Night Activities To Do In Cape Town (excluding clubs)

 

Here's a list of 9 fun activities to do at night in Cape Town that does not include clubbing.

 

Cape Town undoubtedly has a vibrant nightlife, with numerous streets littered with all sorts of clubs that usually close around 4am (some close at 7am!). For those of you who are looking to get down on the dance floor and party the night away, Cape Town will definitely not disappoint.

But what about those nights where you're looking for a good time without bumping shoulders with sweaty strangers and having the sounds of loud, pumping bass fill every cell of your brain?

 

Night Markets

Capetonians love their markets - it's a great opportunity to socialise while browsing unique goodies, listening to live music and munching on yummy treats. Night markets are perfect for those who are looking to chill out with the family or some friends in a vibrant atmosphere. Had a tough day at work? You're in luck because you are guaranteed to find beer and wine on the menu to help you unwind! Although there are a large number of night markets in Cape Town, we have shortened the list to just 3 of our favourites:

 

• Century City Natural Goods Night Market

Taking place on Intaka Island, which is a beautiful protected wetland area and bird sanctuary, you are sure to be impressed with your surroundings, as well as the market itself. This night market takes place only during the winter months (May to August) at the Eco Centre on Intaka Island, Century City and is the ideal way to warm yourself up around a fire or heater while indulging in delicious, steaming meals. Enjoy the live music, wine bar and beer tent.  ​

Time: Every last Friday of the Winter months from 4pm – 9pm
Venue:  Intaka Island Eco-Centre, 2 Park Ln, Century City, Cape Town​

 

• Earth Fair Market

This indoor night market is an ideal spot to gather for a delicious meal and drinks with family and friends. The 'Little People's Corner' keeps the kids entertained with a variety of fun activities, while the adults can enjoy the highest quality, fresh free-range meat, organic veggies, artisan cheese, craft beers and more.

Time: Wednesdays at 3pm – 8:30pm
Venue: South Palms, 333 Main Road, Tokai, Cape Town

 

• Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market

​The Blue Bird Market takes place every Friday evening in the seaside suburb of Muizenberg. Expect jewellery and clothes to craft beer and delicious food (pizzas, biltong, organic burgers, smoothies, gourmet wraps, sushi, sweet treats etc). You're guaranteed a good time at this night market with all the lovely stalls, the buzzing atmosphere and ample seating space. There's also an awesome kid's play area which comes complete with climbing walls, monkey bars, ropes, slides and swings!

Time: ​Fridays from 4pm – 10pm
Venue: 9 Albertyn Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town

 

Karaoke

Everybody loves karaoke and those who claim they don't just don't have the guts to try it. It's not about how perfectly you hit the notes, it's about fun and laughter (and perhaps a bit of drinking to calm the stage fright). We've selected 3 out of the many locations that offer karaoke nights in Cape Town:

 

• Aces n Spades

Every Wednesday night, Aces n Spades provides you the opportunity to fullfill your rockstar dreams. Belt out the likes of Patty Smith, Iggy Pop or Guns n Roses and be rewarded with a free tequila shot (you can perform as many times as you like, which means lots of tequila)!

Time: Wednesdays from 9 pm
Venue: 62 Hout Street, City Centre, Cape Town

 

• Brass Bell

Brass Bell Restaurant & Bars boasts a database of more than 4000 songs to choose from including golden oldies and current hits. Enjoy dinner and drinks with some friends while singers fill the seaside air with all kinds of melodies. We dare you to sign your name up!

Time: Wednesdays from 8pm – late
Venue: Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape Town

 

• Manila Bar

Arguably the most popular karaoke spot in the city, this bar makes it possible for music lovers to enjoy the perks of singing in front of a crowd almost every day of the week, from Tuesday to Saturday. It's almost guaranteed that they will have any of your song requests plus any kind of drink your heart desires.

Time: Tuesday – Saturday from 8pm – 2am
Venue: 161 Longmarket Street, City Centre, Cape Town

 

Cape Wheel Of Excellence

The Cape Wheel is a giant observation wheel that rises up 50m above the ground, giving you a panoramic view of the V&A Waterfront, The Cape Town Stadium, Robben Island, Table Mountain, the city and the Hottentots Holland Mountains. The Cape Wheel has 36 fully-enclosed luxury glass cabins, two of which have wheelchair access and all cabins are temperature controlled and have LED lights.  Seeing Cape Town lit up at night is an unforgettable experience.

Time: Monday – Thursday from 1pm – 10pm/Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 12am (24h00)
​Venue: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

 

Lion's Head Full Moon Hike

Lion's Head is the distinctive shaped mountain slope found alongside Table Mountain. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in the world due to the outstanding views and the enjoyable ±1hr30 hike. What a lot of people don't know is that these iconic views become that much more beautiful with the sun setting over the sea on one side and the full moon rising over the mountains on the other. We recommend getting to Lion's Head before sunset, as this gives you enough time to hike up to the top, settle down with a picnic and bottle of wine, and soak up the magical view.

