top of page
GYG-gaymapper-banner-small.png

Gay Austin

Austin in a uniquely liberal haven in the heart of Texas, bringing together a diverse range of people, from cowboys to hipsters. No matter who you are of where you're from, the liberal communities of Austin will welcome you in for many nights of live music and queer events. East Austin is the place to go for a night out on the gay scene, but across the city you'll find a multitude of attractions that are accepting of the community. Trendy restaurants and bars, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a world-renowned live music scene are waiting for you!

Austin Hotel Deals

Grab a great deal on your trip with GayMapper's hotel partners

4* Westin Austin Downtown
4* Hyatt Regency Austin
5* The Driskill
4* W Austin

Austin Gay Bars

GayMapper brings you information about gay bars and cruising bars in the city. Here are the top choices, read more about these bars or click below to see listings of all gay venues in this city.

Oilcan Harry's

Oilcan Harry's

Outdoor Seating, Drag

Oilcan Harry's is Austin's oldest and most famous LGBTQ+ bar. Since 1990, this venue has provided a fun and safe environment for all sorts of people to get together and enjoy themselves. Providing entertainment from drag shows to male dancers, and with live DJs keeping the party going on the dance floor, everyone can have a fun night here. The bar serves classic draft beer, which you can enjoy out on the patio or alongside a performance on the stage.
Cheer Up Charlies

Cheer Up Charlies

Cosy, Cocktails, Outdoor Seating

There's a place for everyone at Charlie's, which unsurprisingly attracts a diverse and slightly hipster crowd. The bar is located in a colourful cabin and serves vegan food alongside fresh organic juice cocktails and a selection of local beers. Behind the bar you can find a large outdoor music venue, where events are hosted nightly and you can enjoy a drink in the shade of an afternoon. There are also regular movie screenings and storytelling events.
Barbarella

Barbarella

Dancing, Younger Crowd

Barbarella is most commonly a meeting place for a young and alternative crowd. Their Tuesgay event is obviously most popular with the local gays, but you'll find queer people here every day of the week getting fashionably tipsy and dancing to a great set of music. If you're into indie electronic tunes and a quirky crowd, this is the place for you. The bar space is reliably packed by midnight, serving cold draft beers and drinks specials.
Highland Lounge

Highland Lounge

Cocktails, Dancing, Outdoor Seating

This two-story club in the heart of Downtown Austin really holds nothing back. It's loud, it's camp, and always throwing a party complete with flashing lights and everyone's favourite tunes. Themed nights such as Noche Latino all draw different crowds and keep you coming back every week. For those looking a more laid-back night out, you can head out to the patio where you'll find comfy seating and space to enjoy your favourite cocktails.
Rain

Rain

Dancing, Dancers

Rain on 4th is Austin's upscale gay lounge, located in the historic Warehouse district. The space plays hosts to a great range of entertainment in a super social atmosphere, including drag shows, comedy, and all your favourite dance music. Friendly staff serve a menu of high quality drinks including wine, beer, and spirits, and strive to make your night one to remember. Rain knows that professional service is integral to the perfect night out.
The Iron Bear

The Iron Bear

Bear, Dancing, Karaoke

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
GYG-gaymapper-banner-small-v3-728x100.png

Gay friendly hotels in Austin

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* Austin Motel

3* Austin Motel

Great Value, Boutique

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.
3* Aloft Austin Downtown

3* Aloft Austin Downtown

GayMapper Favourite, Near Gay Nightlife

Aloft Austin Downtown is located within walking distance of the gay district, 500 m from Capitol Building and 800 m from Austin Convention Center. The property features a fitness centre and free WiFi. Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV. Some units have a seating area where you can relax. You will find a coffee maker in the room. Rooms come with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. The on-site Caroline Restaurant features dishes of American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a coffee bar and a cocktail bar. Guests can also purchase snacks at the mini market. Frank Erwin Center - University of Texas is 1.3 km from Aloft Austin Downtown, while Texas Memorial Stadium is 1.9 km away. The nearest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 10 km from Aloft Austin Downtown.
4* Four Seasons Austin

