Complete guide

Rooftop Bars Cape Town

2024 update
South Africa Flag
Country South Africa
Currency South African rand
Best time to visit September - May
Rooftop grade 8/10
Rooftop Bar Cape Town
Courtesy of 14 Stories Rooftop Bar

Cape Town Rooftop Guide

By:Hans Ebenman
Updated:March 25, 2024
Cape Town rooftop map

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The best way to enjoy amazing views over the water and the surrounding mountains is to head on up to one of the rooftop bars Cape Town.

To help you find the top venues, this complete guide comes packed with all info you need about the very best Cape Town rooftop bars: dress code, pictures, opening hours, maps and a lot more.

From elevated drinks and bites with an amazing Cape Town sunset, to relaxing ocean views in Camps Bay and refreshing dips in one of the Cape Town rooftop pools. There is a Cape Town rooftop for everyone. Just scroll down and find the Cape Town rooftop bar best suited for you.

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The list

19 best rooftop bars in Cape Town

Rooftop Bars Cape Town RED Roof Bar in Cape Town
1

RED Roof Bar
$$$ | 9th floor | V&A Waterfront
  • Highlights
  • Fantastic views
  • Vibrant
  • Rooftop pool

Located in the hot and trendy Silo District, the RED Hotel V&A Waterfront Cape Town comes with a hot and trendy rooftop bar, called RED Roof Bar. Equipped with a refreshing rooftop pool and a very visible red drink van, the terrace also offers amazing views over the ocean, the city skyline and Table Mountain. Fun and vibrant in atmosphere, the RED rooftop is always a good spot for sunny / sunset cocktails and sky-high vibes. Quite often, the vibes get even higher with everything from DJ events to pool party's.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars Cape Town Mountain Club Rooftop Bistro at Cloud 9 in Cape Town
2

Mountain Club Rooftop Bistro at Cloud 9
$$$ | 4th floor | Tamboerskloof
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop pool
  • 360-views
  • Relaxing

Located close to the popular Kloof and Long Street, Mountain Club Rooftop Bistro is a charming and relaxing rooftop bar, offering some fantastic 360-degree views over pretty much all of Cape Town. Including majestic close-ups over Table Mountain and Lion's Head. Set over two levels, here you can spend hours in the comfy sofas, but also take a dip in the crystal clear rooftop pool, open to all. The rooftop bar serves signature cocktails, local wines, beers, and ciders, along with tapas, sushi, and desserts.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars Cape Town The Silo Rooftop Bar in Cape Town
3

The Silo Rooftop Bar
$$$$ | 11th floor | V&A Waterfront
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop pool
  • Panoramic views
  • Luxorious

Perched on top of the fantastic The Silo Hotel, located at the Waterfront of Cape Town, this rooftop bar offers an amazing view, with panoramics all over the city, harbor, ocean and mountains. Equipped with one of the world's coolest rooftop infinity pools, this is the perfect spot for luxurious lounging high above the city. While the pool is only available to guests at the hotel, the rooftop bar is available to all. Just remember that reservations are highly recommended. Enjoy elevated bites, classic cocktails or South African wines.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars Cape Town Allure Rooftop Lounge in Cape Town
4

Allure Rooftop Lounge
$$$ | 4th floor | De Waterkant
  • Highlights
  • Urban lounge
  • Lunch to late night
  • DJ sessions

Opened in 2022, Allure Rooftop Lounge is a stylish, urban and elevated addition to the Cape Town rooftop scene, found right in the heart of the city. With the look and feel of a global and luxurious rooftop lounge, Allure offers plenty of seating both inside and out on the open-air terrace, complemented with gorgeous views over the city. Open from lunch to late night, here you can enjoy everything from crafted signature cocktails to a generous food menu, as well as cultural events and vibrant DJ sessions.

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Rooftop bars Cape Town Gigi Rooftop in Cape Town
5

Gigi Rooftop
$$$$ | 6th floor | Cape Town City Centre
  • Highlights
  • Beautiful setting
  • Morning to night
  • Stylish yet easy-going

The chic and charming Gigi Rooftop Restaurant and Bar is found on top of the Gorgeous George hotel, located right in the heart of Cape Town City Center. With a stunning decoration, the rooftop comes with an indoor dining room that feels like its outside, and an outdoor terrace with an emerald-green pool and cool views over the neighboring heritage buildings. Open from breakfast to late dinner and drinks, the Gigi menu includes a tasty selection of contemporary cuisine, along with crafted signature cocktails created by the in-house mixologist.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars Cape Town 14 Stories Rooftop Bar in Cape Town
6

14 Stories Rooftop Bar
$$$$ | 14th floor | Cape Town City Centre
  • Highlights
  • Amazing views
  • Cocktail bar
  • Rooftop pool

Located in the heart of town, on top of the SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl, this Cape Town rooftop bar offers some fantastic views over Table Mountain, Signal Hill and the V&A Waterfront. Part indoor lounge with panoramic windows, and an outdoor terrace covering several sides of the building, 14 Stories is modern and stylish in decor, mixing comfy lounge sofas with regular bistro-tables. Serving a light menu of casual snacks and tasty signature cocktails, this is a perfect spot for some fine sundowners high above the city.

