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Less FOMO, more Homo*
*generally just more LBGTQ+
GayMapper helps you navigate your worldwide LGBTQ+ travels, with gay guides for popular LGBTQ+ destinations and Gay Friendly hotel deals. Book your next LGBTQ+ trip today.
Our favourite LGBTQ+ destinations
Check out the GayMapper gay guides for the most popular LGBTQ+ holiday destinations worldwide
A thriving nightlife scene is central to Orlando's LGBTQ+ community, providing a safe space and a sense of togetherness. While the city doesn't have a specific gay neighbourhood, queer focussed bars and clubs are scattered around, away from the theme parks but just as lively. Each offers a unique experience to all members of the community, and most places are mixed, so allies are welcome as well as a loyal crowd of queer regulars. Thanks to a full calendar of queer events and some super camp locals, the nightlife scene here is always buzzing!
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.
Atlanta's queer nightlife scene is always diverse and always buzzing with a whole range of venues. The city's longstanding gay institutions offer a home from home for a fun crowd of locals, while newer bars and clubs provide thumping music and lively parties for the younger crowd. Popular lounges let you relax with new friends, frequent drag shows and renowned DJs make for a wilder night, or you can explore the smaller and more divey bars in search of a hidden gem. So dance, mingle, and enjoy yourself in this unique and quirky scene.
Dublin may not have as many gay bars and clubs as some of the bigger European cities, but the small selection of places conveniently located in the city centre are bursting with energy. Their characters range from traditional to modern and eccentric, putting them firmly in the heart of Dublin's diverse LGBTQ+ community, as meeting places and safe spaces. Be sure to visit The George, the longest running gay bar in the city, as well as the number of mixed venues that host regular LGBTQ+ nights and welcome in the community.
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!
Most of the LGBTQ+ meeting places in the city, particularly nightlife destinations, can be found in the fabulous Hillcrest neighbourhood. There’s always a party happening here and crowds of friendly and equally fabulous people to spend your night with. That being said, other neighbourhoods across the city such as North Park and University Heights, are emerging onto the gay scene and becoming destinations in their own right. Here you can find even more queer-friendly places to drink or dance the night away. You’re bound to find a place to suit your taste or even discover something new on your travels.
Head to Oxford Street and Darlinghurst and you’ll find most of Sydney’s gay and gay-friendly nightlife. The gay scene in Sydney truly has something for everyone. There are popular lesbian hangouts, mixed hipster bars, dark cruise clubs, and everything in between. Many of the community’s favourite bars are based in hotels, including Oxford and Columbian which are long-standing institutions. Find your crowd and take full advantage of what this diverse city has to offer. Bars and clubs here are busy all year round, but annual Mardi Gras celebrations take the nightlife and parties to another level.
Glasgow's gay nightlife scene is centred around the Merchant City area, where there is a bar or club for any taste or preference. The venues here cater to a range of identities, fetishes, and themes, with plenty of events to keep you busy throughout your stay. You can even combine the history of the city into your night out by visiting Scotland oldest gay bar. If that wasn't enough, thanks to Glasgow's accepting nature, you'll be welcome in any other venue in the city so you're safe to explore and find your ideal night out.
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.
There are three exclusively gay bars in Auckland but all the other places in the city are gay-friendly. There's no separation of communities here. You'll find crowds of gay tourists and locals anywhere you go, with the most popular nightlife spot being K Road. As you explore the city, you'll also find more upscale areas such as Viaduct and Britomart. Across Auckland you can expect loud music, camp drag and comedy, and strong drinks. Enjoy cocktails in modern bars or chat with locals in trendy hipster hangouts and brunch spots. There's something to enjoy no matter what you're into.
The majority of gay bars and clubs can be found in the St.Georg district, which is known as the gaybourhood of Hamburg. In the heart of the area is the Lange Reihe shopping street, along which you'll find many of the gay bars. There are also a few gay bars and clubs in St.Pauli where you will also find the infamous Reeperbahn red-light district.
Some of the best parties in the city take place on the iconic Miami Beach, where a huge local LGBTQ+ community welcomes queer visitors, and you can party with crowds of barely dressed people. That being said, if traditional pubs and clubs are more your thing, there are plenty of places in the city to hang out and relax. Centred in South Beach, you'll find everything from pool parties and classy cocktails to underground drag shows and a historic club scene.
