In this guide · 3 sections
Cape Town's gay shopping scene isn't huge, but you'll find what you need. De Waterkant has a few shops selling pride items and lifestyle gear. For everything else, the wider city has plenty of options.
De Waterkant's shops
Walk around Somerset Road and the immediate De Waterkant area. You'll see what you'd expect in a gay neighborhood: T-shirts, pride accessories, some adult items, and lifestyle gear. These are small, independent boutiques, not big department stores. Don't expect them to open at 9 AM; their hours often match the bars'.
Some places combine retail with other things—a guesthouse with a little shop, or a bar that sells merchandise. The area's small enough that you can walk and see everything.
Beyond De Waterkant
Need regular clothes, electronics, or pharmacy items? Head to the V&A Waterfront mall. The Biscuit Mill in Woodstock (about a 10-15 minute Uber ride) has artisan markets on Saturdays. They focus on design and lifestyle and attract a queer-friendly crowd. Long Street in the city center has some cool independent shops and second-hand stores. Just be smart about walking there after dark.
The shops
- Alphen Centre — The Alphen Centre Community Hall sits diagonally opposite the Constantia Village Shopping Centre, next to the municipal clinic.
- Rainbow Nation — Rainbow Nation is in the middle of De Waterkant. They call themselves Africa’s only walk-in queer lifestyle store. It’s a local place that sells Pride flags, accessories, local apparel, books, gifts, and souvenirs.
- — Rainbow Trade
For more on Cape Town, check out the Gay Cape Town Guide.