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Rooftop Bars Cape Town Utopia Cape Town in Cape Town
7

Utopia Cape Town
$$$$ | 15th floor | De Waterkant
  • Highlights
  • 360-view
  • Fine dining
  • Boutique wines

Utopia offers a fine dining experience, elevated above the hustle and bustle of Cape Town. Set 15 floors up at the Mirage building on Chiappini Street in De Waterkant, the rooftop comes with some truly breathtaking 360-views over the water and the city skyline. Part stylish indoor dining room with panoramic windows, and part outdoor terrace mixing dining tables with more comfy bar and lounge seats, the rooftop offers freshly cooked flavours, specialising in seafood and grilled meat, complemented with a list of handpicked boutique wines.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop Bars Cape Town Rick's Cafe Americain in Cape Town
8

Rick's Cafe Americain
$$$ | 3rd floor | Gardens
  • Highlights
  • 3 levels
  • Casblanca-inspired
  • Huge beverage selections

Set over three floors in a charming 135 year old Victorian building on Kloof Street, Rick's Cafe Americain is decorated in a style reminiscent of the 1942 movie classic 'Casablanca'. With a ground floor cocktail bar and a second floor restaurant with a wraparound balcony, the prime spot is the colorful and lush rooftop terrace, with great views over the Table Mountain. Mixing comfy sofas with dining tables, the vibrant rooftop is a great spot for sunny lunches, sun downers or a fun night out. And you will not be short of options when it comes to food and drinks.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop Bars Cape Town Oblivion Bar & Kitchen in Cape Town
9

Oblivion Bar & Kitchen
$$$ | 2nd floor | Claremont
  • Highlights
  • Hidden gem
  • Table Mountain view
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Located in Claremont, a southern suburb to Cape Town, Oblivion is a laidback and friendly venue, holding a hidden Cape Town rooftop gem. With a spacious interior downstairs, the second floor Oblivion rooftop is the place to be when the sun is out. Offering amazing views over the majestic Table Mountain, Oblivion is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it is a perfect spot for casual and relaxing gatherings with friends and views just about anytime.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop Bars Cape Town SKYE Rooftop Bar in Cape Town
10

SKYE Rooftop Bar
$$$ | 7th floor | Sea Point
  • Highlights
  • Bar & restaurant
  • 360° views
  • Rooftop pool

Perched on top of the The Hyde aparthotel in Sea Point, SKYE Rooftop Bar offers a stylish and bright rooftop oasis high above Cape Town. Situated right by the sparkling rooftop pool, SKYE mixes comfy loungers and sleek dining tables, as well as covered and open-air seating, all surrounded with breathtaking 360° views over Lion’s Head, the ocean and the city. Both a rooftop bar and restaurant, here you find a menu including both a wide range of crafted cocktails, wine, beers, and spirits, as well as a fresh selection of seasonal eastern and western dishes.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars Cape Town Up Yours at Yours Truly in Cape Town
11

Up Yours at Yours Truly
$$$ | 2nd floor | Gardens
  • Highlights
  • Urban
  • Vibrant
  • Weekend DJs

Up Yours is the lush and happening rooftop of the café and bar Yours Truly on the vibrant Kloof Street. With the look and feel of an urban jungle, this rooftop is less about views and more about music and atmosphere. The rooftop bar offers a great selection of fine wines, spirits and craft beers, while the downstairs café also serves tasty pizzas and gourmet sandwiches. Visit Up Yours for vibrant after-work drinks or weekends packed with live DJ sessions, local bands and a great atmosphere.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars Cape Town Sky Bar at The Grey Hotel in Cape Town
12

Sky Bar at The Grey Hotel
$$$$ | 3rd floor | De Waterkant
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop pool
  • Cocktail bar
  • Table Mountain view

A cozy and contemporary African rooftop bar, located on top of the fabulous boutique Grey Hotel in the vibrant De Waterkant of Cape Town. The top feature of this rooftop is probably the amazing views over Table Mountain, completed with panoramic vistas over the city and its surroundings. Not only views, the rooftop also comes with a rooftop swimming pool and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Serving tasty signature creations along with familiar classic cocktails it is a great place for both daytime pool-lounging or pre/post dinner cocktails.

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Rooftop bars Cape Town Ghibli Bar & Pool Terrace in Cape Town
13

Ghibli Bar & Pool Terrace
$$$ | 2nd floor | City Centre
  • Highlights
  • Beautiful terrace
  • Exotic cocktails
  • Rooftop pool

The stylish and social Ghibli is found at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cape Town's city centre. While definitely not on top of the hotel, this second floor terrace still offers some really cool views over the urban cityscape, and with a beautiful decor, mixing plush loungers and chairs with a sparkling rooftop pool, is it a fantastic spot for sunny hours above the city. Open daily for both lunch and dinner, the Ghibli menu includes everything from gourmet pizzas and burgers to a fine collection of local and global wines and exotic cocktails.

