Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual girls’ night out, sipping on cocktails from various rooftop bars in Cape Town is a must-do for city dwellers and tourists alike. The Mother City’s iconic Table Mountain, busy harbour and photogenic coastline look sweeter when enjoyed from the luxury of these skyscrapers. Especially when the finest cuisine and creative drink offerings are part of the mix.

Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar

Tjing Tjing rooftop bar is known for its modern setting, enveloped in the wooden mansards of a 200-year-old attic. The Japanese restaurant’s signature shrine-like red bar has taken centre stage since Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar opened its doors in 2011.

Expect lounge-style seating complemented by bar-height tables and luxurious indigo wallpaper with bathing Macaque monkeys. Three kokeshi doll tables subtly infuse layers of personality and Japanese subculture. The Samurai warrior doll represents the past, the Harajuku doll symbolises the present, and the Cyberpunk doll brings a futuristic twist. The bar opens up to an airy outside rooftop terrace known for its indie and electronic music.

Sip on bespoke cocktails (including classics by request), Japanese whisky, or sake – or explore the extensive wine list. Wine enthusiasts should make sure to try the house wine, made by David & Nadia Wines. Nibble on tasty bar snacks, Otsumami, noodles, and tasty desserts.

When: Tuesday – Saturday, 4pm -10pm
Where: Tjing Tjing, 165 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town

Website: tjingtjing.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 422 4374/422 4920

Skye Rooftop Bar

The Skye Rooftop Bar in Cape Town sits atop a stylish boutique hotel and offers a memorable, views-heavy experience. As guests step onto the rooftop, they are greeted by panoramic views of Cape Town’s skyline. The bar’s open-air setting allows guests to soak up the beauty while enjoying carefully crafted signature cocktails, made using only premium spirits and the best locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also indulge in a variety of small plates and sharing platters, featuring flavours inspired by the vibrant Cape Town culinary scene.

When: Daily, 12 noon – 10pm | Bookings are essential via Dineplan
Where: Skye Rooftop Bar, 13 London Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town

Website: Skye Rooftop Bar | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 434 0205

The Silo Rooftop

Of all the rooftop bars in Cape Town, this one offers the most breathtaking views of Table Mountain, located as it is on top of the iconic Silo Hotel on the Waterfront. The bar’s design is sleek and modern, with a spacious outdoor terrace and a range of seating options (from comfortable lounge chairs to high tables).

The bar’s menu is equally impressive, featuring a wide selection of craft cocktails, fine wines, and premium spirits. The skilled mixologists here are known for their attention to detail, ensuring that each drink is a work of art. From classic favourites to innovative concoctions, there is something to suit every palate.

Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, flavourful tapas, or gourmet sliders, the bar’s menu has something to satisfy every craving.

When: Open daily from 12pm – Sunset
Where: The Silo Rooftop, Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Website: thesilorooftop | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 670 0511

RED Rooftop Bar: All About the High Life

Radisson RED Cape Town V&A Waterfront is ideally placed in the Silo District, minutes away from main tourist sites, and within easy reach of the airport. Set at the heart of the waterfront, RED Roof is a popular venue for style-savvy guests, featuring bold designs to stimulate and inspire.

The playful, creative spaces encourage guests to hang out and chat, or just simply chill.

When: 11am – 11pm
Where: RED Rooftop Bar, Silo 6, Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Website: REDrooftopbar
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +27 (0) 87 086 1578

Gigi Rooftop Bar: Glamour, Pool Party and Live Music

At Gigi Rooftop, guests come for breakfast and stay for dinner. Describing itself as “a place where overstaying your welcome is always encouraged”, it’s a gorgeous spot to take in the sights and sounds of the city while tucking into delicious lunches, bar snacks and drinks.

Located on the 6th floor of the Gorgeous George Hotel, this is the place to let your hair down and indulge in late afternoon drinks, or enjoy sun-filled poolside sessions (yes, there’s a pool, and you can swim in it!).

Looking for something special? Attend one of the bar’s signature live music events.

When: Mon to Sun 7:30 am – 10:30am & 12 noon – late
Where: Gigi Rooftop Bar, 6th-floor rooftop, Gorgeous George Hotel, 118 St George’s Mall, Cape Town

Website: gigirooftop.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 612 0999

Hugo Social Club

Hugo Social Club, a rooftop bar and restaurant housed on the 9th floor of Latitude Aparthotel, offers a fantastic vantage point of the Atlantic and mountain views. The space teems with the sort of chilled resort-style living that Cape Town is known for. Lazy lunches spill into dinner, and filling eats come stylishly plated.

The rooftop space on Kings Road in Sea Point has managed to keep it classy without taking itself too seriously, providing a lovely spot to unwind and soak up the sun from on high, with breathtaking 360° vistas and a seasonal menu that celebrates fresh, local ingredients.

