The season to be out and about is finally back! And if you become somewhat of a hermit during winter (like me), it’s surely time to start shaking off your cold feathers and see which hangout spots your favourite city has to offer. What better way to kick off summer than by sipping a delicious drink while taking in the skyline from an inner-city rooftop?
TravelGround found the most buzzing rooftop bars in three of the country’s beloved cities to ensure you know where to go when you want to be enchanted by dreamy city lights and sunsets this summer.
Johannesburg
Randlords
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Treat yourself to some luxurious wining and dining at this exclusive venue. Located on the 22nd floor, this rooftop bar offers awe-inspiring views of the City of Gold’s skyline. Enjoy your favourite wine with delicious tapas, or sip on a fancy cocktail while you gaze at the sunset that turns this busy city into an orange dream world. This stylish bar offers an indoor lounge and a rooftop terrace. The Randlords rooftop is mainly used for private or exclusive corporate events, but on selected days it’s also open to the public for special occasions. Read more.
Where: 22nd Floor, South Point Towers, 41 De Korte Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Hours: Depends on the events hosted by the venue.
Living Room
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If you want to experience Jozi’s full city flair, this urban rooftop café and events venue should definitely be on your bucket list! During sunset you’ll be mesmerised by the extensive skyline of this city, as well as the variety of unique vibes, such as the fun Sunday daytime parties offered by this eco-friendly bar. On Mondays and Tuesdays Living Room is available for private events only, while Wednesdays to Fridays are ideal for an easy-going lunch or sundowners. On Saturday they either host a private event, or Super Cool Saturday which is open to all, and if you feel like attending a big party before the start of the new week, ‘Sundays in the Living Room’ might just be your cup of tea. Don’t forget to make a reservation! Their menu offers a variety, so you don’t have to worry about getting hungry.
Where: 5th Floor, Main Change Building, 20 Kruger Street, Maboneng, Johannesburg.
Hours: Monday to Tuesday: Closed to the public, open for events, Wednesday to Saturday: 11:00 to 22:00 and Sunday 11:00 to 19:00.
San Deck, Bar & Restaurant
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This is one of Sandton’s favourite all-day dining and drinking rooftop terraces ─ and with good reason. If you’re fed up with the suburb’s heavy traffic and general hustle and bustle, you can easily escape to San Deck to forget about your work stress for a while. You won’t find a more magical spot to admire Sandton’s skyline. You can go for breakfast before work, enjoy a sundowner or two, or dance to live music in this modern city oasis.
Where: Corner of Fifth and Alice Street, Sandton, Johannesburg.
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 09:00 to 22:30.
Cape Town
The Silo Rooftop Bar
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Here you’ll get to appreciate all the loveliest panoramic views the Mother City has to offer ー from the extraordinary Table Mountain, to the city centre and the harbour. This bar is on the top of a five-star hotel in the Waterfront, but don’t despair, this bar is open to the public! Just remember to make a reservation beforehand. Be sure to enjoy a drink during sunset at the Silo Rooftop Bar, as it will most certainly be one of the best ones you’ll experience in Cape Town! Not only does this bar offer a wide variety of drinks, delicious cocktails and treats from the tempura bar, you’ll also find an exquisite infinity pool. This makes for an ideal summer chill spot. Just remember the infinity pool is unfortunately only available to hotel guests.
Where: The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
Hours: Daily from 12:00 until sunset (if the weather allows).
Tjing Tjing Rooftop
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Offering a touch of Japan in the middle of Cape Town’s CBD, Tjing Tjing Rooftop is the place to be if you’ve always wanted to go to Japan! Here you’ll find three floors of Japanese delight: on the ground floor is Tjing Tjing Torii which offers Japanese street food, on the second floor is Tjing Tjing Momiji which offers fine dining and on the third floor, way at the top, is where Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar hides. This classy terrace with trendy finishes creates a cosy atmosphere where you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind cocktail with a Japanese touch, such as Lost in Translation, Tokyo Rose or Sake Sour, a variety of craft beers and tasty Japanese bites.
Where: 165 Longmarket Street, City Centre, Cape Town.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 17:00 until late. Sunday and Monday: closed.
Chinchilla
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The Kove Collection is part of a popular string of eateries on the Camps Bay strip, and recently introduced its exclusive rooftop venue, Chinchilla. This summer dream station boasts sophisticated dining and the ultimate sundowner spot ─ and not to mention the unbeatable views of the shimmering Camps Bay beach. You can either sit up front where you’ll enjoy the wonderful view, and if you’re in need of some shade after a long beach day, you can sit in the shaded back. The decor is a chic combination of stylish and comfortable, so you can kick off your shoes and relax in style! Chinchilla’s menu offers a variety of salads, sandwiches, light bites, mains and desserts. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays live music by resident DJs will also create a fun beach-party vibe.
Where: Shop 120, Second Floor, The Promenade Building, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town.
Hours: Friday: 16:00 to 22:30 and Saturday to Sunday: 12:00 to 22:30. Monday to Thursday: closed. No under 18’s are allowed after 16:00.
Durban
The Panorama Bar and Pool Deck
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Are you feeling a bit blue and need some motivation to get through the last quarter of 2019? Then you should definitely call up your loved ones and hit up the fantastic Panorama Bar! This rooftop bar and pool deck at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani will stir the summer-holiday feels in you with its heated pool, blue and white decor, ice-cold cocktails and the fantastic view of Durban’s North Beach. Let the mixologists recommend something special that will make your visit even more memorable. The Panorama Bar also prides itself in a light food menu that compliments Durban’s sunny climate.
Where: 63 Snell Parade, Elangeni Hotel, Durban.
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 09:00 to 22:00, and weekends and public holidays: 09:00 to 23:00.
Views at 25
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You can’t go wrong with this hot spot in Durban! Being one of the most popular places for the young and trendy, this venue is always a good option if you’re looking for a fun-filled night enhanced with 180-degree views of this coastal city. Views at 25 offers something for everyone: from Sunday brunch and a late lunch, to a nightclub with occasional performances from some of South Africa’s biggest names. So if you’re craving a peaceful lunch or sundowner, or a fun night out with your friends above the Durban city lights, you should make your way to Views at 25!
Where: 25 Silver Avenue, Morningside, Durban.
Hours: Friday: 17:00 to 00:00, Saturday: 14:00 to 00:00 and Sunday: 14:00 to 22:00.
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Who said cities are merely filled with pollution, fast-paced lifestyles and headache-inducing traffic? Whether you’re feeling fancy, drained by your daily routine, or just want to appreciate the urban beauty of these South African cities from a different vantage point, these spots will remind you of the magic of a skyline during summer.
Feature image: Bigstock
