South Africa is a celebrated inclusive destination offering many gourmet, adventure, wildlife, and culture highlights to both local and international visitors alike. The legislative capital of South Africa is famous for welcoming LGBTQ tourists with a warm cozy hug - and why we rate it as one of the most gay friendly places in the world. There is a good reason why Cape Town is frequently lauded as THE gay capital of Africa! After close to 10 years circling the globe for misterb&b, few skylines thrill me like Table Mountain at sunset. A city where oceans meet mountains, cultures mix effortlessly, and the LGBTQ+ community is not just welcomed, but celebrated. Cape Town is that rare kind of destination that doesn’t just impress - it dazzles.
South Africa is one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world and Cape Town is considered the most gay-friendly city in Africa along with gay Johannesburg to a lesser degree. The South African government legalized equal marriage in 2006, becoming the first African country (and fifth in the world) to do so.
Cape Town embraces inclusivity at every turn. South Africa’s progressive constitution protects LGBTQ+ rights, and the Mother City takes it further with a welcoming spirit and a lively, visible queer community. The atmosphere is relaxed and open, making it easy to feel at home.
Rainbow flag in Cape Town
Gay-Friendly Hotels in Cape Town
When it comes to where to stay? We've done the homework (and a few room service tastings) to bring you our favourite gay-friendly hotels in Cape Town. One of the best ways to experience the city as an LGBTQ+ guest is to stay in a gay hotel in Cape Town. These properties often provide amenities designed with queer travellers in mind-rooftop bars with sweeping vistas, on-site spas and massage menus, and well-equipped gyms to offset all that wine-tasting. For those craving deluxe digs, Cape Town spoils you with luxury gay hotels such as One&Only Cape Town. Staying in a gay friendly hotel isn’t just convenient-it’s a gateway to the city itself.
Read also: Cape Town Hotels
Luxury Accommodations
One&Only Cape Town
The One&Only is Cape Town’s grande dame of glamour, perfectly positioned on the V&A Waterfront. Spacious and stylish, its rooms and suites are the largest in the city, each with a private balcony framing views of either the bustling marina or the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain. Dining here is an experience in itself, from world-renowned Nobu and the bold flavours of the new ROOI Grillroom to leisurely poolside lunches at Isola. For moments of pure escape, the award-winning Spa Island awaits with lush gardens, serene treatment rooms, and a heated infinity pool.
One&Only Cape Town
Cape Grace
Cape Grace blends timeless charm with a fresh, contemporary edge, perfectly positioned on its own private quay in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. African influences are woven into every corner of the interiors, while service is delivered with the kind of warmth that makes every guest feel like they truly belong. Heirloom Restaurant celebrates local flavours with a refined touch, while the reimagined Bascule Bar has transformed into a sultry speakeasy, perfect for cocktails before dinner. When it’s time to slow down, the Fairmont Spa offers soft light, soothing treatments, and private spaces where couples can reconnect after a day in the city.
The Cellars-Hohenort
The Cellars-Hohenort a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and IGLTA, in the heart of the green scenic Constantia Valley, welcomes guests from all over the world. We strive to make every holiday memorable, with a full range of amenities and plenty to see and do throughout your stay. The Cellars-Hohenort offers destination weddings along with our Just the Two of Us stay package, couples massages at Fresh Wellness Spa, private wine cellar dining, romantic garden walks, and more. You can also bring your fur kids along.
Boutique Hotels and Guesthouses
Camissa House
Camissa House is the kind of place you almost don’t want to share. Intimate, elegant, and perched high above the city, this boutique hotel has just eight beautifully designed suites, inspired by the colourful fynbos and wildlife of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Each room is a beautifully crafted sanctuary, offering tranquil escapes and some providing magnificent views of the city and Atlantic Ocean from large private balconies. It’s fully inclusive, so expect premium drinks, hearty breakfasts, and around-the-clock butler service to keep the good times flowing.
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Ellerman House
An intimate retreat in Bantry Bay, offering just 13 rooms and two private villas, each with sweeping views of the Atlantic. It feels wonderfully private, yet every detail is dripping with sophistication. Dining is a highlight, with seasonal menus crafted to showcase the Cape’s finest produce. OneEighty serves seasonal menus that celebrate Cape flavours, and CURATE offers a fine-dining experience that reimagines South African cuisine paired with rare vintages in the Wine Gallery. The 24-hour Guest Pantry is always stocked with homemade treats, while Bar Roc sets the scene as the ocean turns to gold.
