January 2022
Sunsets, sundowners, galleries, art and culture are all wrapped into one in our beautiful city we are lucky to call home. Covering the best of both worlds, we have picked out the best sundowners spots in Cape Town, and done our research on the increasingly popular culture and art found on First Thursdays.
SUNDOWNERS
When it comes to the best cities to watch the sunset, Cape Town is near the top of the list. But be warned: choosing the best sunset spot in Cape Town is more difficult than you might think. The setting sun framed by sweeping mountain views is one option, as is sipping a cocktail from a beachside bar.
· Sundowner options close to the ocean
A popular area for sunset is The Camps Bay Strip (stop no. 8). This long stretch of road is lined with a variety of bars, restaurants, and cafes, all with spectacular views of the sun setting over the beach. Two of the popular and trendy venues on this strip are Café Caprice and Tiger’s Milk.
Camps Bay sunsets
The Grand Cafe, located near the Waterfront (stop no. 1) is set on a private beach and is well-known for its delectable cocktails. In addition, the Bungalow, a chic restaurant near Clifton Beach offers a terrace and wooden deck with uninterrupted ocean and sunset views.
· Roof Top sundowners
Cape Town is home to several high-rise buildings, many of which have rooftop bars. The elevated view of the sunset, combined with a lively atmosphere, is difficult to beat. Sky Bar in De Waterkant, The Silo Rooftop Bar in the Silo Precinct at the V&A Waterfront, and The Waiting Room in the city centre are among the best rooftop bars to experience sundowners. A newcomer to the market is the Infinity Restaurant at Hotel Sky. 'Skystronomy' – the concept of gastronomy in the sky – is combined with 360-degree mountain and sea views.
Sunset views from the Silo Rooftop Bar
· Sunset Bus Tour
What better way to experience the city and a beautiful African sunset over the Atlantic Ocean than from the upper deck of our famous red open-top double-decker bus. Join us on a journey along the Atlantic seaboard. Starting at the Waterfront (stop no. 1) the route hugs the coast, passed Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton and Camps Bay. The final stop is Signal Hill which is arguably the most incredible place to watch the sunset in Cape Town. Bring your own picnic, a bottle of delicious local wine and prepare for a movielike experience whilst the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean. As night falls, the bus will take you back to the V&A Waterfront via the city as Cape Town lights up. This tour is now running daily and be sure to book online to receive our special discounted rates: Sunset Bus
The amazing views from Signal Hill
FIRST THURSDAYS
This amazing event has been running in the Mother City for many years. Showcasing the best of the city’s culture, retail, restaurants and bars. And you can do this all on foot. Starting from 5pm – 9pm (and later) amazing opportunities await.
Galleries in the city
Some of the restaurants and bars participating include:
· Clarke’s Bar and Dining Room on Bree Street
· LOCAL at Heritage Square on Shortmarket Street
· The Gin Bar and the MCC on Wale
· Tjing Tjing House on Longmarket Street
· Sweeties Beer Hall on Long Street
The vibe of the inner city at night
If retail is more your vibe, be sure to visit Chandler House on Church Street. Chandler House is the brainchild of Mr Michael Chandler, a curator, illustrator, ceramicist, and lover of all things beautiful. It is a small shop turned gallery that celebrates a growing family of inspiring local artists and makers. The black enamel shelves of the shop are stocked with homeware and gifts, one-of-a-kind antiques, ‘objets d'art’, handwoven textiles, and a selection of artworks by established and emerging artists. On First Thursdays, they stay open until 8pm.
When it comes to galleries, the list is endless. We have highlighted a few of our favourites.
One of the oldest galleries, established in 1966, the Goodman Gallery represents artists whose work inspires social change. The current exhibition is “The same space three times” which is a group exhibition that considers the presence of cycles in our natural and constructed environment.
If contemporary art is more your style, we recommend visiting WORLDART in Church Street. This gallery specialises in contemporary art with a leaning towards urban and pop art. Since its inception in 2004, this gallery has grown to become one of Cape Town's premier art spaces.
The best of contemporary art
Another favourite is 99 Loop which shines a spotlight on a diverse range of top emerging and established South African artistic talent. The classic 1800s façade hides a warm, modern interior with a rotating series of solo and group exhibitions of African art: paintings, sculpture, and photography. The sunlit ground floor of 99 Loop is ideal for more playful installation work. A new wing designed by Rennie Scurr Adendorff (who also renovated the Fugard Theatre in District Six) adds to the Gallery's contemporary appeal, with over 100m2 of exhibition space, a reading area, and a treed courtyard.
For additional information visit the official website of First Thursdays.
With all of the above options to consider, we hope that you get to experience one of the perfect spots for sundowners or wondering the inner city whilst the sunsets on the first Thursday of every month, as you enjoy the best of Cape Town’s amazing art and culture world.
