The Best Rooftop Bars (Cape Town)

Cape Town is a captivating city that is abuzz with vibrant nightlife and social gatherings. But sometimes you want something just a little different. Take your party to the next level with rooftop bars that overlook the city or the ocean. Watch the sunset and sip away at your favourite cocktails. One of the many rooftop bars in Cape Town will take your party to new heights.

The Mother City certainly sets a precedent in South Africa when it comes to rooftop bars. You are spoiled for choice and choosing a great venue for a special occasion or after-work drinks can be difficult.

So, let’s have a look at the best rooftop bars in Cape Town and find one that’s best for you.

Best For Casual Sipping: Skybar At The Grey Hotel

• Address: 49 Napier Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 21 007 5212 or bookings@thepianobar.co.za
• Opening times: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; closed on Sundays and Mondays
• Google rating: 4.3/5 stars

Less than 2 km from the city centre, you will find Skybar at The Grey Hotel, De Waterkant. With views of Table Mountain and the gorgeous city skyline, you’re in for a treat! The bar also boasts a rooftop swimming pool, so bring your friends and enjoy poolside drinks along with the views.

Opening is weather-dependent, and if you are under 21, you will have to wait a while before you can enjoy time at this rooftop bar.

Skybar is fairly popular for its very relaxed atmosphere. While the bar does work on a first-come, first-served basis, you can book it out for a social event.

Best For A Vibrant Atmosphere: RED Roof Bar At Radisson Red

• Address: Silo 6, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 87 086 1578 or baxter@radissonred.com
• Opening times: Daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.)
• Google rating: 4.4/5 stars

The RED Roof Bar can be found in the heart of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and is popular for good reason. Not only do they serve refreshing cocktails and drinks, but they also have a kitchen, so you can order something to nibble on in between your drinks.

The ambience is incredible, filled with locals and tourists. The fun factor here has to be the red drinks trunk, where you’ll order your craft cocktails and drinks.

The rooftop pool adds an extra exciting pizzazz to the overall experience as visitors lounge in the sun-warmed waters and soak up the sun. There are stunning views of the ocean and Table Mountain, making this a must-visit rooftop bar.

Best For Sophistication: Chinchilla

• Address: Shop 120, Second Floor, The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 21 286 5075 or managers@chinchillarooftop.co.za
• Opening times: Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Google rating: 4.3/5 stars

Let’s head off to Camps Bay for some laid-back sophistication. The Chinchilla Rooftop Bar is one of the best rooftop bars in Cape Town for views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Chinchilla is open every weekend throughout the year, and in the summer, you can visit any day of the week. The dress code is smart casual, which suits the vibe at the bar.

The mixologists will create your cocktails while you nibble on some of the tastiest snacks. From crispy prawns to classic beef burgers, you can fill your tummy while live music keeps you entertained. If whisky is your drink of choice (like it is mine), this bar is the place to be thanks to its extensive offering!

Best For Spectacular Views: 14Stories Rooftop Bar At SunSquare City Bowl

• Address: 23 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
• Contact: +27 21 492 9999 or sunsquarecitybowl.reservations@southernsun.com
• Opening times: Daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Google rating: 4.3/5 stars

You will find 14Stories Rooftop Bar in SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl. Situated in the heart of Cape Town and on the 14th floor, you will literally feel on top of the world as you sit back and relax with your cocktail in hand. As you look around, you’ll see stunning views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, and the Waterfront.

There are light snacks to enjoy and you can grab a glass of champagne as a sundowner. And there’s no need to worry if it rains; there’s also an indoor lounge. This rooftop bar exudes modern elegance and sophistication, promising you an unforgettable experience.

I’d advise you to make a reservation, though, as it is highly popular. Bookings for a party of 11 or more should be done via email. As a bonus, if you are a frequent SunSquare visitor and have gathered frequent Guest SunRands, you can use these at the 14Stories Rooftop Bar.

Best For Afternoon Drinks: Rooftop At Silo Hotel

• Address: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 21 670 0511 or dining@thesilohotel.com
• Opening times: Daily from 12:00 p.m. to sunset (weather-dependent)
• Google rating: 4.4/5 stars

Wines and cocktails are the order of the day at the Silo Rooftop. Gather a group of friends for an afternoon spent sipping cocktails and chitchatting. This bar is decorated with lively artwork that portrays the richly diverse cultures of the Mother City.

Enjoy magnificent views of the V&A Waterfront while you are enjoying one of their signature cocktails. They offer a range of light meals and baskets of finger foods for meat and seafood lovers, as well as some vegetarian options.

Although there is a pool, unfortunately, it’s only for hotel guests. However, the rooftop bar more than makes up for it with the beautiful views. Bookings are essential, so make sure you secure your table in advance.

Best For Early Birds: Oblivion Bar & Kitchen

• Address: 22 Chichester Rd, Claremont, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 64 983 4045
• Opening times: Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Google rating: 4.3/5 stars

Travel a mere 13 minutes from the city centre to Oblivion Kitchen and Bar. This rooftop bar is a must-visit if you are looking for a rooftop bar in Cape Town with a difference.

