Long Street — renowned for its vibrant nightlife, offers a diverse mix of bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafes. An eclectic blend of cultures attracts locals and tourists looking to experience the best of Cape Town.
As the sun sets, Long Street becomes a lively hub filled with music, dancing, and social gatherings. With its historic Victorian architecture, it provides a unique backdrop for an unforgettable night out.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy live music, sample local cuisine, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere that makes Cape Town’s nightlife unique.
Long Street’s Vibrant Location
Long Street stretches from the Cape Town Convention Centre to Kloof Street, and its central location makes it a popular destination for exploring the city centre.
Like Temple Bar Street, famous for its traditional Irish pubs in Ireland, or Bourbon Street, renowned for its Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, Long Street offers a vibrancy on par with the most fabulous party streets. But knowing where to go can make all the difference in experiencing the best of what Long Street offers.
Popular Bars and Clubs On Long Street
Beerhouse
Beerhouse is a modern beer hall that offers 99 bottles of beer, live music, regular events, a great pub-style menu, and non-beer options for those who aren’t into craft beer. With an emphasis on beer curation and a service standard comparable to the best pubs in the world, Beerhouse is a hub for all things beer. It supports local microbreweries, giving them a podium to shine and deliver their qualities to the world. The bar has a balcony overlooking the street below, making it ideal for fun after dark.
Drama
Drama Bar and Lounge provides the ideal atmosphere to cap off your night. Enjoy a youthful drinks menu, great cocktails and renowned South African artists. With ample seating and tables for your entire entourage, Drama also offers a party staple, hookah. If you’re looking for a chilled evening, every moment at Drama meets expectations. Come for the drinks, stay for the vibe, and leave with unforgettable memories.
The Waiting Room
Don’t be fooled by the quiet entrance and winding staircase; The Waiting Room is one of the best places to enjoy a drink and party in Cape Town. This venue has hosted a plethora of parties throughout the decades and has become a home for many young tourists and Capetonians looking for a good night out where they can dance into the early hours.
With live music, regular events, a balcony hanging above Long Street, and a rooftop deck offering fresh air and panoramic views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town CBD, The Waiting Room is a must-visit when traversing the Cape Town party scene.
Tiger’s Milk
Tiger’s Milk offers great food, beer on tap, and the iconic building makes this a must-visit if you’re bar crawling. The service is great and a testament to their nationwide expansion. Tiger’s Milk is also the perfect spot to catch a Rugby game, another must-see experience for all tourists visiting South Africa.
Stones
Stones, a quintessential pool hall franchise, has several branches around Cape Town, but its Long Street offering is one of the best. Stones are a staple for most locals in Cape Town, known for its pool tables, relaxed vibe, and drink specials. It’s the perfect place to take a couple of mates and have a good time. The bar offers a wide selection of beverages, from classic cocktails to local brews, with regular drink specials that allow you to enjoy your favourites without overspending.
Mama Africa
Embrace Africa at Mama Africa, an African-themed bar with live music and unique dishes. It offers the most authentic Cape Town food experience. The lively ambience, soulful sounds, and mouthwatering cuisine make Mama Africa the perfect spot for an unforgettable night out, where every visit feels like a festive celebration of African culture.
At Mama Africa, the commitment extends beyond just serving delicious food. They actively engage with and uplift the local African community by sourcing ingredients from nearby farmers and suppliers and participating in cultural events and initiatives. The walls proudly showcase artwork by talented local artists, embodying a dedication to promoting the local creative community.
InFusion on Long
If you’re into experimental cuisine, InFusion on Long has you covered. Trendy CBD-infused dishes and Mediterranean cuisine will leave you wanting more. The industrial modern theme, with handcrafted flooring and bespoke finishes, contributes to a relaxed feeling. It’s the perfect spot for an elegant evening with friends.
South China Dim Sum Bar
South China Dim Sum Bar offers flavourful food and a unique dining experience on Long Street and is within walking distance of the best Long Street hotel. This local hotspot boasts some of the city’s finest dim sum, making it a hidden gem with a cosy atmosphere, ideal for an Asian-infused night out. Their method of preparing meals is simple yet packs a punch of flavour. Sink your teeth into anything from prawn dumplings to crispy pork wontons, and enjoy dishes like Malaysian Laksa soup with tiger prawns or braised beef noodle soup.
Souk
Souk redefines what a great night out is. Dubbed a ‘quintessentially South African experience for lovers of good food, impeccable vibes, and atmospheric elegance,’ it serves South African-inspired tapas, platters, and an expansive cocktail menu. The elegant setting sets the night off in the best way possible. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring innovative concoctions crafted by skilled mixologists who use local ingredients to create unique, flavourful drinks.
Safety and Tips for Long Street
Although Long Street is a vibrant and exciting place to explore, it’s important to stay vigilant and follow these safety tips to ensure a fun and secure experience:
- Safety in numbers: Make sure to travel with a group when enjoying Long Street at night.
- Keep an eye on your belongings: You will be mostly safe inside bars and clubs, where bouncers and security monitor things. However, when moving from place to place, be aware of your environment and avoid distractions like excessive phone use while walking.
- Drink responsibly: Excessive drinking can impair judgement and make you more vulnerable.
- Avoid displaying expensive items: Refrain from showing off jewellery or large amounts of cash. Rather, keep these in your favourite Long Street hotel.
- Arrange your transport in advance: Use reputable taxi services or Uber, and avoid walking alone late at night.
- Stick to well-lit, populated streets: Avoid dark alleys or secluded areas.
- Familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers: Know the location of the nearest police station.
- Never leave your drink unattended: Don’t accept drinks from strangers to avoid the risk of it being tampered with.
Conclusion
Exploring Long Street offers a vibrant and eclectic mix of nightlife experiences, from the lively atmosphere of Beerhouse to the unique vibes of The Waiting Room. Each venue brings something special, whether it’s the pool tables at Stones, the African-themed celebration at Mama Africa, or the culinary delights of InFusion on Long and South China Dim Sum Bar.
Staying safe and vigilant as you navigate Long Street is essential to ensuring that your night is as enjoyable as it is memorable.
And if you’re looking for a convenient and comfortable place to stay, Long Street Boutique Hotel’s central location makes it the smart choice for your Cape Town adventures.