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Rooftop Bars Cape Town Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar in Cape Town
14

Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar
$$$$ | 2nd floor | Camps Bay
  • Highlights
  • Ocean views
  • Tropical chic
  • Cocktail lounge

Hot and trendy, yet cool and laid-back, the Chinchilla Rooftop is located on the second floor, just across the street from the Camps Bay beach. So by no means sky-high, it still offers some fabulous views over the ocean. With a modern decoration that really screams tropical chic, the rooftop offers a menu filled with café classics with a contemprary twist, along with a long list of wine and champagne, as well as a great selection of crafted signature cocktails. Packed with beachside lounge vibes, usually with live DJs creating the soundtrack.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars Cape Town Tjing Tjing in Cape Town
15

Tjing Tjing Rooftop
$$$ | 3rd floor | Greenmarket Square
  • Highlights
  • Japanese house
  • Handcrafted cocktails
  • Downtown

Tjing Tjing House really brings a slice of Japan right to the heart of Cape Town. Renovated and refurbished during summer 2018, here you find Tjing Tjing Torii (street-food Japanese) on the ground floor, Tjing Tjing Momiji (fine dining Japanese) on second, and if you make your way up to the top (as you should) the Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar. The rooftop bar serves fantastic and well-made cocktails, many with a Japanes touch, in a casual but trendy ambience.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars Cape Town Harald's Bar & Terrace at Park Inn by Radisson in Cape Town
16

Harald's Bar & Terrace at Park Inn by Radisson
$$$ | 11th floor | Foreshore
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop pool
  • Table Mountain view
  • Large cocktail list

A luxurious and modern cocktail bar perched on the 11th floor of the Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Foreshore. The roof terrace, called Harald's Bar & Terrace, comes with spectacular views of Table Mountain and panoramas over the city skyline. Open from early day to late at night you can visit for daytime lounging in the comfy sun loungers and dip your feets in the splash rooftop pool, or visit at night and enjoy the colourful lights and relaxing atmosphere. The rooftop bar menu includes both classics and Harald's signature cocktails, as well as plenty of other refreshing drinks.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars Cape Town Baptiste Rooftop in Cape Town
17

Baptiste Rooftop
$$$$ | 3rd floor | Camps Bay
  • Highlights
  • 360-views
  • Bright & trendy
  • Rooftop pool

Located in Camps Bay, on top of The Marly Boutique Hotel & Spa, the bright and beautiful Baptiste terrace comes with both a refreshing rooftop pool, comfy sun loungers, sofas and amazing 360-degree panoramics over both the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Twelve Apostles mountain range. Quite exclusive in setting, the rooftop is free for anyone staying at the hotel, but outside visitors can also make reservations to enjoy contemporary poolside dishes, crafted signature cocktails and a nice selection of bubbles and wines.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars Cape Town Sky Bar at The Grand Daddy Hotel in Cape Town
18

Sky Bar at The Grand Daddy Hotel
$$$ | 3rd floor | Greenmarket Square
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop cinema
  • Trailer park
  • Downtown

The fabulous Grand Daddy Hotel, located right in the heart of Cape Town, comes with a truly unique and very eventful rooftop terrace. Complemented with cool views of downtown and the outlines of Table Mountain, this venue is close to a must visit. Up here you can either stay in one of the seven authentic Airstream trailers, visit the Sky Bar for cold beer and classic cocktails in a very relaxing atmosphere or go for the weekly Pink Flamingo Rooftop Cinema.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars Cape Town The Waiting Room in Cape Town
19

The Waiting Room
$$ | 3rd floor | City center
  • Highlights
  • Vibrant
  • Live music
  • Downtown

Located on top of the Royale Eatery, right in the heart of Cape Town, The Waiting Room is a chilled and hip rooftop bar offering great views across Cape Town and the busy street below. Not at all fancy, but retro, urban and chic, this place comes not only with rooftop patio but also an indoor lounge and dancefloor, plus an adjecent balcony. While the indoor part is a lot about live music, DJs and weekend party-vibes, the rooftop terrace is a bit more chill and with hanging lanterns it's a cosy place for pre- or post dinner cocktails.

Everything you need to know
Hans Ebenman
Hans Ebenman

Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.

Cape Town Rooftop Map
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City info

Rooftop bar Cape Town

Rooftop-grade: 8/10

Prime season: Sept-May

Residents: 3,7 millions

Climate: mediterranean

Cape Town is beautiful form avove, and the best place to enjoy the views is of course with a drink in hand at one of Cape Town rooftop bars.

The views from the elevated spots here vary quite a lot, and include everything from skyline and ocean views, to majestic mountain vistas.

There's also a great varaity among the rooftop bars Cape Town, where some a very stylish lounges, and some a more laid back. The rooftops can be found in the city, as well as out by the beach in Camps Bay.

About Cape Town

Cape Town is South Africa's second largest city after Johannesburg. It is also the legislative capital of the country, which means that the Parliament is based here. The city is located in southwest Africa near the Cape of Good Hope at the Atlantic coast. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasons. Hot summers and fairly cold winters. Cape Town is one of South Africa's most popular destination with attractions such as Table Mountain, surfing, white shark diving and its fine architecture.