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Less FOMO, more Homo*
*generally just more LBGTQ+
Our favourite LGBTQ+ destinations
Check out the GayMapper gay guides for the most popular LGBTQ+ holiday destinations worldwide
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As a top spring break destination and super lively city, there's always a party going on in Fort Lauderdale. Bars and clubs throughout the city welcome the large local queer crowd, but if you're looking for spaces dedicated to loud and proud nights out, then head to Wilton Manors. This iconic neighbourhood is central to the Fort Lauderdale gay scene, offering a range of venues to cater to all tastes. Whether you're looking for a night on the leather and fetish scene, a stylish cocktail, or a more classic bar, you'll find the place for you.
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.
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.
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.
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!
4* Stonehurst Place
Atlanta
Stonehurst Place is a historic bed and breakfast and features a daily gourmet breakfast. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice. Georgia Aquarium is just 3.5 km away.
A flat-screen cable TV and an iPod docking station are available in each room at Stonehurst Place Bed & Breakfast Bed and Breakfast. A DVD player is also included. Towels and linen are provided.
Daily maid service is available and guests can make use of an airport transfer service for a surcharge. The property offers free parking.
Hartsfield Jackson International Airport Is 17 minutes' drive from this bed and breakfast. Guests will be 12 minutes' drive from Zoo Atlanta.
4* Native Bankside
London
Stay at Native Bankside in the heart of Shakespeare's London in Empire Warehouse, a building packed full of original features and history. This aparthotel is a GayMapper favourite choice, due to the stylish and spacious apartments and studios offering an LGBTQ+ friendly and cosy retreat from the hustle and bustle of Southbank and London Bridge, with nearby restaurants and markets making the area popular with locals and visitors alike.
Once a Victorian tea warehouse, it's taken many years for us to carefully restore Native Bankside to its former glory. Found on a cobbled street tucked back from the Thames, we've stayed true to the heritage of the building with polished concrete, exposed brick walls and the arched factory windows. The perfect option if you're looking for serviced apartments near London Bridge with a difference!
Sitting on the southern bank of The Thames opposite The City, and nestled between Southbank and London Bridge, our hotel apartments are central and accessible. The medieval streets boast some of London's top attractions such as Borough Market, and entertain a buzzing mix of lively visitors and laid back locals who live and work here.
4* Hotel Nayra - Adults Only
Gran Canaria
Hotel Nayra has a fantastic location just steps away from the bustling Yumbo Centre, but offering a relaxing retreat within its walls, exclusively for adults over 18 years old.
Its modern and minimalist design makes it an ideal place to enjoy the tranquility and comfort that the hotel offers, an ideal destination for couples and transit travelers looking for a pleasant and relaxing stay.
The friendliness of the staff and the service make this hotel a perfect place to spend a holiday of rest and relaxation, with fun nightlife just around the corner.
3* Villa Adler
Gran Canaria
Villa Adler features a private terrace with an outdoor swimming pool and a poolside cafe-bar. The Yumbo Centre is 5 minutes walk from Villa Adler Gay Men Only while Maspalomas dunes are 15 minutes walk.
The bright, modern bungalows and apartments are decorated simply and with colourful finishes. Each one includes a lounge area with cable TV and an equipped kitchenette. Free Wi-Fi is available.
The property is just 100 m from the CITA Centre. Gran Canaria Airport can be reached in 25 minutes.
4* Native Manchester
Manchester
This property is winner of The Sunday Times 2019 Best Place to Stay in the North award, and GayMapper knows why! These unique serviced boutique apartments have both location and the wow factor, perfect for a trip to Manchester's gay village, which is just a few minutes walk away.
Set in the very heart of the city, Native Manchester is found in Ducie Street Warehouse, just 92 m from Manchester Piccadilly Train Station.
Originally one of four iconic warehouses – and the only one still standing – this historic building was originally designed to store cotton bales from the US before they were shipped to London. Today we have lovingly transformed the building into an icon for Manchester, whilst staying true to its original past. When you stay with us you'll discover wide columns, powder blue wrought-iron girders and brick barrelled ceilings.
There are 166 apartments with 7 types to choose from, starting from large studios to spacious two bedroom duplex Penthouse apartments. While the premium options offer extra room and special perks, every apartment is surprisingly spacious and showcases impressive architectural features. Each apartment comes with its own fully equipped kitchen, lounge space and king-size beds and many have loft-style ceilings with exposed beams.
Native Manchester is great for groups who want to book apartments that connect via a private outer hallway or interconnecting apartments that are adjoined by a two-way door in the living room. Some of the bedrooms even have zip and link beds to create a twin room.
On the 7th floor, the two-bedroom penthouse apartments offer large private terraces and panoramic views of the city. With floor to ceiling windows that fill the space with natural light, these enormous duplex apartments are one of a kind in Manchester.
On the ground floor is the independently run CULTUREPLEX, Manchester's newest hangout and a community centre for a modern city. It's a space for whatever you need: meeting people, watching films, taking classes, working, drinking, dining, anything. On the ground floor you'll also find BLOK, a multidisciplinary workout space renowned for fusing fitness with fashion, art and design. Whether it's sunrise yoga or a killer cardio session – workout in style with BLOK Manchester.
4* Dakota Manchester
Manchester
Dakota hotels is a luxury lifestyle brand synonymous with style and impeccable service, and the Dakota Manchester is just a 6 minute walk to the Gay Village on Canal Street. The fully air-conditioned rooms all offer a Smart TV and media hub with full Sky HD package, in-room safe, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and en suite bathrooms with rainfall showers and toiletries.
