While many may argue that Cape Town’s natural settings, from Kirstenbosch Gardens to Table Mountain and Signal Hill, are among some of the city’s best places to watch the sun go down, sometimes visitors may be in the mood for a designer cocktail and freshly prepared tapas, rather than a picnic blanket and a plastic cup. Tourism Update rounds up some of the best options on offer.

1.The Camps Bay Retreat

Situated in the Glen area of Camps Bay, this property is surrounded by both the mountain and the ocean, as well as Table Mountain National Park. David Ryan, Founder and CEO of Rhino Africa, says the property has a colonial feel. “Visitors can explore the terraced garden or play a game of tennis to work up a thirst for the jugs of Pimm’s they offer, which can be enjoyed while sitting in the garden overlooking the water and the setting sun.”

2.Stella Bar & Café at Southern Sun The Cullinan

When Cape Town’s famous south-easter starts to blow, sundowner venues that offer a bit of shelter may be a better option, including the new Stella Bar & Café at Southern Sun The Cullinan in the Foreshore area. Overlooking the pool on the ground floor of the hotel, the bar offers freshly prepared meals and a wide selection of South African wines. Stella Neethling, Product Purchasing and Development Manager for Springbok Atlas says: “Sheltered in the belly of the grand hotel, guests can enjoy alfresco meals, an extensive wine list, craft beers and a dazzling array of cocktails.”

3.The Bungalow

Situated in Clifton, The Bungalow offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and an extensive drinks menu. From the usual classic cocktails to signature creations such as pomegranate mojitos and watermelon martinis, The Bungalow also offers a huge selection of imported and local sparkling wines, while the food menu includes various sushi and seafood dishes. Ryan says: “The Bungalow is glamorous and sleek, with the ocean breeze and trendy crowd creating an energised sunset feel. With an open view of the ocean, it is one of the best places in Cape Town to enjoy an unhindered gorgeous sunset while also enjoying a perfectly prepared cocktail.”

4.The Leopard Bar at the Twelve Apostles Hotel

Known for its extensive range of whiskies and brandies, The Leopard Bar offers a fully stocked bar and an array of cocktails, from Cosmos to its famous Vanilla Chocatini, made with Stolichnaya vanilla vodka and white crème de cacao, garnished with a chocolate flake and maraschino cherry. The venue features live entertainment from Monday to Saturday evenings, as well as ‘Tea by the Sea’, an afternoon tea with all the trimmings, including chocolate brownies, cream scones, finger sandwiches and a selection of teas. James Ramsay, MD of Wilderness Touring Cape, says The Leopard Bar’s terrace is the ideal place to watch the sun set over the Atlantic, cocktail in hand. Janine Southwood, Head of Thompsons Africa’s Luxury Collection agrees: “The Leopard Bar at Twelve Apostles has an incredible view and the setting could just as well be the French Riviera, but even better.”

5.The Rumbullion at The Roundhouse

This historic property was originally a Dutch East India Company guardhouse, dating back to 1786. It offers expansive views of Camps Bay and the Atlantic. The outside dining area, The Rumbullion, offers a tapas-style menu, along with pizza and desserts, making it a popular option for sundowners. The menu also features over 20 types of craft beer, along with a variety of wines. Ramsay says: “This stately old hunting lodge perched on the slopes of a lush valley overlooking the Atlantic is the perfect location for a gin and tonic as the sun descends.”