrington Street.

61b Harrington Street | District Six | Cape Town | @harringtonsct | Image: Harrington Street

FEEL FANCY AND DRINK CHAMPAGNE  

Saint Champagne Bar & Lounge is one of the hottest (and most expensive) nightclubs in Cape Town. It’s known for its sophisticated feel and for catering to the elites of the city. A celebrity sighting is likely – Bonang, AKA, Uncle Waffles and DJ Maphorisa have all visited (or played at) the club. Expect amapiano, house and Afrobeats. 

37 Harrington Street | District Six | 067 410 8043 | @saintloungecpt | Image: Saint Champagne Bar & Lounge

ROCK OUT TO LIVE MUSIC 

Evol is the punk rock hole-in-the-wall of dreams. 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. 

69 Hope Street | Cape Town City Centre | 082 628 4509 | @evol_nightclub | Image: Leigh Groenemeyer  

BE ENTRANCED BY THE NEON LIGHTS  

With its melodic house and techno and neon lights, Club Paradise is the type of place that you’ll enter and never want to leave. It only opened in 2022, and this nightclub is already a popular spot on the Cape Town nightlife scene. The dress code is casual, but remember to wear closed shoes.

9 Albertus Street | District Six | 072 358 0626 | @clubparadise_sa | Image: Club Paradise 

DRESS UP FOR THE ADDRESS    

The Address in Athlone is a great spot to meet for a girls (or guys) night out. Put on your heels, hire a booth and order a pizza to line the stomach. Depending on the DJ, you can expect hip hop, rap, techno and remixes of classics. 

3 Lower Klipfontein Road | Athlone | 081 743 1568 | @theaddressct | Image: The Address  

JOIN A NOUGHTIES NIGHT 

The Waiting Room on Long Street boasts diverse crowds – probably because this club plays all sorts of music. Dance to hip hop, rap, pop and live bands and DJs. The Waiting Room is well-known for its Strictly 2000’s nights, inspired by throwback legends like Britney Spears and the Mamma Mia movie. Dress-up is encouraged.

273 Long Street | Cape Town City Centre | 082 425 7732 | @waitingroom.ct | Image: @riz__zla__

DRESS UP WITH FLAIR 

Originally started in Joburg, Drama Bar Lounge opened in Cape Town in 2022. This stylish spot on Long Street is decorated with pink neon lights and funky Grecian-style statues covered in graffiti. The club is popular with students and young people and plays amapiano and Afrobeats. 

259 Long St | Cape Town City Centre | 067 086 5975 | @dramabar_cpt | Image: Drama 

GET GREAT DRINKS SPECIALS 

Drink for cheap! Nu’Bar in Stellenbosch is popular amongst students for its drinks deals, like exam specials, students nights and ‘ladies-drink-for-free’ hours. Dance to pop classics and throwbacks (and some Afrikaans hits too, of course). 

51 Plein Street | Stellenbosch | 021 886 8998 | @nubar_stellies | Image: Nu’Bar

PARTY TO HOUSE, TECHNO + ROCK LEGENDS 

District is a popular nightclub in Cape Town for a reason: you’ll find all sorts of music playing there. House and techno DJs often perform and there’s also a stage for live music. Local rock legends Springbok Nude Girls, Shortstraw and Desmond and the Tutus have all played here, as well as up and coming indie rock artists.

61c Harrington St | Cape Town City Centre | 021 461 2276 | @district_ct | Image: Laura McCullagh

SOAK UP THE BOOZE WITH BUNNY CHOW  

Right below District, you’ll find a tiny dive bar with major personality. Surfa Rosa’s walls are covered in graffiti art and punk-rock posters and it plays punk rock, rock n’ roll and house bangers. The prices are also very reasonable, and you can feast on pizza or bunny chow. 

61a Harrington St  | Cape Town City Centre | 021 461 2276  | @surfarosact | Image: Surfa Rosa

PLUS 4 INSTITUTIONS 

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Here’s what to expect at Maverick’s dinner theatre show.

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