The Cape Town CBD has a slew of sophisticated urban rooftop and outdoor bars with special skyline views perfect for that special sundowner. Here’s our list of must-visit city centre venues.
14STORIES ROOFTOP BAR
On the corner of Strand and Buitengracht Sts, a SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl hotel lift takes you to floor 14. Pass the indoor pool to a deck offering a 180-degree slice of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, to the V&A Waterfront and Table Bay. Bookmark this breezy spot for a catchup during the 14Stories Happy Hour “buy 1 get 1 free” on selected drinks, from Monday to Thursday at 17h30. If the weather turns, expansive glass windows won’t spoil the mood if you’d prefer to be seated indoors. Other drawcards include jazz on Sundays, and deejays on some Thursdays.
23 Buitengracht St |021 492 9999 | www.southernsun.com
SOMEWHERE NOWHERE ROOFTOP BAR
A covered bar with tables at Neighbourgood 84 Harrington extends to a sun-soaked deck at this welcoming modern venue, five floors up in Cape Town’s tallest building made with industrial hemp. The prime East City rooftop offers a breezy snapshot of the evolving urban landscape. It’s predominantly fresh juices and coffees for Neighbourhood’s aparthotel guests, co-working space locals and “workation” regulars. But later in the day, a younger crowd frequents sun loungers and the pool (swimming is allowed), opting for chilled alcoholic beverages and snacks at the privately run bar. Try the Aperol Spritz cocktail with tasty warm savoury croquettes.
84 Harrington Street | 077 277 1096 | www.somewherenowhererooftopbar.co.za | @somewherenowhererooftopbar
EDGE
Climb a winding staircase inside a heritage building to the slick EDGE bar with its appealing cream tones, stacked with attractive spirits and cocktail action. Previously named VUE Shortmarket, then EDGE x VUE), the buzzing seated area is ideal for sunset terrace tables offering mountain glimpses under a white aluminium and glass roof. The Drinkery’s mixologists pooled their talents with Edge Group’s modern plates in this slick restaurant/bar pop-up (the good news is that EDGE is now staying beyond May 2025). A sophisticated Rainbow Nation crowd leans in for deejays and bubbles, an African-tinged global menu, and Saturday brunch with bottomless mimosas. Do try the Ikhaya cocktail (tequila, Chenin and ginger), which tastes like home.
108 Shortmarket St | 021 569 7090 | @edge.africa
TJING TJING ROOFTOP BAR
Order Japanese-inspired bites while sipping on tastily creative cocktails and taking in close-ups of the surrounding urban core. A sophisticated third-floor drinks favourite of locals and visitors alike, set in the attic of a 200-year-old heritage building, Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar (part of Tjing Tjing House) appeals to a spread of ages with its Japanese aesthetic and part-attic, part open-air urban terrace. In 2012 it was voted as one of the best new bars worldwide by Condé Naste Traveller. In soaring temperatures, a welcome misting system cools things off. Tjing Tjing offers additional dining on its lower levels.
165 Longmarket St | 021 422 4374 | www.tjingtjing.co.za
SKY ON LONG
Cape Town’s highest rooftop bar, this 27th floor venue in Hotel Sky Cape Town may not open to the elements but does give a floor-to-ceiling visual sweep of the city’s mountains towards Table Bay. A mixed bag of hotel guests, conference attendees and after-work locals arrive for drinks, a casual menu and weekend entertainment. One exhilarating option for guests before their cocktail, is the Sky-HI (adrenalin) ride one floor above, on the open roof.
9 Lower Long St | 021 879 5040 | www.hotelsky.co.za
GIGI ROOFTOP RESTAURANT & BAR
This beautiful rooftop space on the 6th floor of the cool Gorgeous George boutique hotel sports an attractive glassed-in area with overhead greenery for dining, opening to a spacious terrace with a pool (reserved for hotel guests) and deck. Gigi guests are a mix of ages and stages; there is limited seating capacity so it’s best to book. Look out for live entertainment and deejay updates. Gigi Club is a firm cocktail favourite, paired with Huguenot cheesy fries.
118 St Georges Mall. Tel 021 612 0999, www.gigirooftop.com
THE SKY BAR
Join the industrial outdoor landscape of The Sky Bar from The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel’s fourth floor, where seven designer Airstream trailers surround a deck and lounge. Grab drinks at this iconic Long St bar between 14h00 and 21h00 daily but do check in advance (the popular rooftop is often closed for functions). Other popular drawcards are Sunday Movie Night from 19h00 (popcorn and a welcome drink included at no charge), or the Salsa Night on some Saturdays.
38 Long St | 021 207 8888 | www.granddaddy.co.za
GRANITE BAR
On the fourth floor of the slick The Onyx aparthotel, the luxurious Granite Bar is a convenient option for post-conference drinks with a Table Mountain view as it’s within easy walking distance of the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Non-hotel guests are welcome in the bar but need to request access assistance. A variety of beverages and snacks are on offer.
57 Heerengracht | 021 2056699 | www.onyx.capetown/newmarkhotels.com
ELVN11 RESTAURANT & ROOFTOP BAR
Settle in on a lounge chair on the open terrace of Elvn11 at the Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore with a glass of chilled white in hand with your Table Mountain views – you’ll be glad you made the effort. The bar is 11 floors up, but the hotel’s entrance, parallel to Heerengracht, is a little hidden. Privately run Elvn11 opened in December 2024 after a refurb, and now sports a subdued palate of dusty pink, beige and burgundy. The same owner operated Harald’s Bar & Terrace previously. Find a mixed crowd of ages and nationalities, especially if it's sundowner time. Lighter eats including sushi or teriyaki beef bites often partner cocktails, but many repeat guests stay on for dinner from an extensive menu.
29 Heerengracht | 021 014 1111 | www.elvn11.co.za
THE ATHLETIC CLUB & SOCIAL
A multi-level building has the feel of an old gentleman’s club, with alcoves and armchairs, and photos on its walls. A restaurant serves creative Greek food, but the real drawcard of The Athletic is as a hub for emerging jazz and local musical talent. A balcony overlooks buzzing Buitengracht St. The upstairs bar mixes classic negronis or margheritas while deejays play. Entry strictly for over 25s.
35 Buitengracht St | 084 087 5566 | www.theathletic.co.za | @theathleticclubandsocial
THE GHIBLI POOL BAR & TERRACE
Hotel rooms and offices tower above this pool bar at the Pullman Cape Town City Centre, but there’s a welcome sense of calm from poolside deck loungers laid out, one floor up from street level, in a busy section of the Cape Town CBD. Step into the bar and there’s playfulness and a tropical mood in the décor. Swimming in the heated pool is only for hotel guests and residents, but bar drinks and complimentary bar snacks are on offer to all guests.
22 Riebeek St | 021 467 4000 | @pullmancapetown