A selection of the best Rooftop Bars in Cape Town:
1. TJING TJING ROOFTOP BAR
Located on the third level of a 200-year-old building in the city centre’s Longmarket Street just 15 minutes drive from la Baia Camps Bay, Tjing Tjing is a great spot to watch the world go by below. The leather seats and Chinese lanterns give the bar a chilled-out metropolitan vibe, perfect for a relaxed sundowner or a chichi celebratory drink.
We love the modern Japanese-inspired menu, including delicacies such as tempura oysters, tataki and dorayaki (a red-bean pancake).
Insider tip There are free wine-tastings every Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm.
Need to know You’ll pass Torii, the Asian tapas restaurant on the first floor. Make a booking; the food is sensational.
Opening times Tuesday – Friday, 4pm – 2am
Saturday, 6.30pm – 2am
Contact 021 422 4920, info@tjingtjing.co.za
Where to find it Tjing Tjing Bar, 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
2. UP YOURS AT YOURS TRULY CAFE
Buzzy Kloof Street (just 12 minutes from la Baia luxurious villa rental) has no shortage of cool venues but this one takes things to another level. Situated next to a backpackers’ lodge, it’s a popular hangout for student travellers, the beard-and-tattoo brigade, and a great spot for enjoying some local beats. Plus, the café below offers fine coffee, gourmet sandwiches and pizza.
Insider tip The heaving joint hosts DJs from 4pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and acoustic sessions from 6pm on Sundays.
Good to know The bar no longer takes reservations on weekends.
Opening times Daily, 2.30pm – 9pm
Contact 021 426 2587, 079 624 3043 (reservations, whatsapp only), info@yourstrulycafe.co.za
Where to find it Yours Truly Cafe and Bar, 73 Kloof Street, Cape Town
3. THE SKY BAR AT THE GRAND DADDY HOTEL
The refurbished 1895 Grand Daddy Hotel on Long Street has been setting the standard for rooftop bars in Cape Town for years. The Sky Bar is situated among the vintage Airstream trailers (which double as hotel rooms) to give you an otherworldly feel while you enjoy a drink and the amazing view on the wooden deck. (This venue is weather-dependent, so call in advance to make sure it’s open.)
Insider tip The rooftop can be booked for events ranging from private movie screenings to exclusive parties.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 2pm – 8.30pm
Contact 021 424 7247, info@granddaddy.co.za
Where to find it Grand Daddy Hotel, 38 Long Street, Cape Town
4. THE VUE SKY BAR & LOUNGE
This elegant rooftop venue provides spectacular panoramic views of Cape Town, the Waterfront and Table Mountain. In addition, guests can enjoy an internationally inspired tapas menu and expertly crafted cocktails. The drinks aren’t cheap, but the swish surrounds are worth it, and for cocktail functions and after beach drinks with your la Baia friends, it’s hard to beat.
Opening times 6.30pm – 10pm (week days)
7pm – 10pm (weekend)
Good to know The kitchen may close at 10pm but the bar stays open until late, depending on how busy it is.
Contact 021 418 3065, info@the-vue.com
Where to find it The Vue Sky Bar & Lounge, Floor 15, 40 Chiappini Street
5. RICK’S CAFÉ AMÉRICAIN ROOFTOP BAR
Taking inspiration from the piano bar of the same name that featured in the classic movie Casablanca, this popular spot is housed in a 100-year-old Victorian building. The decor and setting hark back to a bygone era, and there’s even a live jazz band to add to the colonial-era ambience. The loft lounge and cocktail bar leads onto a roof deck with amazing views of Table Mountain and surrounds.
Get there for Happy Hour – everyday between 3pm and 7pm – and enjoy 25% off all cocktails and Beers on Tap. Other great deals include R165 for a tapas platter with a 500ml jug of house wine, two-for-one El Jimador tequilas for R25, and R225 for a jug of margarita.
You might also like the daily lunch times specials.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 11am – 2am
Contact 021 424 1100, info@rickscafe.co.za
Where to find it Ricks Cafe Americain, 2 Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town
6. LA BOTTEGA
Popular as a breakfast and lunch spot for professionals working in Woodstock, La Bottega is now also an after-dark spot, too. The cool rooftop bar with its elegant wooden furniture is a refreshing respite from the buzzy streets below.
We la Baia team love the creative and tasty offerings that can be found on the menu, such as the (highly recommended) chocolate chilli beef burger and the pulled pork pizza. There’s also a tapas section for bite-sized appetites.
Insider tip Every Friday from 5pm, the bar hosts Vinyl Fridays, a cool way to pass the time while waiting for the traffic to die down.
Opening times Monday, 8am – 5pm; Tuesday – Friday, 8am – 10pm
Contact 021 461 9731, info@labottega.co.za
Where to find it La Bottega, 160 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock
7. BATSTONE POOL
With staggering views of Table Mountain and twinkling cityscapes, this poolside bar offers a welcome respite from the busy city centre below. There’s a swimming pool (for cooling down on hot summer days), loungers (to relax on with a good book) and free WiFi (for sending last-minute urgent emails). The bar serves a wide range of beer and wine, as well as delicious cocktails.
We love the Cucumber Twist: a cocktail of Inverroche Gin, elderflower cordial and tonic poured over orange and cucumber ribbons and ice.
Opening times Friday – Sunday, 11am – 7pm
Good to know Batstone Pool is currently closed for the winter season
Contact 079 973 8368, bookings@batstonepool.com
Where to find it Batstone Pool and Bar, 27 Somerset Road, Green Point just 12 minutes drive from villa la Baia
8. HARALD’S BAR TERRACE
Perched on the 11th floor and boasting panoramic views of Table Mountain and the majestic Mother City, the brightly decorated terrace exudes laidback luxury. Coloured lights around the terrace and in the splash pool give the bar a cool and contemporary look, making it a great place to spend an evening.
You’ll love the live entertainment every Friday evening.
Opening times Daily, 10.30am – 11pm
Contact 021 427 4800, info.capetown@rezidorparkinn.com
Where to find it Park Inn by Radisson, 29 Heerengracht Street, Foreshore
VILLAINS ALE HOUSE
Downstairs you’ll find long high tables and street-facing counters that create an indoor-outdoor vibe, while the upstairs lounge with wraparound banquettes will boast VIP-style laservice. A raised booth will see the resident DJ hitting the decks from 10pm onwards. Food will only be introduced in 2017, but hungry patrons will be able to get their fill from alternating food trucks parked outside daily from 5pm – 8pm.
Contact 076 070 4474
Villains Ale House, 38 Hout Street, CBD