Your guide to the best Cape Town gay bars, LGBT venues and events

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. Look no further—actually, pause to admire those spectacular waters and mountains visible from the city center. De Waterkant (The Waterfront), has some of the best Cape Town gay bars. Then check out Somerset Road for trendy cafés, eateries, and boutiques, as well as campy bars and neon-lit saunas. The Mother City, as it's affectionately known, is a playground for adventurers, culture enthusiasts, foodies, and anyone with a penchant for the extraordinary. Expect boisterous drag shows, pub trivia and games, stand-up comedy, cabaret, and theme nights.

For live music venues and dance-oriented clubs, head to Bo-Kaap (Upper Cape) in the historic city center. Cape Town gay bars and nightlife stay rollicking until 5 am, but, with community-owned guest houses aplenty, you won’t be left adrift. Some Cape Town establishments have an exclusively gay male clientele, although the city’s famous cultural and ethnic diversity means there’s something for everyone under the rainbow. 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. 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? Cape Town Pride runs in late February to early March, and it’s a spectacular week long display steeped in African heritage. It is one of the most prominent Pride festivals on the African continent. It seeks to promote equality, diversity, and the acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identities through various activities, including the amazing Pride parade, gay parties, LGBTQ+ workshops, and cultural events.

Table Mountain National Park has got you covered any time of year! Hike Table Mountain itself, a flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town at 3,558 ft (1,084.6 m), and admire Devil’s Peak, Signal Hill, and Lion’s Head, along with sweeping views of the city. Or chill out and take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, which is like a gondola for photographers instead of skiers: the cableway’s car floors rotate in a full circle for perfect panoramic views! 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. Not far from the city's hustle and bustle lies the Cape Point Nature Reserve, a wild and rugged expanse where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans kiss under the watchful gaze of ancient mountains. Here, you can witness the raw beauty of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a world heritage site bursting with endemic flora and fauna. 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. While you’re southerly, swing by Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins found only around Southern African coasts. 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. 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. 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. 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. Engaging with locals, you'll discover stories of resilience, artistry, and an unwavering commitment to freedom and equality. 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 city where every corner has a story, every breeze carries a song, and every moment is an invitation to embrace life in all its rainbow hues.