There is nothing quite as glorious as summertime in the Mother City! Beautiful warm weather, chilled-out beach days, late sunsets and a cool Cape Town summer vibe. It’s pure bliss! But what makes it even better is celebrating all the lovely laid-back summer days with a refreshing craft beer, cool cocktail or glass of Cape vino in hand at one of the best beach bars in Cape Town. Sounds like a summer dream, right? We’ve rounded up our top 5 beach bars in Cape Town. All of which deserve a prime spot on your Cape Town beach bar bucket-list!

#1 Shimmy Beach Club

Of course we’re kicking off our top 5 beach bars in Cape Town list with one of the coolest beachy hotspots in town. The one and only Shimmy Beach Club. Nestled right in the heart of the vibrant V&A Waterfront. The Shimmy Beach Club has undoubtedly established itself as one of the hottest beach bars in Cape Town. And definitely one of the most sought-after hangout spots for locals and travellers alike.

Widely known as Cape Town’s premier ocean-front dining and lifestyle venue. Shimmy Beach Club is known for its prime harbourfront location and breath-taking backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain. As well as its wide variety of lavish drinks, sensational cocktails, delectable menu and super sophisticated and chic setting. Undoubtedly making Shimmy Beach Club one of the top beach bars, restaurants and live music venues in Cape Town.

• Location: 12 South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
• Contact: 021 200 7778 | [email protected]

#2 Life Grand Café

Are you looking for the perfect Cape Town beach bar to celebrate the Mother City summer season in true opulence and style? Look no further! Life Grand Café is not only one of the trendiest beach bars in the city. But certainly one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ too. Located in an old 1902 post office in the sought-after V&A Waterfront. Life Grand Café boasts a setting that is trendy and comfortable yet chic, stylish and sophisticated. It’s therefore no surprise that it has fast become one of the most sought-after inner-city spots to see and be seen.

The stunning setting, beautiful backdrop and spectacular waterfront views of this trendy Cape Town beach bar is just scratching the surface of what Life Grand Café has to offer. From finely crafted cocktails, inspired culinary creations, an exceptional selection of indulgent drinks, lavish laid-back vibe and vibrant atmosphere. The Life Grand Café is the perfect Cape Town hotspot for afternoon or evening drinks, paired with a spectacular view and sensational setting.

• Location: 2 Pierhead Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
• Contact: 021 205 1902

#3 Café Caprice

Located right in the heart and soul of the famous Camps Bay sunset strip, Café Caprice has made quite a name for itself as one of the hottest Cape Town beach bars and trendiest sunset spots in town. And we certainly couldn’t agree more! Besides their sought-after Camps Bay location, vibrant energy and cool laid-back vibe, Café Caprice invites you to sit back, relax and savour every sip of their spectacular selection of artisan cocktails, craft beers and wine. All while indulging in their incredible café-style menu and relaxing in their lavish lounges while admiring some of the most magnificent views of Camps Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and Lions Head. What more could you possibly ask for?

With the white sand and turquoise water of Camps Bay Beach mere metres away, it will truly feel like you’ve escaped to your own little piece of beach paradise. As Café Caprice is undoubtedly one of the most popular beach bars in Cape Town, make sure you head there early to snag a coveted seat on the sidewalk. Then prepare yourself for one of the most sensational sunsets you have ever seen. It isn’t known as one of the best sunset spots in the city for nothing. Paired with a magnificent beach-front backdrop and refreshing drink in hand, it’s pure bliss!

• Location: 37 Victoria Road, Camps Bay
• Contact: 021 438 8315 | [email protected]

#4 Grand Africa Café & Beach

If watching the magical Mother City sunset on a private beach with the Atlantic Ocean and renowned Robben Island in the background with a cool and refreshing drink in hand is your type of vibe. Then the Grand Africa Café & Beach is the perfect Cape Town beach bar for you! There is no denying the fact that the Grand Africa Café & Beach Bar is one of the most sought-after beachfront hotspots for local and travellers from around the world. Known as the place where grand chic meets retro cool, this top Cape Town beach bar sure knowns how to attract quite the crowd.

Nestled poignantly on the sea-front shoreline on a private beach just minutes from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. The Grand Africa Café and Beach embraces their free-spirited beach café culture. And invites everyone to join in one the fun. With iconic style and playful luxury, Grand Africa Café and Beach captures the charismatic charm of the bustling city vibe, while offering a laid-back and relaxed escape in the heart of the inner-city. It’s therefore no surprise that it has fast become a must-visit Cape Town restaurant and nightspot for beach-chic dining, lazy sundowners and slow-motion rendezvous. But with everything else aside, it truly is the private beach that makes the Grand Africa Café and Beach a step above the rest!

With a choice of five bars, ocean view decks, nine private function venue areas and on-beach dining. You’re sure to find the perfect spot to capture that unforgettable magic, that is simply the Grand Africa Café and Beach!

• Location: 4 Haul Road, V&A Waterfront, Granger Bay, Cape Town
• Contact: 021 425 0551 | [email protected]

#5 The Beach Tavern

With a name like The Beach Tavern, you better believe you’re about to experience one of the coolest Cape Town beach bars. The Beach Tavern is all about laid-back beach vibes and just having an all-round good time. Because at the end of the day, that’s what its really about right! Located in Woodbridge Island in Milnerton. The Beach Tavern is a modern pub and beach bar for people looking to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and chilled-out vibe. All while enjoying a few cold ones with friends and family in an amazing beachfront location.

Boasting an incredible drink selection of on-tap beers, craft bottled ales, ciders, craft lager, wise and stouts. It truly is the ultimate Cape Town beach bar for avid beer lovers. But if you’re not a die-hard beer lover at heart, don’t worry. The Beach Tavern definitely has something for everyone.Here’s a little insider tip, their pizzas are just as good as their drinks! So, make sure you head over there super hungry! Not to mention the fact that they’re only a stone’s throw away from the beach. Thereby not only making The Beach Tavern one of Cape Town’s top beach bars, but the ultimate beachfront hotspot too.

• Location: 1 Loxton Road, Woodbridge Island, Cape Town
• Contact: 021 551 9779 | [email protected]