4* Four Seasons Austin

Luxury, City Centre

Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas, not far from the gay district, this gay friendly, luxury hotel offers 294 spacious guest rooms with views of the city centre or Lady Bird Lake. A large flat-screen TV, work desk and lounge chair are included in each warmly-decorated room at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. Complimentary WiFi is available in every room. A heated sal***er pool is located on the property. Guests can work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness centre enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in the award-winning Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. The on-site 24-hour concierge can assist with business, entertainment or travel arrangements. Two self-service business centres are available for guest use. The onsite restaurant, Ciclo, is located on the property's lower level overlooking Lady Bird Lake. It features a menu of locally-inspired flavors and ingredients with a Latin influence. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Several key attractions, including the Texas State Capitol, Zilker Park and 6th Street entertainment district are located within 3.5 km of the Four Seasons.The University of Texas at Austin is less than 10 minutes' drive from this hotel.
4* Kimpton Van Zandt

4* Kimpton Van Zandt

Boutique, City Centre

The Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt is one of the newest of downtown Austin hotels. This gay friendly boutique hotel embraces the local music and stands out amongst hotels in Austin TX. Offering an onsite bar and restaurant, Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt is located in the Rainey Street Historic District, less than 1 km away from nightlife on 6th Street. This Austin hotel offers a rooftop pool with pool bar and complimentary WiFi access for "IHG Rewards" members. A flat-screen cable TV and minibar are featured in every room at this Austin hotel. A work desk and safety deposit box are also available. Bathrobes and free toiletries are offered in the private bathroom. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt offers room service, a fitness centre and in-room massage and body treatments. Valet parking and free bicycle rentals are also available. Geraldine's, the Van Zandt's onsite restaurant, serves modern american fare made from local ingredients. Enjoy live music and views of the downtown skyline while sipping a craft cocktail from the award-winning drink menu. The hotel is 200 m from Austin Convention Center, 1.4 km from Capitol Building and 2 km from Frank Erwin Center - University of Texas. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is 9 km away.
5* The Driskill

5* The Driskill

Luxury, City Centre

Discover unrivaled luxury, state-of-the-art amenities and exceptional services at this legendary city centre hotel. Renowned as a historical Austin landmark, The Driskill, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is only moments from the city's most popular attractions. Originally built in 1886, The gay friendly Driskill elegantly combines old-world charm with all of today's modern luxuries. Work out in the modern fitness centre or dine at the award-winning on-site restaurant. The concierge service can also help to make sure every stay is unforgettable. There is live music featured in the bar every night of the week, often featuring Grammy winning artists. Monthly Beer Dinners are hosted in our 1886 Cafe & Bakery, where we feature beers from a local brewery paired with a 4-course dinner. Experience all the excitement of the city centre only steps from The Driskill's front doors. Enjoy a concert at the Austin Music Hall, visit the Texas State Capitol or find luxury shopping, all located within walking distance of the hotel.
4* Omni Austin Downtown

4* Omni Austin Downtown

Near Gay Nightlife, City Centre

Offering a roof-top heated pool and fitness centre, the gay friendly Omni Austin Hotel Downtown is located in Austin, Texas, 400 m from Capitol Building. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Every room includes a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. Laundry service, dry cleaning and daily maid service are also offered. A gift shop and meeting facilities are available on site. This property features the Atrium Lounge Bar which provides a small bites menu. Barton Springs Pool is located 4.3 km from Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, while Frank Erwin Center - University of Texas is 1.2 km away. The nearest airport is Bergstrom Airport, 10 km from Omni Austin Hotel Downtown. Austin Music Hall is within 1.3 km of the property.

Tours & Experiences in Austin

Austin likes to keep things a little weird, which is part of the appeal. Visit the Texas State Capitol, explore Lady Bird Lake or eat your way through the city’s barbecue and taco scene before diving into the music, bars and wonderfully mixed crowd after dark.

GayMapper hotel deals

Book your next trip now with our partners

Find some great hotel deals for your next LGBTQ+ holiday, in all the popular gay destinations across the globe

bottom of page