Places to go, things to do, what's hip and happening in gay South Africa

Hotspots

So much to do...

South Africa's major cities have a thriving nightlife, with most boasting at least some gay clubs or venues. Cape Town and Johannesburg (Joburg or Jozi as it is also known) are the country's gay capitals and there are many hotspots to look out for - including clubs, bars and gay friendly restaurants. Choose a province below for the listings. Mail us if you'd like your 'hotspot' listed here.

What can a boy get up to in Western Cape?

Western Cape

The Western Cape is world-renown for its natural beauty and historical attractions. The Mediterranean climate, historic cities and diverse and easily accessible wilderness areas make this region one of the most attractive in South Africa. There is a wealth of opportunity for tourists, culture fundis, eco-travellers and adventurers.

For many visitors Cape Town is the gateway to Africa, whether they arrive by sea or air. The scenically beautiful, historic and cosmopolitan port City of Cape Town lies at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula alongside Table Bay and nestled below dramatic and world-renown Table Mountain, Devil's Peak, Lion's Head and Signal Hill.

NOTE: While we do our best to ensure that information is current, due to the frequency with which clubs and bars open and close, it is suggested that you contact a venue, where possible, to confirm its details. Should you have any updated information on a venue, or wish to list a hotspot, please contact us

[ Bookstores & Other ] [ Cafe's & Restaurants ] [ Clubs, Bars & Steambaths ] [ For the Girls ]

Bookstores & Other

EXCLUSIVE BOOKS
Largest bookstore chain in SA. A number of stores are particularly gay friendly, with a small gay section. We recommend: Cavendish Square (021) 674 3030, V & A Waterfront (021) 419 0905, Tyger Valley (021) 914 9910/2.

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Cafe's & Restaurants

ANDIAMO
Trendy alfresco deli restaurant in the Cape Quarter Centre serving Italian dishes. Cape Quarter, 72 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town (021) 421-3687

BALDUCCIS
Sophisticated, cosmopolitan and trendy restaurant in the heart of the Waterfront. Lower Level, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. (021) 421-6002/3 Website

BEEFCAKES
Gay gourmet burger bar and restaurant near all the gay clubs in Green Point. With regular drag shows and themed nights. Sovereign Quay, 40 Somerset Rd. Green Point, Cape Town. 021 425 9019. - Website

BELUGA
Contemporary fine dining, close to the gay village. Grills, Seafood. The Foundry, Prestwich Street, Green Point, Cape Town (021) 418-2948/9 Website

CAFÈ MANHATTAN
Popular eating, drinking and meeting venue. Now with two branches: 74 Waterkant St, De Waterkant, Cape Town (021 421 6666) and 247 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town (021 439 9666). - Website

LOLA'S
Cnr Long & Buiten St (021) 423-0885. Fifties retro-kitsch cafe.

TANK
Surrounded by a 20 000 litre salt-water fish tank this is a dinner venue for trendy Capetonians. Cape Quarter, 72 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town (021) 419-0007. Website

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Clubs, Bars & Steambaths

ALEXANDER BAR
Old world charm in Cape Town. Good wine, classic martinis, whiskies, jazz & world music. Sandwiches, salads and cheese & charcuterie boards served till midnight. 76 Strand Street. Phone: 021 300 1088 - Facebook

AMSTERDAM ACTION BAR
Gay bar in Cape Town's Gay Village. 10-12 Coburn street, De Waterkant. - Facebook

AQUA NIGHTCLUB
Aqua nightclub is Port Elizabeth's premier gay nightclub with resident dj's of note. Corner York Rd and Prince Alfred St. - Website

BAR CODE
Cape Town's only men's leather, rubber and denim cruise bar. 18 Cobern street (off Somerset road) Green Point. (021) 421 5305. E-mail: info@leatherbar.co.za - Website

BEAULAH BAR
Bar with a lounge and a dance floor catering to the entire gay community. Open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and weekends. Cnr Somerset Rd & Cobern Str, Green Point, Cape Town. - Facebook

BUBBLES BAR
A cozy, friendly, inviting venue on a secluded, quiet passageway off Waterkant Street, Cape Town. With regular drag shows. Phone: 072 186 0874. 125A Waterkant Street, De waterkant. - Facebook

CREW BAR
Stylish decor, gorgeous bartenders and top Cape Town DJS. Front and back open verandas, dance floors, VIP bar and more! 30 Napier Street, Green Point, Cape Town. Call 021 4180118. - Facebook

HOT HOUSE
Stylish upmarket European Style steam bath venue in the heart of the Gay Village. 18 Jarvis St, Green Point. (021) 418-3888. Mon-Thurs 12noon-2am, Weekends 24hrs. - Website

LION CORNER TAVERN
Cape Town. Offers an eclectic menu, lush atmosphere and fabulous drinks and cocktail menu - a great place to hang out with friends. 205 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town, Cape Town. Phone: 021 447 5113 - Facebook

MCQP
MCQP brings 5,000 hetero, homo and every other flavour-sexuals together in a joyous, celebratory, unifying way. The party of the year in Cape Town. Takes place every December. - Website

PINK LOERIE MARDI GRAS
A week-long gay festival that happens once a year around April/May. Includes parties, exhibitions and a street parade. Set in the gorgeous town of Knysna. - Website

ROSIE'S BAR
A small intimate pool bar where everybody is welcome. 30 Chiappini Street, Green Point, Cape Town. - Facebook

STARGAYZER
In Parow, Cape Town. Offers various DJs, a lounge area and a dance floor, with two bars. Music to suit all tastes. 12 Caxton Street, Parow. - Facebook

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For the Girls

MAMBAGIRL.COM
For listings of lesbian and lesbian-friendly venues go to www.mambagirl.com; South Africa's leading lesbian lifestyle website. - Website