Gay Cape Town Cape Town City Guide City Guides > South Africa > Gay Cape Town Cape Town Casey SiemaskoCape Town is—in one word—ravishing. For starters, the city is flanked in natural wonders, from the crown-jewel that is Table Mountain National Park to the arresting coastline and its powdery white sand beaches. Then there's the noteworthy art and design scene, a testament to the innovative spirit of Capetonians—and a reflection of the melting pot of cultures coexisting within the city. Cape Town's culinary scene follows suit, with top-rated restaurants fusing global influences with home-grown South African flavours. That's not to say Cape Town isn’t without problems. Yes, the crime rate is high, and the economic disparity noticeable. But as this pulsating city continues to reinvent itself, discerning gay travellers can expect an urban getaway that brilliantly blends design-savvy businesses with stunning panoramas. Gay marriage is legal in South Africa, and gay travellers are unlikely to experience discrimination while travelling throughout the Mother City. De Waterkant is Cape Town's buzzing gay neighbourhood, an oasis of sleek gay bars and clubs—of which we've highlighted the best below. Now, let’s dive into your ultimate gay Cape Town travel guide. Feel like getting away? Take a trip planned just for you, and let us do all the work. Discover Trip Design Hotels Things to do Things to see Food & Drink Shopping Nightlife Trip Design The best hotels in Cape TownLocated inside the reimagined grain elevator of a historic silo complex, everything about The Silo Hotel exudes personality and style. Renowned design firm Heatherwick Studio remodelled the facade of the building, which included the creation of the ingenious multi-faceted geometric glass windows (especially extraordinary when seen piercing the night sky with their warm glow.) Inside, owner and art enthusiast Liz Biden personally curated the decor and artwork to showcase some of Africa’s most exciting contemporary artists—all while respecting the time-honoured past of the historic building. The result is a brilliant blend of old and new, evident in details like the bright, whimsical paintings that lie alongside original grain hoppers and lavish bespoke furniture that juxtaposes the more rigid industrialist architecture. Another locale playing a starring role in Cape Town’s contemporary design hotel scene is Compass House. The style is decidedly refined with minimalist decor inspired by a melange of Mediterranean, African, and Asian influences. The colour palette skews towards neutrals, a smart move that allows the scintillating blue of Bantry Bay to take centre stage. From its prized cliffside vantage point, enjoy uninterrupted sea views from the refreshing infinity pool as well as many of the spacious suites. The shared balcony is an added bonus and makes for an ideal spot to end the day with a sundowner. The Silo Hotel | Photo: Mark Williams The colour palette at The Compass House skews towards neutrals, a smart move that allows the scintillating blue of Bantry Bay to take centre stageThank you for reading Mr Hudson.Subscribe to City Guides or log in to continue reading. Subscribe now Log inSpecial SelectionExclusive Mr Hudson offersOut now from gestaltenMr Hudson Explores Browse the BookExplore more The top 10 gay beaches outside the USAFor flirtatious tanning sessions, sundown volleyball romps and skinny dipping in good company, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place than a gay beach. Like international waters, the best gay beaches are all about inclusion and socialising in idyllic surrounds. Read story > Between Lagoon and Sky: French Polynesia's Most Sublime EscapesExplore the essence of French Polynesia, where turquoise lagoons meet boundless skies and luxury is defined by unforgettable moments. From serene mornings in overwater villas to private motu picnics and twilight lagoon tours, this expert guide reveals the country’s most exquisite escapes and experiences. Read story > The best weekend trips from San Francisco for gay travellersAs captivating as coastal California can be, it isn’t your only option for weekend getaways from San Francisco. Discover the best way to spend a weekend around gay California, including Sonoma wine tastings, Lake Tahoe trails and Yosemite views along the way. Read story > Subscribe to our newsletterYou can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Discover the world's most exquisite escapes JOIN THE CLUBJoin Mr Hudson's inner circle for curated luxury travel experiences, exclusive perks, and insider access