There’s nothing quite like a night out in one of the most vibrant and lively cities in the world to dance the night away and have an all-around great time. Although the Mother City is filled with an endless range of iconic landmarks, sought-after attractions, magnificent natural wonders and picturesque beaches, she certainly comes alive when nightfall dawns.
Looking for how to celebrate a night out on the town in true style? Here are the best Cape Town nightlife spots for a weekend Boogie you won’t soon forget.
1. Arcade
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Easily known as one of the hippest bars and restaurants of the Cape Town nightlife scene, Arcade has established itself as one of the coolest inner-city spots to enjoy a night out on the town. Located in the bustling and lively Bree Street, Arcade is widely known for its gritty, laid-back urban feel, epic vibe, delicious food selection (for those needing to line their stomachs), fully stocked bar and awesome DJ deck to keep the party going well into the morning hours. With tables available both inside as well as spilling out onto the trendy Bree Street, Arcade invites anyone and everyone to join in on all the Mother City nightlife fun. Thus, it’s one of the best Cape Town nightlife spots for a weekend boogie.
2. District Nightclub
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The District first opened their doors in 2017, and now in 2020 it is still widely known as one of the hottest spots in Cape Town to enjoy an epic night out on the town. Located in one of the Mother City’s hippest inner-city streets, Harrington Street, The District has become one of Cape Town’s premier event venues and night club spaces. As well as a top spot for live music events. Boasting state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, a large dance floor area surrounded by plush leather booths and a long fully stocked bar. The District invites party lovers from all walks of life to dance the night away to a wide variety of music ranging from electronic, hip hop and live acts.
3. Shimmy Beach Club
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The famous Shimmy Beach Club has established itself as one of the most sought-after beach bar hotspots in Cape Town. Imagine the ultimate beach party on a mega stage, multiple fully stocked bars and crowds of cool locals ready to party the night away. And that’s merely scratching the surface of what this cool Mother City hotspot has to offer. Located right in the heart of the vibrant V&A Waterfront, the one and only Shimmy Beach Club is widely known as Cape Town’s premier ocean-front dining, lifestyle and lavish party venue.
Boasting a prime harbourfront location and a breath-taking backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain as well as a wide variety of sensational drinks, indulgent cocktails, delectable menu options and a super sophisticated and chic setting. Shimmy Beach Club is one of the top beach bars, restaurants, live music and premier party venues in Cape Town. Dance the afternoon and night away by the poolside, in the sand or opt for the VIP area where you’ll get a bird’s eye view and easier bar access, the choice is yours. But one thing is for certain, it promises to be a night you won’t forget in a hurry.
4. TAU
Another one of the best Cape Town spots for a night out on the town is TAU Nightclub located in the trendy De Waterkant District. This classy inner-city nightclub has been known to attract quite the cool crowd of discerning partygoers looking to experience a lavish, yet unforgettable night out in the Mother City. Boasting modern, chic and sophisticated décor, an international level of light installations, some of the most incredible cocktail creations and drink selections as well as the very best international and top local acts. TAU is without a doubt one of the best Cape Town nightlife spots for a Mother City nightlife experience you can’t forget. Not to mention the fact that it has fast become the top go-to spot to enjoy some of the best electronic music in town.
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5. Harringtons
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There is no denying the fact that Harringtons is one of the most popular and sought-after nightlife spots in Cape Town for locals and travellers alike. Overlooking the trendy Harrington Street of the lively inner-city, this chic and sophisticated upstairs classic cocktail lounge, restaurant and boutique bar boasts a vibrant energy, cool laid-back vibe and trendy setting for an unforgettable night out in Cape Town. Boasting lush inviting décor, hip wooden accents, velvet bottle service booths, a dedicated smoking lounge and a boutique DJ booth, Harringtons is the perfect Cape Town nightlife spot for anyone looking to enjoy an unforgettable night in the Mother City.
Harringtons is also widely known to serve up some of the best cocktails in town, a varied and exciting drink selection and some down-right delicious food options for those looking to enjoy a great meal before an epic night ahead. It’s therefore safe to say that Harringtons is most definitely the place to be for a sensational Mother City nightlife experience. On the weekend, this top nightlife spot is open until 4am, giving you plenty of time to dance the night away and celebrate in true Cape Town style.
6. Reset
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Are you ready to celebrate the vibrant diversity of Cape Town to some of the best electronic music in town? Then Reset, located in the lively Loop Street, is most definitely the perfect Cape Town nightlife spot for you. Reset strives to be the ultimate inner-city space to reflect the complete spectrum of electronic dance music, giving every electronic dance music lover something to enjoy. With a mission to celebrate Cape Town’s vibrant diversity through music, Reset invites partygoers to experience an audio and visual extravaganza like never before. You can therefore always expect impeccable sound and a jam-packed line-up of some of the best artists and electronic dance DJs to fuel your vibe right throughout the night. This makes Reset one of the top Cape Town nightlife spots for a weekend boogie and night you won’t soon forget.
