Camp crawling through De Waterkant's nightlife

Welcome to Africa's gay capital

De Waterkant is a leafy suburb, often compared with New York's Greenwich Village, and is only a stone’s throw away from the city centre. It boasts a unique village atmosphere during the day, amplified by popular Cape Quarter restaurants and shopping spots. At night, however, Cape Town's 'gaybourhood' is alive with energy. It's where the hedonists, the diverse, the multi-cultural and the multi-sexual come out to play. 

We at CapeTownMagazine.com took a camp crawl through the cream of Cape Town's pink village, to arm you with enough know-how to dance, sing and drag your way into Cape Town's gay and lesbian crowd.

Crew
The Crew combines a stylish interior and good looking bartenders with some of the best music in CT; their front and back open interiors, spacious dance floor and VIP areas give one more than enough freedom to enjoy the night in true style and comfort.
30 Napier Street | De Waterkant | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 418 0118

Amsterdam Action Bar
A one-of-a-kind venue where no rules apply and playful possibilities await around every corner. This men’s-only bar in the heart of Cape Town’s thrilling gay village combines all there is to love about its namesake with Cape Town’s own refreshing take. With a cruise floor and lounge on the first floor and a bar on the ground floor, Amsterdam Bar is also perfectly set up for events and functions.
10-12 Coburn Street | De Waterkant | Cape Town | +27 (0)83 626 4615

Bubbles Bar
There are plenty of De Waterkant venues that offer drag nights, but Bubbles is the first to make them their forte. Join Lola Lou, her sparkly dresses and her gorgeous drag family at this speak-easy bar in the Pink Village. Odidiva heads up 'Disco Divas' – a cabaret show bound to have your toes tapping to Ce Ce Peniston's, Finally. Life's not worth a damn, until you've been to Bubbles Bar.
125a Waterkant Street | De Waterkant | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 801 0501

The Venue
For those who wish to escape some of the more raucous parties – but are still looking for a great night out, the Venue adds some welcome diversity. With a fantastic view of the Table Mountain from the outside balcony and a two storey window offering a perfect cityscape, the Venue is the perfect setting for a cocktail or sundowner.
24 Napier Street | De Waterkant | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 425 1782

Café Manhattan
Somewhat of an institution in the pink village, Manhattan’s is as much restaurant as watering hole. Indulge in monstrous burgers and sumptuous desserts, such as their delectable baked cheesecake, served up by a friendly staff. Then, head outside to their terrace, to sip on an African Queen cocktail and listen to the occasional live music.
74 Waterkant Street | De Waterkant | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 421 6666

Hot House
Get your pulse racing at this scandalous, European-style steam bathhouse venue in the heart of Cape Town’s gay village. After more than 11 years, The HotHouse is still up and running. The staff and management of the HotHouse are dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle for men in a clean environment. Facilities include a sauna, steam room, maze, dark room and many more surprises.
18 Jarvis Street| De Waterkant| Cape Town| +27 (0)21 418 3888 

Beaulah Bar
This loungy local for lesbians (and gays) may look quite sterile from the street, but inside, the meet and greet spot that’s become synonymous with girl power is anything but boring. A bigger, better bar area, a comfortable and cushioned lounge space and a dance floor complete with a stripper pole is bound to make even the most mundane of Monday nights into some sort of tale for tomorrow.
Cnr Somerset & Cobern streets | Green Point | Cape Town | + 27 (0) 72 557 4678

Beefcakes
This American 50’s diner-style burger joint is a wildly entertaining eatery with just a touch of madness. A cheeky (tongue in) menu, huge helpings and reasonable prices means Beefcakes offers carnal satisfaction in the most satisfying way. See our Beefcakes overview
40 Somerset Rd | Greenpoint | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 425 9019

Bar Code
Cape Town’s leather, rubber, uniform  and  jeans bar has dark rooms, a maze with videos, and an outside deck; this men’s only venue has it all when it comes to an alternative side, of the alternative side. 
18 Cobern Street | Greenpoint | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 421 5305

Bronx Action Bar
Unfortunately this Cape Town institution closed its doors in February 2012 after the death of its owner. 
 
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