The 7 Best Beach Bars In Cape Town

As the weather begins to heat up and the days get longer, it can only mean one thing: summer’s just around the corner. 

Thousands of locals and visitors are prepping for the warmer months by looking for places to cool down and chill out. Yep, we’re talking about the best beach bars in Cape Town.

Pull up a chair and get ready to drink with some of the best views in the city as your backdrop. Here are the seven best beach bars in Cape Town.

1. Shimmy Beach Club

Looking for the best beach bar in Cape Town? It’s hard to find a more happening place than the Shimmy Beach Club. Nestled on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, you’ll find that Shimmy Beach Club is a seaside complex offering outdoor restaurant seating and well-crafted cocktails. All that’s missing is you.

2. Grand Africa Cafe & Beach

If spending the evening downing drinks and watching the sunset on a private beach sounds like paradise to you, then you’ll definitely want to visit the Grand Africa Cafe & Beach. While the historic waterfront warehouse is impressive, it’s the private beach that really makes this place shine. Strong, tasty drinks don’t hurt either.

3. Cape to Cuba

Over in Kalk Bay is where you’ll find Cape to Cuba, by far one of the best beach bars in Cape Town. The chandelier-filled beach hut is home to eclectic vibes, live Latin music, and extremely intriguing decor. While it’s not on the beach perse, we love the fact that it’s enclosed, which makes cold seaside nights feel cosy and inviting.

4. Doodles Beachfront

Doodles Beachfront is one of the most relaxed beach bars in Cape Town for sure, with its laidback vibes and non-pretentious setting. Here, you’ll be able to down an ice-cold beer with locals as you enjoy live music and a pretty extensive menu. Oh, and the view at sunset? One of the best in the city.

5. Life Grand Cafe

Looking for opulence and style? There’s no better place than Life Grand Cafe, which finds itself located in an old 1902 post office. The comfortable, chic setting of this trendy bar might just be one of the most Instagrammable spots in all of South Africa. The water views and finely-crafted cocktails are just the cherries on top of an already delicious sundae.

6. The Beach Tavern

With a name like The Beach Tavern, you pretty much know what you’re getting when you head here. The Beach Tavern is a modern pub for people looking to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. And, it’s just a stone’s throw from the beach. Make sure to head here hungry, as their pizza is just as good as their drinks.

7. Cafe Caprice

At Cafe Caprice, you’re getting a lot of spectacular treats all rolled into one trendy beachside bar. Here, you can enjoy artisan cocktails, a café-style menu, relaxing lounges and some of the most stunning views of Camps Bay. Head here early and snag a seat on the sidewalk. Then, prepare to enjoy one of the most dazzling sunsets of your life.