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.
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.
There are so many gay bars and clubs in Berlin, and the scene is constantly changing. Nevertheless, the Schöneberg district remains the heart of the gay community, which has thrived here since the 1920's, and offers a large variety of gay bars and nightlife to choose from, focused along Fuggerstrasse and Motzstrasse. You'll also find clusters of gay bars in the Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain districts, and most recently bars have opened up in Prenzlauer Berg and Berlin Mitte. Check our comprehensive listings of Berlin gay bars below.
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.
The famous Stonewall Inn stills stands proudly in Greenwich Village, reminding visitors of the political history that allows so many more modern gay bars and clubs to flourish across the city. There are countless places for the queer community today to find their crowd and feel safe doing so, from the bustling drag scene of East Village to the quirky and alternative parties of Bushwick, from nightclub to karaoke bar to dive, every destination is different. You're welcome to explore the wide range of places on offer, and you're sure to find your perfect night.
Canal Street is arguably one of the most famous LGBTQ nightlife destinations in the UK. The Gay village located here is best known for its host of bars and clubs that cater for every taste and orientation, while also paying respect to the history of LGBTQ spaces in the area. dozens of gay bars and clubs offer entertainment and themed nights throughout the week, making Canal Street THE hub for gay nightlife in Manchester. It's a must-see destination for any gay tourist who is looking for a good time.
The main gay bars in Torremolinos can be found in La Nogalera, close to the railway station and right in the heart of the town. Set in walkways under a 1970s apartment complex, you'll find a wide range of bars, dance clubs and cruising clubs, most with outdoor seating. Close by is the gay friendly Pueblo Blanco area, built in traditional Andalucian style. Down by the beach, you'll find the gay beach club and nearby bars.
Featured gay friendly hotels worldwide
GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation 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!
3* The Amsterdam
Brighton
On the Brighton seafront, in the heart of the vibrant gay scene in Kemptown, opposite Brighton's famous Palace Pier, the Amsterdam Hotel offers award-winning accommodation and free Wi-Fi.
The Amsterdam Hotel offers a selection of large, newly decorated rooms to suit all budgets. All rooms have a large en suite walk-in shower room, a flat-screen TV with Freeview digital channels, and tea and coffee making facilities. Some rooms have stunning views over Brighton's famous pier, the beach, and the seafront.
Light and airy, the stylish and contemporary bar was completely refurbished in 2018. Looking out to sea, the bar has a large outdoor terrace, a big-screen music video system and free Wi-Fi. A continental breakfast is included in the standard room rate. A traditional English breakfast can be purchased at the hotel. Please place your order when you check in.
The hotel is a 2 minute walk to an array of restaurants and bars. The Brighton Conference Centre is a 13 minute walk away. A resident street parking voucher can be purchased on check-in for the Zone C area.
4* Sheraton Centre Toronto
Toronto
Located in the centre of downtown Toronto, this 4-star Sheraton is a 15-minute walk from the CN Tower. Upscale amenities include an indoor/outdoor heated pool and modern gym.
The guest rooms at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel are spacious and furnished with a mahogany work desk and marble bathrooms. A flat-screen TV with in-room movies and a coffee maker are provided.
The Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel features landscaped gardens surrounding a 2-story waterfall. A full-service business centre and ticket and tour assistance are available in the lobby.
Guests can enjoy contemporary dining at BnB, which serves hamburgers, pasta, local beers and various wines. The Link Cafe offers light snacks and coffee.
The Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel is within a 15-minute walk of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Air Canada Centre, Rogers Centre and the Hockey Hall of Fame. The hotel is connected to PATH, an underground network of shops and services.
4* AxelBeach Miami
Miami
AxelBeach Miami is a gay oriented and hetero firendly hotel located a block away from the beach, in the heart of South Beach in Miami's Art Deco district. Located in a lively area with plenty of leisure activities for travellers, AxelBeach Miami is the ideal hotel for a holiday on Florida's hippest coast. Make the most of its wide beaches and endless sunny days, as well as relaxing, shopping and enjoying the best music in Miami's best-known nightclubs and bars.