7. SAINT Champagne Bar & Lounge
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SAINT Champagne Bar & Lounge is another Harrington Street favourite that has certainly taken the Mother City nightlife scene by storm. On any given night, this top Cape Town nightlife spot is bound to be packed with jetsetters, fashionistas, cool locals and hip trendsetters looking to celebrate an incredible night out in one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world. Known for its absolutely incredible music selection, ranging in anything from house music to commercial hits and hip-hop. You’ll be dancing the night away in true style right into the early morning hours. And without a doubt loving every single second of it too!
Designed with a smooth, contemporary style, Saint Champagne Bar and Lounge is a place built for pure pleasure. This sophisticated sanctuary therefore offers a high energy nightlife experience that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Boasting a lavish and luxurious setting, fully stocked bar, a seriously extensive list of champagne, encompassing a wide range to suit all tastes, SAINT’S magnificent location and atmosphere is truly unrivalled.
In addition, SAINT has also become one of the top and most sought-after locations for star-studded parties with an eclectic mix of people for lively nights that promises to be unforgettable. At SAINT, you are invited to soak in the stylish surroundings, savour the finest champagne and sink into a charming setting that is every bit as enticing as the bubbly itself.
8. Jade Lounge & Champagne Bar
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Keeping with the Lounge & Champagne Bar theme, Jade is another one of Cape Town’s most unique, intimate and highly sought-after nightlife venues. Although it might not be the biggest nightlife spot on the Cape Town nightlife scene, the classy Jade Lounge & Champagne Bar certainly makes up in glamour what it sacrifices in size. With no expense spared, this 1930 deco style lounge & champagne bar is an intimate and upscale space where revellers dress to kill and a lavish and indulgent experience awaits. It truly is unlike anything else you’ll find in the city of Cape Town. In addition to glamour, elegance and chic sophistication, the Jade Lounge & Champagne Bar hosts regular music sessions, as well as sensational events and incredible DJ’s. Thereby inviting you to dance the night away in true opulence and style.
However, the Jade Lounge & Champagne Bar has a few surprises up its sleeve for music lovers from all walks of life. Thursdays at Jade’s is one of the most popular nights as partygoers are invited to dance the night away to the cool sounds of R&B. While Fridays and Saturdays lend themselves to deep house. Sundays at Jade are once again dedicated to swift and soulful R&B jams as people gear up for the week ahead. Although the Jade Lounge & Champagne Bar is all about the glitz and the glam, they sure know how to throw it down and have a good time.
9. Deco Dance
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Just as you might suspect from its name, this top Cape Town nightlife spot is all about bringing back your favourite hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s and putting them front and centre for your enjoyment. Deco Dance therefore invites you to dance the night away and belt out all your favourite throwback decade tunes at the top of your lungs all while having the time of your life. Now that sounds like a party don’t you think?
Located in the vibrant suburb of Sea Point, Deco Dance has been a Cape Town institution for several years. And to this day is still one of Cape Town’s most popular and favourite nightlife spots for a weekend boogie and a really great time! In addition to its epic 70s, 80s and 90s hits that will keep the cool vibes going and dance moves flowing right into the morning hours, this trendy club boasts two multi-coloured dance floors (smoking and non-smoking), three bars, ample seating and LCD screens that form part of the cool Deco Dance experience that many have come to love. They also regularly host special events and parties that are absolutely not to be missed.
10. Long Street
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If you’re in the mood for the ultimate Cape Town bar and club hopping experience with all the trimmings, top notch DJs, awesome dance floors, fully-stocked bars, an endless variety of incredible drink specials and spaces full of party-loving fanatics looking to dance the night away, Long Street is just the Cape Town party paradise you’ve been searching for. The ever-popular party hotspot of Long Street is widely known as the place to go if you’re looking for a night out in the Mother City you absolutely won’t soon forget.
Lined with an incredible variety of restaurants, bars, rooftop spots and clubs that keep the party going well into the early morning hours, this cool Cape Town party street has something for every party enthusiast at heart. We highly recommend Sgt. Pepper for alternative music lovers, the Waiting Room for live jams, Fiction Bar for Drum n Bass, 2000 ‘classics’ and everything in between, Beerhouse for craft beer lovers and epic classic throwback tunes and Joburg and Marvel for house and hip-hop fans who want to twerk the night away. Long Street has something for everyone, making it another one of the best Cape Town nightlife spots for a weekend boogie.
Regardless of where you choose to dance the night away, have a few drinks with friends, enjoy some cool tunes and live music performances and just have an all-around good time, Cape Town will definitely not disappoint. If there’s one thing the Mother City knows how to do, it’s how to have a REALLY good time! And look super good doing it too!
Planning to visit Cape Town in 2020? Learn more about the Mother City, how to get around, free things to do in Cape Town in 2020, and more from our blog. We can help you find the perfect place to stay. Get in touch if you’d like help finding accommodation or Cape Town tours to indulge in when you are around.
