Top Rooftop Bars in Cape Town

Are you ready for some sky-high thrill & indulgence? We bet you are! Cape Town definitely doesn’t do anything half-way; Breathtaking views – check! Extraordinary locations – check! Great bars – check! Top-tier drinks – check! Down-right delicious food & culinary creations – check! EPIC VIBE – check! – and that’s merely scratching the surface of what the beautiful & vibrant city of Cape Town has to offer!

Now shake it all together and you have the formula for a pretty unbeatable night out. But happily, Cape Town’s top rooftop bars aren’t only about late-night capers. Sure, the sunset views are pretty impressive, and they tend to come alive after dark, but at most of these high-altitude escapes, you can also kick back with a memorable brunch (paired with a mimosa of course), plug in your laptop and crack on with work, settle in for a lazy lunch, savour the sunset while sipping on a few signature cocktails, or gather the crew for a kick-back and a round (or three) of drinks – the possibilities are endless!

Where you go depends on your mood: craft cocktails and a glam crowd? Or something more chilled & laid-back? If it’s sunset and sea views you’re after, you’re especially spoiled for choice – this is Cape Town after all! So gather your tribe, select your vibe, pick a spot, and prepare for an urban discovery of the top rooftop bars in Cape Town.

The Mother City is known for her seriously cool rooftop bars after all! The question is – are you ready to explore new heights? Let’s go Cape Town!

#Gigi Rooftop Bar

‘Its always better on top!’

Top Rooftop Bars In Cape Town

Photo credit: Gigi Rooftop

As one of the most iconic, popular, and on-trend rooftop bars in the city of Cape Town, Gigi Rooftop has become a REAL local & global fan-favourite rooftop destination for people from ALL walks of life – and, better yet, this trendy, trailblazing, forward-thinking, and wildly fabulous Cape Town Rooftop Bar is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down anytime soon – for Gigi Rooftop, its straight to the top baby! As it states in their slogan – ‘ITS ALWAYS BETTER ON TOP!’.

Secretly (or not so secretly anymore due to its record-breaking rise to rooftop bar fame) – the highly sought-after Gigi Rooftop / Gigi Rooftop Bar can be found tucked away above the hottest new design-driven Boutique Hotel in the heart of downtown Cape Town – Gorgeous George!

Chic & vibrant with the perfect touch of Cape Town cool, this vibey sixth-floor bar-restaurantAKA: Gigi Rooftop – has firmly establishes itself as the ultimate Cape Town rooftop hotspot. The legendary Gigi Rooftop, Gorgeous George Rooftop, and The Gorgeous George Rooftop Bar is exactly where you want and NEED to be. THIS is where Cape Town comes to play. And boy oh boy do they do just that!

Top Rooftop Bars In Cape Town

Photo credit: Gigi Rooftop

Offering a trendy and contemporary setting, the Gigi Rooftop is a space filled with lush tropical foliage and tons of natural light. It certainly doesn’t end there! Gigi Rooftop stands out with its modern design, featuring stylish furnishings, colourful accents, and a laid-back yet lively atmosphere. Step onto the rooftop and be captivated by the panoramic vistas of the city skyline and Table Mountain.

The menu at Gigi Rooftop presents a delightful array of dishes that are both flavorful and visually appealing. From small plates and sharing platters to delectable main courses, each dish is crafted using fresh and high-quality ingredients. Complement your meal with a selection of meticulously handcrafted cocktails created by their incredibly talented in-house mixologists, premium artisanal spirits, an array of craft beers, or a fantastic glass of fine wine on offer from their well-curated list – Cape Town’s favourite rooftop bar has it all! To top it off, you can enjoy all this and so much more while lounging at the Gorgeous George Rooftop pool – beautifully ensconced in a tropical, greenhouse-style space – as you sit back, relax, and savour every second of the breathtaking views that surround you!

Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely brunch, a lively lunch, or a vibrant evening with friends, Gigi Rooftop offers a dynamic and truly unforgettable rooftop experience in Cape Town.

…We’re not done yet!

