The Sky’s Not the Limit in CAPE TOWN

by Cecile Paul · Published May 25, 2021 · Updated May 31, 2021

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Looking skywards, allow me to me introduce you to 14 celestial SKY BARS to nourish mind, body and soul.

Let me start by saying this: It’s virtually impossible not to have a sublime view from anywhere in Cape Town.

That being said, Capetonians are self-confessed view snobs. Views need to tick many boxes in order to satisfy the average view-obsessed local’s criteria.

Image Credit Silo Hotel | The transparent sides of the sky pool offer the bold and the beautiful many exotic photo opportunities!

Arguably one of the most scenic cities in the world, Cape Town lies at the foot of the most recognizable mountain on the planet and is flanked by the glistening Atlantic Ocean. As if that’s not enough the weather is beautiful throughout all four seasons. To boot, there are views galore: there are mountain views from every angle – Table Mountain … Devil’s Peak … Signal Hill … The Twelve Apostles … the mountains of the Winelands … there are sea views to end all sea views … there are city views over a densely built-up metropolis with its skyscrapers … Whichever type of view tickles your fancy, Cape Town offers you a mind-blowing selection.

Image Credit Silo Hotel | The Silo Sky Bar offers views in all 4 directions

And views are just the starting point when it comes to choosing a chiil-out spot. Wherever locals choose to dine, drink or lounge is inevitably also indulgently aesthetic, elegant and comfortable, the food offerings superb and the service friendly.

It is no wonder that the city is home to numerous breathtakingly awesome SKY BARS that indulge all the senses.

Image Credit Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar | Seafood with a smile

I made a modest selection of a few Sky Bars to tempt you to come and experience the fantastic views over the city and the extraordinary ambience created by these magical spots. Indulge in breathtaking land, mountain, city and seascapes while sipping your cocktail from within a balmy infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

Come along and join me on my journey – up, up and away!

1. The Silo Rooftop Bar at the Silo Hotel

Perched on top of the world – or rather, on top of the world-famous 5-star Silo Hotel in the centre of Cape Town, overlooking the sprawling Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the historic colourful houses of the Bo-Kaap and the densely built-up city metropolis, is where you’ll find a sky bar that gives you a 360 degree view over the entire city. Aim for sunset and indulge in oysters and cocktails from the Rooftop Bar’s menu or order from one of the Silo Hotel’s glamorous restaurants, like the Willaston. Bring your bikini and experience the views from within the infinity pool. May I suggest you’re in for the experience of a lifetime?

https://www.theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo/overview/ @thesilohotel_

Image Credit: Silo Hotel | The view from the Silo Rooftop Bar over the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront with its marinas, harbour, shopping centres, food courts and numerous hotels

Image Credit Silo Hotel | A view over one of the quaint marinas at dusk

2. Sky Bar at the Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel

Right in the very heart of the city, perched high up in the sky and mid-way along historic Long Street is a gem of a rooftop bar. Here you can take your pick of themed silver bullet luxury accommodation complete with your own deck and patio furniture. In fact, The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel is home to the only designer Rooftop Airstream Trailer Park in the world! You’ll sit under the stars, rubbing shoulders with Cape Town’s sky scrapers all around you while being doted upon with exotic cocktails and divine food offerings from the sky bar’s restaurant. You could even indulge in a vintage movie on the rooftop and let the Pink Flamingo Cinema entertain you on a balmy Cape Town evening! Up In The Air springs to mind … You up for joining us, Mr Clooney?

http://www.granddaddy.co.za/ @granddaddyhotel

Image Credit Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel | The Cape Winelands Luxury Suite or the Blooming Daisies?

Image Credit Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel | A bottle of Cabernet, some designer roasted nuts, mature cheese and local olives … and the stars above

Image Credit Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel | Celestial and themed accommodation on a rooftop, complete with cocktail bar at your service!

