I have been living in Cape Town for some months now: originally I visited on and off, and when I could finally move here, I jumped at the opportunity to live down south. During my times around town I have witnessed some truly magnificent sunsets, composed of all the reds, oranges and pinks your eyes could possibly imagine. My Cape Town sunset list will give you an idea of how my early evenings are spent around this pretty city. From mountain hiking to glamorous rooftop chill sessions, here’s my list of favourite places for sunset in Cape Town.
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Signal Hill with a twist: the almost secret spot for sunset
I know you are thinking that everyone goes to Signal Hill for sunset, so it can’t be much of a secret, right? Here you would be totally correct, the spot is known by locals and tourists alike for its stunning ocean views and Lion’s head and Table Mountain silhouettes when the sun is setting. It has incredible views of the mountains and the Robben Island in the horizon.
What everyone doesn’t do is move from the main area and follow the path down to Sea Point side. If you follow the gravel path for about 4 minutes, you will find a rooftop that offers the best secret spot for sunset in Signal Hill.
Here’s a photo of Simba… because I only took pictures of him
Newest rooftop bar: SunSquare rooftop bar and pool
Recently refurbished, the new Sunsquare hotel in Bree St and Buitengragt St offers visitors panoramic views of Cape Town and delicious cocktails. It also has an indoor and warm splash pool that can be enjoyed if you buy a drink there. It is still relatively new and not overly crowded, so that’s another plus! You can enjoy the last of the sun’s rays while unwinding in the hammocks outside and enjoy the pool all to yourself if you’re lucky!
The classic: Camps Bay Beach
It is one of Cape Town’s favourite sunset locations and there’s a reason for that. The extensive beach offers many different and secluded spots for couples, groups of friends and families to enjoy a picnic on the beach. The tidal pool and the rocks are just two of the most wanted spots. The sun setting directly in front of the beach offers great colours in the sky and gorgeous reflections in the water. Make sure to grab some drinks and snacks and don’t forget your camera!
For the mountain lovers: Kloof corner
Kloof corner is one of the routes which starts closest to the Table Mountain Cable car and one that takes you all the way to the top of the mountain. This short hike, however, will only take the first 20 minutes (approximate time depending on speed and fitness level) until you arrive at a rocky corner on your right. It has great views over Cape Town, Lion’s Head silhouette and Camps Bay beach. It is a short and manageable walk if you feel that going to the top of Lion’s Head is too long. I have revisited often over the past two months since a friend first took me up there. It is very nice, not too difficult to hike and boasts majestic sunsets.
360-degree view of the city and the mountains: Cloud 9 Boutique hotel
Since the first time I visited Cloud 9 hotel I have fallen in love with it. Located in the upper CBD this boutique hotel boasts a rooftop bar with amazing cocktails, oven pizzas and a very upbeat playlist. It has two levels, the first one holds the bar, seating area and a little pool, the upper deck is on the rooftop with a 360-degree view of the city and mountains. This makes it the best spot to chill at the end of the day. There is nothing better than the freedom of choosing which side of the city you want to face when the sun goes down.
How many of this epic Cape Town spots have you tried for sunset? Leave more suggestions in the comments below!