The Grill offers a sophisticated menu with seasonal ingredients and brasserie-style service. Private dining areas with waterside views will be available for exclusive use, accompanied by The Champagne Room. The stylish cocktail bar offers a variety of classic and in-house creations alongside a comprehensive wine list.
5* Great Scotland Yard Hotel
London
The iconic Great Scotland Yard Hotel - the Unbound Collection by Hyatt is located in one of the most prestigious and historical areas in London. Just around the corner from Trafalgar Square and moments away from the River Thames, Westminster and The London Eye. Plus, you are conveniently located to explre the gay nightlife in Soho and in nearby Embankment. The hotel offers luxurious accommodation with a restaurant by critically acclaimed chef Robin Gill, a hidden whisky bar, afternoon tea lounge, a fitness centre and event space that is unconventional.
Light and airy rooms are tastefully decorated with delicate nods to the building's history while being equipped with modern amenities including complimentary Wifi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and coffee making facilities. All hotel rooms have a private bathroom with a rain shower and locally sourced bathroom toiletries.
The hotel offers a concierge, contactless room key entry, 24 hour room service and a la carte breakfast in The Yard by Robin Gill made from best, local, British produce.
Popular points of interest near the hotel include The National Gallery and Churchill War Rooms. The nearest airport is London City Airport, 14 km from Great Scotland Yard Hotel - the Unbound Collection by Hyatt.
5* Fairmont Vier Jahrezeiten
Hamburg
Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten.
This 5-star hotel is located on the Alster Lake in the heart of Hamburg. The Fairmont Hamburg offers gourmet cuisine, free WiFi and a luxury spa and fitness club.
The spacious rooms of the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten feature rich decor. All rooms include an espresso machine, flat-screen TV, DVD player and free films.
A buffet breakfast and afternoon cakes are served in the Biedermeier-style Cafe Condi. Guests can dine in the elegant Haerlin restaurant, which has 2 Michelin stars. Japanese Cuisine with South American specialities can be enjoyed in the design restaurant Nikkei Nine.
The Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg has a selection of bars, including a beautiful lakeside terrace along the Alster Lake.
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!
La Cueva
Sitges
Owned and by the popular XXL club, La Cueva is a small and friendly gastropub in the heart of Sitges' gay district. It's also known as Gastrobear, and as the name suggests, this is a place that's popular with the bear community. This is a busy local hangout serving delicious food, and its known for the best burger in town.
Avalon Cafe & Copas
Torremolinos
Avalon is a cocktail bar in La Nogalera, with good music, large windows, a large covered garden terrace and a warm atmosphere. A relaxed place to start the evening – bears are welcome! Check for special events including DJ's and drag shows.
The Four Seasons Bar
New Orleans
Hidden away in Metairie away from the central gay scene, Four Seasons is a reliable hangout spot for the local queer community. It's something of a hidden gem, off the beaten path but always up for a party. Parties here attract a fun and friendly crowd, and the bar also hosts regular drag revues that are especially popular. To explore a different part of the city get a taste of a smaller gay hideaway, this is the place to go.
Zarpa
Madrid
Zarpa is mostly popular with bears and their admirers, especially slightly older guys looking to enjoy a few drinks before moving on to Chueca's clubs. The bar is busy every weekend thanks to reliably cheap pints and popular music across all genres. Music videos play around the bar, keeping the atmosphere alive and drawing in the crowds of masculine guys.
Diamant Rouge
Montreal
This popular club in Montreal's Gay Village keeps regulars coming back and attracts groups of visitors with good drinks, friendly crowds, and plenty of attractive dancers. Formerly Cabaret Expose, it's a place for the gay guys of the village to relax and unwind somewhere that has a decidedly more mature theme than some other bars and clubs in the area. Hot men and good company... what more could you want?
The Cherry Spot
Seattle
Unusually located in a private home on a residential street, The Cherry Spot is not actually a business. It's a nightclub space run by friends who welcome in their community with open arms. A multitude of pride flags indicate a safe space, while inside the house-turned-club is the perfect space to relax, meet new friends, and host a house party. Game nights are also a regular occurrence. ***Opening times vary - please check their website for details***
Nuevo Rokoko
Gran Canaria
You are guaranteed a warm welcome at this very friendly cafe bar, located just steps away from the Yumbo Centre. Managed by three fabulous Italian guys, this is a popular place for breakfast, lunch or just coffee and cake, with some delicious fresh pastries and cakes on offer. Particularly popular with the bear crowd, but frequented by all - it happily proclaims to be straight and pet friendly!
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.
Brilli Brilli
Barcelona
Brilli Brilli is a place that always has a party atmosphere, but it also has a subtle touch of glamour. Sophisticated drinks are of offer including a wide range of natural fruit cocktails, all at a reasonable price. The music is a selection of hits past and present, always lively, providing the soundtrack to themed parties and drag shows. There's even a VIP area with comfy sofas.
QiQi
New Orleans
QiQi is a tiny but super cosy gay bar in Uptown New Orleans, offering a dive bar experience unlike any other you'll find in the city. The decor is rustic and a little hipster, adding to the personality of the place and making it feel like home. They serve all your favourite bar snacks and great value drinks, plus daily specials to take advantage of. QiQi prides itself on sarcastic bartenders and a friendly crowd that makes everyone welcome.
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