Unwind in style with a cocktail, take in a concert, see cutting-edge theater or slip into your dancing shoes for a night of partying; evenings in Cape Town have a myriad of joys to offer, so why not treat yourself, try something new, discover the latest hotspot or find a new favorite tipple? Browse our tantalizing selection for ideas and tips.
Planet Bar (at Mount Nelson Hotel)
One of the hottest bars in Cape Town, Planet is a gloriously decadent champagne bar at the luxury Mount Nelson Hotel, offering an exceptional selection of champagnes and wines, with an inventive regularly changing cocktail menu.
The interior is a gorgeously opulent space in which to spend an evening; a rich, lavish tapestry of velvet, leather and satin, which opens out on to the breathtaking garden terraces of the hotel.
+27 21 483 1737
Mount Nelson Hotel, 76, Orange Street, Cape Town, 8001
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Asoka Bar
A fashionable Kloof Street nightspot famed for its innovative cocktails, Asoka is an elegant lounge with a stylish interior that mixes Victorian charm, contemporary glamour and subtle oriental influences.
The bar’s expansive and adventurous cocktail menu underpinned by fresh ingredients makes Asoka a perfect pit-stop for a drink and some tapas, or a longer night out with friends. For a truly exclusive experience the bar’s semi-private Bamboo Room can be hired for the night, and comes with bottle service, and an exquisite selection of French champagnes. Alternatively, the entire venue can be hired for ultimate privacy and luxury.
Baxter Theatre
The Baxter Theatre is a stalwart of Cape Town’s live theater scene, hosting award-winning productions throughout its 30 years, and remaining at the forefront of Cape Town’s creative and entertainment scene.
It is an excellent place to sample the arts in Cape Town, with an impressive history of supporting and promoting local ideas, creativity and talent. It nurtures and hosts a range of innovative and exciting productions of drama, music, comedy, opera and ballet, promoting emerging artists as well as welcoming back established and wellloved performers. To experience the arts in true exclusivity and style, you can book an entire performance at the Baxter for a private audience.
+27 21 685 7880
Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Oude Libertas Amphitheatre
The Oude Libertas Amphitheatre is an open-air amphitheater nestled in the magical landscape of the Stellenbosch winelands.
Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, this truly unique venue has hosted 30 summers of music, dance and theater under the stars, with performances from many of South Africa’s biggest names in entertainment, as well as its emerging talents. The warm summer nights under clear-starred skies offer glorious sunset concerts, which many visitors enjoy over a picnic and a glass of wine. The intimacy of the venue, which is sheltered by trees, and its beautiful natural setting, make this a singularly exciting and privileged way to enjoy the arts, and to experience the majesty of the Western Cape winelands. For those who prefer fine dining to picnic fare, the Oude Libertas winery restaurant is opposite the amphitheater, with cellars stocked to the brim with the wines of the estate.
+27 21 809 7473
Corner of Adam Tas Road and Oude Libertas Road, Stellenbosch, 7600
Cape Philharmonic Orchestra
Catching a performance of the Cape Philharmonic will be a sublime experience for lovers of classical music.
A world-class orchestra performing outstanding symphony concerts, the Cape Philharmonic has received international recognition, touring abroad as well as across South Africa, and its talented musicians share dedication and passion for the music they play. In Cape Town the Cape Philharmonic often collaborates with the city’s Opera and Ballet companies and plays at the stately City Hall, where a private box can be booked to enjoy the splendor of traditional orchestral music and the venue’s stunning acoustics in true exclusivity. Alternatively, visitors can luxuriate in the sounds of a summer concert in the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or a sprawling wine estate, perfect for introducing the joys of classical music to non-believers.
Tiger Tiger Club
One of the hippest nightspots on the Cape Town club scene, Tiger Tiger is the place to go for a party.
The arrangement of seven glamorous bars and two impressive dance floors, as well as VIP Booths, provides opportunities for stylish, intimate drinks with friends, but that isn’t the main draw of spending your evening here. The real stars of the show are the top-of-the-range sound system and dance floors, popular with visiting celebrities for dancing the night away.
+27 21 683 2220
103, Main Road, Stadium on Main, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708
www.tigertiger.co.za
Caveau Wine Bar & Deli
A beautifully intimate wine bar that serves the best local and international wines in an unpretentious, laid-back and atmospheric setting, Caveau is a great choice for a mellow, romantic evening over a few glasses.
This gorgeous little bar was conceived with serious passion and absolute expertise for wine and food, and can therefore be both an indulgent night out for the casual wine drinker, and an adventurous exploration of vintages and flavors for serious connoisseurs of wine.
+27 21 422 1367
92, Bree Street, Heritage Square, Cape Town, 8001
www.caveau.co.za
Cape Town Opera
A night at the opera can be a glamorous and thrilling experience, and Cape Town Opera provides this in abundance.
This exceptional company’s breathtaking repertoire includes traditional opera classics, opera standards innovatively adapted and re-worked to reflect South African history, culture and experience, and adventurous original works. Cape Town Opera performs at a variety of venues, including the Artscape Opera House and the Baxter Theatre, where private performances can be booked.
+27 21 410 9807
1–10, DF Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001