Beyond its exceptional cuisine and stunning views, Gigi Rooftop provides a vibrant and energetic ambience that keeps the atmosphere alive. The rooftop venue sometimes hosts live music performances, DJ sets, and other entertaining events, creating an energetic and lively atmosphere for guests to enjoy. The combination of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live entertainment makes Gigi Rooftop the perfect destination for a memorable night out or a weekend gathering. Whether you’re a local seeking a vibrant rooftop experience or a visitor looking to immerse yourself in the city’s lively scene, Gigi Rooftop offers a delightful fusion of flavours, sights, and sounds that will leave a lasting impression.

“At Gigi Rooftop, come for breakfast and stay for dinner. A place where overstaying your welcome is always encouraged, join Gigi on the 6th floor for sky-high fun.  Let your hair down and indulge in late afternoon drinks, sun-filled poolside sessions or partake in one of our signature events. GiGi Rooftop is a living room for the neighbourhood and you’re invited. This is where Cape Town comes to play!” – The Gigi Rooftop

#The SKYBAR at The Grey Boutique Hotel 

‘Up In the Clouds at Sky Bar’

We’re heading to the trendy and vibrant De Waterkant neighbourhood for our next stop on our ultimate Cape Town Rooftop Bar crawl: The stylish SKYBAR at The Grey Boutique Hotel!

Perched high above the city, The Skybar on top of the fabulous Grey Boutique Hotel offers a truly exquisite rooftop experience in Cape Town – providing the perfect blend of elegance, extravagance, and relaxation. As you ascend to the rooftop, you are greeted by stunning views of the glorious Mother City skyline. Known for its unparalleled views – with many deeming it to be the SKYBAR’s top feature – this chic and sophisticated rooftop establishment offers far more than breathtaking uninterrupted views of the majestic Table Mountain, Signal Hill, and sensational panoramic vistas over the city and its vast surroundings.

In addition to sweep-you-off-your-feet views, The SKYBAR at The Grey Boutique Hotel boasts a sleek and modern design, with stylish furnishings, and a spacious outdoor terrace that creates an inviting and laid-back atmosphere. Not to mention a luxurious outdoor rooftop swimming pool. So, whether you’re looking to socialise in your swimsuit during the day or relax by the water come evening, the SKYBAR has you covered!

The SKYBAR rooftop bar fun certainly doesn’t end there! Widely known for its impressive selection of cocktails and beverages, the bar area is staffed by talented mixologists who craft creative and refreshing cocktails ranging from classic cocktails with a twist to innovative signature creations. You can also expect a well-curated wine list at this trendy spot, so keep an eye out for local white, red, and sparkling options. There are all sorts of artisanal cocktails and top-tier spirits to choose from too, so we’re sure there’s something to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Sit back, relax, and sip on your chosen libation as you take in the panoramic views of Cape Town’s skyline. With its stunning location, chic ambience, and enticing drink offerings, The SKYBAR at The Grey Boutique Hotel is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable rooftop experience in the city.

**INSIDER TIP: Get there early enough to grab a couch or daybed and you’ll be rewarded with wide vistas of Signal Hill and Table Mountain, with a concise menu of cocktails, local wine, and light bites to enjoy. It’s also the perfect place for drinks before or after a visit to the Piano Bar downstairs, where you’ll find a regular roster of live music.

#RED Roof at Radisson RED

‘Best for poolside cool’

The Radisson RED brand is famous for two things: it’s cool and creative aesthetic – designed to appeal to young & outgoing locals & travellers – and their signature rooftop bars – and that’s EXACTLY what you can expect at the RED Roof at Radisson RED!

Located in the sought-after Silo District of the vibrant V&A Waterfront, the famous Radisson RED Hotel, along with its hot & trendy rooftop bar – RED Roof – has undoubtedly established itself as one of the trendiest rooftop spots in all of Cape Town for locals and travellers alike.

Adding a cool contemporary flair to Cape Town’s already thriving & thrilling rooftop bar scene, Radisson RED offers a truly unique rooftop experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city – And fair play to its cool & captivating inner-city location that has single-handedly created a one-of-a-kind rooftop spot that will undoubtedly steal your rooftop bar loving heart, making it incredibly hard to leave. But hey, that’s what return visits are for after all!

