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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.
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.
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.
Denver is vibrant throughout the day but it's especially lively after dark, especially in the RiNo, Cherry Creek, and Capitol Hill neighbourhoods. The nightlife scene here offers a variety of different bars and clubs that each have a unique selling point that means you'll want to experience them all. You can have a pint at a simple LGBTQ bar where you can meet the local gays, or dive headfirst into the party atmosphere at a more modern club. Whichever you choose, you are sure to be surrounded by diverse groups of people who will make your trip even more memorable.
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 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.
In the Chueca gay district in Madrid, you'll find an enormous choice of gay bars in a relatively small area so you can hop easily from place to place and experience as many as possible. The gay scene really comes to life around midnight when people start to gather at the bars, then later the crowd moves to the clubs to party till morning. With such a variety of nightlife venues, there's a place for everyone, from bear bars to fetish clubs and everything in between. Many of the bars have darker cruising spaces as well if that's what you're looking for.
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.
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!
Munich’s gay nightlife is centered in the lively Glockenbachviertel district, a welcoming and inclusive area known for its diverse range of bars, lounges, and clubs. The atmosphere ranges from relaxed and cozy to energetic and stylish, with venues often hosting themed nights, drag shows, and DJ sets. Dancing is a major part of the scene, with late-night spots offering everything from pop to techno until the early hours. During the warmer months, outdoor terraces and spontaneous street gatherings add a vibrant, social energy to the nightlife. Everything is within easy walking distance, making it ideal for bar-hopping and exploring. Whether you're looking for a quiet drink, a lively crowd, or a place to dance the night away, Munich offers a safe, friendly, and engaging nightlife experience for LGBTQ+ locals and visitors alike. The city’s open-minded spirit shines through in its dynamic and inclusive queer scene.
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.
Stockholm’s gay nightlife is centred in the old town (Gamla Stan) and the trendy Södermalm district, known for its open-minded, creative atmosphere and welcoming LGBTQ+ scene. The nightlife here offers a mix of stylish cocktail bars, relaxed lounges, and high-energy dance venues, often featuring themed events, drag performances, and live DJs. While not all venues are exclusively gay, most are queer-friendly and draw a diverse, inclusive crowd. In summer, outdoor patios and waterfront bars become popular gathering spots, adding a vibrant, social feel to the evenings. The city’s compact layout makes it easy to explore several nightlife spots in one night. Whether you're in the mood for a quiet drink, mingling with locals, or dancing into the early morning hours, Stockholm’s gay nightlife is friendly, progressive, and full of character. The scene reflects the city’s broader values of inclusivity and equality, offering LGBTQ+ visitors a fun and safe space to enjoy the night.
Brighton has a vibrant gay scene that draws members of the community from across the country. Its gay cafes and bars are thriving, and luckily for you they're all in one place! in Kemp Town is home to almost all the gay bars, clubs, and everything social, from traditional pubs to a host of gay saunas. The bars in this area tend to attract a diverse crowd, but some attract larger proportions of specific groups so you can be sure you find your new favourite place to hang out and have fun on any night of the week.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
5* Kimpton Angler's Hotel
Miami
Situated in a historic Mediterranean Revival setting, this resort in Miami Beach features a rooftop pool with bar and lounge as well as eco-friendly amenities and savory dining. South Beach is 2 blocks away. A complimentary social hour is offered every evening. Complimentary morning coffee and tea are offered daily as well.
Elegant studios feature a comfortable seating area with plasma TV, DVD player and iPod dock. Kimpton Angler's Hotel provides each studio with a minibar. The studios are decorated in soft colors and wood furniture.
Free Wi-Fi and concierge services are offered 24-hours. Complimentary beach bags with a towel and a bottle of water are available at the front desk. Complimentary bike rentals are provided.
The resort fee includes gym passes to Orange Theory Fitness.
Miami Beach Marina, 4 blocks away, offers water sport activities. Miami International Airport is 12.9 km away.
3* Hampton Inn & Suites UCF
Orlando
Featuring free WiFi and an outdoor pool, Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando-East UCF offers accommodation in Orlando, less than 1 km from the University of Central Florida.
Each room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels and is equipped with a private bathroom.
There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.
