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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
Birmingham's Hurst Street is the centre of its Gay Village. This hub for all things queer has been expanding since the decriminalisation, and it's now home to the majority of the city's gay scene. Against a backdrop of sparkly gay street art, this area offers plenty of gay bars and clubs. Different venues are popular with different age groups, styles, and tastes from cocktail bars to cabaret. Even outside of the Gay Village, there's a whole host of LGBTQ friendly places and iconic clubs, so you're bound to find a place you love.
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.
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.
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.
Plaça Indústria in the heart of Sitges is the place to be if you’re looking to experience the true gay energy of Sitges. All the gay bars and clubs in town line this square and neighbouring streets so you can hop from place to place for the variety of entertainment on offer. Enjoy a meal, sit back with your drinks and people-watch, or sample popular cruise clubs, dance clubs, and drag shows. The bars and restaurants all have seating on terraces and pedestrian streets, letting the party spill outside and filling the square with energy each night.
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.
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.
There are plenty of queer bars and clubs in Austin to suite any taste, and most of them can be found in the East of the city. Close to the bustle of Downtown, this gaybourhood is full of energy and all sorts of different people looking for a party. Austin is well-known as a live music capital of the world, so expect loud and vibrant music clubs alongside the more traditional drinking spots. The vibe on a night out here will be unpretentious with plenty of drinks and simply a focus on good times.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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* Empress Hotel La Jolla
San Diego
This European boutique-style hotel in La Jolla, California is just steps to the stunning shores of the Pacific Ocean.
The elegant rooms at Empress Hotel are styled in jewel-toned colors. Each features fridge, microwave and coffee maker for convenience. With free WiFi and a work desk, the Empress Hotel is the ideal "work from hotel" option.
The on-site Manhattan Restaurant features Authentic Italian Cuisine in a stylish setting, also available for in-room dining.
With Concierge service, our Front Desk Team will help guide you to the numerous galleries, shops and restaurants that bring visitors back to La Jolla time after time. Enjoy walking by the seals and sea lions or opt for adventure in Sunny Jim's Cave or kayak in La Jolla Cove.
Nearby golfing at Torrey Pines and San Diego attractions of San Diego Zoo, Safari Park and Sea World are a short drive from Empress Hotel La Jolla for an experience to remember.
3* Blanc Kara - Adults Only
Miami
Located in Miami Beach, Florida, this adult-only boutique hotel is just 3 minutes' walk from the beach.
A fully equipped kitchenette comes standard in each studio at Blanc Kara. A flat-screen TV, hairdryer and ironing facilities are also available in these soundproofed rooms.
A 24-hour reception is offered for added guest convenience. All public and private spaces at Blanc Kara are non-smoking. Free WiFi is available in every room.
South Pointe Park is just 0.5 km away. Guests will be 8.7 km from the Port of Miami and 2.9 km from Star Island.
4* Hotel 850 SVB
Los Angeles
Situated in Los Angeles, within 1.7 km of Sunset Strip and 3.8 km of Petersen Automotive Museum, Hotel 850 SVB West Hollywood at Beverly Hills provides accommodation with a terrace and as well as free private parking for guests who drive. With a shared lounge, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen for guests.
At the hotel, the rooms come with a desk and a flat-screen TV. All rooms have a wardrobe.
Guests at Hotel 850 can enjoy a continental breakfast.
Los Angeles County Museum Of Art / LACMA is 4.4 km from the accommodation, while Melrose Avenue is 5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Los Angeles International Airport, 19 km from Hotel 850 SVB West Hollywood at Beverly Hills.
5* Yours Truly DC Hotel
Washington DC
Find time to unwind - just you, your friends, and Yours Truly (formerly The Wink DC). Reserve one of our new rooms and suites to party, to rest, and to be yourself.
Whether you're traveling for work, for fun, or for both, a room is simply a place to rest your head - but a little quality never hurts. Our eclectic rooms and suites blend modern comfort, intuitive sustainable amenities, and warm colorful styling.
Located just 8.1 km from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, this hotel has a modern gym and several dining options. Each room has a tea/coffee maker.
This Washington, DC hotel is 1.7 km from the White House and within a 4 km radius of the Newseum and the International Spy Museum.
3* 414 Hotel
New York City
Located in Hell's Kitchen, this Manhattan boutique hotel is 644 m from Times Square. It features a private courtyard and guest rooms with a 37-flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Complimentary wine and cheese service is held every evening for all in-house guests.
An iPod docking station and a refrigerator are included in all guest rooms. Accessible only by stairway, the 414 Hotel offers luxury bath amenities and a hairdryer in each private bathroom.
A continental breakfast is served every morning in the hotel lobby, which also boasts a fireplace. Concierge and reservation services are available 24-hours a day. Free coffee and juice are available until midnight.
The subway station is 805 m from Hotel 414. Madison Square Garden and Penn Station are 2 km from the property.
4* Volksschule
Hamburg
Located in a former school building, the family-run Hotel Volksschule offers comfortable rooms in central Hamburg. Free WiFi internet access is available throughout the hotel.
The rooms at Hotel Volksschule are designed in a modern style, featuring cable TV and an en suite bathroom.
