Special and hidden rooftop bars in the city

10+ bars and lounges from Claremont to Camps Bay

Last updated: Friday, 12 January 2024

The best way to see Cape Town’s beaches and mountains is with a drink in hand. If you're looking for the best places for a late night, here are some of the top rooftop bars in and around the city from, Claremont to Camps Bay.

TAKE IN THE VUE

VUE Shortmarket is one of the newest rooftop bars in the city centre, and is becoming the place to go for crudo (raw dishes) fine dining. The menu includes various ceviches and carpaccio as well as oyster trios and wagyu katsu sandos. Bonus: It has views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Lion’s Head.

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12am to 12pm

Must try: Blood Orange & Scallop Crudo (served with a variety of beetroot, radish, watermelon, jalapeno, red onion, and spring onion, topped with crispy wonton)

108 Shortmarket Street | Cape Town | @vueshortmarket | Image: VUE

SEA POINT SOCIAL CLUB

New in Sea Point is a social club by the brother duo behind JARRYDS Brunch & Bistro and Ariel Modern Italian. Found on the rooftop of the Latitude Aparthotel, Hugo Social Club has direct views of Lion’s Head and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try a Hugo Prawn Roll (Brioche, Butter Poached Prawn, Lemon Black Pepper Mayo, Spring Onion, Chives) with a sundowner.

Hours: Daily; 7.30am to 11am, 12pm to 10pm  

Must try: A walk with Johnnie (Johnnie Walker Black, Martini Fiero, Pineapple, Lemon, Chai)

9th Floor | 2 Kings Road | Sea Point | @hugosocialclub | Image: Hugo Social Club

TAKE ME TO THE NINES

On the ninth floor of Station House in Sea Point you’ll find The Nines. It has floor to ceiling glass windows, with views of Lions Head, so you can see Sea Point like you haven’t before. Try the Porcini and Black Truffle Cappelletti made from fresh black truffle, parmesan and cream or their 48 hour roasted ragu short rib. Plus taste a masterpiece cocktail made special by an in-house mixologist.

Hours: Daily, 12pm to 11pm

Must try: With Love from Barbados (Bumbu Aged Rum, Apple Pie Moonshine, Spiced Apple and Berry Infusion & Lemon)

19 Kloof Road | Sea Point | @thenines | Image: The Nines

TRY SIGNATURE COCKTAILS LIKE KLIP & CHILL 

Uncomplicated. Unpretentious. Harald’s is delightfully down-to-earth and welcoming. Just ask to be buzzed up to the 11th floor, where you can pick from a long list of freshly-prepared cocktails and meals like masala steak sliders and Cape Malay curry at Harald’s Rooftop Bar & Terrace.

Hours: Daily from 11am to 11pm

Must try: Klip & Chill (Klipdrift, Campari, orange and soda)

Filini | 29 Heerengracht Street | 021 427 4800 | info.capetown@radisson.com |  @radissonhotelcapetown | Image: Radisson at Cape Town Foreshore

GRAB A DRINK, GORGEOUS 

Found at the top of the Gorgeous George Hotel, Gigi Rooftop presents a chic feel. From the hanging plants to the old library feel indoor seating where you can grab drinks made by the in-house mixologist. For a light bite try the Baked Dalewood Camembert, or their Preserved Lemon Risotto made from Montague asparagus, sugar snap peas and dalewood feta. Plus, take a picture next to the huge “Gorgeous” sign for an Instagram moment.

Hours: Daily, 7am to 10am; 12pm to 11pm

Must try: Olive & Ivory (KWV Cruxland Gin, Olive brine & Cacao)

118 St Georges Mall | Cape Town | @gigirooftop | Image: Gigi Rooftop

LOUNGE BY THE SEA

Baptiste Rooftop, situated on The Marly Hotel, has a relaxed atmosphere with the lounge, pool and views of Camps Bay Promenade. There’s salt and pepper squid and a sharing platter available. Good to know: There is a minimum spend and non-hotel guests are not permitted in the pool area.

Hours:  Monday - Thursday, Saturday - Sunday, 12pm to 8pm; Friday, 4pm to 8pm

Must try: Guava Whiskey Sour (Bourbon, Pear, Guava, Lemon Juice & Egg White)

Rooftop of The Marly Hotel | Camps Bay | @baptisterooftop | Image: Baptiste Rooftop Pool, Bar & Lounge

LITTLE PIECE OF JAPAN

Tjing Tjing provides Japanese street food and fine dining over two floors. There’s dark red and wood interiors, matched with a lounge-style seating area. On the rooftop you can expect flavourful bites such as steamed buns, gyoza, ramen, bento and so much more. Pair your food with a unique cocktail like a Seven Samurai Umami made with hakutsuru sake, shimeji, sesame, thyme, mango, lemon and rosemary.

