Cape Town scores a fabulous double on Time Out’s greatest queer venues list

Cape Town has done it again. As if bagging titles for breathtaking beauty, world-class food and an arts scene that refuses to quit wasn’t enough, the Mother City has now sashayed onto another global stage.

This time, it’s with not one but two venues featured on Time Out Global’s brand-new list of the World’s Greatest Queer Venues. That’s right. Two local legends. One seriously fabulous city.

If there was ever proof that Cape Town knows how to throw a party with heart, history and a killer soundtrack, this is it.

The stars of the show? Cafe Manhattan and The Pink Candy Night Club, both proudly flying the rainbow flag in De Waterkant, arguably the city’s most colourful neighbourhood.

The jury has spoken

“Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard has long been at the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ community, with the neighbouring suburbs of De Waterkant, Green Point and Sea Point forming the unofficial LGBTQ+ hub of Cape Town. 

“Our favourites are Manhattans, one of Cape Town’s most established LGBTQ+ venues, combining a restaurant, cocktail bar and late-night social hub in the heart of De Waterkant; and The Pink Candy Nightclub, a longstanding institution known for drag performances, themed events and an energetic dance floor.

“Time Out Market Cape Town also hosts a regular drag night, Night of the Queens, with electrifying energy, outrageous looks and a celebration of bold self-expression.” - Selene Brophy, Time Out South Africa.

Cafe Manhattan: The icon that never goes out of style 

Some places are trendy. Others become institutions. Cafe Manhattan falls firmly into the latter category.

Open since 1994, it’s far more than a restaurant or cocktail bar. It’s widely regarded as Africa’s oldest queer bar, having welcomed generations of locals, tourists and everyone in between long before rainbow branding became a marketing strategy.

By day, you’ll find people lingering over burgers, steaks and cocktails on its sunny terrace. By night, things dial up a notch with drag-hosted quiz nights, themed events, live entertainment and plenty of laughter spilling onto Waterkant Street.

Pink Candy is where bedtime goes to die 

If Cafe Manhattan is the warm-up act, Pink Candy is where the glitter cannon explodes.

This long-running nightclub has earned its reputation as one of Cape Town’s favourite queer dance floors, serving high-energy weekends packed with drag performances, themed parties, DJs and a crowd that understands the assignment.

Forget standing awkwardly in the corner clutching your drink. Pink Candy practically dares you not to dance. Time Out singled it out for its electric atmosphere and unforgettable drag shows, recognising it as one of the venues helping shape queer nightlife around the world.

Other notable mentions

“The (costume) jewel in the crown of Dalston’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, Superstore has been a chaotic, colourful haven for east London’s fun-loving queers since 2009.” - Rosie Hewitson, Things To Do editor, Time Out London.

“HORN is closer to a Berlin bunker than a standard Bangkok bar, with cutting-edge techno and a crowd that’s here for the beat.” - Kaweewat Siwanartwong, Time Out Bangkok.

More than nightlife

The recognition isn’t based on cocktails and choreography. These spaces have become important community hubs, offering welcoming environments where people can celebrate who they are without apology. 

Over the decades, they’ve provided safe spaces, lifelong friendships and countless unforgettable memories.

That’s something no awards list can fully capture.

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