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Cape Town is home to a thriving jazz scene, with clubs scattered across the city providing top-notch entertainment. Our guide narrows down the top 10 must-visit jazz clubs, perfect for your next Cape Town adventure.
It’s a cool evening in Cape Town, the city lights are just beginning to twinkle against the darkening sky, and the vibrant pulse of music can be felt pulsating through the streets.
That’s Cape Town nightlife for you, alive and full of promise.
But where to go? You’re in luck because, in this city, jazz is not just a genre, it’s a way of life. And we’re here to guide you to the 10 best clubs in Cape Town that are hitting all the right notes.
Expect passionate performances from local and international musicians, eclectic crowds, and an atmosphere that will keep your feet tapping all night long.
So come along, let’s explore together and dive headfirst into the heart of Cape Town’s jazz scene.
The Piano Bar
The Piano Bar is a jazz club founded in 1994 by two friends who wanted to create a space where people could come together to enjoy live music and good company. The club has since become a popular Cape Town nightlife spot for both locals and tourists alike, and it is known for its intimate atmosphere, friendly staff, and talented musicians.
The club is located at 100 Long Street, Cape Town, South Africa. It is open from 7pm to 2am, seven days a week. Entry is free, but there is a cover charge on some nights.
Asoka
Asoka is a jazz club located in the city’s V&A Waterfront, a popular tourist destination. It was founded in 2001 by musician and entrepreneur Errol Dyers, and has since become one of the city’s most popular live music venues.
The Cape Town nightlife club features a variety of jazz styles, from traditional to contemporary, and attracts a diverse crowd of locals and tourists alike. Asoka is open seven nights a week, and admission is free. If you’re looking for a great place to experience live jazz in Cape Town, Asoka is definitely worth checking out.
Crypt Jazz Restaurant
Crypt Jazz Restaurant is a jazz club that hosts a variety of jazz musicians, from local up-and-comers to international stars. It was founded in 1994 by a group of jazz enthusiasts who wanted to create a space where people could come together to enjoy live music.
The club has a unique atmosphere, with its low-lit interior and intimate stage. It is a popular Cape Town nightlife spot for both locals and tourists, and it has been featured in several travel guides. The music is always high quality, and the crowd is always enthusiastic. The club also has a full bar, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.
Kaleidoscope Cafe
Kaleidoscope Café is a jazz club located just a short walk from the V&A Waterfront. It was founded in 1997 by musician and entrepreneur, Robbie Jansen. The Cape Town nightlife club is known for its intimate setting, its world-class jazz musicians, and its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
It is open from 7pm to 2am, seven days a week. There is no cover charge, but there is a minimum spend of R50 per person. The music at Kaleidoscope Café is a mix of traditional and contemporary jazz. The club hosts a variety of local and international musicians, including some of the biggest names in jazz.
Winchester Mansions
Winchester Mansions was established in 1993 by a group of local musicians who wanted to create a space where they could perform and share their love of jazz with others. The club has since become one of the most popular Cape Town nightlife jazz venues in the city, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
Winchester Mansions is unique in a number of ways. First, it is one of the few jazz clubs in the world that is located in a historic mansion. The building was originally built in the early 1900s, and it has been carefully restored to its former glory. The club’s interior is elegant and sophisticated, and it provides a truly unique setting for a night of jazz.
Alliance Francaise du Cap
Alliance Française du Cap is a jazz club located on the corner of Bree and Adderley Streets. It was founded in 1924 and is one of the oldest jazz clubs in the world. The club is known for its intimate setting, which allows for a close-up view of the performers.
The music at Alliance Française du Cap is a mix of traditional and contemporary jazz. The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. The Cape Town nightlife club is open every night from 9pm to 2am, and entry is free.
Harringtons Cocktail Lounge
Harringtons Cocktail Lounge is a jazz club in Cape Town, just steps from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It was founded in 1992 by Harrington Hope, a jazz musician and entrepreneur. The club is known for its intimate atmosphere, live music, and classic cocktails. Harringtons has been featured in several publications, including The New York Times, The Guardian, and Conde Nast Traveler.
It is open from 7pm to 2am, seven days a week. There is no cover charge, but there is a dress code. The music at Harringtons is a mix of traditional and contemporary jazz. The Cape Town nightlife club is decorated with dark wood and leather, and there is a small dance floor in the back.
Hanover Street Jazz Club
Hanover Street Jazz Club is a world-renowned jazz club in the heart of Cape Town’s nightlife. The club was founded in 1994 by a group of local jazz musicians who wanted to create a space where they could perform and share their music with the world.
The club is located in a small, unassuming building on Hanover Street, and it is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. The walls are lined with photos of past performers, and the air is filled with the sound of live jazz music. The club features a variety of local and international jazz musicians, and the lineup changes every week.
The Chairman
The Chairman is a jazz club founded in 2009 by musician and entrepreneur Warren Benbow. The club has a reputation for showcasing some of the best jazz talent in South Africa and around the world.
The Cape Town nightlife club is located in a converted warehouse in the city’s Waterfront district. The interior is decorated with dark wood paneling and leather banquettes. The stage is set against a backdrop of exposed brick walls. The club is open seven nights a week and offers a variety of live music performances. The music ranges from traditional jazz to contemporary fusion.
Swingers Jazz Club
Swingers Jazz Club is a world-renowned jazz club. The club was founded in 1994 by jazz musician and entrepreneur, Robbie Jansen. Swingers has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike, thanks to its intimate setting, world-class musicians, and friendly atmosphere.
The club features live jazz music seven nights a week, with a variety of local and international artists performing. The crowd is always diverse and welcoming, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. Swingers is the perfect place to enjoy Cape Town nightlife with live music, good food, and good company.
Stay With RBO After Your Night Out in Cape Town
So, there you have it, a melody of the best jazz clubs that Cape Town nightlife has to offer.
Why settle for just hearing about it, when you can be right in the middle of all that rhythm and soul? It’s one thing to know about Cape Town’s jazz scene, but to experience it firsthand? That’s a whole new level.
With Rent By Owner, you’re not just visiting; you’re living the experience.
Start planning your Cape Town journey with us today and dance to your own rhythm in this city that never sleeps.
So, are you ready to explore the best clubs in Cape Town? The nightlife is calling, and the jazz beat is irresistible. With us, your perfect Cape Town jazz adventure is just a click away.
TLDR
Cape Town is a city that resonates with the rhythmic beats of jazz music, making it a hotspot for jazz enthusiasts. With a blend of historic and trendy venues, each offering its unique charm, the city’s jazz scene is nothing short of spectacular. From the intimate settings of The Piano Bar and Crypt Jazz Restaurant to the lively ambiance of Swingers Jazz Club and Harringtons Cocktail Lounge, there’s something for every jazz lover. This guide shines a light on 10 of Cape Town’s unmissable jazz clubs, perfect for enjoying live performances while soaking in the city’s vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re a dedicated jazz fan or simply love good music, these clubs will surely offer an unforgettable experience. Get ready to tap your feet to the beat and immerse yourself in Cape Town’s enchanting jazz scene.
