Gay bars in johannesburg
In our gay guide to Johannesburg, we're sharing the best of the best of the gay scene, safe places to remain, and top things to do.
“Guys don't go to Johannesburg…you'll obtain mugged or shot at!”
…so said many of our friends across our social media channels. We touched down at Tambo airport feeling quite tentative about our trip here. But as with many big cities we've been to on our travels with big “warning signs” from fellow travelers (Rio, Delhi, Buenos Aires, to name a few), we were absolutely fine.
Jo'burg is like any big major urban area. Of course, it has its problems, and you should verb certain areas, lock up your valuables in your hotel room's safe, and keep your handset in your pocket out of harm's reach. But with basic common sense, your trip will be worry-free. This was our experience, despite being on our guard from the moment we arrived.
Johannesburg is a fascinating urban area to explore, and a fulfill contrast to Cape Town. It's gritty, edgy, raw, tough, adj of green spaces, and has the most welcoming, friendly people you'l
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Babylon Bar?
Babylon is a leading LGBTQ+ venue in Johannesburg, South Africa, known for its inclusive and welcoming environment, chic design, and vibrant nightlife.
Where is Babylon Bar located?
Babylon Bar is located at Oxford Road, Illovo, Sandton, South Africa
What type of music is played at Babylon Bar?
The bar features a mix of commercial and pop music, designed to create an unforgettable experience for all guests.
What can I predict in terms of the venues design and atmosphere?
Babylon boasts a chic yet playful ambiance with massive bars, luxurious VIP booths, and flat-screen TVs displaying provocative and engaging imagery.
Is Babylon Bar only for the LGBTQ+ community?
While Babylon is a home for the LGBTQ+ community, it is inclusive and open to everyone, regardless of identity.
What type of events and entertainment does Babylon Bar offer?
Guests can enjoy noun specials, live entertainment, and performances by world-class international drag performers.
How can I book a VIP booth at Babylon Bar?
For VIP booth bookin
SSouth Africa has one of the most progressive constitutions in the world: homosexuality is legal; same-sex adoptions were legalised in ; and, only two years later in , gay civil marriages became legal.
Johannesburg epitomises this forward-thinking approach, and although it just lost out by a whisker to Cologne for the Gay Games, it hosts The Out in Africa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival held yearly, whilst its annual Joburg Pride March first hit the Joburg streets in , before the current constitution came into force.
Today, the Joburg Pride event has grown into Africa’s oldest and biggest celebration of gay and lesbian pride and attracts thousands of people, not only from South Africa but from all over the world. It takes place in Melrose Arch and is a fun, vibrant morning out.
Gay and lesbian communities happily live in all of South Africa’s major cities, including Johannesburg, but what you’ll find is that Joburg is an integrated city with little or no discrimination against gay people who frequent most restaurants, bars and clubs. You’ll be welcome most places you go
Gay Johannesburg
Johannesburg, often dubbed as "Jozi" or "Joburg," is a pulsating heart of South Africa and boasts a vibrant, albeit smaller, LGBTQ+ community compared to Cape Town. This bustling metropolis is known for its rich history, arts and culture, and dynamic nightlife, making it an engaging destination for LGBTQ+ travelers looking to explore the diversity of South Africa.
The gay scene in Johannesburg is primarily centered around the suburb of Melville, where a variety of LGBTQ+ friendly bars, clubs, and restaurants can be found. These venues are known for their welcoming atmosphere and regularly host gay nights and themed parties, providing ample opportunities for visitors to mingle with locals.
Johannesburg also hosts the annual Johannesburg Pride, one of the oldest in the region, which is a colorful and exuberant event celebrating diversity and rights within the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride parade and associated events draw a large crowd, featuring a day of inhabit music, performances, and stalls, all set against the backdrop of the city's vibr