Port Elizabeth is often described as ‘sleepy’ and is not always revered for its nightlife. There is, however, plenty going on behind the laid-back facade here and a good night out in Port Elizabeth is not too hard to come by. Nightlife in Port Elizabeth is fairly subdued during the week, but make no mistake, both the locals and visitors make up for it come the weekend. Check of Poseidon Beach Lodge guide to the best nights out in Port Elizabeth.

Areas to go out in Port Elizabeth:

The Boardwalk
Marine Drive, Port Elizabeth
The Boardwalk is a great place to go in the evening in Port Elizabeth. There is a casino here as well as various bars and clubs. There are also amusement arcades, shops and restaurants, all set around a picturesque lake.

Parliament Street
This part of town is a great place to party all night long. The music is funky and the crowd is relaxed but up for a laugh. There is plenty going on here until pumpkin hour.

Townships
Port Elizabeth’s surrounding townships are the best place to head if you want to hear some seriously serious jazz. Township tours can be organised and are the safest way to visit the areas for tourist. For a truly South African night out, this is a must while in Port Elizabeth.

Laid-back bars and pubs:
If you’re not looking for anything too heavy or simply plan to start you night off slowing, there are plenty of laid-back bars in Port Elizabeth to choose from. There are also a few good pubs in Port Elizabeth where you can forget about looking cool and just soak up the local atmosphere.

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Check out these Port Elizabeth bars and pubs:

Stage 7
10 Darling Street, North End, Port Elizabeth
Stage 7 makes for a great chilled out night out in Port Elizabeth. The Portuguese owner sings to the customers and the bar staff are so relaxed they are practically horizontal. There’s also a great shooters menu here and an indoor braai. Prices are also pretty good.

Barney’s Tavern
Shop 6, The Boardwalk, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)41 583 4500
Barney’s Tavern is a pub with a restaurant located right on the beach near Shark’s Pier. There is always a large local crowd here once everyone finishes work and it is a good place for a few pre-party beers.

News Cafe
Shop 37 The Boardwalk and Casino Complex, 2nd Avenue, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)41 583 4140
The News Cafe is one of the trendiest spots to hang out in Port Elizabeth. The vibe here is chilled and the cocktails are outstanding. There is also a varied menu and a distinct absence of a dress code.

The Blinking Owl
306 Cape Road, Newton Park, Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)41 353 5912
The Blinking Owl is a popular watering hole with both locals and visitors to Port Elizabeth. There is a well stocked bar here and a fairly decent restaurant.

Tapas Al Sol
Shop UG5, Brookes Pavillion, Brookes Hill, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)41 584 0660
Tapas Al Sol lives by the motto ‘a great place to waste your time usefully.’ Here at Johnny Foreigner we thoroughly agreed. The low-key Spanish restaurant and bar boasts a great view of Port Elizabeth from its balcony and great DJs and live bands. The music here ranges from soft rock to hip-hop and the tapas is to die for.

Finnezz
Shop 11, Humerail Shopping Centre, Humerail, Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)41 586 3233
Finnes, owned by the same group as Balizza and Memphizz, boasts great views of Algoa Bay and a top-notch cocktail menu. It’s a great place for a sundowner and a light bite to eat.

Hobie Beach Yacht Club
Hobie Beach, Port Elizabeth
Hobie Beach Yacht Club is one of the best places in Port Elizabeth for live gigs. It’s a truly unpretentious spot, despite the toffy-sounding name.

Captain’s Bar and Grill
Shop 1C, Dolphin’s Leap, Beach Road, Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)41 582 2238
Captain’s Bar and Grill has great hip-hop and reggae music and even better burgers. It’s a nice spot to hang out for a relaxed evening or to start off your party night.

Swanky bars and clubs in Port Elizabeth
Clubbing in Port Elizabeth is a wild as it is stylish with plenty of upmarket bars and lively dancefloor to frequent. The part scene is at its liveliest on weekends but you can also find some good club nights in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Check out these bars and clubs in Port Elizabeth:

Balizza
Shop 10-12, Times Square Shopping Centre, Heugh Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)41 581 2448
Balizza is one of the biggest clubs in Port Elizabeth. It is home to two bars, three lounges and two dance area equipped with poles. There is live music, DJs, lasers and an up-for-it crowd.

Club Loxion
24 Parliament St., Central, Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)83 958 5266
Club Loxion is a fun sports bars which turns into an even more fun club once everyone gets drunk enough. Cheap drinks promotions are common here, as are special events.

Memphizz
Shop 10, Humerail Shopping Centre Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)41 585 0101
Memphizz is a super-cool venue offering revellers a mix of good hip-hop and house music. Local and international DJs grace the decks here and the lively crowd is strictly over 21s. There is also a restaurant serving fun finger food and fondue.

Aqua
Corner of York Road and Price Alfred Street, Port Elizabeth
Aqua is technically a gay club but anything goes here. It is packed out from midnight until the early hours and is a great place to go for a drink and a dance after hours. The crowd is friendly and mixed and everyone is there for a good time. You will need ID on the door and you will also normally be search.

9 Yards
Donkin Street, Port,Tel: +27 (0)41 392 9822
9 Yards has a great party atmosphere and live DJs spinning funky tunes. There are drinks promotions on most nights and a swanky upstairs cocktail lounge.

Sovereign
Da Gama Road Jefferys Bay, Tel: +27 (0)42 293 2311
Sovereign in nearby Jefferys Bay is a mellow sports bar which transforms into a lively club at night. There are regular foam parties here and other fun activities as well as a great light show. There are also theme nights put on for the predominantly young and rowdy crowd.

Gondwana Café
Beach Road, Port Elizabeth
Gondwana Café is a swanky restaurant and wine bar during the day and an upmarket club at night. The DJs at night are as good as the menu during the day.