De Waterkant is home to the city’s gay district and is right in the heart of the city at the foothills of Cape Town’s famous mountains. Its has a charming, village-like feel, a real gay neighbourhood full of superb restaurants, designer shopping and fun bars and cafes.
Cape Town is home to one of the most vibrant, tolerant and open gay scenes in all of Africa. Gay rights are enshrined in the constitution and gay marriage has been legal since 2006.
The “Pink City” of “Mother City” combines the best elements of beach and city living. At the heart of the city is De Waterkant, a village reminicent of SoHo or Greenwich in New York. Some of the city’s best gay bars, clubs and restaurants are located here and there are numerous boutique guest houses and hotels close by. The city centre is within easy walking distance.
The gay scene is quite compact. Crew Bar is a mixed bar on two levels with great music and a party atmosphere. Nearby Beaulah bar is a lesbian bar that is popular with both guys and girls and is a great place to hook up with the locals and check out what’s happening.
Beefcakes is the most popular venue and is restaurant by day, party bar by night. Those seeking a more cruisy atmpsphere should check out the Hot House Sauna.
Those seeking a beach vacation should head to Camps Bay an upscale beach resort just a short taxi drive from the city centre. Here you will find the gay beach, stunning ocean front restaurants and famous beach club-style hotel resorts such as The Glenn.
No trip to Cape Town would be complete without a visit to the lush Cape Winelands. Take a day and spend your time savouring the delicious wines and stunning scenery. Stop off at Franschhoek or Stellenbosch and have lunch in one of the many award winning restaurants that dot the wine-route for a truly unforgettable experience.
Major gay events include Cape Town Gay Pride in February, the MCQP Party in late December and the New Year’s Eve celebrations across the city, but especially in the gay village.
