Experience the very best of Cape Town's nightclubs and bars...

When Cape Town dims her lights after dinner, it's time for the real fun to start. Take your pick of the numerous clubs, wine-bars, music pubs and cocktail lounges. Cape Town stays abuzz till the wee hours of the morning.

There are so many good ones to choose from, and it's impossible to list them all here, but we can tell you that our current favourites are:

Caprice

Beach Chic in Camps Bay. Best time to go is on a Sunday afternoon straight after the beach. Enjoy a Mojito or a strawberry daiquiri as the sun goes down with chilled grooves playing in the background.

Alba

V&A Waterfront. A stylish bar located above the Hilderbrand Restaurant with great views over the waterfront area.

Bascule

V&A Waterfront. Head to the 5 star Cape Grace Hotel and enjoy the feel of this cool collective bar at water level. Fantastic views of the mountain combined with delectable drinks make for a perfect pre-party drinks venue.

La Med

just before Clifton 4th Beach. This is another favourite Sunday afternoon/evening hang-out for the locals. A casual environment for a great drink as well as a bite to eat and some dancing.

For the best in town check out Chevelle & Karma. A new place called St Yves has opened at the old Ignite location, and it promises to be a favourite for summer.

There is also a lot of excitement building regarding Vaudeville; a new bar, club and restaurant combination, set to open on 15 December.

There is always something funky going on in Cape Town which will cater to all tastes.

The Purple Turtle

In the centre of town is one of the most famous live music venues in Cape Town and has probably hosted most of the decent bands in the country. The clientele tend towards the grunge-goth. It has live music, mostly Punk on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Located on the corner of Long and Short Markets Streets. Open Mondays to Saturdays 11h00 – late. Tel (021) 423 6197.

The Mercury Lounge

A popular student hang-out with a laid back vibe. It hosts a variety of live bands including hip hop, jungle, Drum n’ Bass, alternative, graffiti artists and other performers. Located in De Villiers Street, District Six. Open from 21h00 – late. Tel (021) 465 2106.

The Drum Café

A popular venue, located on Glynn Street (off Roeland Street) It has live bands and other acts over the weekend, and also offers regular drumming and drum circles where you can join in and do a bit of drum beating yourself. Open from 20h30 – 02h30. Tel (021) 462 1064

Please refer to the Nature section.

If you are looking for a fantastic jazz venue, pop into the Green Dolphin (Tel: 021 421 7471) at the V&A Waterfront. Here you can sit down and enjoy a fabulous meal whilst listening to a live jazz band.

For something less formal head down to Dizzy Jazz Cafe in Camps Bay where they have live music every night of the week, with Karaoke on a Tuesday. There are always various drink specials on. Open from 13h00. Tel (021) 438 2686.

Long Street Café

A stylish café serving food and drinks and some outdoor tables overlooking vibrant Long Street. Wednesdays is Karaoke night.

Marimba Restaurant

At the International Convention Centre on the Foreshore presents top local and international performers hosted by our resident marimba player, Bongani Sotshononda. Enjoy some great food while listening to the live music. Open Mondays to Fridays 12h00 – late, Saturdays and Sundays 18h00 – late. Tel (021) 418 3366.

Mama Africa

Located on Long Street has a range of African music performing from Mondays to Saturdays to a largely tourist audience. While listening to some African beats you can enjoy some cuisine from all over the African continent. It has a relaxed atmosphere and mellow vibe. Open 20h30 – 02h00 Mondays to Saturdays. Tel (021) 426 1017.

Club Africa

Located on the corner of Lower Main and Station Road in Observatory has a lively atmosphere with predominantly African dance music from Salsa, Kwassam Marabenta to Kwaito. There is also sometimes live music. Open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 19h00. Tel (021) 464 7126. (NOW IN TOWN – check??_)

The de Waterkant area has become known as the Gay village of Cape Town. Here, numerous cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs, as well as accommodation cater for the gay community.

There are a number of pubs scattered through out the city many of them dating back to Cape Towns early days.

The Fireman’s Arms Pub, in the city centre dates back to 1906. It is always well frequented and is open for lunches. Corner Buitengracth and Mechay Streets. Tel (021) 419 1513.

If you’re in the Southern Suburbs head to Forrester’s Arms in Newlands. Another historical pub with a good atmosphere, leafy outdoor area and playground for the kids. Open for lunches and serves a carvery on Sundays between 12 and 3pm. Tel (021) 689 5949

Cape Town is regularly host to International Dance DJs. These parties are held at a number of venues around Cape Town including Dockside at Ratanga Junction, Studio 47 in Woodstock…. The best way to find out what’s happening is to check out road side posters on street lamps.

During the summer months outdoor rave, trance and ambient parties are held at various venues outside of Cape Town, usually in stunning locations on beaches or forests. These aren’t well advertised so you’ll need to ask around for details. Flyers with information can be obtained at select spots including Space Station in Cavendish Shopping Centre and a number of shops in Long Street.

One of the biggest parties of the year is Cape Town’s Annual Queer Celebration, The Mother City Queer Project (MCQP). This extravagant affair is held 10 days before Christmas each year, when thousands of revellers dress up according to the seasons’ theme and party all night in ten different dance zones. An important event on the gay holiday calendar and certainly not to be missed by gay and straight alike.

Big Name concerts featuring International artists are usually held at the Bellville Velodrome in Durbanville. Tel (021) 949 7450.