Take your drinks to a table on the rooftop deck, or lounge back on comfortable couches as you enjoy your food and drinks. There is no lack of entertainment, though, because Oblivion Bar & Kitchen is a place to forget time and lose yourself in board games and fun company.

They are open for breakfast through to dinner, and the rooftop bar beckons with draught beer and yummy cocktails. Their signature craft Barking Dog Beer is available on tap and the burgers are to die for.

During the winter months, you can enjoy your drinks around a raging fire, ensuring you warm up from the inside and the outside.

Best For Date Nights: Mountain Club Rooftop Bistro At Cloud 9

• Address: 12 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
• Contact: +27(0)21 424 1133 or mountainclub@hotelcloud9.com
• Opening times: Daily from noon to 11 p.m.
• Google rating: 4.1/5 stars

The Mountain Club, with its double-level restaurant, has got to be one of the best rooftop bars in Cape Town. The upper deck has a plunge pool and panoramic views with exquisite views of Cape Town and Table Mountain.

The menu offers an array of flavours from around the world and artisan cocktails for you to enjoy. This is also a great place to try local wines, beers, and ciders.

During the day, you can lie on the sun loungers and enjoy the sunshine. And when the sun sets, you can watch as the city lights up. The Mountain Club offers a vibey and elegant atmosphere that sets the stage for a fun and romantic date night. With views of Table Mountain, the scenery is idyllic.

If you’re not staying at the Cloud 9 hotel but you want to take a plunge in the pool, there is a minimum spending requirement.

Best For Small Get-Togethers: Gigi Rooftop Bar At The Gorgeous George Hotel

• Address: 118 St. Georges Mall, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
• Contact: gigi@gorgeousgeorge.co.za
• Opening times: Daily from noon until late
• Google rating: 4.2/5 stars

Gigi is a restaurant and rooftop bar situated in the heart of Cape Town CBD on the 6th floor of the Gorgeous George Hotel.

I’d highly recommend you visit Gigi Rooftop Bar for an a la carte lunch or dinner because the menu offers an array of delicious meals. However, it’s the drinks list that will have you coming back again and again. From spirits and wines to an incredible choice of bespoke cocktails, you have many choices to quench your thirst.

To book your table, you need to pay a deposit of R100 per person and if you’re booking for 11 or more people, you’ll need to send an email request. The pool deck is reserved for in-house hotel guests during the day.

Best For A Party Vibe: Tjing Tjing Rooftop

• Address: 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 21 422 4374, +27 21 422 4920 or info@tjingtjing.co.za.
• Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. or closing (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.)
• Google rating: 4.4/5 stars

Tjing Tjing House has a Japanese restaurant, cafe, and rooftop bar. On the second floor of the building, you’ll find an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy drinks and music on the rooftop.

There are tables with Japanese and Samurai warrior dolls that represent different layers of time, from the past to the future. The attic, where the main bar area is situated, is 200 years old, yet Tjing Tjing is known for its electronic and indie music that stages a young, vibey atmosphere. These aspects fuse antique and futuristic elements.

Tjing Tjing boasts a house wine and offers a variety of novel cocktails. If you want a traditional cocktail, it’s on a request basis. And it goes without question that saké is readily available.

Best For Special Occasions: SKYE Deck Rooftop Bar At The Hyde Hotel

• Address: 13 London Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 21 434 0205
• Opening times: Daily from noon to 10 p.m.
• Google rating: 4.2/5 stars

The rooftop bars in Cape Town often cater to pop-in guests. However, the SKYE Deck at the Hyde Hotel deserves a mention because it caters to special occasions and events. Situated in Sea Point, less than 5 km from the CBD, the SKYE Deck is one of the best rooftop bars.

They will happily tailor a menu for your celebration. And there is a kiddies area where your children can run and play safely after they indulge in special eats and treats.

The drinks menu is impressive, with an array of signature and classic cocktails, wines, beer, and spirits. Book your event here to feel on top of the world. With spectacular views of the city, the elegance, charm, and sophisticated ambience all add to this great rooftop bar experience.

FAQs

What are the best times to visit rooftop bars (Cape Town)?

Without a doubt, it’s best to visit rooftop bars just before sunset. This way, you get to enjoy sundowners while watching the beautiful views over the city or even the ocean.

Are rooftop bars in Cape Town child-friendly?

Some of the establishments are geared for light meals and allow families with children in the early parts of the day. However, many of the bars do not allow children or have a cutoff time for children. Rooftop bars like Tjing Tjing and 14Stories are child-friendly. It is always best to check with the management of the bar ahead of time.

Can I book an event at one of the rooftop bars in Cape Town?

Most of the best rooftop bars in Cape Town offer patrons the option to book functions. However, most places do not allow once-off party decor like balloons and glitter. Before booking your function at a rooftop bar, confirm these details with the management.