The Rainbow Nation meets the rainbow community - this city is increasingly getting noticed on the global gaydar. Once a place that criminalised same-sex relationships, it took an elephant sized u-turn and became the first country in Africa to decriminalise gay relationships, and one of the first in the world to legalise same-sex marriage.
There’s still a way to go, particularly for trans rights. Nonetheless, Cape Town – we’re holding space for you.
Oh Cape Town, you have more hits than a Now That’s What I Call Music! playlist. We’ve narrowed it down to some of our top picks.
Whether you climb up one of the many hiking trails or ride the cable car, the view from the top of Table Mountain is an iconic must-see that will have your jaw dropping all 1084.6 metres to the ground.
From local delicacies to street food and everything in between, you’re bound to find something that gets your mouth watering in the city's food markets - Oranjezicht City Farm Market and the Neighbourgoods Market are not to be missed.
Unwind with wine. Constantia, Durbanville and Helderberg are the routes you’ll want to take note of. Wineries worthy of Tyrion Lannister, whether its bold red (our colour of choice) or white, there’s a glass for everyone. Sip tip: try Vin de Constance, Constantia’s famous dessert wine.
Cape Town’s coastline is a sun-seekers' dream with 72 stunning shores and 10 Blue Flag beauties. Have a lounging day at Camps Bay or unwind with the sand between your toes at Sandy Bay. The coast is calling.
If adventure is your thing, then Cape Town is your playground. Paraglide, zip line or dive feet-first into some water sports like surfing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing and kayaking. Buckle up - this is going to be one wild ride.
De Waterkant is Cape Town’s LGBTQ+ heartbeat and trust us, it’s got rhythm. A stone’s throw from the city centre, this colourful ‘gay village’ is a riot of pastel homes, and cobblestone streets. Year-round art exhibitions and film screenings keep the LGBTQ voices heard.
Queens assemble. Brace yourself for a night of karaoke, acts that slay and an energy that is non-stop fabulous all the way. There are plenty of bars to choose from. It’s impossible to not have fun here.
Theatre on The Bay serves up a slice of unforgettable stories that will stay with you long after the curtain falls. Poignant plays and side splitting comedies take to the stage here. Tucked away in a pocket of Camps Bay, stunning ocean views are the perfect backdrop. That beats a bag of popcorn any day.
When the rest of us clock off for bed, Crew Bar comes alive. Insanely talented go-go dancers, killer bartenders and epic themed parties all mash up to make for a memorable night out. Switch between the two dance floors for different types of tunes - Harry Styles to Honey Dijon in a heartbeat. It’s a great place to paint the town rainbow with the rest of the LGBTQ+ crowd.
What was once a grain silo is now Africa’s first major contemporary art museum. In fact, Zeitz MOCAA brings a whole other meaning to the word. Work from LGBTQ+ artists wow visitors and spark thought provoking conversation around race and sexuality, to name just a few topics.
Bringing the rainbow to the Rainbow Nation. Typically held in March, it lasts for a whopping eleven glitter-glorious days of parades, awareness raising workshops, performances and much more. Cape Town Pride kicks off with the iconic Parade, crowds take to the streets by the thousands. No sequins spared! The famous Mardi Gras has a world class line up and the performances just as diverse. Food stalls and markets are dotted around too, for a much needed fuel-up after all those calories burnt dancing and marching.
If you only ever go to one themed costume party in your life, then it’s got to be this one. Cape Town’s creativity runs wild in December. Each year brings a new theme and partygoers go all out. The dazzle here puts Milan fashion week to shame. Live music and drag performances wrap up the night with a bang.
A lot's happened since homosexuality was decriminalized thirty years ago. But don't just take our word for it. We had a chat with some Capetonians to hear how they’ve been living their best authentic lives.
"Cape Town is more than just a city—it’s a place of belonging for LGBTQ+ people. It’s an inclusive haven where natural beauty and cultural richness come together to create an atmosphere of acceptance. The city celebrates diversity openly, with same-sex marriages and sexual orientation embraced as part of everyday life. It truly feels like a "gay capital" where people can be themselves without fear."
We asked Theresa: What are some of your favourite places to experience Cape Town’s LGBTQ+ scene?
"I love walking along the Seapoint Promenade and engaging with the community through various social groups and events. The city has so many LGBTQ+ hotspots, from gay-friendly bars to vibrant neighbourhoods and organisations that offer a strong sense of community."
“The LGBTQ+ community here is wonderfully diverse—it’s a melting pot of fascinating people. Honestly, the whole city feels inclusive, which is something I truly cherish. Cape Town’s LGBTQ+ scene isn’t just about grand events like the annual Pride Festival; it’s also about the everyday joys—the sense of community and the natural beauty around us.”
We asked Jardine: What advice would you give to LGBTQ+ visitors exploring Cape Town?
"Connect with the community. Cape Town is a city of connection, and there are many opportunities to make new friends and experience the local vibe. Events like “Village Drinks,” a monthly LGBTQ+ social, are great for meeting people and diving into the city’s queer culture."
"Cape Town is a perfect fit for our family. It’s a city where diversity is embraced, and families like ours are accepted with open arms. As a modern LGBTQ+ family, we feel right at home here, surrounded by a community that celebrates individuality and inclusivity.”
We asked Martina: What do your family weekends in Cape Town usually look like?
