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Less FOMO, more Homo*

*generally just more LGBTQ+

Gay travel without the guesswork

Discover handpicked hotels, the best gay bars, clubs, saunas and beaches, plus insider tips.

Some of our favourite LGBTQ+ destinations

Check out the GayMapper gay guides for the most popular LGBTQ+ holiday destinations worldwide

Boston

Boston

Boston marches on

Boston is the capital city of the first state to legalise same sex marriage, and as such it prides itself on being accessible and welcoming. This city is home to one of the largest LGBTQ+ population on the East Coast, drawn by the generally inclusive culture of even the areas that aren't exclusively queer. There are pride flags in windows across Boston, and large annual events such as Pride and the LGBT Film Festival that are dedicated to the community. Visitors also flock to follow the Freedom Trail for a taste of historical queer spaces across the city.
Sitges

Sitges

Cute seaside vibes

Sitges is a classic seaside town a stone’s throw from Barcelona where people from all over the world come to enjoy beaches and Summer sun, but it remains popular year-round thanks to its thriving gay scene. Bassa Rodona is the main gay beach where you can relax with crowds of other tourists, but there are also nude beaches such as Balmins if that’s your thing. Heading into town you’ll find picturesque streets that come to life at night, where Plaça Indústria is the hub of gay nightlife. During the day you can visit loads of boutique shops and eateries too.
Palm Springs

Palm Springs

Desert gay life

Palm Springs is widely regarded as one of the gayest cities in the world, thanks to its relaxed nature and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. Its history has a destination for the stars means that Palm Springs has always been home to diverse and modern crowds and today the city remains a safe space, louder and prouder than ever. It's diverse in every sense, with a thriving party scene for young gays (including the world's largest lesbian event), a large community of retired queer folks, an amazing amount of representation in government, and a culture where everyone is equal.
Portland

Portland

Queer indie city

Portland has a rich history of LGBTQ+ culture, with a prominent community of Two-Spirited people of the First Nations. Communities here have been embracing gender and sexuality for centuries, and the city continues to be a hub for the whole queer community. Huge pride parades have been hosted here since the beginning of the gay rights movement, and in more recent years there has been an increase in everyday celebration as well. You'll find a full calendar of performances, parties, festivals, and other events across the city that are focussed pride, plus a great selection of nightlife destinations.
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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* Late Birds Gay Urban Resort

Lisbon

4* Late Birds Gay Urban Resort

Gay Hotel, Near Gay Nightlife

The Late Birds Lisbon – Gay Urban Resort gives you something most city hotels simply can’t: a genuinely gay-focused stay right in central Lisbon, complete with a garden, pool and a sociable crowd. It’s in Bairro Alto, so the neighbourhood’s bars and late-night streets are close by, while Príncipe Real and its LGBTQ+ venues are also an easy walk. During the day, Chiado and central Lisbon are right on your doorstep. The atmosphere is friendly rather than anonymous, and the pool and lounge make it especially easy for solo travellers to meet people without needing to manufacture conversation over breakfast. GayMapper tip: one of the easiest choices if being around other gay travellers is part of the holiday rather than simply staying in a gay-friendly hotel.
3* Cape Colony Inn

Provincetown

3* Cape Colony Inn

By the Beach

Cape Colony Inn has the cheerful feel of a classic Cape Cod motel that has been given a proper freshen-up. Rooms are spacious and recently updated, while the seven-acre site gives you far more outdoor space than most accommodation closer to the centre. Summer days can revolve around the heated pool, firepit, shuffleboard, cornhole and gas grills, with complimentary breakfast, parking and beach chairs all included. The beach itself is only two blocks away, and bikes and scooters can be rented on site when walking suddenly feels too energetic. You’re towards Provincetown’s East End, around 20 minutes on foot from the busiest central stretch of Commercial Street. That makes this a particularly easygoing base if you want town within reach without sleeping right in the middle of it. GayMapper tip: A good pick if a pool, parking and plenty of outdoor space matter more than having the bars outside your door.
3* Majestic Hotel

Chicago

3* Majestic Hotel

Near Gay Nightlife, Great Value

Majestic Hotel offers a quieter alternative in Lakeview while still keeping you within reasonable reach of Northalsted’s gay bars and clubs. It occupies a residential spot east of Wrigley Field, giving the hotel a more neighbourhood feel than the busier properties around Belmont. The historic building has a cosy, traditional style rather than a sleek contemporary look, and breakfast is included. Lake Michigan and the lakefront are also nearby. You’ll have a little further to walk for the main nightlife than from City Suites or Hawthorne Terrace, but it can be a pleasant compromise if you prefer somewhere calmer. GayMapper tip: best for travellers who want Lakeview convenience without staying right in the middle of the action.
4* RiverPlace Hotel

