Visitors staying in the major cities of Namibia are afforded a number of choices in regard to bars and pubs. Windhoek and Swakopmund, along Namibia’s Atlantic coast, are the centers of nightlife with a growing number of bars, clubs, casinos, and other entertainment. These two cities also offer a range of restaurants serving local fare in the form of hearty meats, international cuisine and even light vegetarian dishes.

Bars and Pubbing in Namibia

Those staying in the country’s capital of Windhoek will find that this increasingly diverse city has several bars and clubs frequented by both locals and tourists. Many of these watering holes are also jazz clubs, cigar bars, art cafés, and casinos.

One very popular place is the constantly-renamed Wirtshaus Windhoek (101 Independence Avenue, Windhoek), which is open until midnight. It boasts a huge covered area and a beer garden, perfect for those looking to socialize under the warm African sun. Chez Ntemba (corner of Independence Avenue, Windhoek) is a nightclub, popular with locals due to the fact that it is one of the only places pumping all weekend, including Sunday. Casinos are becoming more common in the Namibian capital, and J & J and Gamblers (close to Angola House and American Embassy, Windhoek), is the best-known. It doesn’t hurt that it probably has the cheapest beer in town too!

Outside the capital, Swakopmund has the second-best nightlife scene in the country. The coastal town is popular with vacationers, who naturally like to spend their nights having a drink or two amidst great waterfront scenery. One popular place is the beach bar Tiger Reef (South Beach, south of National Marine Aquarium, Swakopmund) at sunset.

Dining and Cuisine in Namibia

Owing to a long German occupation, Namibia’s cuisine tends to favor large chunks of meat in one form or another. Whether it is smoked, dried, fried, or stewed, the abundance of meat ensures carnivorous visitors will be well fed. A favorite with adventurous travelers staying in Windhoek is Joe’s Beer House (160 Nelson Mandela Ave, Windhoek) where you can get everything from zebra steaks to ostrich kebabs. Tim Sum (Wernhil Park Shopping Center in the Post Street Mall, Windhoek) is an alternative for Taiwanese vegetarian fare. Dinner is served early, however, as the place closes at 6:30 p.m.

Swakopmund is again the next best place after Windhoek when it comes to dining in Namibia. The Tug Restaurant (located on the jetty, Swakopmund) serves up mouthwatering seafood and the same goes for the Light House Pub, known for its big portions and calamari plates. Those staying in Walvis Bay or even Swakopmund may want to drive down to the popular The Raft Restaurant Bistro and Bar (The Esplanade, Lagoon, Walvis Bay), which has arguably the best burgers and pizzas in the country.