Cape Town Gay Travel
wolfyy’s Cape Town gay guide to hotels & where to stay, things to do, gay bars, clubs, & beaches.
The Gay Travel Experience: Cape Town, South Africa
Visiting Cape Town was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It’s an epic destination for gay travelers, and I’m excited to explain why!
I honestly didn’t expect the city to have such a bustling local gay scene. After happily discovering it, I had to explore every bit I could.
Being a gay tourist in Cape Town is easy. Not only is the city LGBT-friendly, but it’s also an easy place to meet people. This city is a popular winter gay vacation spot, especially among Europeans and seasoned American travelers.
Local gay South Africans happily mingle with the tourists all around the city. At the gay bars, I met a few who were glad to talk with a traveler like me. And at the gay beach, I made friends with a few other visitors.
Gay Cape Town: Hotels & Where to Stay
Greater Cape Town is a huge area, but travelers generally stay around the city’s center, which is north and west of Table Mountain.
The exact neighborhood you choose to stay in will make a huge difference. Each one offers a unique vibe and landscape, and will have noticeably different accommodation prices—all of which I’ll explain below!
Green Point & Mouille Point Hotels
Green Point and the adjacent Mouille Point are two of the best overall neighborhoods for LGBT travelers. They both offer easy access to beaches, restaurants, and local gay bars. Plus, these areas are among the safest.
Green Point hotels are more plentiful, located slightly inland. If you want a waterfront view though, search availabilities of Mouille Point hotels.
Nightly rates for hotels in these areas are generally middle-of-the-road. It’s not the absolute cheapest, but you can typically still find affordability.
I stayed comfortably at La Splendida in Mouille Point for part of my visit. The rooms were so clean and felt quite modern. The hotel’s lobby was gorgeous too, with a bit of a speakeasy vibe.
La Splendida’s staff and service were spectacular and I felt safe the entire stay. I highly recommend staying here if you can!
Staying in De Waterkant: The Gay Neighborhood
De Waterkant is Cape Town’s official gay neighborhood, and it has comfortable urban feel. The streets are walkable and most gay bars are here.
Hotels in De Waterkant tend to be smaller boutique hotels, guesthouses, and loft-style accommodations.
But, before settling on a traditional hotel, you may want to browse the abundant selection of De Waterkant luxury apartment rentals. These might get you even more excited.
I was inside one unforgettable rental apartment in De Waterkant that had three enormous levels and an indoor pool!
City Center Hotels
The Cape Town City Center area, which is also referred to as the City Bowl neighborhood, has an urban feel. It’s much more dense and encompasses the business district. Restaurants and coffee shops are plentiful here, and easily reached on foot.
City Bowl hotels are among the least expensive in the city, offering plenty of options.
While the city center is the least safe of central Cape Town’s neighborhoods, it’s not nearly as dangerous as neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city.
I wouldn’t necessarily avoid staying in the City Bowl area. You just need to pay attention to your surroundings and avoid wandering around at night.
I stayed at the gay-friendly Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel for the last few days of my trip. It’s one of the most popular and unique hotels in the City Bowl area.
The wall sculpture over my bed was super cool! Plus, the property was kept incredibly safe. I’d definitely stay here again.
Clifton Vacation Rentals
If you love a beach view, Clifton is the ideal neighborhood. Since the area is residential, you won’t find traditional hotels. But there are plenty of beachy Clifton vacation rentals overlooking blue ocean water from the cliffside.
The only thing to keep in mind while considering Clifton is that there aren’t any restaurants or grocery stores within walking distance. You’d need to take a quick taxi ride to an adjacent neighborhood. Or, just have food delivered!
Camps Bay Hotels
Camps Bay is about as far south as I would recommend staying. This neighborhood has a lively streetscape along the waterfront, with lots of busy bars and restaurants.
Many popular Camps Bay hotels are along the water near Camps Bay Beach. You can find some stunning properties here.
South of the general Camps Bay Beach area, neighborhoods become largely residential. Accommodations in these areas will be a bit more secluded and aren’t so walkable.
