The night life in Cape Town matches up to the city’s fun-loving ‘day life’ and laid-back but slick vibe. For a good night out, Capetonians would offer one of two alternatives every time: Head to the V&A Waterfront for a peaceful, waterside drink in a bar such as the German Paulaner Bräuhaus , or carry on over to Long Street for more of a party atmosphere.
Bars on Cape Town's Long Street
At 3.8km in length, Long Street is unsurprisingly one of the longest and oldest streets in Cape Town. So it’s a matter of probability that there will be some great night spots to be found along the way. Indeed, there are some exemplary choices.
Boo Radley’s is a fairly new addition to the Long Street bar scene, just off Long Street at 62 Hout Street. Although referred to by locals as “the bar with the naked ladies”, there aren't any scantily clad waitresses prancing around. What they really mean is that there are tasteful photos of naked women adorning the walls. Boo Radley’s is a smart wine bar, similar to those found in chic city locations across the world. It’s relatively expensive and compared to other bars, quite soulless. There are plenty of other drinking holes on and around Long Street with more atmosphere and wallet-friendly prices.
Boo Radley’s is one of the few ground level bars around – visitors will find most other bars higher up on the first floor. There is unproven speculation that this is a safety precaution and that ground level bars might be at more risk of trouble or violence. Of course, it could equally be that upper level bars can also take advantage of the impressive Victorian balconies that spill over the street from the old imperial buildings.
Neighbourhood Bar, Long Street
A short walk from Boo Radley’s up Long Street is Neighbourhood bar . It has a cosy, ‘library’ atmosphere (there are rows of leather bound books lining the walls for effect) and is found inside one of those very grandiose colonial buildings lining Long Street. The mood in comparison to Boo Radley’s is noticeably buzzier and it’s an choice location to start an evening. The clientèle are less pretentious and are clearly out for a drink, a laugh and a good old chin-wag. The balcony is huge and wrapped in plastic sheeting at cooler moments of the year so that visitors can enjoy it regardless of the weather. The bar empties out as the night goes on, as the tamer drinkers head home flush-cheeked, while the more dedicated drinkers move on to make a night of it.
Late Into the Night in Cape Town
A firm favorite on the Cape Town scene, attracting one of the most eclectic crowds around, is Zula Sound Bar. It’s a haven for music-lovers as young and emerging musicians are invited to play their sets as frequently as the more established bands and DJs. The place is usually packed-out on Friday and Saturday nights, but the bar will be sure to display reasonable signs of life every other night of the week too. It’s not just music that can be found in Zula either – they have comedy nights several times a month too.
Cape to Cuba
Another bar that is absolutely worth visiting in South Africa is Cape to Cuba. Although a chain, it brings a chill-out Latin semblance from Cuba to all its venues. Venturing out of Cape Town’s centre, there’s a Cape to Cuba to be found on the coast at Kalk Bay too. It’s unfortunate that there’s a train line in between the bar and ocean, but the cocktail garden is suitably jungle-like and patrons may even spot a passing whale if they’re lucky.
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