Top dance clubs in Cape Town

A selection of the best clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues in Cape Town and surrounds

Cape Town and its surrounding suburbs are home to a diverse bunch of people, and it comes as no surprise that the city boasts nightlife to suit every night-owl. From sun-soaked verandas perfect for enjoying sundowners to grungy, gritty dub step dance halls, the Mother City has it all.

The Dragon Room (old Chevelle)
Get down to The Dragon Room, one of the city’s newest party venues.  Rub shoulders with socialites and watch smoking, hot dancers entertain. Dance to sultry tunes and dirty beats in a plush and stylish setting that boasts four full service bars, two dance floors, indulgent private booths and multiple exclusive VIP lounge areas.
84 Harrington Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)82 077 0335

The Reserve
Welcome to the playground of the rich and famous, where keeping up with the Jones’ is not so myth as reality, and where money and opulence abound. The Reserve offers partygoers a wealth of entertainment, and encourages them to reserve a table by buying a bottle of champagne or top-shelf liquor. This is one of the hottest new clubs to hit the nightlife scene in the Mother City, and those looking for an indulgent night out need not have reservations about the integrity of this city centre club.
111 St Georges Mall | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 76 154 0758

ChukkaChurri
The latest addition to Green Point nightlife, Chukkachurri, is the only Argentinean bar in Cape Town. They offer a great selection of cocktails at affordable prices and also Paulaner beer on tap. The dance floor in the attic-like room can hold 150 people, with plenty of comfortable seating scattered around. Weekends play host to a number of live entertainment acts, while weekdays the music is tailored to create a convivial bar atmosphere.
20 Cobern Street| Green Point| Cape Town | +27 (0)21 421 0071

Partying with the beautiful people at St. Yves Beach Club
With an opulent interior, St. Yves Beach Club is one of the many exclusive party hotspots in Camps Bay. The bar has a nautical-themed deck, and expect to see fashionistas draped over large couches while sultry house music plays in the background. This beach-front club is popular during the summer months, but unfortunately closes its door for hibernation during the winter.
The Promenade  Victoria Road | Camps Bay | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 438 0826

Tiger Tiger
This Southern suburb hotspot has been a long standing favourite amongst students and young professionals. Expect to see some scantily and scandalously dressed individuals, all vying for the spotlight whilst getting elegantly wasted. The sunken circular dance floor is ideally placed in the centre of the club, creating the perfect hunting ground for singles. 
Tiger Tiger | 103 Main Road | Stadium on Main | Upper Ground Level | Claremont | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 683 2220

Club 31
Formerly known as Hemisphere, this club allows you a bird's eye view of the city and the ocean. It has a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere, with an oval bar, cocktail lounge and glassed wall VIP area. The music is mainstream and familiar, and the older crowd (no under 25's) will reminicse about the classic hits of eras past.
31st Floor| Absa building| Riebeeck Street| Cape Town| 021 421 0581

Premium live music and dub step at Mercury
Join international talent and top class sound engineers at Mercury. Expect some of SA’s hottest music talent to perform during the week, and catch dub step DJs on the weekend. To wind down from the mosh pits and head banging, head to The Shack next door - a chilled out pool bar for the alternative crowd.
65 Buitengraght Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 465 2106

All the magic of the Side Show
For a night filled with debauchery and other-worldly charm, head out to the capital of counterculture, The Side Show. Formerly known as The Fez, this iconic venue has maintained its Moroccan appeal, with wine-coloured cushions and velvet draping. Friday nights will play host to indie electro, dub step and drum-and-base genres on the dance floor. Saturday nights are event nights, with a host of local and international psy acts. The Side Show has retained the rights to The Brasserie, so one can expect a colourful mix of entertainment and food in the future.
11 Mechau Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 82 077 0315

Down and dirty drum n bass at Fiction
Everyone’s favourite alternative music bar, Fiction, is back – and this time, it’s bigger and better. The once cramped dance floor has now been expanded to allow over 200 music enthusiasts to dance to their favourite tune. For a breath of fresh air follow the astro-green turf up the stairs to the ‘daytime bar’. Gaming culture is the focus of this wooden-decked bar, with a variety of video games and themed drinks.   
Fiction | 226 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 5709

Industrial chic at Assembly
Big enough to draw big bands, but passionate enough to host exclusive, smaller shows, The Assembly is a seminal live music space. Home to electro nights and rockin’ performances, it draws a diverse array of fans and friends who know what they want out of an evening on the town..
61 Harrington Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 465 7286

Decodance Nightclub
Originally in Woodstock, Decodance now calls Sea Point home. Put on your 'alternative' outfit, and head on down to an underground venue that specialises in 70s, 80s and 90s hits. Entrance is free before 10pm.
120b Main Road | Sea Point | Cape Town| +27 (0)21 433 2912

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