Beyond being one of the best hotels in Cape Town – showcasing the most spectacular panoramic views over the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, Atlantic Ocean, beautiful city skyline & beyond – the legendary Radisson RED boasts the ULTIMATE rooftop playground – with EVERYTHING you could ever want & MORE! In addition to its cool & refreshing rooftop pool, amazing rooftop deck, and comfy sunbeds for rooftop chilling, the Radisson RED rooftop also boasts a very visible red drink van & one of the trendiest open-air poolside rooftop bars in the Mother City – AKA: the RED Roof!

The iconic RED Roof is known as THE place to be to enjoy sizzling summer beats, cool cocktails, stunning sunset views & lively local vibes that will have you loving life all the way through the day and night. 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 parties!

One of the highlights of RED Roof is its extensive selection of cocktails and wines, allowing guests to enhance their culinary journey with perfectly paired beverages. The skilled mixologists behind the bar create innovative and refreshing cocktails that cater to a variety of tastes. From classic favourites to signature creations, each cocktail is crafted with precision and flair.

That’s not all the Radisson RED has up its sleeve! You can also choose to indulgence in a delicious post-pool-dip snack at the iconic red-hot food truck – providing you with everything you want and need for enjoying a fabulous day in the Mother City. Making the Radisson RED Rooftop Pool, Bar & Restaurant one of the top Cape Town rooftop spots for sky-high summer & sunset chilling. All while sipping away on poolside cocktails and admiring the killer view over the city.

It goes without saying that the RED Roof & Radisson RED Rooftop Bar & Restaurant promises to exceed your every expectation & then some – it is one of the top rooftop bars in Cape Town after all!

  • Location: Radisson RED, Silo District, V&A Waterfront | Silo 6, Silo Square, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town
  • Contact details: 087 086 1578 | [email protected]
  • Website: Click here to visit the Radisson RED website

#Tjing Tjing Rooftop | Tjing Tjing House

‘Tjing Tjing House truly brings a slice of Japan right to the heart of Cape Town’

Top Rooftop Bars In Cape Town

Photo credit: Tjing Tjing

Set in a historic building in the heart of the bustling city centre, Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar – set within Tjing Tjing House – is a hidden gem with a passion for modern Japanese culture and cuisine.

Tjing Tjing House is unique in the fact that it covers three storeys, each one as glorious as the next. It truly is a marvel. What used to be Dear Me (a pared-down café) has been transformed into Tjing Tjing Torii, a visual odyssey of Harajuku proportions in Cape Town’s lively inner-city. Tjing Tjing Torii is known for its sensational Japanese street food and indulgent desserts, among several other things. As you make your way up the stairs, you’ll find yourself in the first-floor middle space, dubbed Tjing Tjing Momiji, a minimalist kaiseki restaurant with a bustling lounge. Momiji’s omakase menu is more refined – fine dining Japanese – and offers a fresh take on the sushi experience.

Ascend two more flights of stairs and make your way up to the top (as you should) – and you’ve officially arrived at the scarlet-red Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar! As soon as you step out onto the airy outside terrace, you’ll instantly be transported to a vibey urban oasis. 

Top Rooftop Bars In Cape Town

Photo credit: Tjing Tjing

The famous Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar is without a doubt a cocktail den that excels at the classics. It’s definitely one for those who appreciates a classic cocktail with a twist, so if a Negroni or honey and smoke old fashioned sounds like your thing then you certainly won’t be disappointed. You can expect an exceptional and wide selection of bespoke cocktails (including an array of classics by request), Japanese whisky, gin, sake, a large assortment of draft and bottled craft beers, as well as an extensive wine list, including Tjing Tjing’s very own house wine, made by David & Nadia Wines – You want it, Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar definitely has it (and then some) – Ensuring there is something for absolutely everyone to sip, savor, and enjoy! So, go ahead and take your pick from the bar’s extensive and impressive menu. The bar also offers a selection of delectable snacks and small plates to complement your drink of choice, take a look at their inviting Tjing Tjing menu.