"We love to explore the city and its beautiful surroundings. Whether it’s watching kite surfers at Blouberg Beach, hiking through lush forests, or enjoying a picnic in Green Point Park, Cape Town offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. We also enjoy zip-lining in the Constantia wine valley and having fish and chips in Hout Bay while watching the seals play in the harbour."
Don’t be a drag, just be a queen is taken to a whole other level in Cape Town. For the days when you want to take it down a notch, we’ve got our day trip list.
If you’re looking for a true West Coast escape, Paternoster’s got your name on it. Only a 90 minute drive from Cape Town, this laid-back fishing village is all white-washed cottages, pristine beaches and delicious seafood. Hike through the untamed Cape Columbine Nature Reserve or hit the waters with a paddle. Nature’s calling.
The “see it all” route: mountains, cliffs with dramatic drop offs - oh, plus baboons and penguins. Who could ask for more than that? Everything imaginable is packed in. Wrap it all up with some fish ’n chips at Simon Town. It’s peak level road trip.
The landscape is like something straight out of the National Geographic. Revered for its wetlands and Langebaan Lagoon, this is the place where tourists and birds flock to in the summer. Visit in September and you’ll catch the famous wildflower display.
Ready for a ride? Hop into a 4X4 and tour in style. Choose from thrilling dune-bashing, laid back wine sipping, or mix it up and create your own. Either way, you’ll be in for an unforgettable drive.
Lawhill Luxury Apartments
Cape Town, South Africa
President Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
Queen Victoria Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
The Bay Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof
Cape Town, South Africa
La Splendida
Cape Town, South Africa
One&Only Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
Waterfront Village
Cape Town, South Africa
Southern Sun Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
The Barracks
Cape Town, South Africa
The Onyx Apartment Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa
Cape Town, South Africa
Big 5 safari lodge 2 hours from Cape Town
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Cape Town, South Africa
Southern Sun Cullinan
Cape Town, South Africa
The Commodore
Cape Town, South Africa
The Rockefeller
Cape Town, South Africa
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Cape Town, South Africa
Vineyard Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
Ready to hit the road? Here are a few handy tips to help make your journey in South Africa as fun and fabulous as you are.
Laws & regulations
Practical tips
Support & services
Since the end of apartheid, South Africa has made strides on the LGBTQ+ rights front. The first country in the world to write sexual orientation as a protected category in its constitution back in 1996. One decade later, same sex unions were legalized. And in 2013, same-sex couple adoption was ruled.
Marriage Equality Act, 2006: South Africa became the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage. Since, LGBTQ+ couples can now adopt and explore surrogacy options.
Anti-discrimination policies: It’s a constitutional infringement to discriminate based on grounds of sexual orientation or gender. The Equality Act, 2000 further strengthened these protections.
Protection Against Hate Crimes: Protection isn’t exclusive to verbal discrimination in South Africa. Hate crimes are met with zero tolerance.
The Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act, 2003: Steps towards trans inclusivity are in motion. Individuals can now change their gender statements on official identity documents.
Trolls exist everywhere, not just under bridges. With that in mind, read our tips and the latest government travel advice before your trip.
1) Sparkle up your itinerary: travelling shouldn’t be a stressful time. Book your trip with operators who truly empathise and understand your needs (hello)!
2) Stay fabulous: stay at safe and well-reviewed accommodation. Addresses are a need-to-know. Anyone who isn’t a trusted friend, shouldn’t get these details.
3) Know where to go: some postcodes are best avoided late at night. Make sure you’re clued up on where not to go after your night out.
4) VIPs on speed dial: save the emergency contact numbers on your phone. These could be friends, family, your tour guide operator or LGBTQ+ support numbers.
Pride Shelter Trust
Claim to Fame: Africa's first formal shelter for LGBTQ+ individuals in crisis.
Support: Offers short-term accommodation, counselling, and essential services.
Location: 1 Molteno Rd, Oranjezicht, Cape Town
Website: https://pridesheltertrust.org.za/
PASSOP (People Against Suffering, Suppression, Oppression, and Poverty)
Mission: Advocates for LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum seekers.
Support: Provides legal assistance and access to essential services.
Location: Tulbagh Centre Building, Cape Town
Website: https://www.passop.co.za/
Ivan Toms Centre for Men’s Health
Specialisation: HIV treatment and prevention as well as mental health support for gay, bisexual, and MSM communities.
Advocacy: Promotes human rights and public health education.
Location: 1 Portswood Rd, Green Point, Cape Town
Website: https://ivantomsbooking.com/
Desmond Tutu Health Foundation - LGBT+ Health Division
Mission: Ensures equitable access to healthcare for LGBTQ+ populations.
Services: Offers community outreach programmes, health education, and safe spaces.
Location: 3 Woodlands Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town
https://desmondtutuhealthfoundation.org.za/what-we-do/lgbthealthdivision/
Language evolves - and just like the best journeys, it doesn’t always follow a straight line.
In this guide, we use terms like LGBTQIA+, queer, gay, lesbian, transgender, intersex, asexual and more. These reflect the language that felt inclusive, accessible, and widely understood at the time we put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
We often use “queer” as a shorthand - a word that’s been proudly reclaimed by many, though we know it won’t resonate with everyone. The same goes for LGBTQIA+: used as a broad umbrella term, not exclusive one. Where it feels important, we’ve used more specific labels - in hopes of reflecting the richness and diversity of the community and shared experiences.
We know the language of identity is personal, political, and constantly evolving. This isn’t a dictionary - and it’s certainly not the final word. We simply hope this guide speaks with clarity, compassion, and respect.
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