Recommended starting time: 4pm

 

Beefcakes

Beefcakes is a 1950s themed diner where you will get all your senses stimulated. They have legendary burgers , other delicious treats (including the hunky waiters) and every evening they have exciting entertainment that makes for the perfect party or even bridal shower venue. Monday nights are drag nights, Tuesday nights Bingo, Wednesday nights are comedy nights, Thursday nights are Throwback Thursdays, and Friday and Saturday nights are theatre nights. All of these entertaining evenings are hosted by fabulous drag queens!

Time: Monday - Saturday from 8.30pm
Venue: 40 Somerset Road ,Greenpoint, Cape Town

 

First Thursdays

On the first Thursday of every month, art galleries and cultural attractions in Cape Town's city centre stay open later than usual. First Thursdays is great way for locals to walk around the streets and enjoy the cultural richness, while stopping at bars and restaurants along the way. To start off your evening, grab a map at your first stop, which is any one of the participating galleries so that you can plot out your route. 

Time:​ First Thursday of every month from 5pm - 9pm
Venue: Browsers can start at any gallery on the map which you can find on their website: ​http://www.first-thursdays.co.za/

 

Beerhouse

Beerhouse is a favourite hangout spot in the Cape Town city centre. Their beer is served by knowledgeable staff and their food is crafted by an internationally experienced kitchen team specifically to compliment the large beer variety. They boast 25 taps and their legendary ’99 Bottles’ of the best local and international craft beer brands. Flat-screen televisions are set up at the bar with projector screens for big sports matches. For those who are not fans of beer, there is a wide variety of other options, from non-alcoholic ales and wine to ciders, spirits and coffee. Don't miss out on the Free Beer Friday, where if you say the secret pass phrase or do the secret pass action (sing a song/do the macarena etc) you can score complimentary booze. Check out their social media pages every Friday afternoon to see what the pass phrase for the day is.

Time: Everyday from 11am - late
Venue: 223 Long Street, City Centre, Cape Town

 

The Baxter Theatre

The Baxter Theatre is a vibrant and historic performing arts theatre in Cape Town, nestled under Devil's Peak at the foot of the University of Cape Town.  It is the second largest performing arts complex in Cape Town, after the Artscape Theatre Centre. Spend an evening in a world-class theatre and concert hall and grab a bite to eat at the restaurant and bars.

View their website to check out what's on: http://www.baxter.co.za/​
Venue: Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town

 

Pub Quiz Night

There's nothing more stimulating (and funny) than a group of friends getting together for some drinks while using their general knowledge skills to win prizes and bump their egos up (or down) to the next level. Quiz nights will definitely allow for some good bonding time while learning a thing or 2! Once again, we've chosen 3 of our favourite quiz nights for you to chose from:

 

• Oblivion

Oblivion hosts a weekly quiz night where teams (of any size) get together over a glass of wine (or any drink of your choice) and get their general knowledge tested. The topics range from history and geography to entertainment, music and sport. The top team will win a prize, while there are also spot prize questions that can win your entire team a round of drinks!

Time: Mondays from 7.30pm
Venue: 22 Chichester Road, Claremont, Cape Town 

 

• The Fireman’s Arms

One of the oldest pubs in the city, one of the largest quiz nights in Cape Town, and questions cover everything from geography and music to current affairs and more. expect prizes like Amarula hampers and bottles of wine.  Book your table early to avoid disappointment; there is no limit on the number of people per team. 

Time: Thursday from 8pm
Venue: Corner Buitengracht & Mechau Street, City Centre, Cape Town 

 

• Foreign Exchange Bar

This quiz night caters for both local and international partakers, with fun questions that cover trivia from all around the globe. To make it more exciting, they make use of song snippets, cryptic messages and audio clips from popular films and TV shows. Teams of six (this is the maximum group size) are asked five sets of 10 questions. The winning team receives a R200 pour-your-own-beer card from Forex, 18 wings from Sticky Fingers BBQ, a private brewery tour and tasting at Drifter Brewing Company and four bottles of Lakeside American Pale Ale.

Time: Tuesdays from 7.30pm
Venue: ​92-96 Station Rd, Observatory, Cape Town

 

So there you have it. Take your pick from this list and go have fun. If you are a guest at Riverlodge Backpackers, you do not need to worry about curfews. We encourage you to have a designated driver/hire a cab if you plan on drinking, and enjoy your night!

 

Written by Saskia Carelse
(All photos sourced from Google Images)

 

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