Gay Cape Town · De Waterkant / Green Point
Gay De Waterkant: Cape Town’s LGBTQ+ quarter
De Waterkant, on the slopes above the V&A Waterfront, is the gay village of Cape Town — the centre of LGBTQ+ life in what is widely seen as the most welcoming city in Africa. South Africa was the first country on the continent to legalise same-sex marriage, and the cluster of bars and cafés around Somerset Road is its social hub.
Yes — De Waterkant, around Somerset Road, is the heart of gay Cape Town, in the first African country to legalise same-sex marriage (2006).
The story
South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution was the first in the world to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in 2006 the country became the first in Africa — and fifth in the world — to legalise same-sex marriage. De Waterkant, a pretty quarter of restored cottages between the city centre and Green Point, developed into Cape Town’s gay village, with the scene clustering on Somerset Road.
The scene
The scene centres on Somerset Road and the lanes of De Waterkant, a compact, walkable run of bars, clubs and cafés near the Cape Quarter. It’s relaxed and stylish, busy at weekends, and within easy reach of the V&A Waterfront and the city beaches.
- Somerset Road — the main strip of bars and clubs
- The cafés and shops of the Cape Quarter in De Waterkant
- The nearby V&A Waterfront and Green Point
- Cape Town Pride events (summer)
Where to stay in De Waterkant
De Waterkant and Green Point are central, walkable to the Waterfront and the city, and the heart of the scene; they’re among the most convenient and pleasant bases in Cape Town.
Pride & events
Cape Town Pride is held in summer (around February/March); the city also hosts the long-running MCQP (Mother City Queer Project) costume party in December.
Know before you go
- South Africa has had same-sex marriage since 2006 — the first in Africa — and Cape Town is the continent’s most LGBTQ+-welcoming city.
- De Waterkant and Green Point are the walkable hub, a short ride from the Waterfront and beaches.
- Cape Town has higher general crime than European cities — use normal big-city precautions, keep valuables low-key and use ride-hailing or metered taxis at night.
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Plan my trip — freeGay De Waterkant FAQs
Is De Waterkant gay friendly?
Very — it’s the heart of gay Cape Town, in the first African country to legalise same-sex marriage (2006), with the scene around Somerset Road.
Where is the gay area in Cape Town?
De Waterkant, around Somerset Road near Green Point and the V&A Waterfront, with the main concentration of gay bars and clubs.
Is Cape Town safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?
Cape Town is the most LGBTQ+-welcoming city in Africa, with strong legal protections, but it has higher general crime than European cities — use normal precautions and ride-hailing at night.
Is De Waterkant a good area to stay in Cape Town?
Yes — it’s central and walkable to the Waterfront and the city, and the heart of the gay scene.
Bars and venues open, close and change — verify before you go. Laws and attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people vary and can change; always check current local law and your government’s travel advice. Some links are affiliate links; Wavvia may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.