Looking for the perfect spot in Mzansi to unwind? Or maybe you want to spoil bae or celebrate with friends. We know just the right places…  

Everyone has their own way of being social and having fun. But sometimes we want a change of scenery… If you’re eager to try something different and form new connections, the perfect atmosphere is a big factor. Whether you’re trying to impress a first date at a romantic spot, relaxing with colleagues after a tough week at the grind or celebrating with mates, these watering holes have you covered. 

Perfect date night  

Johannesburg – The Marabi Club  

Offering the opportunity to step back in time to the roaring 20s, Marabi Club serves up delicious food, live African jazz and a delectable selection of wines, beers, cocktails and spirits in a speakeasy atmosphere. Tucked into the basement of Hallmark House Hotel in the Maboneng Precinct, the club offers an energetic and culturally refined experienced. The food is pricey but luscious, with starters from R80 and small plates from R190.

Durban – The Lighthouse Bar

The iconic Singapore Sling cocktail has travelled a long way to this beautiful bar at The Oyster Box hotel, overlooking the stunning expanse of Umhlanga Beach and its iconic lighthouse. Order a couple of the bar’s signature Umhlanga Schlings, made with local cane sugar and cane spirit, and enjoy them at sundown while bathing in Durban’s glorious evening weather. Light meals are from R175 and sharing platters from R195.

Cape Town – Kloof Street House

Escape the hubbub of the city at this beautiful retreat, which feels like it’s been ripped from the 1920s and plopped on one of the Mother City’s busiest streets. With its cool, leafy courtyard and sumptuous interior, plus live jazz on Sunday afternoons, Kloof Street House takes care of the atmosphere – but the charm is still on you. One of their delicious cocktails (priced from R98) might help, or perhaps a bottle from the extensive wine list. Added bonus: bottomless mimosas for brunch from 10am–12pm.

After hours 

Johannesburg – MIX Cocktail Bar  

Watch the sun set on your stresses with a cocktail at this intimate cocktail bar on the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank. Complementing the stunning view of this arty neighbourhood is the drinks menu, with a selection of signature cocktails (from R95), wine by the glass or bottle and a wide selection of spirits including 40 whiskies. Small plates cost around R100.

Durban – Unity Brasserie & Bar  

Known as one of the city’s best craft beer bars, Unity is the ideal spot for a much-needed pick-me-up pint from their extensive on-tap range (including Unity’s own brand, THAT Brewing Company, which is made just down the road). There is wine and cocktails too. The food menu ranges from burgers and bunny chows to pastas and poke bowls, priced in the R150 range.

Cape Town – Cause | Effect Cocktail Kitchen  

While the rest of the city fights the traffic back to the ’burbs, pop over to the V&A Waterfront for a sophisticated tipple at Cause | Effect Cocktail Kitchen & Cape Brandy Bar. If you think the name’s a mouthful, wait until you sample one of their mouth-watering cocktails, arranged on the menu as a spectrum including spice, umami, floral, aromatic, wooded and botanical/fynbos (from R69). Sharing platters include a charcuterie board (R349), and the pork belly bao sliders (R135) sound too good to miss.

A good ol’ chill sesh

Johannesburg – Alto234 

On the rooftop of The Leonardo in Sandton, this trendy space – the ‘highest bar in Africa’ – offers a 360-degree view of the city. Dive into an upscale tapas menu (from R75) and a colourful array of specialty drinks (from R135), including mocktails. There are seven sections, including a lounge and dining areas, and Afternoon, Sunset and Night Lights Experiences, each with its own vibe.

Durban – Beach Bums  

Sun, sand and sex on the beach (the cocktail, duh) – what more could you ask for? Beach Bums in Ballito is perfect for chilling with the golden sands between your toes and a multi-coloured drink in your hand, beneath a palm tree – but do expect a party later. The vibes start as soon as you and your mates arrive.

Cape Town – Chinchilla  

Start your night the right way with a sundowner on the rooftop at this vibey, contemporary spot opposite the sparkling waters of Camps Bay Beach. Wash the salt out of your mouth with one of their signature cocktails, like a Tropical Waves or Samurai Sour made with Japanese whisky, or a classic piña colada (from R135). The menu is seafood rich, with a great choice of sushi.

Tips for finding hidden gems  in your city   

• Make Google and Google Maps (which come with reviews) your new best friend.

• Discover tourism/travel blogs and social media influencers – they’re always posting about the most memorable experiences and the best locations to pay a visit. 
• Try geocaching: it will take you onto and off the most common tourist path in your city. With just a GPS device or a smartphone, you can visit the geocaching.com website and sign up for free to discover your next adventure.

Words by Gavin Williams
Photos: Gallo/Getty Images, Alpine/Supplied 

Also read: 6 of the world’s most delicious foodie destinations