A Hipster Guide to Cape Town Nightlife
I just can’t seem to stay away from Cape Town. I’m currently here on my third extended stay, and after a month I’m still finding excuses to stay longer. As in any city, what’s fashionable comes and goes. But this time there are things I don’t remember from before. There are so many beautiful beards, man buns, felt hats and skinny jeans that I can’t see straight. Cape Town has become mega vibey and I absolutely dig it! Here’s a starter list of the hippity-hip places (as of 2016) to have an after-hours cocktail downtown.
A Hipster Guide to Cape Town Nightlife
The Power and the Glory
The Power and the Glory is somewhere you may not find on other lists. Coffee shop/bistro by day and chilled-out bar by evening. You may be forgiven for thinking that the dress code includes finely placed tattoos and perfectly coiffed messy buns.
It is close enough to be accessible, but just far enough away from the madness of Long Street, so is the perfect place to meet friends for a craft beer while ogling the funky artists, designers and musicians local to Cape Town.
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The Secret Gin Bar
Just the fact that it’s a secret spot should be enough to guide your inner hipster to this creative and mysterious space. But there’s more…its behind a chocolate shop! Enter through Honest Chocolates (which serves unforgettable hot chocolate) for the finest and fanciest gin cocktails money can buy.
Orphanage Cocktail Emporium
On the fashionable Bree street you will find Orphanage Cocktail Emporium, a late-night speakeasy where you can find intentionally crafted cocktails and tunes to dance late into the evening. Capetonians are unusually beautiful people, and this spot capitalizes on that fact.
Orphanage Cocktail Emporium isn’t full of alcoholic tourists, but you will find the young, the fashionably bold and the beautiful.
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar is a sexy little cocktail bar at the center of downtown nightlife, and is not to be missed. Offering views of the CBD, tapas and creative tunes, it is a great spot any night of the week. It’s not exclusively hipster, but it is still trendy while being a bit friendlier.
A Hipster Guide to Cape Town Nightlife
The Village Idiot
There is a real life stuffed ostrich hanging out ON the bar at The Village Idiot, as well as vintage photos, scrumptious food and a bitchin’ balcony. This is one of the most popular spots in Cape Town at the moment. Dance, dine and take part in all the debauchery with both tourists and locals alike.
Yours Truly
If you want to listen to languages from all over the world while sitting in your skinny jeans, Yours Truly is your spot. This coffee shop/funky bar is the accessible cools’ cool of Cape Town. There’s even a rad hostel upstairs, if you need a place to crash at the end of your espresso-infused night out.
Over the years, Cape Town has attracted top designers, artists and musicians from all over the globe. This is now fully reflected in the nightlife, which is totally funky and world class.
A Hipster Guide to Cape Town Nightlife
Related Reading
A South African Safari Without Borders
Why South Africa is Perfect for Solo Travel
43 South African Slang Expressions You Need to Know
Studying Abroad at the University of Cape Town
Have you traveled to South Africa? What were your impressions? Email us at editor@pinkpangea.com for information about sharing your experience and advice with the Pink Pangea community. We can’t wait to hear from you.
Photo credits for A Hipster Guide to Cape Town Nightlife by Jodi Marie Smith.
Lauren’s goal is to empower a better understanding of the world, its environment and its confusion of cultures throughout her career. She believes this can be done through open and intentional travel.