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 12pm to 1am

Must try: Tokyo Rose (Aperol, Choya Umeshu, Simonsig Brut MCC, Orange, Baobab & Strawberry)

165 Longmarket Street | Cape Town | @tjingtjinghouse | Image: Tjing Tjing House

HIDDEN GEM IN THE SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Home of the Barking Dog craft beer, this eatery offers burgers, pizzas, curries, risottos and more for you to indulge in while you take in the open air rooftop space with amazing views of Table Mountain. Plus, go for their quiz nights or watch a sports game. The food and views are worth a trip to Oblivion Bar & Kitchen.

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7.30am to 11pm; Saturday - Sunday, 8am to 11pm

Must try: Oblivion Blue (4 White Spirits, Blue Curacao, Passion Fruit Purée & Lime Juice) 

22 Chichester Road | Claremont | @oblivion_capetown | Image: Oblivion Bar & Kitchen

SIP IN STYLE AT UTOPIA

This elevated fine dining experience has 360 degree views of the city. From their tasting menu to the specialty drinks, Utopia is a great place to host your next special occasion or just grab dinner and drinks with your friends. The five course tasting menu includes red thai curry line fish and espresso baked yoghurt, and for a drink taste a Peaches & Cream, made from Skyy Peach Infusion, peach puree and fresh cream.

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 12pm to 11pm

Must try: Sgroppino (Skyy Citrus Infusion, Limoncello, Lemon Sorbet & Cinzano To Spritz)

15th floor | 40 Chiappini Street | Cape Town | @utopiacapetown | Image: Utopia Cape Town

GROOVE TILL 2AM AT THIS ROOFTOP TERRACE

Allure in de Waterkant is a hub for social events and has live DJ performances. This spot is great for afternoon sundowners or late night parties, with both an indoor and outdoor setting. The menu offers a wide range for both food and drinks, including corn ribs, bobotie spring rolls and a mango mint mojito. From the food to the drinks and shisha, there’s loads to enjoy at Allure Rooftop. 

Hours: Daily, 1pm to 2am

Must try: Godfather (Jack Daniels, Amaretto & Citrus)

71 Waterkant Street | Cape Town | @allurerooftop | Image: Allure Rooftop Lounge

SEE THE CITY SIGHTS FROM THE 14TH FLOOR

Located in the SunSquare City Bowl hotel, 14 Stories has stunning views of Signal Hill and Table Mountain doubling as both a rooftop bar and an indoor lounge. It’s a great place for an evening sundowner with cocktails and if you’re feeling peckish taste a braaibroodjie. Or book a stay at the hotel where you can take a dip in the pool.

Hours: Daily, 4pm to 10pm

Must try: Number 14 (Gin, Grapefruit, Elderflower Syrup, Triple Sec & Pink Tonic)

23 Buitengracht Street | Cape Town | 14Stories Rooftop Bar | Image: Southern Sun Hotels

SEXY SUNSET AND INTERNATIONAL DJS

The sleek and sexy rooftop cafe and bar at Chinchilla is a hot addition to Camps Bay’s strip of sundowner spots. The beach is right across the road, so you’ll always feel like you’re on holiday. If you’re looking for a snack, try the white wine mussels. A rotation of local and international DJs are also hosted to always keep you in the party mood. Two resident DJs include American Tess Prins and Charles Webster from the United Kingdom.

Hours: Wednesday - Friday, 4pm to 11pm; Saturday - Sunday, 12pm to 11pm

Must-try: Samurai Sour (Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky, Raspberry Pureé, Yuzu, Egg White & Bitters)

Second Floor | The Promenade | Victoria Road | Camps Bay | @chinchillacpt | Image: Chinchilla
  

CINEMA, TRAILERS AND STUNNING VIEWS 

Grab a snack from the food truck downstairs then head up to Sky Bar, the rooftop terrace bar at The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel where you can try fish and chips in a cone. If this venue wasn’t already cool enough, you’ll also find their Pink Flamingo Rooftop Cinema, where you’ll find classics like Grease and The Lion King playing, and it shares the space with a rooftop airstream trailer park.

Hours: Daily, 12pm to 8:30pm

Must-try: Trailer Park Happiness (Gin, Vodka, Raspberry Pureé, Lemon Juice And Lemonade Or Soda Water.) 

38 Long Street | Cape Town | @granddaddyboutiquehotel | Image: Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel 

By Sarah Williams  

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FOR MORE FUN NIGHTS OUT  

Looking for the best places for a late night, see a Cape Town nightclub guide.

There’s always something to do this weekend.

Discover the latest places to visit with new spots. 

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