5 reviewed party hostels · from €16.90/night · Hostelworld rated
Cape Town's nightlife punches well above its weight for a city of its size. Long Street in the City Bowl is the backbone of the backpacker scene. a strip of bars, clubs and late-night eateries that stays loud until the early hours most nights of the week. Kloof Street runs parallel and pulls a slightly more local crowd, with cocktail bars and restaurants spilling onto the pavement. The hostel scene here ranges from social party spots with in-house bars to quieter, bohemian-leaning guesthouses in Observatory. Villa Viva, near Kloof Street, is one of the better-known party hostels, running live music and late-night bar nights on weekends. Dorms start from around US$13 a night, making Cape Town one of Africa's more affordable backpacker destinations despite its reputation as a world-renowned travel hub.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Strategically set in Cape Town's bustling Green Point, Never At Home promises lively adventures with its in-house Randy Warthog bar, weekly events, and proximity to iconic attractions. An absolute hotspot for party-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike!
Nestled on lively Long Street, Long Street Backpackers pulsates with energy. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and dynamic staff, it's a haven for party enthusiasts seeking genuine connections and unforgettable Cape Town nights. The ultimate spot for spirited backpackers!
Huge social hostel, perfect for solo travellers looking to meet new people. A free continental breakfast is served every morning. There is a nice bar open until late every night. The friendly staff is always available and they organize fun evening activities. The hostel features a pool with a nice garden where you can chill, play acoustic guitar and hang out with other travellers.
Nestled in Cape Town's vibrant heart, Never@Home Kloof Street is a party-goer's dream. Boasting an affordable lively bar, proximity to nightlife, and a secure, sociable atmosphere, it's the ultimate spot for unforgettable nights and new friendships. A true party gem!
Great social hostel, right next to the vibrant V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Stadium, and the CBD party area. The friendly staff will take you for a city tour and the best sunset and lookout point. Cool common areas always crowded with other travellers. If you hate cooking, don’t worry they serve tasty meals and free breakfast every day.
Organised nights out with a local guide
This guided pub crawl visits a selection of City Centre venues including rooftop bars and hidden dancefloors, with a local host in a 'Local Knowledge' t-shirt leading the group. Three drink specials are included across the night, and admission to each venue is covered so you skip the queues. The crawl starts at The Gin Bar on 64 Wale Street and typically covers four to five venues over the course of the evening.
How Cape Town's nightlife zones break down
Long Street is the heartbeat of Cape Town's backpacker nightlife, lined with bars, clubs, and cheap eats that stay open late. The City Bowl sits below Table Mountain and puts you within walking distance of most hostels, the Bo-Kaap, and public transport links to the rest of the city.
Green Point is a short Uber ride from Long Street and has a more upscale bar and restaurant scene centred around Somerset Road. It's calmer than the City Bowl but still lively, with easy access to the V&A Waterfront and the Cape Town Stadium precinct.
Observatory, or 'Obs' as locals call it, sits a few kilometres south-east of the City Bowl along the M3. It's a bohemian suburb with independent coffee shops, student bars, and a relaxed arts scene centred on Lower Main Road. It suits backpackers who want a quieter base without being far from the action.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
Long Street is less a single venue and more a crawl waiting to happen, with dozens of bars packed into a few hundred metres. Expect cheap beers, loud music and a mix of travellers and locals from around 9pm onwards. Start near the corner of Buitenkant and work your way north.
The in-house bar at Villa Viva hostel near Kloof Street is one of the better party hostel bars in town, hosting live music on Friday and Saturday nights. It draws a mix of guests and walk-ins, and the vibe gets going from around 10pm. Drinks are reasonably priced and it's a solid spot to meet other travellers before heading out.
Located at 64 Wale Street in the City Centre, The Gin Bar is the meeting point for the Local Knowledge pub crawl and a decent spot in its own right. The selection of South African gins is impressive, and the bartenders know their way around a cocktail. Gets busy from 8pm on weekends.
Tucked into the basement of St George's Cathedral on Wale Street, Crypt Jazz is a Cape Town institution for live jazz and blues several nights a week. Affordable drinks, a relaxed crowd and proper live music make it a great early-evening stop before hitting Long Street.
A rooftop bar perched above Long Street with views of the City Bowl and Signal Hill. The Waiting Room plays a mix of indie, hip-hop and electronic sets, pulling a young local crowd on Thursday to Saturday nights. Entry is usually free before 10pm.
Beerhouse stocks over 100 South African craft beers, making it one of the best spots in the city for those who want to drink local. The outdoor terrace on Long Street is a great place to settle in for the evening, and the kitchen serves food until late. Expect a lively, mixed crowd on weekends.
Fiction is one of the more consistent clubs on Long Street, with resident DJs spinning house and electronic music from midnight onwards. The dancefloor gets properly packed by 1am on Friday and Saturday nights. Cover charge is typically around R80 to R100.