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Less FOMO, more Homo*
*generally just more LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ Travel Guides, Gay Bars & Hotels Worldwide
Welcome to GayMapper, an LGBTQ+ travel and lifestyle resource helping gay travellers discover the best gay bars, clubs, hotels, beaches and nightlife around the world. From iconic destinations like London, Berlin and Los Angeles to hidden gems across Europe and beyond,
GayMapper provides curated travel guides, hotel recommendations and local insights to help you plan unforgettable trips. Whether you are searching for gay-friendly hotels, LGBTQ+ nightlife, cruising spots or travel and tour inspiration, GayMapper makes it easy to explore confidently and connect with vibrant queer communities worldwide.
Our favourite LGBTQ+ destinations
Check out the GayMapper gay guides for the most popular LGBTQ+ holiday destinations worldwide
The gay scene of New Orleans is centred on its bars and clubs, where people from across the community can come together and enjoy a night with friends. The city is home to a legendary live music scene as well so you can expect loud gigs and wild dancefloors alongside more traditional watering holes. In keeping with the spirit of the city, most places are mixed, so LGBTQ+ spaces welcome allies and you can find a sizeable queer crowd wherever you go. The best-known bars are in the French Quarter, right next door to the lively Bourbon Street.
The range of gay nightlife in Toronto is wonderfully eclectic, drawing people from across the spectrum of ages, genders, and orientations. The majority of nightlife venues can be found at the intersection of Church Street and Wellesley street where the atmosphere is buzzing and the bars and clubs host something for everyone every night of the week. Most of the venues here are also super popular destinations for drag shows, so head here for a classically camp night out. Meanwhile in the Queer West Village you can find edgier queer friendly bars offering something a little bit different.
London has a huge variety of gay and gay friendly bars and clubs that cater to a whole range of identities. However, if you don't want to choose a night out based on your identity, then you can explore based on the vibe of different areas and the crowds they attract. The infamous Soho is known for its restaurants and London's most popular gay bars, while Vauxhall is known for its parties and the East End attracts a more hipster crowd. There are many legendary bars and clubs across London that you'll love exploring.
Boston caters to its large LGBTQ+ population with a variety of queer venues focused on the South End and Jamaica Plain areas, from classic neighbourhood pubs to clubs to more relaxed lounges. These are spaces for the queer community to gather but they draw a mixed crowd of allies as well, such is the widely accepting nature of the Boston community. Many of the mainstream nightlife venues host LGBTQ+ friendly and themed nights, so you'll be welcome and find your crowd absolutely anywhere you choose to spend your night.
Copenhagen gay nightlife is focussed on bars rather than clubs, but with various places to choose from, and many located on the streets around the Rådhuspladsen (Town Hall Square), especially Studiestræde, it's easy to find somewhere you like. There are also gay friendly options in the developing Meat Packing district, near the Central Station.
Provincetown may be small but it's bursting with pubs, clubs, and all sorts of great places to spend a night. The huge local LGBTQ+ community keeps the nightlife scene lively, but when tourists come to town it gains a new kind of energy. If you're looking for somewhere to let go and dance like no-one's watching, there are several clubs where the focus is all on the dance floor. There are also areas with a more upmarket feel, where you can find quieter spaces for cocktails and sunny afternoon teas.
The gay bars in Palm Springs are cool, modern, and open, reflecting the culture of the city as a whole. While most tourists here are focused on the sun and daytime fun, there's a thriving nightlife scene to enjoy as well if that's more your thing. In true Palm Springs spirit, there's a place for everyone, whether you're looking for a quick drink, a lively dance floor, a camp and sassy drag show, or even a holiday hook up. Gay venues can be found anywhere in the city, but most are concentrated in the unofficial LGBTQ+ area of Arenas Road.
Oak Lawn is the best place in Dallas to hang out with a mixed crowd of LGBTQ+ people. There are plenty of nightlife options in this gaybourhood, including the largest lesbian bar in the country right next door to a host of other bars and clubs that all have different atmospheres and themes. Everything you need for the perfect night out is located in this queer hub, but if you want to venture out and explore the rest of the city, you'll find queer friendly venues there as well.
There are plenty of places for a drink here in Vancouver at any time of the day, particularly in the queer areas. The main gay scene on Davie Street may be small but its packed full of energy and has a thriving nightlife. There’s always a party and a dance floor waiting for you every night of the week. If late nights aren’t so much your thing, then day drinking and people watching are also popular pastimes here, so you’ll find a number of bars and pubs with their patios open for a social drink during the day.
The majority of Barcelona's gay bars and clubs can be found in the Eixample and Gracia districts. As is typical in Spain, they tend to get busy around midnight, when every possible type of crowd comes together to enjoy the uniquely fabulous bubble that is the gay village. Visitors are made to feel at home here, and you'll be surrounded by friendly locals who delight in sharing this amazing place and its diverse range of nightlife spots. From casual café bars to more lively fetish clubs, everywhere you go you'll find the same outgoing and welcoming Latin attitude.
