In Cape Town you will find a large variety of entertainment establishments ranging
from poolbars, pubs, lounges, disco’s and hard-core clubs.

For an upmarket club/lounge experience with a 360 degrees view over Cape Town try the Hemisphere (http://www.hemisphere.org.za). It’s located on the 31st floor of the ABSA building at no. 2 Riebeeck Street, city centre. It’s good for industrial-chic, mainstream music and a glittery glamerous crowd. Dresscode is smart casual (no T-shirts) and will ensure a classy party evening.

Another famous club is Opium (http://www.opium.co.za) in 6 Dixon street, Greenpoint. It’s a little more hard-core and features house music for dance lovers. It has six bar areas to give it that superclub feel. Cover charge can be a bit pricy, but check out their website for student specials.

Cape Town also has a number of cool bars and beach bars. Upper Long Street, city centre is Cape Town’s most famous street for pubs and bars. Here you’ll find a huge variety of pubs all with different styles and vibes. Kennedy’s cigar bar on 251 Long Street, is most famous and great for cocktails, sipping whisky and listening to some jazz. And of course, a slow cigar to end off the evening.

Just around the corner from Long Street in 60 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens is Rhodes House (http://www.rhodeshouse.com/Home.asp) an up-market function venue. It’s frequently visited by world famous personalities and is often host to elegent events.

Observatory is a popular pub area amongst the University of Cape Town students. Pubs to check out are Cool Runnings on the corner of Lower Main and Station Road (with live performances and weekly students specials), Obs Café on 115 Lower Main Road, Observatory and Ruby in the Dust. They are all very relaxed and laid back pubs to enjoy a few drinks. Check out http://www.stufftodo.co.za/rest_location_results.asp?LOCATION=55 for more options in Observatory.

Claremont, another famous University of Cape Town student area hosts Stones (http://www.stones.co.za/index.php?catID=1&PHPSESSID=2f7c2e3c3b5eb770ef7333565d30f6ec) on 72 Main Road which is famous for its pool tables, Cubana (http://www.vipatours.co.za/clubs/cubana/cubana-claremont/) on Main Road most popular for its cocktails the Latino way, and the Sobhar (better to ask the locals for directions).

Rafiki’s (http://www.rafiki.co.za) is a very relaxed island style bar where you can go for a nice long drink without worrying about who you need to impress with your platinum watch or sportscar. They also serve great and affordable meals. Find them at 13B Kloofnek Road, Tamboerskloof.

The most famous beach bars in Cape Town are La Med (http://www.lamed.co.za) on Victoria Drive in Clifton, Blue Peter Hotel (http://www.bluepeter.co.za) on Popham Street, Bloubergstrand and The Brass Bell (http://www.brassbell.co.za) at the train station in Kalkbay (near Muizenberg). These bars are located right next to the ocean and therefore have great views. They are all good to visit any time of the week, especially for a sundowner when the weather has been nice.

La Med is best on a Sunday afternoon and evening as this is seen by many as the last chance for a party at the weekend. Blue Peter is also nice on a Sunday, but is much more relaxed and better for a lunch and late afternoon beer. There you can go with your friends, family and even take your dog. The Brass Bell is an all round good pub to visit at any time.

Cape Quarter (http://www.capequarter.co.za) near Greenpoint is the latest hotspot in the Cape Town entertainment scene offering bars, cafés, restaurants and trendy shopping options all under one roof.

As a student you must however also visit the lovely town of Stellenbosch. If you are studying there you will soon find out from the locals where all the nice pubs are. If not, check out this Stellenbosch pub link for some ideas.

Most of these pubs are in the town centre and walking distance from each other. Stellenbosch is a very safe town so walking around the town centre at night is not a problem. Recommended pubs to check out are Tollies, Denim and Diamonds, NuBar, Bohemia to close off your evening, Springbok Pub. They are really cheap to fit a students’ pocket and brandy and coke, the local favourite, is often on special. If you don’t know what brandy is check out the tale of Klipdrift .

Wednesdays are considered small Saturday’s in South Africa. It’s not as hectic as a Friday or Saturday night, but it’s a nice excuse for students and working people to hit the pubs for a few drinks after work and celebrate the fact that the week is half over.