25° · Clear nowBest time: Thu 5 pmThis is the day. The sofa will understand.
BarBo-Kaap
The House of Machines
- 4.51.9k reviews
- Closed now
Brick-lined bar and espresso spot in the CBD with small-batch spirits, light bites, burgers and live music including open mic nights.
Quick answers
The House of Machines in short
When is The House of Machines open?
Mon–Wed closed; Thu–Sat 4 PM–10 PM; Sun closed. Hours checked on 6 November 2026.
When is the best time to visit The House of Machines?
It's at its best evenings and late at night. Wedar also scores every hour of the next five days against the forecast; see the best time on this page.
Is The House of Machines indoors or outdoors?
Indoors: a good pick when it rains.
Is The House of Machines good for kids?
No: it's for ages 18 and up.
How much does The House of Machines cost?
It isn't free.
Do you need to book The House of Machines?
No, you can walk in.
More questions (3)Fewer questions
How long do you need at The House of Machines?
About 1.5 hours.
Where is The House of Machines?
84 Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000.
Is The House of Machines wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible restroom.
Status, rating and hours checked on 6 November 2026; kids, cost, booking and setting verified by the Wedar team. Where our data comes from
Right now · 12:30 pm
Why it fits right now
Closed right now.
Check the hours below before you go.
25°
Clear
- Feels
- 27°
- Rain
- 0%
- Wind
- 7km/h
- 1pm
26° - 2pm26°
- 3pm
27°
The next five days
Best time to go
When your plans and the weather actually get along. Scored on the forecast, its opening hours and when it's at its best. Tap a time to see it.
Before you go
Plan your visit
Hours
Closed nowsundayClosed
All hoursFewer hours
- monday
- Closed
- tuesday
- Closed
- wednesday
- Closed
- thursday
- 4 PM–10 PM
- friday
- 4 PM–10 PM
- saturday
- 4 PM–10 PM
- sundayToday
- Closed
Hours checked 6 Nov
Where and how
- 1 The House of Machines
- 2 The Wes Bistro & Bar · 1 min
- 3 Nikkei Japanese Peruvian by PAN Collection · 1 min
- 4 Tomo Restaurant · 1 min
- 5 Florentin · 1 min
Good to know
- Ages 18+
- Indoors
- Allow about 1.5 h
- Step-free entrance
- Accessible washroom
From visitors and the venue
What it's like
4.5from 1.9k reviews
Known for
- Live music
- Open mic night
- Burgers
- Cocktails
What people say
- People like:
- Great vibe, friendly staff, live music
Around Bo-Kaap
Nearby
Within about a 15-minute walk.
Good nowThe Wes Bistro & BarFrench bistro · 1 min walk
Good nowNikkei Japanese Peruvian by PAN CollectionSushi · 1 min walk
Good nowTomo RestaurantJapanese · 1 min walk
Good nowFlorentinMediterranean café · 1 min walk
On nearby
For the next three hours
What to wear to go there now
Sunglasses all day. Sunscreen all day. Water from 1 pm.
SunglassesThe whole time
SunscreenThe whole time
WaterFrom 1 pm
It's indoors, so this is for the trip there and back.