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The Rooftop Guide to Cape Town

Cape Town! The financial and legislative centrum of South Africa. Here where the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans meet you will find this continent’s hot spot and a city full of party vibes.

Western Cape Province is the most developed region and here you also find the award-winning wine-making industry. Don't miss a stop in Cape Town when you visit South Africa. It is a must. From a rooftop point of view, the city has multiple don’t-miss scenes. Cape Town has an international flavor that is reflected in the city’s rooftop bars and rooftop pool hangouts. Particularly if you plan on visiting Cape Town during the hot summer months (December to mid-March), a stop at a rooftop pool is key to enjoying the Western Cape region… we guarantee it. Consider a refreshing dip in a rooftop pool, a gorgeous view over the cityscape and a cold drink with some pleasant company of your choice – nothing more, nothing less. Is the pool not your scene? No worries, Cape Town also boasts chic rooftop bars with impressive views, offerings and service.

THE SILO HOTEL The Silo Hotel, part of The Royal Portfolio, sets the standard for luxury Cape Town accommodations. This magical hotel towers above the Waterfront surrounded by natural wonder. The Silo Hotel was built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex occupying six floors above Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) that houses Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art. From the outside, the greatest visible change to the building’s original structure is the addition of the ingenious glass windows inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors. These multi-faceted structures glisten like diamonds during the day while at night, the building transforms into a glowing beacon in the Table Bay harbor. And talk about a view from a rooftop pool… this rooftop pool has it all. With a stunning panorama over the ocean, mountains and the city, a stop here is something you must plan. A visit to The Silo Hotel, complemented with sumptuous choices of food and beverage next to their stunning rooftop pool, is truly unforgettable. Equipped with one of the world’s coolest rooftop infinity pools, this is the perfect spot for luxurious lounging high above the city. During high season, the pool is technically only available to guests (Why would you be staying anywhere else, though?) at the 28-room boutique hotel, but the rooftop bar is open to all. A reservation request made to friendly hotel staff can confirm your desired space. While you’re enjoying the views and sun, don’t miss out on sampling bites from the bar menu, classic cocktails or local South African wines.

THE CAPE ROYALE POOL DECK In the Green Point area and on the rooftop of The Cape Royale, overlooking the Cape Town Stadium, we find this rooftop pool with a stunning view available exclusively to hotel guests only. Lose yourself in the view as the water cools you off. The Pool Deck rooftop is a perfect stop after shopping in the nearby Waterfront Mall area. Come thirsty… the drink menu deserves to be taste-tested; it’s Rooftop Guide-approved. The Pool Deck is open early morning until midnight, so whether you’re a contemplative morning person or a late-night party animal, this will feel just like home. Towel service and a water station are both available during the day. Sky Bar at The Grey Hotel Sky Bar is a cozy and contemporary African rooftop bar, located on top of the fabulous boutique Grey Hotel in the vibrant De Waterkant area of Cape Town. This rooftop boasts amazing views of Table Mountain, completed with panoramic vistas over the city and its surroundings. But views are not all, as this lovely Cape Town rooftop bar also comes with a rooftop swimming pool and a relaxed, yet sophisticated, atmosphere. Decorated in natural fabrics and colors, overstuffed lounge sofas and day beds, Sky Bar is your new go-to place for intimate cocktails in Cape Town. Open from noon till the wee hours of the night, Sky Bar has everything you need for poolside lounging during the day and pre- or post-dinner cocktails after dark. The rooftop bar serves some very tasty signature creations along with familiar classics. If you feel like something to eat, we highly recommend the Japanese-inspired restaurant, Shio, on the ground floor of The Grey Hotel. It is worth noting that the Sky Bar rooftop is quite small and works on a first-come, first-serve basis.

HARALD’S BAR AND TERRACE AT PARK INN BY RADISSON If you need a luxuriously appointed rooftop pool, you have come to the right place. The rooftop pool and bar perched on the 11th floor of the Park Inn by Radisson has something extra: a perfect view over the Table Mountain. Take some time to cool off in this rooftop pool and dream away. Yes, you can also eat and, of course, drink here, but the main reason why people come in droves here is the international touch: the combination of a stunning view and a very hip rooftop pool. Harald’s Bar & Terrace opens for lunch, but keeps going late into the evening, so come for daytime lounging in the comfy sun loungers and dip your feet in the splash rooftop pool and stay into the evening (or come back) to enjoy the colorful and relaxing atmosphere after the sun sinks. The rooftop bar menu is robust, both in terms of food as well as drinks. Choices range from sliders and shares to pizza and burgers along with a special vegan menu. As for drinks, there are both classics and Harald’s signature cocktails, an extensive wine list and a selection of fresh juices and smoothies. On Friday evenings, Harald’s pulls out all the stops with buzzing vibes and DJs.

Tjing Tjing House Rooftop Bar Tjing Tjing House really brings a slice of Japan right to the heart of Cape Town. Renovated and refurbished during summer 2018, here you find Tjing Tjing Torii (Japanese street-food) on the ground floor, Tjing Tjing Momiji (Japanese fine dining) on second, and if you make your way up to the top (as you should), the Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar. The Tjing Tjing House interiors boast 200-year old scarlet-red wood that gives a cozy, lived-in feel, but the outside rooftop terrace is a bright and high-contrast with natural colors and cozy lounge sofas. The rooftop bar serves fantastic and well-made cocktails with a Japanese touch, like the Tokyo Rose, Sake Sour or Lost in Translation. Complemented with craft beers and tasty Japanese bites, you can easily spend a couple of hours at the Tjing Tjing rooftop bar. Trust us, you will want to try the Okonomiyaki Fries. Casual but trendy in ambiance, playing current indie and electronic favorites, this Cape Town rooftop bar is open nightly (Tuesday to Saturday) and a great place for tasty drinks and snacks with a group of friends.

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