More Cape Town Hotels
Here are a few other fantastic hotels I recommend for gay travelers that are highly rated and perfectly located for exploring the best of the city.
Cape Town Gay Travel Experiences
With such a variety of things to do and explore, you can easily spend weeks in Cape Town without getting the slightest bit bored. Here are my top recommendations!
Explore the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront, dubbed “South Africa’s most successful real estate development,” is by far the liveliest part of the city. Tourists and locals stroll quaint pathways, passing performers, gift shops, and tons of waterfront restaurants.
Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre is the enormous mall that straddles the waterfront. Don’t miss the upper-level restaurants with views of Table Mountain!
Keep an eye out for sea life in the harbor. Adorable sea otters play along the promenade of Alfred Basin. I saw them near the Old Port Captain’s Building.
Relax at Local Beach Clubs
Sometimes a beach club is a great alternative to an actual beach, especially if you prefer having a full bar within reach. It’s also not uncommon to meet other Cape Town gay travelers at these beach clubs.
Cabo Beach is a high-end beach/pool club and restaurant that took over and renovated what used to be Shimmy Beach Club when I visited. It’s a great spot to spend a long, relaxing afternoon in the sun and enjoy a delicious lunch or cocktail.
Grand Africa Beach Club is a great second option. While they don’t have a pool, they have a lot more space for you to spread out on a sofa or lounge chair. Grand Africa is a better choice if you have a larger group of friends since they have large individual lounge areas.
Work Out by the Water
Need to get a workout in? The Sea Point Outdoor Gym is a series of playgrounds with fixed bars and other workout equipment. It’s perfectly situated along the ocean promenade in Sea Point.
You’ll likely run into other travelers keeping in shape, or even locals just making the best of the summer. It might be a good chance to wear some sexy workout clothes!
Explore Local Tidal Pools
Exploring the tidal pools that dot the Western Cape is an incredibly unique local experience. Few travelers actually make a point to see them because they don’t always know they exist!
Central Cape Town has only one tidal pool, which is located in Camp’s Bay. But there are a bunch more within a reasonable driving distance. Check out Cape Town Tidal Pools’ Instagram for some inspiration.
I recommend visiting the Dalebrook Tidal Pool in Kalk Bay. There are fewer tourists here and the vibe is so relaxed. Also, not far from Kalk Bay, you can visit Woolley’s Tidal Pool and the spectacular St. James Tidal Pool.
Visit The Boulders Penguin Colony
Seeing African Penguins is one of the most popular things to do in the Western Cape. I definitely couldn’t pass up seeing these adorable creatures!
I joined a full-day tour group since I didn’t have a car during my visit. Cape Town City Tours operates group tours to see both the Boulders and the Cape of Good Hope on the same day.
However, if you have the chance, I suggest driving on your own and exploring the coast. There are so many impressive sights along the journey toward the Cape of Good Hope.
The Boulders Penguin Colony is about a one-hour drive from downtown Cape Town. Look out for wild ostrich and baboons along the ride, too.
Don’t forget a windbreaker while traveling to the areas south of Cape Town. The winds here can be intense. They change drastically depending on the day and season, but I endured some whipping sand during my visit to see the penguins.
Luckily, I had a hood I could tighten around my face. For a few more handy items to bring, check out my South Africa packing list.
The Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope is a very popular tourist spot, as it is the southernmost point in the western cape. I visited via the City Tours bus, and it seems it’s mainly a place where people line up to take a photo, which felt rushed and inauthentic.
However, the stop our bus made beforehand to Cape Point was absolutely breathtaking. High up on the cliffs, there are lots of neat perches where you can see the cerulean water crash along the rocks far below.
Cape Town Beaches
Bright blue water is something you’d typically associate with a tropical destination, but Cape Town has some alluring blue-water beaches of its own. While the water is chilly, its undeniably gorgeous. Here are all the best local beach spots.
Clifton Beaches
Beaches in Clifton are by far the most popular. The soft white sand is heavenly, and there is plenty of space to spread out.
