The best bars and cafés - South Africa in 2024

Practical information : Take a break South Africa

Timetable

From morning coffee in the coffee shops that usually open between 7:30 and 8:30 am, to the small beer before lunch, to the evening aperitif that, for the more discerning, will translate into a cocktail facing the sea, the savannah or on a rooftop in Maboneng, to the local amarula after dinner, there is always a time to have a drink in South Africa, sometimes even until very late at night in the bars of Long Street in Cape Town. The bars close between midnight and 3am. In the townships, the shebeens are king. These small "underground bars" only close when the last customer has left.

Age restrictions

Be aware that the law has recently changed and the sale of alcohol to people under 21 is now prohibited

What's very local

In Cape Town, Long Street and Kloof Street are the places to go for drinks and to immerse yourself in the Cape Town nightlife. If the student atmosphere appeals to you, the Observatory area of Cape Town is a good place to go. Hipster locals can also opt for Woodstock in Cape Town, or Maboneng in Johannesburg. Throughout the country, the pub has remained an institution, as has the very local shebeen in the townships

The best bars and cafés South Africa

THE SALVATION CAFÉ

CAFÉ MANHATTAN

MARIMBA RESTAURANT

ROAR

OBZ CAFÉ

LOLA’S BAR

GROUNDED AT ECHO

EMPIRE CAFE

THE YARD

RICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN

CHINCHILLA ROOFTOP CAFE & BAR

HONEST CHOCOLATE (AND GIN BAR)

CAUSE EFFECTS

DIGGIES PUB & GRILL

THE PROJECT BAR AND LOUNGE

SAN DECK BAR

LIVING ROOM

AGOG GALLERY AND ROOFTOP

SIR JAMES VAN DER MERWE

SIN + TAX BAR

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Practical information : Take a break South Africa

Timetable

Age restrictions

What's very local