While you'll struggle to find a Lisbon bar that doesn't welcome LGBTQ+ travellers, most of the dedicated gay bars can be found in the neighbouring areas of Principe Real and Bairro Alto. The street at the heart of it is Bairro Alto where you'll find crowds of gays hanging out and drinking in the street late at night, since bars and clubs here are busiest around midnight and the early hours. These atmospheric streets come to life after dark, letting you party till morning and explore a diverse range of venues from traditional pubs to decidedly more modern cruise clubs.
Frankfurt has a queer neighbourhood known as the Bermuda Triangle, apparently as many people have disappeared there for many hours - bars can stay open 24 hours in Frankfurt, so it's easy to lose track of time! Head towards Alte Gasse in the Innenstadt for a number of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs.
San Francisco’s gay nightlife scene has come a long way from the first dark and secretive club that opened in 1908. This was the start of a boom in queer culture, which is now centred on the Castro neighbourhood and its varied venues. You can find dozens of nightlife spots packed together in Castro, newer clubs and festivals in SoMa, a huge leather scene, and an iconic drag club owned by the best-known queen in the city. For a loud and camp night out or a more relaxed hangout, you can find your place in San Francisco.
As a top spring break destination and super lively city, there's always a party going on in Fort Lauderdale. Bars and clubs throughout the city welcome the large local queer crowd, but if you're looking for spaces dedicated to loud and proud nights out, then head to Wilton Manors. This iconic neighbourhood is central to the Fort Lauderdale gay scene, offering a range of venues to cater to all tastes. Whether you're looking for a night on the leather and fetish scene, a stylish cocktail, or a more classic bar, you'll find the place for you.
You’ll find most of Seattle’s gay nightlife in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood, where most of the community gather. Head out and explore the neighbourhood’s variety of bars, clubs, and pubs where friendly locals get together and where new faces are welcomed. Most places are open until 2am so you can lose yourself in the atmosphere and dance the night away in some of the best gay clubs in the area. Each club has a different vibe, from strict 21+ spaces to classic pubs that draw mixed crowds, but everything is central, so you don’t have to choose just one!
Gay nightlife in Gran Canaria is centred around the Yumbo Centre in Playa del Ingles. A family shopping centre by day that become a gay mecca at night, with dozens of gay bars, dance clubs and cruising clubs to choose from. You can also find a number of drag and cabaret bars, which are a great way to start the evening, as is typical in Spain, bars tend to get busier later on in the evening, with clubs not opening until the early hours. There are other gay venues around town, with some in the Cita Centre, and others down on the beach.
The gay life in Cologne is centred around two main areas of the city, Rudolfplatz and Heumarkt (or the Old Town.) Heumarkt has had gay venues for many years, and as such attracts a somewhat older crowd than in the area around Rudolfplatz. There are many gay bars and clubs to choose from, depending on your mood or tribe. If you're new to town or just visiting, a bar crawl across an evening or two is definitely a good way to start. Check out our listings below of all gay venues in Cologne, Germany and choose where you'll start!
There are plenty of interesting places across Montreal where you can spend an evening, but if you're looking for a particularly fabulous bar or club then Montreal's Gay Village is the place to go. It's of the largest of its kind in North America, with more venues opening in recent years to cater to the whole LGBTQ+ community. From drag shows and karaoke to drinks in atmospheric rooftop bars, everything you need for a great gay night can be found here, in a place that's full of personality and known for a progressive atmosphere.
LGBTQ nightlife in Los Angeles is incredibly diverse and offers something for everyone. Whether you want to check out the multitude of best-known hotspots in West Hollywood, explore the historic Silver Lake area, or feel the energy of Downtown LA, there's something for everyone no matter what type of night out you're looking for. The gay scene in each area of the city has a unique feel, from the variety of venues offered in Downtown to the cool and artsy buzz of Venice. From stylish bars to kinky clubs, you're spoiled for choice.
On Key West you'll find an amazing number of gay bars and clubs packed onto such a small island. Even the places that aren't specifically catered to the LGBTQ+ community have a super inclusive atmosphere, so you have plenty of destinations to choose from as a queer traveller. There's something for every interest, from fine wine and pool parties to leather clad men and drag queens. Drink and dance the night away at bars that are open till late, find parties in full swing out on the beach, or take advantage of night-time fun at one of many gay resorts.
Featured gay friendly hotels worldwide
GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation in gay destinations around the world, which are in preferred locations and are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. Grab a great deal on your hotel stay when you book via GayMapper!
4.5* Vibe Hotel Sydney
Sydney
Vibe Hotel is located in Sydney CBD (Central Business District), just 5 minutes' walk from the gay life and popular shopping and dining options on Oxford Street. It features a swimming pool, sauna and fitness centre. Free WiFi is available at the property.