Kensington Place
Tucked into the quiet slopes of Higgovale, this boutique stay offers eight spacious rooms, each individually styled with bold art and modern touches. Private terraces overlook views of the garden, Table Mountain, or the city skyline, while interiors are creative and contemporary. The location is more than ideal, and set in a peaceful residential pocket just a short walk to Kloof Street’s buzzing restaurants and bars, and minutes from the V&A Waterfront or Camps Bay. Dining centres on the intimate Kensington Place Restaurant, serving a fresh seasonal menu alongside an all-day à la carte breakfast.
Gorgeous George
Gorgeous George has 32 luxurious and unique rooms available to book all decorated with industrial tones of raw, exposed concrete and steelwork, blended with modern Victorian design elements. We also love the rooftop.
The Grand Daddy
Ever stayed in a trailer on a rooftop before? Or a lush “Sugar Daddy Suite”? The Grand Daddy is actually a very classy place, with super friendly staff, and is very open to LGBTQ travelers, especially gay couples. The restaurant on the rooftop makes for the ideal burger dinner. The Grand Daddy is located centrally in the heart of downtown and around 10-15 mins walking distance to the De Waterkant gay bars and clubs. But unless you're in a group or with locals, we'd suggest taking a cab everywhere as Long Street is an area notorious for petty crime. Leave all your valuables locked in the hotel safe provided in each room.
The Pink Rose Guesthouse
The Pink Rose Guesthouse makes for the ideal gay retreat. It's a bit far out from Cape Town - around 30 mins by cab, but close to the airport. Pink Rose is perched atop a hill, surrounded by mountainous scenery in a quiet and safe neighborhood. Our favorite thing here was the peace and tranquility. The views from the terrace are something else, particularly at sunset. We always aimed to get back here in time for a drink on their terrace. The common area also has a pool, hot tub, and sauna. Pink Rose is owned and run by a charming and friendly gay German couple who also live on-site. They offer everything from massage services to a bountiful and super generous breakfast.
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Dixon House
Wonderful LGBTQ friendly place in a central location (opposite gay bar Manhattan, and lots of trendy coffee shops around). The restaurant - where very much the focus lies - is lovely and offers delicious food and good coffee. Staff is attentive, rooms are spacious and clean.
Alternative Accommodation Options
Misterb&b
Misterb&b is the Airbnb equivalent for the LGBTQ community. Unlike on Airbnb, you know your host is gay, avoiding any nasty surprises when you check in. It's also a great way to meet gay locals and discover the underground gay scene.
Exploring Cape Town's Gay Scene
We spent most of our time in Cape Town around the De Waterkant district, a hotspot for gay travelers. It’s a vibrant neighborhood, with many gay bars, clubs, and hotels. Lots of shops and restaurants sport the rainbow flag in their front windows - wandering around feels like exploring a rainbow paradise. It’s even considered to be the second-largest gay capital in the world!
De Waterkant, Cape Town
De Waterkant is known as Cape Town’s Pink District. It's a lively mix of queer-owned cafés, cocktail bars, boutique guesthouses, and that iconic rainbow crosswalk on Somerset Road.
Common sense applies - that nice-looking watch? Whilst Cape Town has a bad rep for safety, as a tourist you're unlikely to encounter any problems. We felt totally safe in Cape Town as a gay couple, but as with all big cities, you should be careful with full-on PDAs, reserving them for queer-friendly spaces - there's always bound to be a few bad eggs in the mix who look for an excuse to cause trouble. We were advised to take Ubers everywhere and avoid the townships unless visiting with a reliable tour operator.
Waterkant Street - Cape Town Walking Tour [4K]
Gay Bars and Clubs
The bulk of the gay bars and clubs of Cape Town can be found in the De Waterkant enclave of Green Point. In all seriousness, De Waterkant is so gay, it's nicknamed “The Pink Strip” by gay locals. This is where you'll find places like Café Manhattan, and The Pink Candy. De Waterkant is also considered one of Cape Town's trendiest districts, full of historic buildings, boutique shops, and highly-rated restaurants. By day it has the buzz of a small village. When we say historic, we're not kidding - some of the buildings in De Waterkant date back to the late 1700s when families moved here from Northern Europe, most of them from artisan backgrounds.
Sadly, the gay bar scene of Cape Town has seen a slow decline over the past decade, not helped by the Covid pandemic, which saw gay bars like Crew Bar close their doors for good. More recently in August 2024, the iconic Beefcakes gay burger/drag bar also closed down permanently.
- Café Manhattan: With a rainbow of colors, fruity cocktails, and perky wait staff, Café Manhattan is a lively and effervescent start to your night out. Lots of people come here for a laidback meal/drink, to enjoy chats with friends, and soak up the artistic aesthetic.