These beaches follow a naming convention of Clifton 1st through Clifton 4th, which are simply for locational convenience—they’re not physically separated.
To reach the short, you’ll need to descend the cliffside pathways from Victoria Road. It’s not a treacherous journey, but you will need to traverse about 8 to 10 minutes of stairs.
Strong winds often kick up a ton of sand at most beaches in the greater Cape Town area, but here at Clifton, you’ll enjoy full protection from the cliffside!
The Cape Town Gay Beach
Clifton 3rd Beach is the official local gay beach. It’s been a wonderful gay hangout for many years, and travelers love relaxing here.
The vibe at Clifton 3rd may not be as energetic as the gay beaches of the world’s party destinations, but the serene and friendly experience was refreshing in my opinion.
Every time I visited Clifton 3rd Beach, I had a relaxing time. Even though it’s tamer, It was still among the more memorable gay beaches I’ve been to. I even met another American!
Arrive at the gay beach in style with a swimsuit made by one of these popular gay swimwear brands.
Camps Bay Beach
Take a trip to Camps Bay Beach if you want to avoid the tourists that crowd Clifton, yet still enjoy a beautiful beachfront. You’ll find many more locals hanging out along the Camps Bay shores.
The beachfront in Camps Bay is much easier to reach on foot compared to Clifton. You won’t have to climb down nearly as many steps.
Camps Bay Beach also offers more convenience. There are plenty of restaurants and food stalls and ice cream shops right along the street.
Sandy Bay Nude Beach
Sandy Bay is nestled between Llandudno Beach and Hout Bay, and this stretch of coastline has become a popular gathering place for Cape Town gay travelers looking to bask in the sun, socialize, and experience the beauty of being themselves.
It’s accessible via a scenic coastal hike from the Llandudno Beach area, which is full of ocean vistas. The trail is easily accessible and has a designated Sandy Bay parking area nearby.
Visitors are greeted by a liberating atmosphere where nudity is not only accepted but embraced! Beachgoers here share a collective understanding of freedom and self-acceptance, making this gay-friendly beach a unique and memorable experience for those looking to connect with nature and fellow travelers.
Sunset Beach
Looking for seclusion? You’ll certainly find it at Sunset Beach. The narrow beachfront is popular with kite surfers, windsurfers, and of course, sunset lovers.
Since Sunset Beach is not protected from the wind and it’s a bit farther from the city center, you won’t find too many people here.
If there’s a day with weak winds, I recommend a visit. It’s peaceful and the view of Table Mountain at sunset is marvelous. You can get an Uber or drive your own car directly up to the beachfront.
Beaches Outside Central Cape Town
I also want to mention a few beaches outside Cape Town’s center. Not all of these are suitable for swimming, but they’re all stunning.
Misty Cliffs is one of the most spectacular sights along the Western Cape. You’ll need to rent a car to get here since it’s a bit desolate. I learned of this area while on the tour bus going down to the Cape of Good Hope.
Personally, I would have loved to get off the bus to explore the Misty Cliffs area. Blue water, a stunning adjacent rock outcrop, and a tourist-free oceanfront will make your eyes open wide.
Fish Hoek Beach
You’ll love Fish Hoek Beach if Misty Cliffs piques your interest. An endless expanse of roaring ocean waves collides with a completely deserted shoreline.
If you’re on your way toward Kalk Bay (awesome tidal pool here) or Simon’s Town, I’d certainly make a stop at Fish Hoek.
Cape Town Gay Bars & Clubs
Gay nightlife in Cape Town is so lively, which is another reason why travelers love this city! While it isn’t a world gay party capital, I still highly recommend spending a night out at a couple of the gay bars.
Café Manhattan
Café Manhattan is a must-visit gay bar in the De Waterkant gay area. It’s a good choice no matter whether you’re by yourself, with a group, or with a significant other.
With an unpretentious and comfortable vibe, it’s an easy place to meet other gay travelers.
There is plenty of room to socialize inside. Café Manhattan also has an outdoor terrace that looks over the street, as well as some indoor seating.
