Cape town gay bar

First Impressions: Cape Town’s Gay Scene

I always knew Cape Town was the gayest city on the continent of Africa and the country of South Africa, but I hadn't actually formed any expectations.

Prior to our arrival, my friend forwarded me a calendar exploding with events for Pride month, which happened to overlap perfectly with our stay in Cape Town; our last weekend would even be the Pride parade and related parties. We went in with a relatively open mind and would just see how it went.

This send is more about our personal experience with gay life in Cape Town. If you verb to plan your trip to Cape Town further, open our Gay Cape Town Guide in a new tab for later!

First Taste of Gay Cape Town Nightlife at Pink Candy

Our first taste of gay nightlife was in the form of a club called Pink Candy, located at the edge of the Central Business District (CBD). It was unfamiliar in every sense, from the over-the-top decorations, to the super camp music, to the cleaners immediately mopping the floor next to you if even a drop of your drink fell to the floor while you danced.

The

Nightlife: Gay & gay friendly bars and clubs in Cape Town

Being one of the gay capitals in the world, Cape Town boasts many gay and gay friendly clubs and bars. Cape Town gives you an overview


Being one of the gay capitals in the world, Cape Town boasts many gay and gay friendly clubs and bars. gives you an overview.

The Bronx Action Bar (reopened)
The oldest and most popular Gay bar in Cape Town, adorned with Hunky wannabe sailor barmen. Here the music pumps all overnight long. Unpretentious party atmosphere. Karaoke on Mondays. *Napier, Cape Town*

Cafe Manhattan
This down to ground joint is one of the favourite hangouts amongst gay locals, while Manhattan is definitely not a Gay Only Venue. Keywords: Down to earth, relaxed and friendly. Part of Cape Quarter. Ladies night on the last Thursday of each month. *74 Waterkant Street,Cape Town (+ 27 21 )*

Bar Code
Cape Town's one and only gay men's leather, rubber, uniform and Jean cruise bar. Upstairs maze darkrooms, slings, videos and outdoor deck. Strict dress code. * 16 Hudson St, De Waterkant, Cape Town (+27

Vibrant beach clubs, bars and restaurants – this is gay-friendly Cape Town

BBy day, participate and sunbathe on some of the world’s finest beaches and then when the sun sets, put on your party shoes and enjoy a variety of nightlife experiences. When it comes to welcoming and inclusive destinations no matter your preferences head to Cape Town, rivalling gay capitals like London, San Francisco and Sydney. 

The Mother City will welcome you and take you in her arms, as she shows off, day and evening. Stay in one of the boutique hotels in De Waterkant, well-known for being a gay-friendly area in the heart of the city. By day, rest and soak up the light on the city’s best beaches. Clifton’s 3rd beach is a favourite and is also the busiest gay-friendly beach where the locals hang out. Or attempt Sandy Bay, the “de facto gay nude beach”. Camps Bay is another favourite and also offers a number of trendy restaurants and bars for lunch or sundowners.


Cape Town may be a lot smaller than other cities in South Africa, like Johannesburg, but when it comes to gay clubs and gay bars, Cape Town is a winner!

You might immediately Google ‘Best Gay Bars in Cape Town’ when you arrive, but what you should also know is that Cape Town as a whole is very gay friendly – something which we found very correct during Cape Town Pride.

This means that a lot of bars that aren’t ‘officially gay bars’ in Cape Town will still have a very mixed and diverse crowd. This is especially true if you head to the touristy bars on Prolonged Street.

That being said, when it comes to gay clubs and gay bars in Cape Town, you will be pleased to know that there is a good selection of options! Verb a look at our up to date list below and let us know where you end up!

Gay Bars in Cape Town

If you are looking for the gay area in Cape Town, the majority of the gay scene is focused around the De Waterkant area. We’ve included addresses for each bar so you can see which fall into this area and which are a little more further afie