Once you’ve had your fill of the scenic beauty and the shimmering sunshine of the seaside, it’s time to put on your dancing shoes. South Africa offers a range of evening fun, after a long day in the sun. From Cape Town to Durban, the nightlife in the cities is as exciting as the daytime shopping and nature excursions and attracts a great number of travelers to revel in every month of the year! But South Africa nightlife is an experience that is beyond your imagination. Be it the music or the ambiance, everything out there is happening enough to turn your evening into a memorable one. So, don’t think of anything and get ready to let your hair down and witness the country in a different light.
12 Best Places To Enjoy South Africa Nightlife
South Africa is known for its crazy spirit! The party, food, music and people make the South African nightlife worth experiencing. So here are our top 10 picks of must try nightlife experiences when you’re visiting South Africa.
1. Long Street, Cape Town
As the name suggests, this street has a range of social and cultural events highlighting every evening for revellers. Check out the Waiting Room or the Honest Chocolate on the street and keep a sharp eye out for hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. You might also want to keep a sharp eye on your purse as well as keep trusted company in the alleys of this street. Overall, the limelight truly shines on Long Street.
Must Read: Shopping In South Africa: For A Fancy Affair At The 9 Best Markets & Malls In The Country
2. Capital Craft, Pretoria
Craft beers certainly come of age at the adorable outdoor setting of Capital Craft. Designed to complement the dishes served, each craft beer is a wonder. Sampling the food and drinks on the extended wooden tables in the garden makes it all the more refreshing. You get to
learn a lot about the craft beers of South Africa and also sample the aromas that each bears and how it is cleverly paired with a dish of your choice. Feel free to throw a challenge to the staff and prepare to be amazed!
3. Aces N’ Spades, Cape Town
Located just off the hotspot Long Street, this music joint is ideal to bring out the rockstar in you, for free! Wednesday are reserved for karaoke where you can out your skills in rock music to the test with the locals. Be warned, they are very good! It’s a great place to sit back and relax or go all in and head bang to your favourite tracks as the night deepens, and experience the best of nightlife in Cape Town, South Africa.
Timings: 4pm-2am
Suggested Read: 15 Best Restaurants In South Africa To Enjoy Ultimate Culinary Delight
4. Brampton Wine Studio, Near Stellenbosch
Calling all wine-lovers to sample the exquisite Brampton wines, especially the Shiraz and the Roxton, at this quaint studio. The staff will not just see you through their eclectic collection of local wines, which are reasonably priced but also share local information you might find useful. It is a great place to disconnect from the outer world and soak in the wonders of the spirit and fuel great conversation. The bar closes at 9 in the evening so you must make the most of the evening.
5. Wild About Whisky, Dullstroom
The name says it all. Not quite! With over 1,200 kinds of whisky to be sampled from 20 countries, there’s really a lot to cover in a single night and many favourites to be discovered. And that’s not all! You have frequent gin and rum tasting sessions to get you into the spirit of a fantastic evening. Patience is a key virtue and whisky lovers are known to have plenty of it. If you do not seek to gulp and vroom, then this is the ideal location to spend an entire afternoon and better part of a night relishing the many shades of moonshine.
Suggested Read: 8 Experiences That Encapsulate The Best Of South Africa In August
6. Alexander Bar, Café and Theatre, Cape Town Central
Old school is the best-suited school for some, and at this joint you’ll feel quite taken through a time capsule. Order your drinks on old telephones or head upstairs to witness one of the finest acts in town, as this bar has much to cater to your cultural palate. The daily specials are surely something worth watching out for as are the light meals served by the kitchen until midnight. This is amongst the best South Africa night clubs and there is no doubt about it.
Suggested Read: Tsitsikamma National Park: A Guide To Explore South Africa’s Wilderness
7. Mad Giant, Johannesburg
An inspired setting as well as the finest craft beers make this truly the talk of the town. The craft beers served here are customised as per your desire and served with an incredible array of Asian-inspired food pairings. Truly a class apart, the Mad Giant also offers a visit to their brewery where you can learn about their take on brewing beers as well as sample them for a modest price.
8. Orphanage, Cape Town
Don’t go by the morbid name, the delights of mixology await within the walls of this celebrated joint. You can choose to sit outside beneath the trees, if you’d like to take in the street setting while relishing a brew of your favourite spirit with peanut butter! There’s a lot of exciting mixes to be sampled but surely not for the faint-hearted. The name reflects on your bill, a portion of which is donated to a children’s home in Athlone.
Suggested Read: 6 Alluring Lakes In South Africa For A Delightful Encounter With Nature!
9. Mooteebar, Johannesburg
If you have a thirst for something more local, yet exotic then this is the best place to be. Inspired by the South African medicines used traditionally to heal the people, this bar served a variety of cocktails in interesting packaging like brown paper bags and ceramic cups. Designed to suit each drinker’s taste, it feels like a customised prescription to elevate the soul and inspire well-being.
10. Tiger’s Milk, Southern Peninsula
The perfect blend of indoors and outdoors, this all day diner is a must visit after dark as well! While it offers a fantastic view of the Muizenberg Beach all day, the evening highlights its rugged décor with its brick walls and a motorbike! Pick a spot on one of the long bars and join in the conversation with surfers and athletes who are regulars at this joint. The food is delightfully crafted and the spirits will keep you stated as the conversations flow.
11. Joe Cool’s, Durban
One of the best places for witnessing the nightlife in Durban, South Africa, Joe Cool’s is a happening beach bar situated on Marine Parade. Whether you’re a crazy party person or some who embraces the laid-back ambiance, this bar club is perfect for you to let your hair down or have a hearty conversation with your loved ones.
12. Muse Champagne Room, Johannesburg
If you’re looking for a chic and not a hip place, look no further. Muse Champagne Room is a perfect and really trendy hotspot situated in Fairlawn’s Boutique Hotel that boasts a top-notch French-inspired ‘Casse-Croûte’ menu of appetizers that will surely delight your senses. We’re pretty sure that you’d have a memorable evening at this fancy place.
Further Read: Table Mountain National Park: The Surreal Beauty Of South Africa
The sun surely doesn’t come down on a good time in South Africa. Long walks on the beach or dancing the night away, it’s all the joys one could seek on a memorable holiday. So what are waiting for? Plan a trip to South Africa with TravelTriangle right away and head out for shaking your leg like never before!
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Frequently Asked Questions About South Africa Nightlife
What is South Africa known for?
South Africa is known for a number of things. From rich marine life to breathtaking landscapes, from stunning coastlines to rich biodiversity, from rich minerals and mines to vibrant culture and traditions. South Africa has everything you could look forward to for an amazing vacation.
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
May to September is the best time to visit South Africa as the pleasant weather during this time is ideal for water sports and jungle safari. It’s the time when animals congregate around waterholes and rivers.
What is there to do in South Africa?
You can never run out of things to do in South Africa Some of the best things worth trying are:
1. Bungee Jumping and Insane Rope Swings
2. Climbing Table Mountain
3. Hot Air Balloon Rides
4. Swim with the sharks
5. Enjoy The Pristine Vineyards
6. Go on a jungle safari
Does South Africa have good nightlife?
South Africa is known for its vibrant and lively nightlife and offers a wide variety of venues where you can enjoy the night and dance your heart out till early hours of the morning.
Which city in South Africa has the best nightlife?
Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town are some of the most amazing places where the entertainment is endless and each city offers a unique nightlife experience.
Is South Africa safe at night?
South Africa is most safe for tourists but its always wise to practice a little caution while traveling in a foreign country.