It is 5 km to Hamburg's Old Town and the harbour area, and the famous Reeperbahn Street in the district of St Pauli can be reached with a 30-minute journey on public transport.
A buffet breakfast is offered each morning, and guests are welcome to relax with a drink in the bar.
Hotel Volksschule is 400 m from Rauhes Haus Underground Train Station, and it is 4 km to Hamburg Train Station. It is a 5-minute drive to the A24 motorway, and free private parking is available at the hotel.
4* Hotel Zeppelin
San Francisco
Just 300 m from San Francisco's vibrant Union Square, Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco is a boutique hotel nestled in San Francisco's Theater District.
A 55-inch LED flat-screen TV is provided in each guest room. Guest robes, free toiletries and a hairdryer are included in the private bathrooms. A custom 36-inch high maple top work table is provided in each guest room.
An air-conditioned fitness centre with cardio machines and weights is available on site.
At Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco you will find a 24-hour reception. Other facilities offered at the property include luggage storage and same day laundry services. The Den, a unique game room, is located in the hotel's basement.
The hotel is 1.2 km from Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and San Francisco City Hall. Concert venue the Regency Ballroom is 12 minutes' walk away. San Francisco International Airport is 19 km away.
4* pentahotel
Birmingham
Just 5 minutes' walk from the famous Bullring Shopping Centre and a short walk to the gay life on Hurst Street, Pentahotel Birmingham has a great location, less than 0.8 km from Birmingham city centre. With free Wi-Fi in its trendy bar and public areas, it also boasts 2 meeting rooms, an on-site restaurant and a fitness centre.
Each spacious room at Pentahotel Birmingham has an en suite power shower and free toiletries, a flat-screen TV with pay-per-view movies and Sky sports, air-conditioning and a desk.
In the morning you can enjoy a hearty breakfast or grab a pastry to go if you're in a rush. Lunch and dinner are also available in the on-site restaurant.
The NEC is only 14.5 km away, and Birmingham's National Sea Life Centre is 5 minutes' drive from the building. Cadbury World, where you can see tours and exciting events, is a 10-minute drive away, and Birmingham International Airport is a 20-minute journey by car. Birmingham New Street Station is within 10 minute's walk from the hotel.
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!
The Polo Lounge
Sydney
Polo Lounge is a modern and stylish space in the super gay Oxford Hotel. Nestled right at the top of the building, this two-level bar serves delicious cocktails in a unique setting. Intimate and elegant, Polo Lounge has beautiful views over the city from its private balcony, plus a cosy fireplace and high-end decor. It's the perfect place for private functions, taking advantage of the inclusive service of this hotel, an institution on the gay scene.
Zaza Bar
Gran Canaria
Zaza Bar is on the ground floor of the Yumbo Centre, with a nice terrace onto the plaza. Recommended for an early evening cocktail to sit and watch the world go by, whilst being looked after by the helpful and friendly bar staff.
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.
District Video Lounge
Montreal
District Video lounge is a bar and restaurant in the heart of Montreal's Gay Village. It offers a relaxed environment complete with music videos always playing in the background. You can request your own or just listen to the variety of whatever's on, but it's never too loud to have a proper conversation with friends, making District a great meeting place. With great food, signature cocktails, and a unique concept, this is the place to be.
Atmosphere
Chicago
Atmosphere is an upscale gay dive bar in Andersonville filled with neon lights and male dancers. You can dance the night away on the dance floor, take advantage of regular drinks specials, and of course admire the dancers! Drag shows, DJs, and events like bingo make for some lively nights with a mixed crowd.
Roosterfish
Los Angeles
Roosterfish hosts inclusive parties on L.A.'s Westside in Venice. Opened in the 80s as a safe haven for the queer community, Roosterfish is now a modern and equally inclusive bar that has not forgotten its roots and status as one of the oldest venues on Abbot Kinney Blvd. It's a favourite of the local queer community, who enjoy the kitschy gay bar featuring pool tables, jukebox tunes & local artwork. The bright interior and modernised drinks have kept this iconic bar relevant.
Flaming Saddles Saloon
New York City
Flaming Saddles in the Hell's Kitchen area of NYC is the newest gay western saloon on the scene. The interior is designed to feel like you're in the Wild West, although the hot male bartenders dancing on the bar might give it away... When they're not dancing, they're serving delicious cocktails and other drinks at great prices, with regular deals and daily happy hour. You're promised a loud, proud, and very high energy night if you come here.
The T
Atlanta
The T is a friendly community bar located in Atlanta's historic Grant Park neighbourhood. Its casual vibe makes everyone feel at home, and the additional of karaoke and a jukebox mean the space is always buzzing. You can have a friendly game of pool or play one of video games on offer, a great way to socialise and get to know the friendly crowd. Drinks are cheap and there are nightly specials that keep people coming back.
Executive Suite
Los Angeles
Gay Night Club in Long Beach with dancing, karaoke, and drag shows. There's a different party feel on each floor so you can always find something to your taste. The top floor hosts drag acts and dancers, the main floor has games and a karaoke lounge, and the lower level is an event room available for parties and private functions. Something different happens every night of the week so it never gets boring in the Executive Suite.
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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