Specialty cocktails here are on the sweet side, so I stuck with basic mixed drinks and beer. Prices are higher relative to the other gay bars, but everything is still affordable.
Zer021 Social Club
Zer021 Social Club is one of the best local gay bars for exciting drag shows. This modern venue warmly welcomes every member of the LGBT community and their friends.
While on the smaller side, there’s plenty of room for dancing. And I love the outdoor seating area, where you can enjoy some satiating bar food.
Since Zer021 Social Club is near the City Centre neighborhood (which isn’t the safest at night), it’s best to arrive and depart via taxi!
Crew Bar (Reopened!)
Crew Bar is Cape Town’s original gay club, located in the heart of De Waterkant. The bar has excitingly reopened as of early 2024 after being closed since late 2022.
Anyone who has visited Cape Town in the past decade will probably tell you about a night out here at Crew Bar. It’s definitely worth checking out their new space.
The Pink Candy Night Club
The Pink Candy Night Club, formerly known as Pink Panther Club, has become the most popular local gay club in recent years.
I spent a Friday night here having a blast with my South African friend Neil. The DJ played energetic hits, and the bartenders were super friendly, clad in their pink booty shorts.
The Pink Candy Club is toward the southern end of Cape Town’s gay area. When you approach the venue, don’t be fooled by a dim entrance with a perhaps intimidating man standing in a doorway.
When I arrived it looked as if the club was empty, but after climbing the stairs and passing through security, you’ll find quite a crowd.
Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest times here. However, the club occasionally hosts a Thursday night party.
The Station On Bree (Gay-Friendly)
My good friend Neil owns a gay-friendly bar in Cape Town called The Station On Bree. He’s a local gay South African who I met on a trip to Fire Island Pines in 2018.
The Station On Bree is in the heart of the City Bowl neighborhood. They serve food late into the evening and have plenty of outdoor space to enjoy summertime weather. While they’re open until 4 AM on weekends the crowd usually peaks around midnight.
Try to attend First Thursdays if you’re visiting at the beginning of the month. The Station and their neighbor bars shut down the street for a giant monthly festival.
Cape Town Gay Saunas & Cruising
Shaft Cruise Zone
Shaft Cruise Zone is a relatively new gay sauna and cruising venue in Cape Town that opened in April 2021. They’ve got all the classic facilities including a steam room, video lounges, showers, a sling, and private rooms.
You can also grab a drink at Shaft Cruise Zone’s bar or enjoy their sun deck when the weather is warm.
Hothouse Steam and Leisure (Permanently Closed)
Hothouse Steam and Leisure was a popular local gay sauna for over 20 years but closed for good amid the pandemic. Locals always loved this place and it’s sad to see it closed!
Restaurants in Cape Town
Cape Town’s beautiful summer weather makes eating at outdoor restaurants a spectacular ritual. There is such a grand food scene with cuisines of all types. For most tourists, there’s a wealth of opportunities to try food from different African cultures.
Sotano: Mediterranean Dining
Sotano is the perfect brunch spot. They are part of Hotel Splendida in Mouille Point. Their Mediterranean menu is impressively satiating. It’s not too greasy, yet still filling.
In the warmer months, Sotano has a tranquil outdoor deck seating area with views of the waterfront. It very much embodies the majestic vibes of Cape Town.
The restaurant is open decently late until 11:00 PM. They also have a lovely indoor lounge with tables and a full bar. It’s definitely a classy spot to stop for drinks!
Beefcakes: Drag Shows & Dinner (Recently Closed)
Beefcakes has been a long-time LGBT mainstay in South Africa and one of the most famous local gay establishments. Unfortunately, after 15 years, they’re in the process of closing the chain for good. I’ll never forget my laughter-filled experience here!
La Parada Tapas
La Parada has the absolute best Tapas in the city. They have one location at the V&A Waterfront and another in City Bowl. Both have indoor/outdoor seating.
Servers at La Parada are super friendly and willing to help you choose between equally enticing small plates. They offer early dinner specials too, making a huge amount of food quite affordable. I got five plates of tapas for 300 Rand ($17 USD), plus a tip.
