South Africa’s Mother City is world renowned for its scenery and cosmopolitan city atmosphere. Wooded mountain slopes meet the chrome city skyline and the harbours waters sparkle in the distance. So take advantage of a bird’s eye view at these incredible rooftop bars in the Mother City … because a colourful cocktail or crisp cold one with friends is always a great idea!
VIP Sky Bar at Cape Royale
The VIP Sky Bar and pool deck at the Cape Royale Hotel is a glitzy inner-city dream. They’ve recently won the Luxury Rooftop View category in the 2014 World Luxury Hotel Awards, and once you’ve seen the stunning view of the coastline and Cape Town Stadium; you’ll see why they’re such deserving winners. Have a seat in one of the shaded pagodas, or waltz along the wooden walkways with a cocktail in hand. If you’re feeling peckish, stop in at the downstairs Banting Kitchen. Please note the VIP Sky Bar is only available to paying guests.
47 Main Road, Green Point | +27 (0)21 430 0500
The Ritz
Enjoy a view of Cape Town like never before in the Mother City’s only revolving restaurant, The Ritz. It is a bona fide sky-high paradise for anyone immune to motion sickness and offers an ever-changing view. With a variety of drinks available, as well as decent menu choices, you’ll definitely feel as if you’re drinking and dining with the stars.
Corner Main and Camberwell Roads, Sea Point | +27(0)21 439 6010
Rick’s Café Américain
Chill out on the couches at Rick’s Café Américain under a high-tech mist cooling system while you enjoy a ‘chilled’ time with friends and sip cosmopolitans with the girls or nurse a cold one with the boys.
2 Park Road, Gardens | +27 (0)21 424 1100
Tjing Tjing Bar
Considered by many to a be a meeting place for creative folk, Tjing Tjing Bar gives you a New York rooftop bar atmosphere of sophistication. With trendy music, towering concrete buildings on either side and an eclectic atmosphere, you can enjoy the view with friends. Browse the impressive wine list, sip on a Jack Black beer, or enjoy a colourful cocktail.
165 Longmarket Street, City Centre | +27(0)21 422 4920
Sky Bar at the Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel
No rooftop bar roundup would be complete without a mention of The Grand Daddy Hotel and its silver airstream trailers which artfully deck the rooftop. The rooftop Sky Bar boasts comfortable couches under a Bedouin tent, the Pink Flamingo cinema, and a wide choice of drinks including cocktails, craft beers, and champagne.
38 Long Street, Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 7247
The Waiting Room
The Waiting Room in Long Street is a trendy spot with fantastic views overlooking Cape Town’s party street. Don’t miss the live music every Tuesday which has made The Waiting Room as a local favourite.
273 Long Street, above Royale Eatery, Cape Town | +27 (0)21 422 4536
Vista Bar at One&Only
This daytime tea room at the One&Only is transformed into a vibrant lounge in the evenings. With modern décor and a beautiful outlook coupled with a large range of specialty spirits and cocktails, you’ll be spoiled for choice with what to try first. Pop in before 21:00 every night to enjoy live music from the talented Jenie Oliver and Lynn Paulsen. If you enjoy the atmosphere, make a weekend of it and book a stay!
Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront | +27 (0)21 431 5888
Sky Bar at Soho, The Village Lodge
Sky Bar at The Village Lodge is a place synonymous with elegance, and it is conveniently located behind the Cape Quarter. You can enjoy lounge music, a sparkling glass of champagne and views of the city. With nightly pool parties held throughout summer 2014/2015, you can opt to dance or swim the night away.
49 Napier Street, De Waterkant | +27 (0)21 421 9898
Sunroof Terrace at the Radisson Hotel
With a prime position in Cape Town, the Sunroof Terrace at the Radisson Hotel offers a colourful modern experience with panoramic views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town CBD. The downstairs RBG Bar and Grill are ideal if you want a meal of substance before heading to the airy Sunroof Terrace and catching the sunset. Why not book a stay and make a weekend of it?!
29 Heerengracht, Foreshore | +27 (0)21 427 4800
Which of these rooftop bars have you visited?