Best Bars in Cape Town I Visited: A Personal Guide

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By Timo — London-based creator of TheTimoTalks, sharing personal experiences of travel, hospitality and life abroad.

Cape Town surprised me once again—this time with its bar scene. From great cocktail bars to laid-back spots with amazing views, the city offers plenty of places to enjoy a drink and soak in the atmosphere. I’m sure there are many more bars worth discovering, but this guide focuses only on the best bars in Cape Town that I personally visited. Every place listed here stood out for its drinks, service, and overall vibe—and made my nights in the city even more memorable.

Which Cape Town bar would I choose?

The Gin Bar: my pick for gin and a hidden courtyard in the city centre. Enter through Honest Chocolate at 64a Wale Street. Walk-ins are welcome; call ahead if arriving late because closing time can vary on quieter evenings.

Bascule Bar: my pick for waterfront views, whisky and a more polished evening at Cape Grace in the V&A Waterfront. Guided whisky tastings require booking; check their separate time slots rather than assuming they run throughout normal bar hours.

The Art of Duplicity: my pick for a hidden cocktail bar with an intimate, vintage atmosphere. Book ahead for a speakeasy-style evening. Confirm availability and arrival instructions directly.

Maggy Lou’s: my pick for casual daytime drinks, snacks and people-watching. Check opening hours before making a special trip.

Plan the rest of the evening

Check menus and transport before committing to a route between neighbourhoods. These are personal recommendations from the visits described below, not an exhaustive ranking of every bar in Cape Town. Pair drinks with my restaurant guide, or plan a daytime outing with the winery comparison.

THE GIN BAR

A very cool and relaxed spot right in the centre of Cape Town. The Gin Bar is surprisingly spacious, spread over two levels, so even on busy evenings there’s a good chance you’ll find a place to sit.

The gin selection is impressive, with a wide range of local and international options, and some of the cocktails are genuinely creative rather than predictable. What makes this place special is its hidden courtyard vibe—it feels like a calm escape from the busy streets outside. A perfect place to start the evening or stay longer than planned.

BASCULE BAR

This one is on the fancier side, located inside the Fairmont Cape Grace Hotel. The outdoor terrace is a highlight, offering views over the marina, yachts, and Table Mountain, especially beautiful around sunset.

Inside, the bar feels classic and elegant, with a very authentic, timeless atmosphere. The whisky selection is excellent, and the cocktails are not only great in taste but also served in unexpected, playful ways. A strong choice if you’re looking for something polished but still relaxed.

ART OF DUPLICITY

This is one of those places that actually lives up to the speakeasy concept. It’s genuinely hidden, with almost no clues online other than how to book. Once you get the password and find the spot inside a Victorian-era warehouse, it feels like stepping into another time.

The atmosphere is intimate, stylish, and full of vintage details, and the bartenders fully commit to the theme. The cocktails are really nice—creative, well-balanced, and beautifully presented. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night, live jazz adds even more character and makes the experience feel complete.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re looking for good bars while exploring Cape Town, Google reviews are actually a solid starting point, especially when you want something close to where you’re staying. That said, nothing beats personal experience—and these places truly stood out for their quality, atmosphere, and attention to detail.

Cape Town doesn’t just do bars well—it does them with character. Be curious, explore different neighbourhoods, and don’t overplan. Some of the best nights start with “just one drink”.

MAGGY LOU'S

A very hipster, relaxed spot, perfect for combining brunch-style drinks like margaritas with snacks or light food. It’s close to Mojo Market (which I personally wouldn’t recommend), but if you’re choosing markets, Oranjezicht City Farm Market or Milnerton Flea Market are much better options.

We loved sitting at the window bar seats, which are great for people-watching while enjoying the ocean breeze. Easygoing, casual, and ideal for daytime drinks that turn into a longer stay. The queue to the toilet might be long… mirrors like these come with responsibilities-don’t forget your phone! 📸✨

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