Cape Town Nightlife Guide 2025: Where the City Actually Goes Out

The Athletic Club & Social - Art deco favorite with staying power

Housed in a restored heritage building near the CBD, The Athletic Club & Social feels like a private members club that forgot to be pretentious. Think velvet banquettes, vintage sports memorabilia, and three levels of different moods.

Why it is trending now

• Consistently high rating and a big review base signal it is not a fad.
• Growth in recent reviews shows it is still on every local recommendation list.
• The layered layout keeps it fresh: a restaurant feel early, then a lively bar and rooftop energy later.

Vibe and crowd

• After work cocktails, date nights, and small groups starting a city bar hop.
• Smart casual is the norm, with a mix of creative professionals and visitors who did their research.

Best for

• Pre-game drinks before heading deeper into the CBD.
• A full night if you like to settle in one stylish spot with good music and conversation.

Pro tips

• Book a table if you want to sit for dinner, then drift to the bar or rooftop.
• Arrive early on weekends to avoid queues at peak hours.

Cabo Beach - Waterfront club with a holiday feel

Cabo Beach brings a resort style party to Cape Town’s waterfront edge. Expect white loungers, sea air, and a soundscape that moves from chilled sunset sets to full club mode.

Why it is trending now

• Strong review volume and steady recent activity show it has become a go to for big nights.
• The beach club format fits the global trend of day to night party venues.
• Social media friendly views keep it all over local feeds.

Vibe and crowd

• Daytime: relaxed, cocktail in hand, sunglasses crowd.
• Night: high energy, bottle service, and dress to impress.

Best for

• Sundowners that roll into a late night.
• Groups celebrating birthdays, bachelorettes, or just a big weekend.

Pro tips

• Check their event schedule for themed parties and guest DJs.
• Dress code leans stylish, especially after dark.

That 80s Club - Pure nostalgia on the dance floor

If you know every word to 80s and 90s anthems, That 80s Club is your happy place. It leans hard into retro: neon lights, throwback posters, and a playlist that ignores trends and focuses on sing along hits.

Why it is trending now

• Review growth shows word of mouth is strong among locals looking for something different from mainstream house and amapiano.
• Nostalgia nights are having a global moment, and this spot taps that perfectly.

Vibe and crowd

• Fun, unpretentious, and a bit chaotic in the best way.
• Mixed ages, from younger partygoers discovering 80s tracks to older fans reliving them.

Best for

• Friends who want to actually know the lyrics to every song.
• A second or third stop after a more polished cocktail bar.

Pro tips

• Go later in the evening when the dance floor is full.
• Wear something you can dance in for hours.

Saint Champagne Bar & Lounge - Nightclub - Glam nights and VIP energy

Saint Champagne Bar & Lounge - Nightclub is all about high energy and high gloss. Expect champagne buckets, LED lighting, and a sound system built for big nights out.

Why it is trending now

• Solid review growth even with a slightly polarizing rating suggests it is a love it or leave it kind of place, which often means a strong identity.
• Popular with local influencers and party crews, keeping it visible online.

Vibe and crowd

• Loud, flashy, and unapologetically clubby.
• Groups dressed up for the night, with a focus on hip hop, amapiano, and commercial dance.

Best for

• Late late nights when you want a packed dance floor.
• Bottle service and celebrations.

Pro tips

• Expect cover charges on busy nights and special events.
• Arrive in a group and plan your ride home in advance.

GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World - All in one night out

GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World is more than a casino. It is a full entertainment complex with restaurants, bars, clubs, live shows, and an ice rink, all under one roof.

Why it is trending now

• Huge review volume and steady growth show it is a long running favorite for locals and visitors.
• Works well for mixed groups who want different things from a night out.

Vibe and crowd

• Very mixed: families early, couples and friend groups later.
• You will find everything from casual sports bar energy to more polished lounges.

Best for

• One stop nights where some people want slots or tables and others just want drinks and music.
• Rainy evenings when outdoor venues are less appealing.

Pro tips

• Check the live events calendar for concerts and comedy shows.
• Set a gaming budget before you arrive so the night stays fun.

How to plan your Cape Town nightlife route

• Start central: Kick off around the CBD or Waterfront, where spots like The Athletic Club & Social and Cabo Beach are easy to reach.
• Stack your stops: Pair a relaxed cocktail venue with a high energy club so the night has a natural build.
• Use rideshares: Parking can be tight and driving is not worth it if you plan to drink.
• Check event listings: Many venues layer in guest DJs, live acts, and themed parties that can make or break your night.

Stay ahead of the curve with MapsBuddy

Cape Town’s nightlife shifts quickly as new venues open and older favorites evolve. MapsBuddy surfaces places with real momentum in reviews and local buzz, so you can find the spots trending now instead of last season’s hotspots.