Beer fans should try the Jack Black Cape Pale Ale. I loved it, and there’s nothing better than supporting local breweries.
Addis in Cape Ethiopian Restaurant
The authentic Ethiopian restaurant Addis in Cape was definitely a memorable experience for me. It was actually my first time eating traditional Ethiopian food!
I got to try real Injera, a type of spongy flatbread. They served a giant stretch of the stuff over a traditionally large dish. The waiter then brought a small dish of water to rinse my hands and showed me the proper way to eat it.
Coco Safar Espresso Bar & Restaurant
Coco Safar is both a breakfast patisserie and a traditional dinner restaurant. They have cozy seating with a street-side elevated terrace which lets fresh air flow through the restaurant.
The ambiance is quite chic, too. The dim lighting and calm atmosphere make Coco Safar a great evening date spot.
Grab some coffee at the Coco Safar espresso bar if you’re walking through the Sea Point neighborhood earlier in the day. This is a separate section from the restaurant.
Cape Town Safety for Travelers
Safety in South Africa is such a huge concern for travelers, so I’m dedicating an entire section to giving you the pertinent facts and quelling any fears.
There is a lot of old, outdated, and misleading information on the internet concerning crime and safety in Cape Town, so I hope to give you some helpful perspective.
As someone who stayed in different Cape Town neighborhoods and walked through many others for two weeks, I can definitely offer advice for when to take extra caution and when to not be worried.
Misperceptions About Cape Town Safety
First of all, the geographic area of Cape Town is way larger than the dense center, which leads to confusing generalizations.
Most importantly, the truly dangerous neighborhoods are far outside central Cape Town. Check out this article’s neon-shaded map of overall safety in Cape Town, noting the green-shaded coastal area by the “Cape Town” map label.
This spot is where the tourists visit. It’s far away from worryingly dangerous neighborhoods like Khayelitsha, shown in the center of the red mass to the southeast.
News on Cape Town safety can easily confuse someone who’s unfamiliar with the city. This Economist article points out how violent crime in the city is spiking, which is technically true, but it’s not occurring anywhere near the city’s tourist scene.
These dangerous suburbs are 20 to 30 minutes by car outside the city center You really shouldn’t have any reason to visit them.
I’ve never talked with a tourist who has ventured far outside the city into one of these historically crime-ridden areas. But every now and then you hear sad news, like when 11 American tourists were robbed at gunpoint while out in Khayelitsha in January 2020.
In the next sections, I’ll discuss specific neighborhoods within central Cape Town you can bet on for safety, and which are less desirable.
Safest Areas for Tourists
Clifton, Sea Point, Green Point, the V&A Waterfront, and the shore along Camps Bay are all quite safe Cape Town neighborhoods. By day, you won’t have any issues walking around these areas.
Of course, keep your wits about you and if something feels dodgy, just leave. By night, always use an Uber to get around.
The downtown and inner-city areas generally attract more crime. For example, the City Bowl neighborhood is not the safest area for tourists, but it’s not dangerous enough to warrant avoiding it.
Every city has troublemakers though, so just remain vigilant. In City Bowl and De Waterkant, you’ll likely encounter street beggars, some of them teenagers. When they ask you for something, do not engage with them. Just keep walking.
Tips to Stay Safe in Cape Town
All travelers in South Africa should follow strict safety practices out of an abundance of caution. Most importantly, travel by car after dark. Uber is reliable and widely available. Also, locals mention to avoid taking the Cape Town My Citi buses.
Don’t hang out in the street outside bars or clubs, especially in De Waterkant or City Bowl. Most Cape Town theft occurs when people are alone in the dark.
Avoid paying any mind to beggars on the street. They’re most prevalent in the denser areas of the city, away from the waterfront. By giving them your attention, they can take advantage of your distraction by having someone else pickpocket you.
Never let anyone help you with an ATM transaction. Many tourists have been robbed of their wallets/bank cards by individuals lurking around ATM machines who offer help, and then run off with your stuff.
