Rooftop Bars With A Stunning Cape Town View

Aerial viewpoints have a lot to offer in South Africa’s famously scenic city, which fills the spaces between sandy Atlantic beaches and the towering cliffs of Table Mountain. It’s hardly surprising, then, that a rooftop bar in Cape Town is never far away, whether you’re looking for an ocean view in Camps Bay or a dramatic panorama of Table Mountain and the neighbouring peaks. From the harbourside V&A Waterfront shopping and dining area to suburbs climbing mountain slopes, there are many sides to this city and multiple views to enjoy.

1. Toast the city at the Silo

Luxury, Eco Hotel

The rooftop dipping pool at the Silo hotel with views through glass barriers over the V&A Waterfront

The Silo has quickly become one of the best-known hotels in South Africa, occupying a former grain elevator atop the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa). And atop this 28-room boutique hotel, the roof terrace has arguably the finest view in town, with a 360-degree panorama of the V&A Waterfront, Table Bay, the city towers and the impressive bulk of Table Mountain. Cool off in the glass-sided pool and toast the view with a signature Rose Ginvino cocktail.

2. Enjoy lofty cocktails at Tjing Tjing

Cocktail Bar, Cocktails

The old worldy bar at Tjing Tjing with wooden stalls, dangling lights overhead and a lots of bottles in a red cabinet

Raise a glass among the rooftops of central Cape Town and rub shoulders with a hip after-work crowd at this 200-year-old attic with an adjoining outdoor terrace. Wooden mansards create the cosy feel of an alpine chalet, which is mixed with chic décor inspired by shinto shrines – continuing the theme of the Japanese restaurants and lounge on the lower floors. There’s always a good electronic and indie soundtrack for the Japanese whisky, house wine and experimental cocktails.

3. Stay cool at Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar

Cafe, Bar, Cocktail Bar, Cocktails

The boho-chic rooftop bar and cafe at Chinchilla with bare-bulb lighting, a cane roof and lots of seating

The chichi beachfront neighbourhood of Camps Bay is somewhere to see and be seen, especially when you enjoy the views of Lion’s Head and the palm-fronted sands from Chinchilla. Scattered sofas and bamboo awnings encourage afternoon lounging, while DJs and mixologists ensure the sunset atmosphere is equal parts mellow and euphoric. It’s a member of The Kove Collection, along with the dreamy Baptiste rooftop pool bar nearby.

5. Play it again, Sam, at Rick's Café Américain

Cocktail Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Cocktails

The entrance to Ricks Café Américain with a pink-neon sign and old fashioned balcony

So much has changed in recent years, and a profound development for Capetonian slackers has been this cocktail stalwart’s move around the corner to Kloof Street. Still, the Casablanca posters and exotic Maghrebi furnishings remain, now accompanied by a roof terrace with killer views of Table Mountain. If you can’t get a seat up top, grab a table on the historic villa’s wraparound balcony and console yourself with happy-hour specials (3pm to 6pm). Afterwards, continue down Kloof for more altitudinous drinks at Yours Truly.

6. Order from the truck at RED Roof at the Radisson RED

Cocktail Bar, Smoothie Bar, Food Truck, Cocktails

The rooftop at the Radisson RED in Cape Town with a red food truck, strip pool, and grey cushy loungers

True to the fun Radisson RED brand, this hotel at the V&A Waterfront has a quirky roof bar with a fire-engine-red drinks van serving cocktails and smoothies, amid tessellated tiles and a sparkling pool. Sip a negroni with views of Table Mountain and the ocean, or retire to the shaded area for snacks, poke bowls, steaks and more. In the spirit of the Silo District, the post-industrial design hub around the neighbouring Zeitz MOCAA, the corrugated walls and pool sides here bring shipping containers to mind.

7. Float with a view at Mountain Club at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Cocktails, Tapas, Sushi, Dessert

Three tourists enjoy a drink while looking at Table Mountain from loungers on the rooftop at Cloud 9

The Cloud 9 rooftop bar is known as Mountain Club for its 360-degree views of flat-topped Table Mountain, flanked by Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. Gaze at the tablecloth cloud cascading down the mountain, and toast the cable cars ascending to the 1,000m (3,300ft) high plateau. The good news is that nonguests who spend more than 200 rand (£10) are welcome to enjoy a dip with a view in the plunge pool.

8. Check out De Waterkant at Skybar at The Grey

Bar, Cocktails

The rooftop dipping pool at Skybar at The Grey with views over multi-coloured Cape Town homes

This rooftop bar in Cape Town perches atop a 13-room boutique hotel amid the cobbled streets of De Waterkant, a charming neighbourhood and LGBTQ-friendly area on the lower slopes of Signal Hill. There’s plenty of character to the view from the rooftop pool, with Table Mountain providing a backdrop to the multicoloured houses of the area, some built centuries ago by Cape Muslim craftsmen. Continue your evening at the Piano Bar downstairs or with 15th-floor fine dining at the nearby Utopia rooftop restaurant.

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