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Party O’Clock: Top-Rated Nightlife Cities in South Africa
South Africans are known for their high spirits and festive culture, so it’s no surprise that the country also has a booming nightlife scene.
Here’s a list of the cities with the highest-ranked nightlife scene in South Africa.
1. Cape Town
Cape Town has everything you can think of when it comes to nightlife, from vibrant clubs to quaint pubs and chic bars. You’ll find that the city boasts a mix of budget-friendly and high-end spots, so you’ll surely find a place that fits the bill.
| Recommended Spots: 1. Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen Address: The Rocket Shed, 280 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Phone: +27 21 422 0266 Pricing: RRR Website Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen is dedicated to celebrating the flavours and culinary heritage of Cape Town. Renowned for its exceptional mixologists who always create new cocktails, the establishment has garnered a devoted following over the years. 2. Fable Address: Corner Bree &, Wale St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa Phone: +27 66 009 7786 Pricing: RR Website Fable is a stylish bar that serves cocktails infused with captivating stories, and it always makes sure to deliver on flavour. Every crafted drink at this bar is inspired by a local legend, like the ill-fated lovers and ghost ships haunting the seas off Cape Point. 3. Gigi Rooftop Address: 118 St Georges Mall, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa Phone: +27 21 612 0999 Pricing: RRR Website Gigi Rooftop is renowned as one of the city’s most popular rooftop bars, known for its al-fresco vibes and tranquil atmosphere. The bar features a menu serving up timeless cocktails and unique contemporary drinks that use local spirits and indigenous flavours. |
2. Pretoria
Pretoria is one of South Africa’s most laid-back cities, which also happens to be the home of a bustling nightlife culture. Unlike other cities in South Africa, the place is usually quiet during the day, but as the moon rises, restaurants and bars come to life.
What’s great about this city is its numerous nightlife options where you can either enjoy a noisy club with friends or have a drink in a tranquil bar.
| Recommended Spots: 1. Picasso’s Pub and Pizzeria Address: Villieria, Pretoria, 0084, South Africa Phone: +27 12 333 1151 Pricing: RR Picasso’s Pub and Pizzeria is a fantastic venue that offers a variety of pizzas and drinks. Here, you can enjoy watching live football and cricket matches or partake in live music performances at this versatile establishment. 2. Thirst At 28° East Address: Selikats Causeway &, Graaff Reinet St, Faerie Glen, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa Phone: +27 87 148 8494 Pricing: RR Website Thirst At 28° East is a laid-back bar, ideal for socialising with friends or family. It also provides the perfect setting to enjoy live sports while sipping refreshing drinks or savouring delicious food. 3. Eastwoods Tavern Address: 391 Eastwood St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa Phone: +27 12 344 0243 Pricing: R For sports enthusiasts, Eastwoods Tavern is one of the best places to visit for a fun night of sports and drinks. This pub is known for its ever-changing interior, featuring colourful chairs, hanging plants, grass-adorned walls, and neon signs.. |
3. Stellenbosch
For a more high-end nightlife scene, there’s no better place to visit than Stellenbosch, the vineyard capital of South Africa. This must-visit city is just an hour away from the capital city of Cape Town, and it’s home to tons of lavish wineries and fancy bars.
| Recommended Spots: 1. Aandklas Address: 43 Bird St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa Phone: +27 69 754 4046 Pricing: RR Website Aandklas is a student-centric bar with a dark and smoky ambiance, offering a variety of enjoyable nighttime activities for everyone – from lively foosball games to pool and beer pong. 2. Julian’s Café-Bar Address: Eikestad Mall, 43 Andringa St, Eikestad, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa Phone: +27 21 883 8317 Pricing: RR Website Julian’s Café-Bar, is a seemingly vibrant cafe and restaurant during the day but come nighttime it transforms into a stylish bar with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a delightful spot to visit for drinks with friends while engaging in casual conversations. 3. Nu’Bar Address: 51 Plein St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa Phone: +27 21 886 8998 Pricing: RR Nu’Bar is the perfect venue if you’re looking for a place that can handle your dance moves. This upscale club boasts a well-sized dance floor, providing you with the opportunity to showcase your best moves, and it’s also a great spot to enjoy a drink. |
4. Dullstroom
Dullstroom is another one of South Africa’s cities with a bunch of bars, clubs, and pubs, as well as a lively nightlife culture. Many pubs and clubs are owned by locals, so expect a strong sense of community here.
Aside from that, what really makes Dullstroom a prime nightlife spot is its hospitable and friendly locals. Unlike other places, people in Dullstroom love to socialise, and you’ll often find yourself entering a club alone and leaving with new lifelong friends.
| Recommended Spots: 1. Dullstroom Gin Address: Shop 1, Dullstroom Centre, Naledi Dr, Dullstroom, 1110, South Africa Phone: +27 71 709 8779 Pricing: RR Website Dullstroom Gin is influenced by an otherworldly, gothic, and historical vibe inspired by the ethos of Steampunk and the old-world allure of Dullstroom. Here, you can enjoy a variety of meticulously curated red and white wines, craft beer, and, of course, gin. 2. Wild about Whisky Address: Naledi Dr, Dullstroom, 1110, South Africa Phone: +27 13 254 0066 Pricing: RR Website Wild About Whisky is a sophisticated bar that offers a variety of premium whiskies and spirits for gentlemen and women. The establishment boasts a collection of over 1200 whiskies from 20 countries, including Scotland, Ireland, the USA, Japan, and more. 3. Duck and Trout Address: Naledi Dr, Dullstroom, 1110, South Africa Phone: +27 67 290 3822 Pricing: R The Duck & Trout is a beloved local hangout, renowned for serving delectable pub fare that goes great with a cold beer. The cheerful and warm pub is even better during the cold season when you can enjoy the warmth of log fires and company all around. |
5. Johannesburg
Although Johannesburg is more popular for sightseeing and outdoor activities, the city is also home to an awesome nightlife scene that’s constantly growing. The nightlife here is quite lively, with lots of bars filled to the brim with eager party-goers after a day of work.
