The Western Cape, featuring the gay venues in Cape Town, is world-renowned for its natural beauty and historical attractions. The Mediterranean climate, beaches, vineyards 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 beautiful, historic and cosmopolitan port City of Cape Town lies at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula alongside Table Bay and nestled below the dramatic and world-renowned Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. There a number of gay venues in Cape Town.

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

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. 74 Waterkant St, De Waterkant, Cape Town. – 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

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 Cape Town’s Gay Village. 18 Jarvis St, Green Point. (021) 418-3888. Mon-Thurs 12noon-2am, Weekends 24hrs. – Website

SHAFT
Gay cruising destination centrally located in Observatory, Cape Town. Has a well-stocked bar with cocktails, comfy porn lounge, private rooms, glory holes and dark maze. 299 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town. Mon-Thurs 3pm – 2am | Fri 3pm – 3am | Sat 12pm – 3am | Sun 12pm – 2am. Call 071 489 5214 – Website

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

ZERO21 SOCIAL CLUB
Social venue that accommodates diversification. Offering regular drag cabaret shows from Friday to Sunday evenings. 46, Canterbury St, Zonnebloem. Contact: 071 760 3178 – Facebook

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Festivals & Events

CAPE TOWN PRIDE
The annual Cape Town Pride festival and parade usually takes place around February and March of every year. For the latest information, please visit the website.

MCQP
MCQP brings 5,000 hetero, homo and every other flavour-sexuals together in a joyous, celebratory, unifying way. It’s based an annual dress-up theme and is regarded as 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

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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