With an Art Deco interior that still retains its original bohemian spirit of the 40´s, AxelBeach Miami is an exclusive paradise whose facilities - such as the pool, the Sky Bar overlooking Washington Avenue, Spa & Gym, the restaurant, and Lobby Bar - will ensure that you enjoy the authentic Axel experience in Miami Beach.
Go for a dip in the AxelBeach Miami Sky Bar: an oasis with its pool, palm trees and sunshine and the beach just a 3-minute walk away. Soak up the best atmosphere on South Beach, while enjoying the most tempting cocktailsalongside Miami's hippest clientele.
5* Hotel del Coronado
San Diego
Imagine yourself as Marilyn Monroe in the classic movie "Some Like it Hot" which was filmed at this San Diego landmark hotel. Enjoy sun, sea, and time together at the iconic California beach resort, blending idyllic charm with golden-era allure for the ultimate seaside escape.
This historic hotel is ideally situated along California's Pacific coastline and boasts luxurious accommodations, first-class amenities and exceptional service, in a charming Victorian-style atmosphere.
Originally built in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado provides guests with a number of modern luxuries. Plan the day with the concierge staff, enjoy a swim in the spacious outdoor pool, or relax with a beach-side massage.
Set along the sands of the famous Hotel del Coronado, Del Beach offers a full day of reserved seaside seating. Guests can enjoy bar-to-beach service that includes a delectable food and drink menu.
A conference centre is available for business guests.
The Hotel del Coronado is conveniently located close to many area attractions. With its beachfront location, guests can enjoy a variety of water sports.
San Diego International Airport is 25 minutes' drive away from the hotel. The San Diego Convention Center is 15 minutes' drive away.
5* Park Hyatt
Hamburg
Spacious rooms with Bang & Olufsen flat-screen TVs and a free spa with indoor pool are featured at this hotel in the Monckebergstrasse shopping street, 500 m from Hamburg Main Station.
The elegant rooms at Park Hyatt Hamburg offer free Sky TV, a daily newspaper, and a stylish en suite bathroom. Fruit and mineral water are provided on arrival and WiFi access if free throughout the property.
Guests at the Hyatt can use the 1,000 m² Club Olympus Spa & Fitness Centre with hot tub, sauna area, and fitness room free of charge. Beauty treatments and massages can be booked here (for a fee).
The Hyatt's Apples Restaurant with bar serves regional cooking, prepared in the open kitchen with wood oven and lava grill.
4* 9Hotel Mercy
Lisbon
Modern, 4-star 9Hotel Mercy features spacious rooms overlooking old Lisbon and Sao Jorge castle, close to the gay nightlife of Bairro Alto. The larger rooms offer panoramic views over Bairro Alto, Tagus Bridge or Sao Jorge Castle.
The air-conditioned rooms were designed by Portuguese architect Miguel Saraiva. Every room has free WiFi and a minibar. The decor is modern, with contrasting colours.
A daily breakfast is served at the Lounge Bar. 9Hotel Mercy's terrace bar "In Heaven" is located on the 6th floor and offers panoramic views over Sao Jorge Castle and the Tagus River. Room service is available via the 24-hour front desk. There are also several bars and restaurants within 200 m.
Lisbon's Trindade Theatre is 50 m from the 9Hotel Mercy. Rossio Train Station and Baixa/Chiado Metro Station are within 8 minutes' walk. Lisbon International Airport is 9 km away.
3* Austin Motel
Austin
Surrounded by shopping, dining and entertainment options, Austin Motel is a gay friendly option that provides guests with a quintessential vintage Austin experience, without downtown prices.
Austin Motel is 1.5 km from Austin Convention Center and 2.5 km from Capitol Building. This motel offers free parking on-site and a swimming pool.
All rooms feature a flat-screen TV, telephone and a desk with chair. Free WiFi is provided.
You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. On-site laundry facilities are available. Complimentary coffee is offered in the lobby daily for guests to enjoy.
Barton Springs Pool is 2.5 km from Austin Motel, while Frank Erwin Center - University of Texas is 3.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 10 km from the property.
5* The Dominick
New York City
The only Five-Diamond property in New York City's SoHo neighborhood. Enjoy views of Manhattan and the Hudson River, world-class spa, and event accommodations.