- Zer021: Home to great music, beautiful drag artists, and amazing shows, Zer021 is a must-stop on your Cape Town gay bar/club circuit. It’s especially popular for its cocktail hours when drinks become super cheap.
- The Pink Candy: There’ll be no sneaking around this gay club like the iconic cartoon pink candy - you’ll be free to be as open and catty as you like!
- Club Stargayzers: Club Stargayzers is a massive dance hall, with an eclectic crowd and great music.
- Evol: Evol is love spelled backwards and you will definitely feel the love at this mixed club that is so popular with local queers it's often called ‘straight-friendly'!
Gay Beaches
There are 3 gay(ish) beaches in Cape Town - Clifton 3rd, Sandy Bay, and further afield, Muizenberg Beach.
- Clifton 3rd: When people think about gay beaches, they imagine crystal blue waters, golden sands, and hot muscled bodies running up and down the shores. And that’s exactly what you get at Clifton 3rd.
- Sandy Bay Beach: Sandy Bay Beach is all-nude. Super private and discreet. Great for relaxing and sunbathing.
- Muizenberg Beach: Muizenberg Beach is quite far out from the main area of Cape Town, but it’s this remoteness that adds to its overall charm and appeal.
Muizenberg Beach
Gay Saunas and Cruising Clubs
In terms of gay saunas and gay cruising clubs in Cape Town, the best one to check out is the Shaft Cruise Zone. It opened in April 2021 and has been going from strength to strength, offering a range of parties like “Undies Night” and themed events for Halloween and Christmas. It's open daily from 3 pm on weekdays and midday on weekends and is located at 299 Lower Main Road, Observatory. It has a strict over-18s men-only policy.
Gay Dating Apps
For those of you looking for Mister Right Now, your best bet is to open up Grindr and Scruff, which are Cape Town's two most popular gay dating apps. Tinder is also popular but to a lesser degree.
Key LGBTQ+ Events in Cape Town
The main gay event in Cape Town is Cape Town Pride in Feb/March. There sure are! This is the LGBTQ heart of Africa after all!
- Cape Town Pride: Cape Town Pride usually takes place at the end of February/beginning of March - coinciding with Mardi Gras celebrations.
- Rocking the Daisies: This super cool Rocking the Daisies festival takes place in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, usually over the first or second weekend of October.
- October Pride Month: October is the official Pride Month in South Africa.
Things to See and Do in Cape Town
When you’re in a new city you’re going to want to see as much stuff as possible. We spent our days in Cape Town excitedly finding out the best it had to offer.
- Table Mountain: Table Mountain is a flat-top mountain that overlooks Cape Town.
- Robben Island: Home to the prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27-year jail sentence, Robben Island is a fascinating spot for history buffs.
- Visit De Waterkant, District 6 Museum, Robben Island, the colourful Bo Kaap, Table Mountain, and the Sea Point Promenade.
- Enjoy outdoor activities ranging from beaches to surfing, park runs, kayaking, hiking, abseiling, paragliding, and more.
Table Mountain
Culinary Delights: Where to Eat in Cape Town
When traveling, we like to expand our horizons and sample the best of local cuisine. Luckily, lots of restaurants in Cape Town have curated their menu to celebrate the traditions and culture of their townships/suburbs - particularly in the non-white areas. It means we were exposed to a brand-new palate that we had never tried before - and we were more than impressed.
- Fyn: Fyn is one of the best restaurants we experienced in Cape Town, a very swanky establishment serving up a delicious fusion of Japanese and African foods!
- Madam Taitou: In the middle of busy Cape Town, Madam Taitou is a delightfully relaxing spot for a break and some mouth-watering Ethiopian cuisine.
- Lelapa: Owned by a mother and daughter, Lelapa (which translates to “the home”), was set up to give tourists a taste of the local township’s cuisine.
- Mzansi: Mzansi is one of the best places in Cape Town to visit to get a traditional African meal.
- Wine and dine at Greenhouse or The Conservatory restaurants at The Cellars-Hohenort, wine farms and restaurants in the Constantia Wine Route, or at one of the many trendy eateries in the City Centre and De Waterkant.
Travel Tips
- Booking Window: A split personality: 35.71 % book inside 14 days, yet 21.43 % lock plans 2+ months out.
- Visitor Mix: Guests arrive primarily from the United States (35.71%), with notable showings from Germany and the United Kingdom (14.29% each).
Pricing vs. Stars
Average nightly rates climb from US$419 (3-star) to US$666 (4-star), then soar to US$2,046 (5-star). The sweet spot?
| Star Rating | Average Nightly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|
| 3-Star | $419 |
| 4-Star | $666 |
| 5-Star | $2,046 |
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