When the sun goes down, Cape Town comes alive in the form of vibrant nightlife, with the city boasting some of the biggest clubs. From A-list hangouts, and plush and laid-back lounges to underground techno dens, the streets of the Mother City have plenty to offer all night owls.
With the winter season approaching, it is the best time for all tourists from Europe to visit Cape Town. Spend your day strolling through museums, checking out safari destinations and sampling fabulous meals. But after dark, be prepared to dance, mingle, and create memories in the city’s bustling neighborhoods. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the biggest clubs in Cape Town to party all night.
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1. The Waiting Room
Located on the top of the Royale Eatery, The Waiting Room is a chilled and hip rooftop bar offering great views across Cape Town and the busy street below. The name of the bar actually comes from it previously being a real waiting room for the restaurant below.
The Waiting Room. Photo/ Xceed.
The Waiting Room, where Kloof and Long Street meet, is a must-visit if you are in Cape Town. The stylish decor, electronic atmosphere, and intimate venue create the perfect ambiance for a great night out with friends. While the indoor part is a lot about live music and DJs, the rooftop terrace is a bit more chill.
2. The Pink Candy Nightclub
The Pink Candy Nightclub is one of the biggest clubs in Cape Town and South Africa at large. This popular late-night dance venue is known for having a never-ending range of hugely popular theme nights and a diverse crowd. The club has been gaining momentum over the past few years for its electrifying atmosphere.
3. The Athletic Club & Social
The Athletic Club & Social. Photo/ First Thursdays.
Located along 35 Buitengracht St, CBD, The Athletic Club & Social should be your best bet if you’re looking for a more mature vibe on a night out. It has a 25+ vibe with a luxurious interior and an older crowd, making it a go-to spot for tourists and locals as well. You will rarely find the Athletic Club & Social insanely busy even during the weekends.
4. Arcade
From their top-class DJs to a fully stocked bar, Arcade is undoubtedly one of the biggest clubs in Cape Town to party with friends. Inspired by Dandelyan Bar in London and Schillers Liquor Bar in New York, Arcade guarantees a terrific time. One of the good things about Arcade is that it offers a spot to bite something before or after a night out in the city.
5. The Village Idiot
No list of the biggest clubs in Cape Town is complete without The Village Idiot. The Village Idiot is a vintage neighbourhood bar and restaurant celebrating South African braai culture. This is where the glasses are raised for adventurous idiots and foolish renegades who refuse to live by the rules of conformity.
The Village Idiot is located along 32 Loop St and is open Wednesday and Thursday 6 pm-3 am; Friday and Saturday 6 pm-4 am. During the winter season, a charming fireplace warms up this intimate space as the in-house DJs create a vibe that ensures you have a memorable night.
The Village Idiot. Photo/ The Firm.
What Is the Main Party Street in Cape Town?
Long Street. Long Street is abuzz with coffee bars, exotic restaurants, legendary bookshops, African craft markets, and backpackers’ lodges. It is the place to be for most of the ‘touristy’ club action in Cape Town. All the clubs, bars, and pubs are in close proximity to each other, so if one doesn’t catch your fancy, you can move on to another one.
Does Cape Town Have a Good Nightlife?
From chic cocktail bars that serve refreshing drinks and popular nightclubs where you can dance all night long to laid-back waterfront venues with spectacular sea views, nightlife in Cape Town is one of a kind.
Where Can I Go Dancing in Cape Town?
- Era Club
- St Yves Night Club
- Paradiso Academy
- Decodance Underworld
- The Loop
What Is the Largest Club in the World?
Privilege Ibiza is the world’s largest nightclub according to the Guinness Book of Records. Originally known as Ku Club (1979-95), it has a capacity of 10,0000 people and encompasses 6,500-metre square.