Featuring a full-service spa and 4 restaurants, this 46-story Manhattan hotel has rooms that offer a personalized minibar and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Dominick Hotel provides relaxing, contemporary rooms with custom-made furniture, a 42-inch flat-screen TV and iPod docking station. An Italian marble bath and a bathroom vanity with TV are included.
A seasonal 7th floor outdoor pool overlooks the city and features a connected bar. A fitness center and business services are also available. Complimentary WiFi is offered to all guests. A premium or platinum WiFi with more bandwidth is also available at a surcharge.
The Washington Square Park is less than 1 km from the The Dominick Hotel. The Film Forum is 500 m away.
Featured gay bars and clubs worldwide
GayMapper had 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!
SLM Oslo
Oslo
SLM venues are famous across Scandinavia for their focus on leather and fetish events. In addition to the bar, here you will find a cruising area. SLM Oslo, like their sister venues across the Nordics, has a strict dress code and door policy, with membership required for entrance. You can arrange membership online in advance.
Black Eagle
Toronto
This is a popular gay bar with a steamy atmosphere and friendly crowd. It is the original home of leather, denim, and uniform cruising in the Gay Village, with a proudly no attitude vibe that's kept it at the top of everyone's lists. A dark and industrial style interior gives a place a more mature vibe than some other bars in the area, while there's also has a rooftop patio where you can find regular BBQs during the summer.
The Actors
Brighton
The Actors (formerly known as The Marlborough) is a pub and theatre that's been around since 1794, and now showcases queer art. The pub is situated below the theatre and welcomes everyone, but its focus is on the LGBTQ community. With a laid back and friendly vibe, The Actors is especially popular with the trans and lesbian communities. You're bound to feel at home here in one of the gayest spaces in Brighton.
The Manor Complex
Fort Lauderdale
This two-level nightclub complex is popular with a young mixed crowd and is completely gay friendly. The interior combines a slightly vintage style with a modern atmosphere to create a truly unique experience (complete with an extravagant amount of crystal chandeliers). Inside the club there's a large performance stage, a VIP room, and the best in sound and light technology, while outside you'll find a chilled covered arcade. Events are hosted regularly, from dance parties to runway shows.
City of Quebec
London
This is a pub that's suited to any occasion, but especially popular with the more mature corwd and their admirers. It morphs throughout the day, from brunch and lunch to beer and bar snacks, the flexible atmosphere allows for any type of day or night out. During the day, you can unwind in the beer garden with a drink and some classic but quality pub food, while at night there's entertainment to enjoy in the basement bar and club. The club can get quite cruisy towards the end of the evening.
WunderBar
Hamburg
Probably the most popular gay dance bar in Hamburg, with DJ's playing every night from Wednesday to Saturday. WunderBar gets very busy on Saturdays, attracting crowds with a mix of chart pop, R&B and schlager sounds. Cosy, but smoky, and located near the Reeperbahn red-light district, this bar is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Beaches WeHo
Los Angeles
In the heart of West Hollywood, Beaches is a fashionable venue that mixes restaurant with lounge to create a thoughtfully put together experience that guarantees you a good time. All aspects are visually stunning and perfect for photos, and you can get lost in 80s disco nostalgia, neon lights, and jungle theme. The food is first-class, and speciality cocktails from two bars can be enjoyed either in the main room with the DJ or in the more relaxed VIP space.
Flax
Berlin
Smaller gay bar in Prenzlauer Berg. The bar mainly attracts young people and the bar is well attended especially on Karaoke nights. People tend to be chatty so if you want to spend an evening in company you should have a look.
Finalmente Club
Lisbon
Finalmente Club is situated near to the lively gay district of Principe Real, and it has been a staple on the scene since 1976. This club is known for its drag shows, hosted in space that's attitude-free and full of life. You're sure to be welcomed in, and with the show starting well into the early hours you'll get a true taste of queer Lisbon's nightlife.
Studio 54
Madrid
Studio 54 pays tribute to the legendary Manhattan Club by bringing something truly unique to the Chueca gay scene. Statement crystal chandeliers above the dance floor set the tone, coupled with the latest dance music and the occasional retro twist. House DJs know exactly what to play to appeal to Studio 54's diverse and fun-loving crowd. This is the perfect place to dance and make new friends in a club designed like no other in the city.
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