Gay venues
45
Country
South Africa
Population
4.6M
LGBTQ+ status
Welcoming
In this guide · 2 sections

Cape Town's gay bars and clubs cluster in De Waterkant, a small, walkable section of converted Cape Dutch townhouses near the V&A Waterfront. It's not huge by international standards, but it gets busy, especially during Pride and around the Mother City Queer Project.

De Waterkant — The Gay Quarter

Most of Cape Town's gay venues are here, in De Waterkant, around Somerset Road and its side streets. It's a 10-minute taxi from central Cape Town, and you can walk between places once you're there.

    • Crew Bar (De Waterkant) — The main gay social bar. It's lively, has an outdoor area, and does themed events. Weekends and Pride season always see it packed. There are city views from the rooftop.
    • Zer021 (30 Chiappini Street, CBD) — A chic bar in the CBD. Good music and cocktails, and a slightly dressier crowd.
    • Beefcakes — This is where you go for drag shows and dinner. It's Cape Town's most theatrical option; the entertainment's the whole point.
    • The Piano Bar (De Waterkant) — Live music and cocktails. It's more relaxed and built for conversation than the clubs.
    • Bar Code — A leather and fetish-leaning bar. The crowd here is different from the mainstream places.
    • Café Manhattan — A long-running De Waterkant bar that draws a mixed crowd.

    Major Events

    • Cape Town Pride (February–March) — Three weeks of events, including the Dignity March along Somerset Road. The bars fill up significantly.
    • Mother City Queer Project (MCQP) — December. An annual costume and dance party, it's one of Africa's biggest gay events.
    • Cape Town Pride Parade — The march itself usually finishes in Green Point, with after-parties happening in De Waterkant.
⚠ Safety note: Cape Town has a high crime rate. Take Uber for all transport between venues and your accommodation — don't walk between areas at night. De Waterkant itself is relatively safe, but areas just outside it need more caution. South Africa has strong constitutional LGBTQ+ protections, but hate crimes still happen.