All rooms at Hotel Vibe are air conditioned, and come with satellite TV. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided. The en suite bathroom includes a bathtub, shower and hairdryer.
Guests can take a dip in the hotel's rooftop pool or stay in shape at the well-equipped fitness centre. Dry cleaning and airport transfers are available upon request.
Fino Par offers an extensive a la carte menu featuring Mediterranean specialities for lunch and dinner, along with local beers and wines.
Vibe Sydney is situated in the city's shopping and entertainment district. Hyde Park is just 3 minutes' walk. Darling Harbour and the iconic Sydney Opera House are each a 30-minute walk away.
4* Hotel Indigo
Glasgow
Boutique hotel in Glasgow city centre, with a stylish restaurant and bar, Hotel Indigo Glasgow offers boutique rooms with free Wi-Fi and luxury bathrooms. In Glasgow centre, the hotel is just 500 m from Glasgow Central Station, and down the road from Scotland's oldest gay bar, The Waterloo.
The sumptuous bedrooms each have a flat-screen TV and quality Egyptian linens. Rooms also feature a minibar and air conditioning, and the impressive bathrooms have fluffy robes and free toiletries.
Situated in Glasgow's Business District, Hotel Indigo is a 10-minute walk from the Gallery of Modern Art. Glasgow Science Centre is 2.4 km away, and Glasgow Cathedral is a 25-minute walk away. Guests can also benefit from an exclusive 25% discount on parking rates at Glasgow Q Park.
Set in a grand Victorian building, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar and Grill serves a creative menu in elegant surroundings. The vibrant bar offers fine wines and light snacks, and fresh breakfasts are served daily.
5* Waldorf Astoria Bev. Hills
Los Angeles
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills features a restaurant, rooftop outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and bar, steps away from Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles. GayMapper particularly likes the complimentary house car service which will deliver you to your favourite West Hollywood gay bar in a Rolls Royce.
Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking is available on site.
Guests at the hotel can enjoy an American breakfast.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills offers a terrace.
The property has a hairdresser's and business centre.
Petersen Automotive Museum is 5 km from the accommodation, while Sunset Strip is 5 km away. The nearest airport is Los Angeles International Airport, 19 km from Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.
4* Conrad Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale
The Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach offers 5-star luxury rooms, suites and residences with sweeping panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and upscale services and amenities such as a restaurant, a fitness centre and a bar. This welcoming, gay friendly 4-star resort offers room service and an ATM. The resort has an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and a 24-hour front desk.
Guests at the resort can enjoy a continental breakfast.
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach offers a sun terrace. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Fort Lauderdale, like cycling.
Popular points of interest near Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach include City of Fort Lauderdale Las Olas Marina, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens and International Swimming Hall of Fame. The nearest airport is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 8 km from the resort.
4* W Dallas - Victory
Dallas
This upscale boutique hotel is located in the Victory Park district of Dallas, Texas. A rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and 24-hour concierge service are featured on location.
The modern, stylish guest rooms at W Dallas Victory offer a 32-inch flat-screen TV, a mini bar and a snack box. The bathrooms have an overhead shower head and complimentary designer toiletries.
Guests can get an effective workout in the 3,000 square-foot fitness centre, followed by a relaxing steam at on-site Bliss Spa. A business centre with computers, fax and copy services is also available on-site. Complimentary car service is offered by request and upon availability.
Cook Hall, W Hotel Dallas's gastro-pub serves classic American fare in a casual environment. Guests can indulge in cocktails, beer, wine and music at Living Room Bar.
American Airlines Center and Perot Museum are each within less than 1.6 km of W Dallas.
3* Holiday Inn Times Square
New York City
Holiday Inn New York - Times Square South offers accommodation in Midtown Manhattan, 400 m from the Theater District.
Rooms include a flat-screen TV. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a bath or shower and free toiletries.
Times Square is 500 m from Holiday Inn New York - Times Square, while Madison Square Garden is 500 m away. The nearest airport is La Guardia Airport, 10 km from Holiday Inn New York - Times Square South.
3* Beverly Terrace
Los Angeles
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, California, just 2.4 km from Rodeo Drive, this hotel offers free WiFi and an on-site restaurant. A free continental breakfast buffet is offered every morning at the property.
A cable TV is featured in each room at Hotel Beverly Terrace. Guest rooms include custom designed furniture and modern decor. Comfortably furnished in neutral colours, each room provides a refrigerator and free toiletries in an en suite bathroom.
At Hotel Beverly Terrace California, Cafe Amici offers authentic Italian fare. Guests can dine on the private patio complete with garden views. Lunch and dinner is offered.
