Chapter 12: Rooftop Drinks – Updated 2022
Rooftop bars in Cape Town all have views to-die-for, where delicious drinks are a given. But these cloud-busting hangouts all have a little something extra to offer.
Chinchilla
With killer views of the ocean a stone’s throw away, it’s the ideal place to lounge past the hours sipping on gloriously refreshing cocktails and listening to the coolest beats spun by Cape Town’s finest DJs.
Why go?
A beachy boho-chic vibe, bold and brilliant colours and expansive, panoramic views.
Much-loved rooftop venue, serving up the perfect Cape Town lifestyle, Image Credit: Chinchilla
Details
a: Victoria Rd, Camps Bayt: +27 21 286 5075w: chinchillarooftop.co.zah: Wednesday to Friday, 16h00–23h00, Saturday & Sunday, 12h00-23h00
Cloud Nine
Two storeys above the ground, the bar at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa sits flush against Cape Town’s Kloof Nek sidewalk in Tamboerskloof, offering the best 360-degree views, a lively vibe and a rooftop plunge pool.
Why go?
The is the perfect innercity sundowners spot.
Offering spectacular 360-degree views of the city and Table Mountain, Image Credit: Cloud 9
Details
a: 12 Kloof Nek Rd, Cape Townt: +27 21 424 1133w: www.hotelcloudnine.comh: Friday to Saturday, 07h00–23h00
GiGi at Gorgeous George
The show-stopping cocktails reflect much of the sky-high designer influence of this rooftop bar. Think dry ice drama, unique glassware, elaborate decoration and outlandish ingredients.
Why go?
GiGi boasts a wooden and terracotta-tiled pool deck, an emerald-green glass-panelled swimming pool, and views of whitewashed heritage buildings.
A place where overstaying your welcome is always encouraged, Image Credit: Gigi Rooftop Bar
Details
a: 118 St Georges Mall, Cape Townt: +27 87 898 6000w: www.gigirooftop.comh: Monday to Sunday, 07h30–10h00 & 12h00–23h00
The Silo Rooftop
Located on the 11th floor of the V&A Waterfront’s tallest building, The Silo Rooftop is a brilliantly imaginative mixture of the traditional and the contemporary. Expect well made classic cocktails and delicious South African wines.
Why go?
Arguably the best views among the rooftop bars in Cape Town, particularly from the 360-degree viewing platform, which may only be topped by Table Mountain itself.
Spectacular panoramic views of Cape Town from the tallest building in the V&A Waterfront, Image Credit: The Silo
Details
a: Silo Square, V&A Waterfrontt: +27 21 670 0500w: www.theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo/overviewh: Monday to Sunday, 12h00–sunset
Tjing Tjing Rooftop
Enveloped in wooden mansards, the old attic is an eclectic mix of new and old with a Japanese shrine-inspired red bar offset by a black and white Tokyo & Kyoto photo wall. The bar opens up to an airy outside rooftop terrace.
Why go?
This much-loved rooftop bar is well known for its current indie and electronic music, expect a wide selection of bespoke cocktails, spirits, wine and otsumami.
Signature Japanese shrine-inspired red bar takes center stage, Image Credit: Tjing Tjing Rooftop
Details
a: 165 Longmarket St, Cape Townt: +27 21 422 4920w: www.tjingtjing.co.zah: Tuesday to Saturday, 12h00–00h00
Utopia Dining Elevated
Situated on the top of the beautiful Mirage building in Chiappini Street, this new kid on the block, much like its namesake suggests, is a place where everything is perfect.
Why go?
A stop at Cape Town’s De Waterkant area is not complete without popping by Utopia for sundowners as you overlook the harbour and stadium.
A place where everything is perfect, Image Credit: Utopia Dining Elevated
Details
a: 40 Chiappini St, De Waterkantt: +27 21 418 3065w: www.utopiacapetown.co.zah: Monday to Saturday: 12h00–23h00
Chapter 12/14
Featured image credit: The Royal Portfolio. Photographer: Mark Williams