That’s certainly not all! As a surprise to many, the Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar is well-known for its cool electro-indie beats, which will most definitely have you dancing the night away with a signature Tjing Tjing cocktail in hand of course!

With so much to offer (and, to be honest, we’ve barely scratched the surface), how could you not want to explore, taste, sip, and experience every inch of what the magnificent Tjing Tjing House and captivating Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar has to offer?

With its stylish ambience, breathtaking views, and impressive drink offerings, the Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar provides a unique and memorable rooftop experience in the heart of Cape Town.

  • Location: Tjing Tjing House | 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
  • Contact details: 021 422 4374 / 422 4920 | [email protected]
  • Website: tjingtjing.co.za

#Mountain Club Rooftop Bistro at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa

‘VOTED THE NO. 1 ROOFTOP BAR IN CAPE TOWN!’

The Cloud 9 Mountain Club Bistro is a hidden gem tucked away at the top of the magical staircase of Cloud 9 in the heart of Cape Town.

Located on top of the aptly named Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa, nestled right at the foot of the magnificent Table Mountain, the Mountain Club Rooftop Bistro is the perfect rooftop destination for those looking for a place to sit back, relax, and savour the spectacular view while sipping on a signature or classic cocktail or two (or even a few – its entirely up to you).

What makes this idyllic rooftop spot unique – besides the fact that it was voted the no. 1 Rooftop Bar in Cape Town, of course – is that it boasts a dual level rooftop / double level restaurant. Beyond just a place to dine, our upper deck invites guests to unwind in the plunge pool or simply enjoy the panoramic vistas, making it an iconic rooftop restaurant escape within the city.

The upper deck boasts a stunning bar, comfortable couches, and tranquil relaxation areas, paired with a breathtaking view over Table Mountain, Lions Head, and the beautiful city of Cape Town. Serving up some fabulously famous cocktails, along with an array of their very own sensational signature cocktails, a wide range of local wines, beers, and ciders as well as a delicious snack menu and a variety of mouth-watering breakfast options, tapa’s, sushi, and desserts this rooftop restaurants’ casual setting and open-air ambience is a favourite for most! The mountain views are exclusive to the upper level, adding to the ambience of the venue.

Time to get your feet wet! In addition to its trendy upper deck, the lower deck boasts a crystal-clear rooftop plunge pool for visitors. Making it the perfect rooftop spot for a hot summer afternoon of poolside lounging, all while sipping on their wide selection of drinks from the bar and admiring the spectacular views and surrounding vistas.

One of the best things about the Cloud 9 Mountain Club Bistro is the fact that unlike many other hotel rooftop pools, this one is open to the public too. However, if you’re not a guest at the hotel, there is a minimum spend requirement of R300 to make use of the plunge pool and you are kindly requested to bring along your own towels. **Note: The plunge pool & bar facilities are only available to adults (18+). But trust us, it’s definitely well worth it. Especially when it comes to enduring Cape Town’s hot summer months. And doing it in style of course. If you’re not up for a refreshing dip in the pool, a visit to their trendy rooftop bar to enjoy any of their indulgent signature cocktails, fine local wines, and delicious sourdough pizzas is equally incredible.

**As the evening draws in, the Bistro transforms into a lively spot for guests to mingle, with a selection of fine beverages and artisan cocktails on offer, set against the breathtaking descent of the sun which sets behind the majestic Table Mountain.

**EXTRA BONUS: Mountain Club Rooftop Bistro comes equipped with a solid, retractable rooftop, outdoor gas heaters, and a small indoor lounge, which allows it to operate year-long, no matter how hot or how cold the day.

“Positioned as one of the finest rooftop restaurants and Sky Bars in Cape Town, Cloud 9 Mountain Club Bistro is the heart of luxury dining. Join us where the ambience complements every bite, and the views add a special touch to your culinary journey.”Cloud 9 Mountain Club Bistro

  • Location: Mountain Club Rooftop Bistro, Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel | 12 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof, Gardens, Cape Town
  • Contact details: 021 424 1133 | [email protected]
  • Website: hotelcloudnine.com