Sundays notch things up with a live DJ, but we also thoroughly recommend their occasional pop-up restaurants featuring guest chefs from around the Cape and beyond. Check out their socials, newsletter or website to keep up with the latest.

When: 7:30am to 10pm daily
Where: Hugo Social Club at Latitude Café, 9th floor, 2 Kings Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town

Website: hugosocialclub.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 286 9332

The Nines

The Nines is a new Cape Town icon and the latest addition to the Kove Collection, featuring an astonishing rooftop restaurant and a cocktail lounge that delivers.

Hosted in a ninth-floor penthouse with 270-degree views, The Nines offers a rare perspective of upper Sea Point, magnified by floor-to-ceiling glass with vistas of the blue Atlantic, Lion’s head, and an unrivalled sunset.

The menu showcases a repertoire of standouts that speak to provenance and produce-forward cooking. This is a confident, contemporary expression catering to all tastebuds. Emphasising luxury in decor and design, The Nines is perfect for sundowner occasions and spending quality time with family and friends. A summer menu features exclusive specialties, ranging from whole roasted West Coast crayfish to bone-in mustard ribeye, and a signature squid ink tagliatelle.

When: Mon – Sun from 12pm until 11pm
Where: The Nines, Ninth Floor, Station House, 19 Kloof Road, Sea Point, Cape Town

Website: kovecollection.co.z | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 745 6609

Chinchilla

Immerse yourself in endless summer at Camps Bay’s premier rooftop cocktail bar and lounge at one of Cape Town’s long-standing favourites.

Overlooking the Camps Bay strip with views of the sunset over the sea, this is the perfect place to indulge in impeccably crafted cocktails, an extensive wine and whisky selection, and sushi, seafood platters and crudités.

Live DJs play in the sunset.

Aimed at the refined patron – even those who frequent all the rooftop bars in Cape Town – Chinchilla presents “café chic” across the board.

When: Closed Mon – Weds | Thurs & Fri: 4pm – 10pm | Sat & Sun: 12 noon – 10pm | Live DJ Fri – Sun 4pm to 8pm.
Where: Chinchilla Shop 120, Second Floor, The Promenade Building,Victoria Road, Camps Bay

Website: kovecollection.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 286 5075

Utopia

Choose a seat with a City, Harbour, or Lion’s Head view at this remarkable venue. Utopia Cape Town sits on the 15th floor – providing views of our beautiful Cape Town day and night.

The restaurant offers bistro-style, Mediterranean dishes made with superb, fresh ingredients and served in generous portions. Several menus cater to the tastes and budgets of all diners. The À la Carte Menu has a large selection of shellfish and fish dishes, as well as flavoursome meat cuts, available daily.

When: Mon – Sat 6.30am to 11pm | Sun 6.30am – 10.30am
Where: Utopia, Floor 15, 40 Chiappini Street, Cape Town

Website: utopiacapetown.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 418 3065

Mountain Club Rooftop Bistro at Cloud 9

Set in the heart of Tamboerskloof, this charming and beautiful rooftop bar does not only have a great location, but also amazing views. Up here you get panoramic 360-degree vistas over pretty much all of Cape Town. This includes spectacular close-ups of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, and sweeping views over the city skyline, all the way towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Enjoy both relaxed afternoon drinks and evening cocktails as you watch the sunset on this beautiful rooftop space. Please note, for non-hotel guests, there is a minimum spend of R300.

When: Daily, 12 noon – 11pm
Where: Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel, 12 Kloof Nek Rd, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town

Website: hotelcloudnine.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 424 1133

Allure Rooftop Lounge

Allure Rooftop Lounge is a stylish, urban and elevated addition to the Cape Town rooftop scene, situated right in the heart of the city. With the look and feel of a global, luxurious rooftop lounge, Allure offers plenty of seating on the open-air terrace, mixing intimate tables and comfy couches with gorgeous views over the city.

From the trendy, centerpiece rooftop bar you can order everything from crafted signature cocktails to bottles of wine, champagne and fine spirits. There is also a generous food menu, including an international and delectable selection of appetizers and mains.

When: Daily, 12 noon – 2am
Where: 71 Waterkant St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town

Website: Allure Rooftop Lounge | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 569 9092

Rick’s Cafe Americain

Decorated in a style reminiscent of the 1942 movie classic ‘Casablanca’, Rick’s is set over three floors. The Aviation cocktail bar is on the ground floor, followed by the second floor restaurant that comes with both interior seating and a wraparound balcony. The prime spot is however the colorful and lush rooftop terrace, with great views over the Table Mountain.

Mixing comfy sofas with dining tables, the vibrant rooftop is a great spot for sunny lunches, sun downers or a fun night out. The menu offers a wide range of food, drink and spirit options to satisfy every craving.

When: Daily, 11am – 2am
Where: 103 Kloof Street Crn, Weltevreden St, Gardens, Cape Town

Website: rickscafe.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 822 1100

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