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There's plenty to do in Cape Town after dark. The city's nightlife is concentrated in a number of areas, so you can explore a different one each night or move from one hub to another. Walking, however, isn't always advisable, as some parts of the city are completely deserted and unsafe. Women who are not street savvy should not walk alone or in pairs at night.
A traditional pub outside the main mall, you can kick back and have a beer or two from a wide selection of brews. There's also a pretty extensive menu of burgers, homemade pies (the steak-and-ale pot pie is a winner), and seafood dishes, as well as breakfasts and items to nibble on while you focus on what's in your pint glass. They also conduct whiskey tastings (the idea being to get you interested in Scotland's finest spirits).
Established in 1808, and officially licensed in 1836, "The Percy" (or "Persies") is South Africa's oldest pub that reopened in 2024 after a post-pandemic hiatus and refurbishment. It leans into its traditional atmosphere, albeit with TV screens for big sporting events (especially Springbok rugby matches, when things get lively here) and decent bar food to go with a selection of locally brewed craft beers. There's an inviting outdoor area, too.
