Best LGBTQ+ Things to Do in Cape Town
A guide for locals and travellers
Cape Town is widely considered one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in Africa. Alongside its well-known nightlife and Pride celebrations, the city offers a wide range of activities where queer locals and travellers connect through nature, culture, food, and community events.
From mountain hikes and ocean kayaking to drag brunches, beach gatherings, and guided tours, Cape Town provides many ways to experience the city while meeting people from the LGBTQ+ community.
This guide highlights some of the most popular LGBTQ+ friendly experiences across Cape Town and points you to local businesses, organisations, and community groups where you can get involved.
LGBTQ+ Tours in Cape Town
Cape Town Gay Tours
One of the most established LGBTQ+ focused tour companies in South Africa.
They specialise in private and small-group experiences designed specifically for LGBTQ+ travellers visiting Cape Town.
Popular experiences include:
- Cape Town city tours
- Table Mountain and Cape Peninsula tours
- Cape Winelands wine tours
- private LGBTQ neighbourhood tours
- kayaking experiences near Simon’s Town
Website https://www.capetowngaytours.com
Out2Africa
Out2Africa is an international LGBTQ+ travel specialist that creates tailor-made travel itineraries across Southern Africa.
Many travellers visiting Cape Town book customised experiences through the company, including:
- luxury city stays
- wine farm visits
- safari trips combined with Cape Town travel
Website https://www.out2africa.com
Outdoor Adventures with the LGBTQ+ Community
Cape Town’s natural landscape makes outdoor activities extremely popular within the local LGBTQ+ community. Many social groups organise regular hikes, runs, and ocean activities.
Gay Hiking Cape Town
A popular community hiking group that organises regular hikes around the Western Cape.
Typical hikes include:
- Lion’s Head sunrise hikes
- Table Mountain routes
- Silvermine nature reserve
- Cape Point trails
The group welcomes both locals and visiting travellers.
Truth Kayak Adventures
Located near Sea Point, Truth Kayak Adventures offers guided ocean kayaking experiences along the Atlantic coastline.
Trips usually include:
- paddling along the Sea Point coastline
- dolphin and seal sightings
- sunset kayaking sessions
Website https://www.truthkayaking.com
Social Running Groups
Cape Town has an active outdoor culture, and many LGBTQ+ locals regularly meet through running and fitness groups.
One of the most popular meeting spots is the Sea Point Promenade, where social runs, Parkrun events, and informal fitness meetups take place throughout the week.
Saturday mornings are especially popular thanks to Parkrun, a free 5km community run that attracts a diverse crowd of locals and visitors.
Website https://www.parkrun.co.za
LGBTQ+ Friendly Beaches
Cape Town’s beaches play an important role in the local queer social scene, especially during the summer months.
Clifton 3rd Beach
Clifton’s third beach has long been known as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly beaches in Cape Town. On warm summer afternoons it often attracts a mixed crowd of locals and visitors.
See our full guide: Clifton 3rd & 4th Beach LGBTQ+ Guide
Sandy Bay
Located between Llandudno and Hout Bay, Sandy Bay is a well-known naturist beach with a strong LGBTQ+ presence.
The beach is more secluded and requires a short walk to reach, which contributes to its relaxed atmosphere.
See our full guide: Sandy Bay LGBTQ+ Guide
Other Popular Beaches
Other beaches often visited by the LGBTQ+ community include:
- Camps Bay Beach
- Sea Point Pavilion
- Clifton 1st and 2nd beaches
See our full guide: Cape Town LGBTQ+ Friendly Beaches Guide
Drag Shows and LGBTQ+ Entertainment
Cape Town has a growing drag and queer performance scene.
Zero021 Social Club
A well-known drag dinner venue located in District Six.
Guests can enjoy themed drag shows alongside burgers and cocktails.
See their listing here: Zero021 Social Club
Crew Bar
A popular LGBTQ venue in De Waterkant hosting regular drag performances, themed parties, and community events.
Crew Bar is one of the main nightlife venues in Cape Town’s LGBTQ district.
See their listing here: Crew Bar
LGBTQ+ Nightlife in Cape Town
Cape Town’s LGBTQ+ nightlife is centred around De Waterkant, a neighbourhood close to the city centre and Green Point.
Popular venues include:
Many venues host regular themed nights, drag performances, and social gatherings.
See our full guide: Cape Town LGBTQ Nightlife Guide
Cape Town Pride
Cape Town Pride is one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Africa.
The Pride season usually takes place between February and March and includes:
- the Pride Parade
- Pride Village festival
- drag shows and parties
- community events across the city
Pride brings together local organisations, activists, businesses, and visitors from around the world.
See our full guide: Cape Town Pride Guide
LGBTQ+ Social Spaces in the City
Beyond organised events and nightlife, many LGBTQ+ people in Cape Town regularly gather in public social spaces.
Sea Point Promenade
The promenade along the Atlantic coastline is one of the most popular social areas in the city.
People gather here for:
- jogging and cycling
- sunset walks
- outdoor workouts
- meeting friends before going out in De Waterkant
De Waterkant
Often described as Cape Town’s historic LGBTQ+ neighbourhood.
The area contains:
- LGBTQ+ bars and restaurants
- boutique hotels
- cafés and cocktail bars
It remains one of the most visible LGBTQ+ districts in the city.
Tips for LGBTQ+ Travellers Visiting Cape Town
Best time to visit
The summer season from November to March offers the best weather for beaches, hiking, and outdoor events.
Outdoor culture
Cape Town’s LGBTQ+ community is strongly connected to outdoor activities. Hiking groups, running clubs, and beach gatherings are common ways to meet people.
Pride season
If you want to experience the city’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations, plan a visit during Cape Town Pride.
LGBTQ+ Cape Town at a Glance
Cape Town offers one of the most diverse LGBTQ+ experiences in the Southern Hemisphere. The city combines an active queer community with dramatic natural landscapes, vibrant nightlife, and a growing cultural scene.
Whether you’re hiking up Lion’s Head, kayaking along the Atlantic coast, relaxing on Clifton Beach, or enjoying a drag show in De Waterkant, there are many ways to experience the city through its LGBTQ+ community.
FAQs About LGBTQ+ Activities in Cape Town
What are the best LGBTQ+ things to do in Cape Town?
Popular activities include visiting LGBTQ-friendly beaches, exploring De Waterkant nightlife, attending drag shows, hiking Lion’s Head, and joining social events around the Sea Point Promenade.
Where do LGBTQ+ people go out in Cape Town?
Most LGBTQ+ nightlife is centred around De Waterkant, with venues such as Crew Bar, Café Manhattan, and Pink Candy hosting regular events and drag performances.
Are there LGBTQ+ tours in Cape Town?
Yes. Several tour companies offer experiences designed for LGBTQ+ travellers, including private city tours, wine tours, and nature excursions around the Western Cape.
What outdoor activities are popular with the LGBTQ+ community in Cape Town?
Hiking, running along the Sea Point Promenade, beach gatherings, and ocean kayaking are all popular activities among locals and visiting travellers.