Amway Center is 18 km from Hampton Inn Orlando UCF, while the Camping World Stadium is 19 km away. Orlando Fashion Square is 15 minutes' drive from this hotel.
3* Artmore Hotel
Atlanta
This historical 1924 Midtown Atlanta boutique hotel features a lounge with adjoining garden and free WiFi. The hotel is 5 minutes' walk from High Museum of Art and 1.3 km from Piedmont Park, home to the Atlanta Jazz Festival.
A small refrigerator, flat-screen cable TV, and iPod docking station are featured in every modern room at the Atlanta Artmore Hotel. Select suites have a fully equipped kitchen.
Both the reception and fitness centre are open 24 hours. Artmore Hotel guests can also relax nightly in the courtyard around a fountain fire pit. A business centre with meeting facilities is available as well.
Studio Bar and Lounge offers beer, wine, and signature cocktails with seasonal sandwiches, salads, and pasta. Coffee Studio, the on-site coffee shop, offers Rev coffee, pastries, muffins and breakfast sandwiches. A snack shop with grab-and-go drinks and snacks is provided.
Georgia World Congress Center is 5.2 km from the property. Artmore Hotel is across the street from Arts Center Station, which has metro lines to the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Park, and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
3* Cheston House
Fort Lauderdale
The Cheston House Beach Resort is an all-male gay resort located in Fort Lauderdale near the gay beach. Clothing is optional. Enjoy all gay, all the time! Private parking is available on site.
The rooms include a flat-screen TV and DVD player. Certain units include a seating area for your convenience. A balcony or patio are featured in certain rooms. Every room includes a private bathroom equipped with a bath. Cheston House - Clothing Optional All Male Guesthouse features free WiFi throughout the property.
The hotel also offers bike hire. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale Shopping Center is 1.1 km from the Guesthouse, while City of Fort Lauderdale Las Olas Marina is 1.1 km away. The nearest airport is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 8 km from the property.
3* Holiday Inn Chateau Lemoyne
New Orleans
Featuring rooms with exposed brick walls in a historic building, the gay friendly Holiday Inn Hotel French Quarter-Chateau Lemoyne offers accommodation near Bourbon Street and within a 5-minute walk to Jackson Square. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and bar.
The guestrooms at Chateau Lemoyne boast amenities such as chaise lounge chairs, compact refrigerators and single-cup coffee makers. A flat-screen cable TV is provided. Select guestrooms offer balconies with views of the French Quarter.
This French Quarter Holiday Inn features a courtyard with garden and seating areas. A heated outdoor swimming pool is available.
Morial Convention Center is 1.6 km away. The nearest airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 18 km from the property.
4* AC Hotel Times Square
New York City
Experience a stylish stay at the AC Hotel New York Times Square. In the heart of Manhattan, our innovative hotel offers guests comfortable amenities and convenient location.
Boasting a bar, AC Hotel by Marriott New York Times Square is set in New York in the New York State region, 600 m from Bryant Park and less than 1 km from Macy's. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar.
All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a bath or shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel the rooms come with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.
Guests at AC Hotel Times Square can enjoy a continental breakfast.
A business centre and vending machines with drinks and snacks are available on site at the accommodation.
Popular points of interest near AC Hotel by Marriott New York Times Square include New York Public Library, Madison Square Garden and Times Square. The nearest airport is LaGuardia Airport, 15 km from the hotel.
4* The Marlin Hotel
Miami
Welcome to The Marlin Hotel, an art deco and boutique hotel on Collins Avenue, located just steps away from South Beach and Miami's most iconic locations.
The white sands of South Beach are steps away from this gay friendly boutique hotel. Features include free high speed WiFi, rooms with a 55-inch flat screen TV, and a fully-stocked minibar.
Remote-controlled blackout drapes, a spacious closet, and Kashwere blankets come standard at The Marlin Hotel. Private bathrooms house Mistral Verbena scent bath products and spacious showers with pebble flooring and a rainfall showerhead.
The Marlin Hotel provides beach bags and beach towels to guests as well as an on-site launderette and 24-hour reception.
The shops, restaurants, and nightlife of Lincoln Road are less than 1.6 km from the hotel. The Miami International Airport is 20 minutes' drive and the Wolfsonian Museum is 5 minutes' walk.
