Cape Town's Trendiest Bars

Camps Bay

La Parada Del Mar The newest outpost of the La Parada chain is a stylish spot for cocktails and light tapas meals. Head to the mosaic-clad Bombay Sapphire Bar for a Gin & Tonic Del De Barra with mango, rosemary, grapefruit and orange zest. Plus there’s a DJ on Sunday nights.

Café Caprice This vibey bar has been going since 1999 – and remains one of the hottest spots on the strip. Sip on a Monsoon Tea Party with Ron Zacapa rum, rooibos chai tea, fresh vanilla and fig jam – or an El Topo with Don Julio Reposado tequila, fresh pineapple, lime and vanilla bean.

City Bowl

The Stack Set in a 160-year-old building, this private member’s club has an exquisitely beautiful bar and restaurant, both open to the public. The bar is especially striking – think emerald-green walls, fuchsia bar stools and contemporary art. Order a pink gin to match the bar stools.

The Gin Bar Hidden behind Honest Chocolate Café in a courtyard of crumbling brick, this diminutive gin bar serves up the beverage of the moment in an array of interesting ways. Try Redstone Gin with homemade spiced pineapple syrup, tonic, mint and fresh pineapple – or a G&T made with gin from new local distillery Pienaar & Son. There’s a space upstairs too, if the little courtyard is at capacity.

Outrage of Modesty Hidden behind an unmarked door on Shortmarket Street, this uber-hip bar recently reopened under the guidance of famed New York bartender Greg Seider. Sip on a high-end cocktail like The Best is Yet to Come, which features gin, buchu, rosemary-infused agave, pear purée, bubbles, lemon juice and clove dust.

Tjing Tjing This rooftop bar with eclectic décor is set in a two-centuries-old heritage building and punts itself as “comfy & casual, hip & happening”. Savour innovative cocktails while snacking on Asian-inspired tapas.

Tjing Tjing’s beautiful bar boasts a mansard roof and Japanese-inspired decor.

De Waterkant

The Vue On wind-free evenings, it’s hard to beat this rooftop bar for views over the city. Insider tip? Order the chicken quesadillas and savour a Kir Royale or three.

V&A Waterfront

The Silo Rooftop Cape Town’s new icon, The Silo Hotel, boasts a gorgeous rooftop bar. Nab a sun lounger next to the pool and tuck into charcoal-fired dishes while you watch the sun set.