Cape Town from the sky, with views of Table Mountain, De Waterkant and Clifton.
Clifton 3rd – Gay Beach just 5 km from Cape Town city centre.
Cape Town promises unforgettable experiences at every turn, where breathtaking landscapes meet the unique, gay-friendly and inclusive South African spirit.
From the sun-kissed sands of Clifton 3rd Beach to the lively streets of De Waterkant, the Mother City offers the perfect escape for gay travellers seeking adventure, culture, and connection.
Whether you’re sipping something delicious in the picturesque Winelands or dancing the night away under Table Mountain’s shadow, our gay guide to Cape Town promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. Explore our travel guide to Cape Town and discover the best places to stay and play. Your next incredible journey begins now.
Cape Town Rainbow Crossing
Cape Town is a popular choice for LGBTQ+ travellers, offering a unique mix of natural beauty, progressive attitudes, and a vibrant gay scene. Here are a few reasons why it stands out as a gay travel destination:
Cape Town combines the excitement of a cosmopolitan city with natural beauty, progressive values, and a thriving LGBTQ+ community, making it a standout destination for gay travellers.
Beyond just the nightlife, Cape Town’s inclusive approach extends to Art, fashion, and even local governance. Many of the city’s cultural institutions, such as art galleries and theatres, embrace LGBTQ+ themes, while local leaders and activists actively work to promote equality and visibility.
Cape Town is known for its open-minded attitude and safe spaces. Whether at a bar, on the beach or in a public park, LGBTQ+ individuals can feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of discrimination.
The city’s laid-back, welcoming vibe makes it easy to relax, connect, and enjoy your surroundings without the pressures often found in more conservative locations.
Super views, sexy boys, Cape Town is the perfect beach-city escape.
Cape Town’s neighbourhoods each bring something unique to the table. For LGBTQ+ visitors, certain areas stand out for their inclusivity, nightlife, and proximity to key attractions.
From luxury hotels to charming guest houses and apartments, discover our top recommendations.
O’Two Hotel – “Travel Proud” certified with a perfect location.
Cape Town offers gay visitors a variety of options that blend style, comfort, and inclusivity to suit all budgets and preferences.
Cape Town is such a chill city with a fun-loving vibe! You’ll find a buzzing nightlife filled with spots for dancing and meeting new friends, fabulous cabaret shows and cosy coffee shops.
You can easily find Cape Town’s LGBT-friendly venues marked on street maps at the tourist info kiosks, and you’ll see the colourful rainbow flag proudly waving from many businesses around the city.
Somerset Road, fondly known as ‘The Strip,’ runs through Green Point and De Waterkant. This lively stretch is home to the most popular LGBTQ-friendly spots and gay bars in Cape Town, keeping the energy high well into the early hours!
There is a variety of gay bars and clubs, which, like most cities, are particularly busy on weekends and during the peak season, when many “upcountry” citizens come down to Cape Town for their vacation.
Most of the bars have small dance floors and get busy early in the evening. If you are looking for a more mixed experience, avoid Long Street and head up Kloof Street, which has a great selection of bars and restaurants.
People tend to dine early in Cape Town, with 8 pm being the normal time for evening meals. The bars get busy from 10 pm on weekdays and later at the weekends. Many bars are open until 4 am at weekends, so it’s a city that likes to party long and hard!
De Waterkant – The city’s gay district complete with pink road markings.
Here are some of our favourite LGBTQ-friendly venues and gay bars in Cape Town:
Quay, 6 W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
The Table Bay Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel situated at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. It boasts beautiful views of the working harbor, Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. It features a pool and a spa. Each air-conditioned room comes equipped with a minibar, flat-screen satellite TV and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The private bathroom includes a bath and shower with free toiletries.
Convention Square, Lower Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
The Westin Cape Town’s airy rooms have deluxe bedding and floor-to-ceiling windows with views over Cape Town. Selected rooms have a spacious lounge area, all rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy a vigorous work-out in the well-equipped gym which boasts panoramic city views. The outdoor pool is drenched in sunshine
40 Chiappini St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Offering a rooftop bar and restaurant, The Capital Mirage Hotel is conveniently situated between Cape Town’s city centre and trendy De Waterkant. Free WiFi and parking are available. The spacious suites and apartments offer a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, kitchen facilities and bathrooms with bath and shower. Air-conditioned and fitted with a hairdryer
Moorings 5 & Portswood Ridge, 5 Portswood Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Situated just opposite the V&A Waterfront’s timeball tower, Dock House impresses with personalized service and panoramic views of the harbour and its surroundings. Enjoy breakfast in the elegantly furnished morning room, followed by a swim in the stylish outdoor pool.Classic décor and a spacious layout make each of the guest rooms and suites at Dock House a welcome retreat after a busy day. Marvel at stunning views of the waterfront from your balcony.
