Cape Town - For visitors who are out and proud, and looking for a city that embraces this freedom, Cape Town is where it’s at for a weekend of ‘fabulous’.
Cape Town Tourism’s Hello Weekend is an online diary that helps visitors decide what to do with a weekend in Cape Town.
Until the end of August the weekends come with excellent package deals including flights, accommodation and car hire (for domestic travellers only).
Starting at R3 624 (ex VAT, per person sharing until end of July 2015) the Out in Cape Town weekend is in the diary for 17 - 19 July http://helloweekend.capetown/weekend/out-in-cape-town-weekend/ but can be enjoyed at any time.
This special weekend itinerary dishes up entertainment, outdoor fun and relaxation. Hang out in the unofficial Pink District; De Waterkant - where you can feast on fine food, socialise over drinks, dance the night away or catch a sizzling drag show.
Balance the urban adventure with some leisure time in the Winelands and soak up a soothing massage at one of the many world class spas.
Here are some more ideas on how to spend your Out in Cape Town Hello Weekend.
Lunch at Café Manhattan De Waterkant
Industrial chic meets Wild West at the iconic Café Manhattan, located in the heart of De Waterkant Village. Whether your intention is a quick bite to eat, a cheeky afternoon cocktail on the terrace or a late night rendezvous in the bar, at this welcoming venue anything could happen... Saddle up and take a ride!
www.manhattan.co.za
Bar hopping De Waterkant
De Waterkant Village, wedged between the central city and Green Point, has a unique charm of its own. The affluent neighbourhood of semi-detached quaint cottages and cobbled streets lined with chic cafés and clubs has given rise to avant-garde, urban culture. Plot a course from bar to café, to club - and back - for a night filled with cocktails, tapas and gorgeous people.
The Pink Rose Guesthouse and Spa Somerset West
If you want a relaxing, luxurious environment book your stay at the Pink Rose Guesthouse & Spa - the first gay men-only B&B in Somerset West, just twenty minutes’ drive from Cape Town International Airport. This is the ideal location to explore the Cape and surrounds, or you can choose to lay low with a steamy sauna, Jacuzzi and professional masseur at your disposal.
www.pinkroseguesthouse.com
Brawn and burgers Green Point
Think sequins, six packs and sensational food – this is what’s in store at Beefcakes, where meaty dishes are not just on the menu. Part 50s diner, part dinner theatre, Beefcakes serves up one-of-a-kind nights of hot bods and drag queens in a chic camp setting. Try the Chilli on the Willy burger and wash it down with a Sex in the City cosmo.
www.beefcakes.co.za
Shopping V&A Waterfront
If fashion is your thing, or you need some serious retail therapy, then you can shop up a storm at the V&A Waterfront with more than 450 stores trading in everything from fashion and jewellery to crafts. Opened in October 2014, the Watershed is the V&A Waterfront’s newest addition with over 150 stalls selling more than 365 brands – from ceramics, furniture and textiles, to fashion and jewellery.
www.waterfront.co.za
Winelands Tour Franschhoek and Stellenbosch
In the mood to quaff some fine vintages? Then take one of Cape Town Gay Tours’ bespoke Winelands tours through the premier wine-producing regions of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. This full day excursion includes hotel transfers and wine tastings at four vineyards, including a cellar tour... and if you’re feeling really indulgent, do the tour in rock-star style with a helicopter.
www.capetowngaytours.com
Adapted from a press release for IOL