| Recommended Spots: 1. Four-Ways Farmer’s Market Address: Taroko Farm Modderfontein Reserve, Norfolk Ln, Klipfontein View, Lethabong, 1609, South Africa Phone: +27 64 870 4116 Pricing: RRR Website Fourways Farmer’s Market is a market and fantastic drinking spot known for offering delectable local and international cuisine from various regions of Africa and beyond. It features enjoy soothing live music that enhances the overall experience. 2. Crafter’s Rooftop Bar Address: 72 Grant Ave, Norwood, Johannesburg, 2117, South Africa Phone: +27 76 640 2058 Pricing: R Located at The Factory on Grant in Norwood, Crafter’s Rooftop Bar is a chic space that celebrates local artists, musicians, and designers. Here, you can enjoy sipping on beers with your pals while listening to music and taking in the city lights at night. 3. Mad Giant Address: 1 Fox St, Ferreiras Dorp, Johannesburg, 2048, South Africa Phone: +27 11 492 0901 Pricing: RRR Situated in Ferreirasdorp, The Mad Giant beer garden offers delightful bar food, refreshing alcoholic beverages, and a vibrant hangout spot for you and your friends. The venue is also home to Urbanologi, where you can eat some savoury meals. |
6. Durban
The coastal city of Durban offers a perfect blend of urban nightlife mixed in with some lovely seaside scenery. The place is popular for its beach parties where bonfires are lit, and people dance the night away to electronic music that echoes across the shores.
Durbanites have a reputation for being party animals, so it’s no surprise that the city is extremely festive, with tons of seaside and roadside clubs everywhere. You’ll often find endless parties taking place almost every day, regardless of whether it’s a weekday.
| Recommended Spots: 1. Joe Cool’s Address: Joe Cool’s, 137 O R Tambo Parade, Durban, South Africa Phone: +27 31 332 0977 Pricing: RRR For those seeking a more upscale waterfront drinking experience, consider checking out Joe Cool’s. Nestled on the beachfront with a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean, it is one of the well-established and frequented drinking spots for Durban’s elites. 2. Unity Bar & Brasserie Address: Silvervause Centre, 117 Silverton Rd, Musgrave, Durban, 4001, South Africa Phone: +27 31 201 3470 Pricing: RR Website Unity Bar & Brasserie is the ultimate destination for beer enthusiasts, offering not only a delightful selection of beers but also delicious South African delicacies. 3. Moyo Address: Moyo uShaka Pier Durban, uShaka Village Walk, 1 Bell Street Point, Durban Phone: +27 (0)31 332 0606 Pricing: RR Situated at the end of one of Durban’s famous and beautiful piers, Moyo is a prime destination for those seeking delightful cocktails in the coastal city. The bar offers a panoramic view of the Golden Mile as it extends beyond Moses Mabhida Stadium. |
7. Bloemfontein
If you’re looking for crazy parties, wild nights, and crowds that go berserk after a couple of drinks, then head over to Bloemfontein. This city is home to a crazy nightlife scene that’ll have you feeling like you’re in The Hangover — which adds to the city’s charm.
| Recommended Spots: 1. Moods And Flavours Address: 60 Perishlaan Ave, Ashbury, Bloemfontein, 9323, South Africa Pricing: R If you’re seeking an authentic African jazz experience, look no further than Moods And Flavours, one of the best jazz spots in Bloemfontein. It offers a sophisticated atmosphere where you can groove to the music in true African style. 2. Die Mystic Boer Address: 84 Kellner St, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa Phone: +27 51 430 2206 Pricing: R Website Die Mystic Boer is a pub that radiates a great vibe, welcoming people from all walks of life. The pub consistently hosts DJs and live musical performances, creating a lively atmosphere where you can dance away all your worries on the dance floor. 3. Buzerant Address: Ferreira Street, Bloemfontein Phone: 082 783 5684 Pricing: R Buzerant is a well-known gay club and one of the oldest clubs in Bloemfontein. Situated on the outskirts of the city, the club boasts a spacious dance floor and a bar offering a wide selection of drinks. |
8. Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is similar to the other cities on this list, as it also has a very vibrant nightlife, where a wide range of bars, pubs, and clubs are at your fingertips. One thing that does set it apart, though, is it’s one of the priciest places to drink in the country.
| Recommended Spots: 1. Barney’s Tavern Address: Boardwalk, Shop 6, The Beachfront, Marine Dr, Gqeberha, 6001, South Africa Phone: +27 41 583 4500 Pricing: RR Website Barneys Tavern is one of Port Elizabeth’s most celebrated pubs, cherished by locals for its drinks and beachfront location. Boasting one of the city’s largest selections of beers on tap, the tavern maintains a festive vibe throughout the day. 2. Salt Address: 30 Stanley St, Port Elizabeth Central, Gqeberha, 6001, South Africa Phone: +27 41 582 2402 Pricing: RR Salt is a trendy cocktail bar located that’s known to come alive, especially on Friday nights when the city’s crowds gather for fun. The restaurant has an extensive wine list, featuring cognac, champagne, as well as red and white wines. 3. The Beer Yard Address: The Beer Yard, 1 Cooper St, Richmond Hill, Port Elizabeth Phone: +27 41 582 2444 Pricing: RR The Beer Yard offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with Bedouin-styled tents, a swimming pool, and lamps and fires that create a cosy vibe. It’s the go-to spot for many locals looking to savour some of the city’s best craft beer and ciders. |