10 Hospital StreetCape Town, 8001, South Africa
Set between the V&A Waterfront and Signal Hill, Harbouredge offers modern apartments with over ’s skyline or . It features a gym and is provided.
The apartments are elegantly furnished, and come equipped with a fully leading into an open-plan lounge and dining room. The bathrooms include bathtubs and a separate shower.
32 Prestwich StreetCape Town, 8001, South Africa
The The Rockwell Luxury Suites offers self-catering accommodation with scenic views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill or the harbour. It features a health club with indoor swimming pool, gym and massage treatments.
Opening out onto panoramic patios, the spacious apartments are fitted with designer furnishings. Each includes a stainless steel kitchen with dining area and a large lounge with Smart TV.
23 Jarvis StreetGreen Point, Cape Town, 8051, South Africa
Purple House Accommodations offers a B&B and seven self-catering units situated in De Waterkant district, just 2 km from Cape Town City Center. An additional self-catering apartment is located within the City Centre, a 20 minutes’ drive from the Cape Town International Airport.
The modern furnished units offer different configurations and facilities. All of the units include a seating area and a kitchen. The en-suite bathroom contains free toiletries.
137 Waterkant StreetCape Town, 8001,South Africa
This charming guest house with Georgian-style façade is situated in the heart of De Waterkant Village. It offers views over Cape Town landmarks Table Mountain and V & A Waterfront from its rooftop terrace.
The Charles is comprised of 3 historic Georgian houses connected together. Rooms feature African art work and original Cape cottage furniture. Each room offers amenities including free WiFi, a ceiling fan and tea-coffee maker. Some rooms offer an open-plan bathroom.
Victoria Rd, Clifton, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Clifton Private Beach Villa featuring an outdoor swimming pool and a bar, a full kitchen with a dishwasher, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 3 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
Fulham Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
This secure and luxurious mansion includes a maid and bulter service. It is equipped with a heated pool, private gym, home cinema and 6 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar and there is a pool table and 3 lounges for relaxation.
84 Camps Bay Dr, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040, South Africa
Merridew Villa is a stylish 6-bedroom villa, five of the six bedrooms are en suite and some of them have a balcony with ocean views, a fully equipped kitchen and separate lounge areas for guests to relax in. as well as an outdoor pool.
23 Geneva Dr, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040, South Africa
Geneva Drive Villa Offers air conditioned accommodation with 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a living room, a dining area and a well-appointed kitchen with a dishwasher, and washing machine. An outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi
74 Waterkant Street,Cape Town, 8001,South Africa
This iconic gay eating, meeting and chilling spot is the longest standing venue in the heart of de Waterkant village and has been a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike.
Whether your intention is a quick bite to eat, a cheeky afternoon cocktail on the terrace, or a late night rendezvous in the bar, at this welcoming venue anything could happen.
120 Strand St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Spacious night time club, perfect for dancing with live DJ. Open Turs to Sat
55 Prestwich St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Conveniently located on Prestwich Street in the well-known De Waterkant area of Cape Town, Honey & Dora is a mix of a café style offering serving Breakfast and Lunch with a more relaxed bar vibe for after work drinks and a great Friends Catch-up spot.
Link Rd, Bothasig, Cape Town, 7441, South Africa
The Gat Party Milnerton is a newly-established dance venue that offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTIA). At our establishment, patrons are encouraged to bring their own refreshments, ice and snacks, as no cash bar is provided.
46 Canterbury St, District Six, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
Hosts a busy cocktail hour, drag acts and live shows. Very busy during live show nights
10 Cobern St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Gay bar and nightclub in Cape Town with hunky barmen, sexy go-go dancers, and theme nights. Recently reopened in a new location (2024)
299 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
Gay cruise club with busy “underwear night” and very popular theme parties
Cape Town has plenty of inviting spots to enjoy during the day. Whether you’re after a relaxed coffee, a hearty brunch, or a lively afternoon hangout, the city has options to suit every mood.
Cape Town has a small but constantly changing gay scene as well as some stand-out annual events.
Buddies hosts a series of pop-up events and street parties throughout the year.
International Visitors enjoying the Cape Town pride festival.
The Cape Town Pride Festival is the highlight of LGBTQ+ celebrations in the city, usually held in late February or early March. The festival is held over a month with a wide range of activities and events, such as:
Cape Town benefits from a magical combination of water, culture, and geographical beauty that makes for an extraordinary visit. Whether hiking Table Mountain or sipping wine in Stellenbosch, Cape Town offers something unforgettable for every traveller.
Cape Town’s appeal lies in its year-round charm, but when you visit can shape your experience. Here’s our guide to the different seasons to visit:
If your main goal is to experience Cape Town’s LGBTQ+ culture at its peak, aim for:
For those seeking a more relaxed visit, the shoulder seasons (autumn and spring) strike the right balance of affordability, weather, and activity.
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