These are just a few of the many safety tips for travelers that I recommend. For more, chedk out wolfyy’s ultimate list of safety tips for travelers.
Cape Town Travel Tips
Hopefully the advice in the prior section doesn’t scare you. The Cape Town gay travel experience is wonderful, but it’s best to be prepared.
Things Get Quiet After Dark
Everyone seems to vanish from the streets after sunset. This is largely a function of the dramatic temperature drop and perhaps an overall safety precaution.
This also coincides with the fact that people eat dinner rather early in South Africa. If you’re used to eating late, you’ll be in for a surprise! Beyond 11 PM, most restaurants are closed.
Weather Forecasts are Usually Wrong
Cape Town weather forecasts are usually unreliable. If you see colder than expected summer temperatures or bad weather forecasted during your trip, just ignore it. South Africans will laugh if you mention this. They know it’s true, and they will tell you why.
The Western Cape experiences very unpredictable weather patterns. Additionally, temperatures vary drastically over the course of the day.
Pack layers, even around the warmer months. You’ll need typical lightweight clothing for the sunny hours, a windbreaker jacket for mornings and sunset, and a slightly insulating jacket or light sweater for brisk evenings.
Tipping in South Africa
South Africa embraces a tipping culture, as is common in Britain and the United States. Make sure to tip service staff with your bill. A 15-20% tip is common.
Servers will ask you how much tip you’ll leave when they run your card. Responding with a percentage is perfectly fine to avoid doing math on the spot.
Watch Out for Load Shedding
Keep the likelihood of experiencing load shedding if you’re planning to visit Cape Town during their summer months. Load shedding means certain sections of the city have their electricity turned off for a small portion of daylight hours.
Normally, this is not much of an issue since restaurants can still cook with gas-fired grills and many establishments have private generators.
If you decide to book a vacation rental, you might be more affected than you’d like. This is not a one-time event. It’s something scheduled to happen daily.
Most hotels and commercial spaces will have generators, which may persuade you to avoid staying in an apartment rental. But, if two to three hours without an internet connection in the afternoon doesn’t bother you, you’ll be fine.
Pack Your Beach Snacks
I quickly discovered while walking the shores of Clifton that there are no beachside bars or restaurants. There wasn’t even a grocery store remotely close to Clifton Beach.
Vendors wade through the beachgoers selling snacks, drinks, and ice cream. Sometimes they’ll set up a table stand, so, make sure you bring cash.
Poverty Issues
While Cape Town is a culturing and relaxing experience, let’s not ignore the massive poverty that surrounds the city. As you will see on your trip from the airport, huge numbers of people live in squalor.
Massive neighborhoods built from sheet metal line the areas alongside highways outside central Cape Town. In fact, the large majority of greater Cape Town’s population lives in severe poverty. Many are without proper sanitation or even a police force.
While this article was published back in 2014, The Guardian provides an eye-opening narrative of how these individuals survive.
Interesting Facts About Cape Town
Cape Town’s relentless wind is dubbed “The Cape Doctor,” and for very good reason. The clean air we enjoy throughout the city is not because of low pollution levels; it’s because the strong winds carry it away!
It’s impossible to miss how electric fencing surrounds every residence in Cape Town. Blatant armed response security signs are posted everywhere.
Seeing this for the first time can be a little jarring. The current is not enough to kill you if by chance you came into contact with one, but you’re still getting shocked!
Remember that crime here used to be much worse, especially in the 1990s. The imminent danger of robbery required people to take the most extreme of measures to secure their homes and businesses.
Electric fencing remains popular today as the best way to protect property throughout South Africa.
Before experiencing Cape Town, I expected to hear a lot of the Afrikaans language during my visit, which has influence from Dutch, German, and English. While most South Africans know this language from learning it in school, it seems that just about everyone uses English instead.
Traveling to South Africa? Check out wolfyy’s Johannesburg gay travel guide.
Make sure you have these South Africa packing list essentials before you go!
See wolfyy’s complete collection of gay travel guides for more gay destination ideas around the world.