Portland

4* RiverPlace Hotel

Boutique, City Centre

There’s a completely different pace down by the Willamette. RiverPlace Hotel sits right beside the waterfront path and marina, making it feel almost resort-like even though Downtown begins only a few blocks away. The 85 rooms and suites range from straightforward guestrooms to larger cottages with fireplaces, full kitchens and washers and dryers. PUBLIC bikes are available for exploring the riverfront, yoga mats sit in every room and guests get morning coffee followed by a hosted evening social hour. RiverPlace Kitchen + Bar keeps things suitably relaxed with waterfront dining and seasonal American food. This is the Portland choice for couples who want peaceful river walks rather than nightlife immediately outside. The annual Pride waterfront festivities also happen virtually on the doorstep. GayMapper tip: Book a river-view room or cottage if the budget allows – the water is the whole reason this location feels different from Portland’s other downtown hotels.

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!

Bar Zum Schmutzigen Hobby

Berlin

Bar Zum Schmutzigen Hobby

Dancing, Drag, Younger Crowd

Bar Zum Schmutzigen Hobby in Friedrichshain is a lively queer hotspot that blends bar, club, and performance space into one playful venue. With flamboyant décor, cheeky humor, and a campy, welcoming vibe, it’s especially known for drag shows, cabaret acts, and wild themed parties. The music ranges from pop to electronic, keeping the dance floor buzzing well into the night. The crowd is diverse and open-minded, making it easy to meet people and soak in the fun. Bold, colorful, and unapologetically queer, it’s a true Berlin nightlife gem.
Sub Cafe

Munich

Sub Cafe

Food

A few steps from Gärtnerplatz is the cafe in the Sub, a pillar of the gay, social and cultural center for gay, bisexual and queer men and trans people in Munich. The Cafe im Sub is the meeting point for everyone who wants to meet up with their friends or make new acquaintances - or who want to find out what's going on in Munich's gay scene. The cafe offers a large selection of drinks - juices, teas, beers, long drinks - at reasonable prices and is run entirely by volunteers. All income from the cafe operation goes to the LGBTI * offers of the sub. However, there is no compulsion to consume in the cafe. On some evenings, certain clubs or organizations (e.g. TransMann, LeTRa, Bushido Karate and many more) take over the counter service in the cafes. These theme evenings enable our guests to get to know many of the LGBTIQ * groups in the community directly and to talk to them. (Thanks to the counter service in the sub, groups and initiatives have the opportunity to present themselves and their offers and to actively support the community.) The Sub is also a cultural center and offers many artists the opportunity to exhibit their work on the walls of the cafe. Concerts, readings and lectures also take place regularly in the house and show how diverse and colorful our community is! Especially for those who are only just beginning to deal with their own gender identity and / or sexual orientation, there are low-threshold opportunities for discussion through advice in the evening or the information service. You can read or borrow relevant books and information material from and for the community in our cozy library. There is something for everyone here - for every person, every culture, every age group and every interest.
Oscars Bar

Manchester

Oscars Bar

Gay Friendly, Cocktails

Oscars is Manchester's film & theatre cocktail bar, located in the heart of Canal Street. This intimate and classy bar shows musical film clips as a backdrop to premium drinks, and welcomes the gay community in to enjoy themselves. Regulars praise the great cocktails, friendly staff, and relaxed atmosphere.
Circa Embankment

London

Circa Embankment

Cocktails, Dancing

Located right on the Embankment, Circa boasts chesterfield seating, the greatest lighting in town and the iconic mirror-ball DJ booth. Music has always been at the heart of what Circa does and the amazing DJ team will be serving the best and biggest R&B, Pop and House beats in town. Club admission is free before midnight and the combination of good food and premium drinks promises a luxury late night out.

Check out the GayMapper blog

GayMapper is all about helping LGBTQ+ travellers make better choices. We combine detailed destination knowledge with honest opinions on where to stay, where to go out and what’s genuinely worth your time. From gay neighbourhoods and nightlife to hotels, beaches, events and city breaks, this blog brings together practical advice, trusted recommendations and a little GayMapper perspective along the way.

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