Hotel Beverly Terrace has easy access to the 405, 10, and 101 freeways. The hotel is 25 minutes' drive from LAX and Burbank Airports.
4* Melia Sitges
Sitges
Melia Sitges is set in a quiet area of Sitges, just 3 minutes' walk from the clothing optional Balmins beach, which is very popular with the gay crowd. The hotel features a stylish garden with an outdoor pool, and a restaurant with a terrace.
The Melia Sitges is 5 minutes' walk from Aiguadolc Marina and 15 minutes' walk from the gay bars in the lively town centre. It is a 20-minute walk to the train station, which connects you with central Barcelona in just 40 minutes.
The air-conditioned rooms at the Melia feature modern, minimalist decor. Each one has a pillow menu and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
The Bistrot Saffron restaurant serves modern Mediterranean food. There is also a stylish cocktail bar with modern seats in the garden.
Featured gay bars and clubs worldwide
GayMapper has details of hundreds of gay bars, gay clubs and gay cruising bars in the most popular gay destinations around the world. Here is just a small selection of favourite gay venues. Do you have a favourite? Let us know and we can feature it!
Parthenon
Torremolinos
One of the longest running gay nightclubs in Torremolinos, Parthenon is in the heart of La Nogalera and is popular with locals as well as visitors. Known for its good looking bar men with great service and a welcoming atmosphere, Parthenon is a favourite choice. Music is current and dancing encouraged, with occasional drag and cabaret shows too.
The Page Bar
New Orleans
The Page is the number one Black owned gay bar in New Orleans, providing a truly inclusive atmosphere. This is the perfect place to hang out after work and stay late into the night for strong drinks and daily happy hours. The bar attracts a welcoming crowd of locals who come here for reliably good music and delicious craft cocktails, so if you want a true taste of diverse New Orleans culture, The Page is the place to go.
Cafe Wien
Gran Canaria
Legendary on the Gran Canaria gay scene, Cafe Wien is best known as the pit-stop for weary beach goers heading home after a day on the sands. Located on the terrace on the top floor at the back of the Cita Centre and only open in the afternoons, you'll find a warm gay-friendly welcome, along with a chiller full of delicious German type cakes. Often very busy, but it's worth the wait for some of the best cakes in the resort.
Garden of Eden
Key West
Hidden away on the rooftop of the Bull and Whistle Bar on Duval Street, Garden of Eden is the clothing-optional bar in the area. You'll find all sorts of clientele here, gay and straight, young and old, all preferring to relax in the nude. It's also the city's only 3rd story rooftop bar, offering fantastic views from the open rooftop, sun chair, and a super laid-back atmosphere. There's a DJ nightly and the crowd is always up for a good time, with or without clothing...
Good Friends Bar
New Orleans
Good Friends Bar is located in the lively French Quarter, surrounded by other gay bars and in the heart of the scene. This traditional yet quirky venue is designed for a quieter night out, serving classic drinks at unbeatable prices in a charmingly old-fashioned space. Downstairs there is a solid mahogany bar, brick fireplace, pool tables, and a host of unique decor, while upstairs you'll find the Queen's Head Pub offering an intimate Victorian atmosphere.
Capture Bar
Berlin
Popular bar in Friedrichshain. According to the owner the glamourest Gay Bar in Berlin. Close by the many bars and restaurants on Simon Dach Strasse, with a great soundtrack for your evening. Especially busy on weekend evenings.
The Iron Bear
Austin
As the name suggests, The Iron Bear is primarily a place for Austin's bear community, but its doors are open to anyone. It's a space to relax and make friends with no drama or attitude, as laid-back staff create a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy cold beer on tap and chat with butch guys at the bar or join the (often topless) crowds on the dance floor. Live DJs make sure there's always something going on for you to enjoy
Rauschgold
Berlin
Rauschgold - the bar where the night never ends. We have been around in the middle of Berlin Kreuzberg since 2005. Everyone is welcome. We are open for you daily from 8:00 p.m. Regular events, shows and karaoke. Naturally suitable music from Berlin DJs, delicious drinks, a great team and a cozy location make the gold into your living room in Berlin Kreuzberg. Come over, celebrate with us! We look forward to you.
Newtown Hotel
Sydney
Newtown Hotel is a hipster bar that's popular with the queer community thanks to weekly drag shows. The bar has an indie vibe complete with pool tables, cheap but delicious cocktails, and fun trivia nights. This hotel itself is one of the most iconic venues in the city, and it has been welcoming a diverse clientele for years.
Sixta
Madrid
Located in the popular La Latina neighbourhood, Sixta Bar attracts a truly mixed crowd. It's a favourite hangout spot for both gay guys and lesbians, people of all ages, and a completely attitude-free crowd. The bar combines a unique decor with a casual atmosphere and a soundtrack of the greatest hits. Drinks are reasonably priced as well, fuelling plenty of dancing and a brilliant night out.
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