Image Credit Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel | In the heart of the urban metropolis

3. Gigi Rooftop Restaurant & Bar at the Gorgeous George Hotel

Gigi Rooftop Restaurant & Bar’s motto of ‘It’s always better on top’ is no idle observation. Here is exactly where Cape Town comes to play, dine, relax and be seen. They also say, ‘Come for breakfast and stay for dinner’, which is exactly what’ll happen once you’ve had your Zaatar Crumbed Halloumi and George’s Egg Florentine washed down with some Virgin Mary. You won’t be able to drag yourself away from the indulgence and spoiling! The views from the 6^th floor across the city from the sun-filled poolside is nothing short of breathtaking. Bring your friends, brings your swimsuits and sunspecs and call this your own living room.

http://www.gorgeousgeorge.co.za/ @gorgeousgeorgecpt

Image Credit Gigi Rooftop Restaurant & Bar at the Gorgeous George Hotel | The views are second to none, right across the city metropolis

Image Credit Gigi Rooftop Restaurant & Bar at the Gorgeous George Hotel | Huge windows encase the 6th floor conservatory, always filled with sun

Image Credit Capetownetc.com | Glam up and enjoy!

Image Credit Gigi Rooftop Restaurant & Bar at the Gorgeous George Hotel | A bird’s eye view on poolside dining at its very best

4. Skybar at the Grey Boutique Hotel

Right in the heart of one of Cape Town’s most fashionable shopping districts, De Waterkant, filled with colourful houses and avant-garde art galleries, you’ll find a gem: The Grey Boutique Hotel. Its famous Skybar is the jewel in its crown. From up there you have a bird’s eye view of the surrounding cityscape, looking towards Table Mountain and Signal Hill and in the other direction, towards the Atlantic Ocean, V&A Waterfront and Cape Town Harbour. Once you’ve exhausted the credit cards on all the delicious fashion shopping on the street you can relax (literally) on top of the neighbourhood and order celebratory drinks from the Skybar’s own menu or from the Piano Bar below.

http://www.thegreyhotel.co.za/ @thegreysa

Image Credit The Grey Boutique Hotel | The glamorous Grey Hotel with its sky bar on top

Image Credit The Grey Boutique Hotel | From up here you can feast on views of Table Mountain and the colourful houses of De Waterkant

Image Credit The Grey Boutique Hotel | Sit back and relax, enjoy the views and service

5. Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar

Part of the Cove Collection, this super cool and contemporary sky bar on the glamorous Camps Bay sunset strip comes with views into infinity and beyond over the majestic Atlantic Ocean. From here one can watch the beautiful people strut their stuff on the Promenade while you sip your cocktail to the vibes of cool beats spun by Cape Town’s finest DJs. A fresh sea breeze is free and part and parcel of the experience. If spectacular sea views are what make you salivate, this place is just what the view doctor ordered.

http://www.chinchillarooftop.co.za/ @chinchillacpt

Image Credit Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar | Enjoy the spectacular views over one of Cape Town’s most glamorous beaches

Image Credit Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar | Sit back, relax and take in the fresh air

Image Credit Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar | Fresh Atlantic Ocean oysters

6. Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar

If you fancy cool cocktails and killer views from the roof of a 200 year-old house right in the middle of Cape Town’s busy Longmarket Street, complete with leather seats and Chinese lanterns, head for Tjing Tjing’s Rooftop bar. Be sure to dress up as the clientele includes Cape Town’s Who’s Who, sporting their Louboutins and Jimmy Choos. No wonder this bar was on the Conde Nast Traveller Best New Bars In The World list a while ago. An eclectic mix of old and new, the attic includes a Japanese shrine-inspired cocktail bar and opens up to an open-air rooftop terrace. Savour the selection of indie and electronic vibes over your bespoke cocktail or otsumami.

http://www.tjingtjing.co.za/ @tjingtjinghouse

Image Credit Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar | The view from the street – three floors of fabulous dining with the roof bar at the top

Image Credit Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar | The Japanese shrine-inspired cocktail bar

Image credit @within_worlds_ | Rub shoulders with the rooftops around

7. Azure Restaurant at Twelve Apostles Hotel

If fine dining is a prerequisite for your sky view bar experience I fully recommend Azure Restaurant. It was voted South Africa’s Best Hotel Restaurant at the 2020 World Culinary Awards, and no surprises there. It’s elegant – plush leather seating with starched white table cloths, the sea views are spectacular and the menu second to none. Better still, book yourself into the world famous Twelve Apostles Hotel and you can dine under the stars every night for the duration of your stay. Breathe in the fresh sea air and relish the view, you’ll go home a new person, I can guarantee that.

https://www.12apostleshotel.com/ @12apostleshotel