Gay clubs in cape town south africa

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De Waterkant (The Waterfront), has some of the best Cape Town gay bars. Cape Town Pride runs in late February to early March, and it’s a spectacular week long display steeped in African heritage. If you’re sticking around the city center, go cycling and beach bumming (or surfing!) along the promenade linking Mouille Point, Green Point, and Sea Point, and watch the sunset with a glass of local wine in hand.

Cape Town also hosts an annual Pride festival, which is a high-energy, joyous celebration that attracts visitors from across the globe.

Beyond its gay-friendly nightlife and events, Cape Town offers a range of attractions that cater to diverse interests—from the historic Robben Island to the scenic beauty of Table Mountain and the vibrant markets of Greenmarket Square.

It attracts both locals and tourists alike with a crowd spanning ages and backgrounds.

Beefcakes; For those seeking an entertaining night out Beefcakes is the ultimate destination. Head to Distrik Ses (District Six) to find nightclubs showcasing POC (person of color)-led drag performances.

The District Six Museum, displaying handwritten notes, remembers the forced relocation of 60,000 residents during the 1970s Apartheid era, which ended in 1994.

This renowned gay bar featuring drag shows offers a dining experience with performances by drag artists in the city. It's this spirit that makes Cape Town not just a destination but a journey – one that invites you to immerse yourself, celebrate diversity, and perhaps, find a piece of yourself along the way.

In Cape Town, every sunset is a promise of a new dawn, and every wave that kisses the shore whispers tales of hope and unity.

It’s a restobar where people come for meals, small events, or to catch a match on the screens.

Need to Know:

  • Offers shisha in a designated area.
  • Outdoor seating available; pet-friendly.
  • Hosts quiz nights and live music sessions.

What Reviewers Say:

  • “Great food and drinks in a relaxed setting.

    Always a pleasant experience.”

  • “The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is welcoming.”
  • “A bit noisy on weekends, but that’s part of its charm.”

The Pink Candy Night Club

  • Address: 120 Strand St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001
  • Business Hours: Fri–Sat: 9 PM – 4 AM
  • Google Rating: 3.8/5
  • Food: No
  • Music: Electronic dance music (EDM), house, and pop remixes
  • Vibe: High-energy nightclub with a focus on dance and performance

Description: Pink Candy Nightclub is a lively LGBTQ+ venue in De Waterkant, famed for its bold pink décor and energetic atmosphere.

There’s no better way to cap off a lekker (good, if a little boozy!) time in Cape Town.

For those with a taste for the finer things in life, the Cape Winelands offer an escape into a world of rolling vineyards, exquisite wine tastings, and architectural masterpieces echoing the Dutch colonial era. Cape Town gay bars and nightlife stay rollicking until 5 am, but, with community-owned guest houses aplenty, you won’t be left adrift.

The DJs lean into crowd-pleasers — house, pop, and whatever gets people moving.

Travel writers have called Cape Town Africa’s LGBTQ+ capital; that’s impossible to judge, given the continent’s size, but there’s no doubt that this vibrant city, located at the juncture of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, is welcoming.

Here are a few of the picks;

Crew Bar; Situated in De Waterkant, Crew Bar is a gay hangout offering a lively ambiance and delicious drinks. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are just a stone's throw away, boasting some of the world's best wines paired with gastronomic delights that will tantalize your taste buds.

gay clubs in cape town south africa

Legal protections after apartheid and the 2006 legalisation of same-sex marriage mean the city proudly flies the rainbow flag and is generally very welcoming to LGBTQ+ residents and tourists alike. 

As for nightlife, Cape Town offers a variety of venues where you can socialise, dance, and enjoy diverse entertainment.

This lively neighbourhood boasts a plethora of gay bars, clubs, and cafes, alongside stylish boutiques and fine dining establishments, all contributing to its dynamic atmosphere. Located in Observatory, this venue provides a range of facilities designed for comfort and privacy.

Facilities:

  • Steam room
  • Two video lounges
  • Glory holes
  • Sling
  • Cruising maze
  • Peeping Tom room
  • Sundeck for outdoor fun
  • Luxury en suite cabins available for rent
  • Tantric massage services offered

Entry Process:

  • Upon arrival, guests are signed in and provided with an armband and locker number.
  • A wrap towel is provided to cover up, and personal items can be stored in lockers.
  • Phones and valuables are kept in designated cell phone lockers for safety.
  • Condoms and lube are provided to ensure a safe experience.

Payment:

  • Accepts cash, Visa, and Mastercard debit & credit cards.
  • Card payments are discreetly billed as “SCZ”.
  • No Diners Club or American Express accepted.

What Reviewers Say:

  • “Pleasantly surprised.

    For a truly magical experience, take the cable car up at dusk and watch the city lights twinkle against the twilight sky – it's a moment of pure enchantment. South Africa’s 1996 Constitution makes specific provisions for LGBTQ+ rights, and, a decade later, the country became the first in Africa to legalize marriage equality.

    Want to celebrate Pride?

    Then head back to town and try out the best gay bars in Cape Town!

    Cape Town's true essence lies in its people – a mosaic of cultures and identities, each adding their unique hue to the city's vibrant spectrum. The shirtless barmen are a signature touch.

    Need to Know:

    • Free entry before 10 PM; cover charge applies thereafter.
    • Expect a vibrant crowd and themed nights.
    • Drinks can be pricey; happy hour specials are available on select nights.

    What Reviewers Say:

    • “Great vibe, friendly staff, and awesome music.

      It's a place where the air is charged with the spirit of adventure, inviting you to explore its hidden beaches.

      Southeast of Cape Town, stop and smell the roses—or the proteas and the fynbos—at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, dedicated to preserving indigenous South African plants.