4* Belmont Vancouver
Vancouver
Featuring a bar, restaurant, and night club on site, this hotel is located in the heart of Vancouver's entertainment district, just 2 minutes' walk away from Vogue Theatre. It offers contemporary rooms with a flat-screen cable TV and free WiFi.
Each guest room at Hotel Belmont Vancouver, an Ascend Hotel Collection provides a coffee maker and ironing facilities.
Hotel Belmont Vancouver, an Ascend Hotel Collection is within 10 minutes' walk away from the Vancouver Art Gallery and Granville Skytrain. It is 1 km away from Vancouver Harbour, BC Sports Hall of Fame and Edgewater Casino.
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!
Lafitte's
New Orleans
Opened in 1953, Cafe Lafitte is the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the United States. It's open 24/7, providing a fun hangout space in the popular Bourbon Street. You'll find a characterful wraparound balcony, perfect for people watching and enjoying the atmosphere of the city. Both upstairs and downstairs areas have full bars and outdoor seating, and in the upstairs space you can enjoy a game of pool, an intimate conversation, and views over the French Quarter.
Score on Davie
Vancouver
Score on Davie has quickly become a destination spot to check out in the city. Whether it's to catch a game, grab a late night snack, or enjoy a cocktail on the patio, you'll find something you love. Score has won plenty of awards over the years and continues to be popular, not least because of its amazing menu that includes speciality caesars. Good value pints, friendly staff, and a warm atmosphere keep people coming back.
WILDROSE
Seattle
Wildrose is one of the oldest lesbian bars on the West Coast and has been serving the queer women of Capitol Hill since 1984. This is a bar run by women, for women, but allies are welcome too. The focus of Wildrose is truly on community, serving a safe space for its patrons and keeping them entertained with DJs and karaoke. You can enjoy a casual meal or join a lively crowd on the dance floor.
Akbar
Los Angeles
Located in Silver Lake, AKBAR believes in the power of rock and roll. The great music offered in this neighbourhood oasis nightclub and cocktail bar means it's still one of the most popular bars in LA 16 years after opening. The DJs in the dance room, the jukebox in the bar, plus cool staff, and potent cocktails make it a spot of choice. The bar is always packed with people of all types who keep coming back!
Hi Tops WeHo
Los Angeles
Gay sports bar in West Hollywood with an amazing selection of food, cocktails and beer. With a happy hour until 8pm every weekday and trivia every Tuesday, Hi Tops promises a great and lively start to your night complete with delicious food such as burgers, salads, and pretzels. Whether you want to relax in the picturesque outdoor seating area with friends, or dance the night away at the bar, you're bound to have a good night here.
Central Bar Cafe
Sitges
Central Bar Cafe is conveniently located among all the other gay venues in a prime location on Placa Industria in the heart of Sitges, but unlike the surrounding clubs it's also an ideal place to relax during the day. Sit and watch the world go by with a coffee and a cake, or even a cocktail or two. A great selection of delicious gins awaits, all served in a friendly space by attentive staff. Occasional live music adds to the laid-back energy of the place.
Colibri Copas
Torremolinos
A popular choice for that early evening gin & tonic or cold beer. With good music and friendly waiters creating a welcoming and fun atmosphere, check our Colibri Copas on your next night out in Torremolinos.
The Grapevine Bar
Dallas
The Grapevine bar is a beloved dive that has been voted both "Best Straight Bar" and "Best Gay Bar" so it's home to a truly mixed crowd. The interior combines ridiculous and mismatched furnishings to create a totally unique space, complete with skulls, stained glass, and a tacky pool table. The colourfully lit patio space even has a basketball half court because why not?! The crowd is strange in the best way, and strong cheap drinks guarantee an interesting night.
Jailhouse CPH
Copenhagen
Prison-themed basement bar with a friendly vibe and uniformed bar tenders. The bar has a recurring prison theme with prison bars, handcuffs and cells as part of the interior. Can get busy on weekend nights, and check if there are any events. Can also get very smoky.
Flicks
San Diego
In the heart of Hillcrest, Flicks is one of San Diego's original gay video bars. The patio out front is great for relaxing with a beer and doing a bit of people watching at any time of day or night. Inside there are games and karaoke to enjoy with a friendly crowd, plus videos playing throughout the venue. Drink, dance, and enjoy this place where you can always be yourself.
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