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Less FOMO, more Homo*
*generally just more LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ Travel Guides, Gay Bars & Hotels Worldwide
Welcome to GayMapper, an LGBTQ+ travel and lifestyle resource helping gay travellers discover the best gay bars, clubs, hotels, beaches and nightlife around the world. From iconic destinations like London, Berlin and Los Angeles to hidden gems across Europe and beyond,
GayMapper provides curated travel guides, hotel recommendations and local insights to help you plan unforgettable trips. Whether you are searching for gay-friendly hotels, LGBTQ+ nightlife, cruising spots or travel and tour inspiration, GayMapper makes it easy to explore confidently and connect with vibrant queer communities worldwide.
Some of our favourite LGBTQ+ destinations
Check out the GayMapper gay guides for the most popular LGBTQ+ holiday destinations worldwide
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.
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.
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.
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.
Featured gay friendly hotels worldwide
GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation in 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* Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
Vancouver
The Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, member of Relais & Chateaux, is a leading luxury, boutique hotel located in Downtown Vancouver.
Featuring full-service spa, sauna and fitness centre, this non-smoking hotel offers rooms with private balconies. Bacchus, a luxurious lounge and restaurant, is located on site. Vancouver city centre SkyTrain station is just 5 minutes' walk away.
A flat-screen cable TV with DVD player is offered in each room at Wedgewood Hotel & Spa. A seating area, a desk and a minibar are provided. Free toiletries, a bathrobe and slippers are included.
Daily afternoon tea is available from 14:00 to 16:00 in Bacchus.
A transportation service to the airport, cruise ship terminal, train station, Whistler and other destinations is available through the concierge for an additional fee. A 24 hour reception, business centre and concierge desk provide added convenience at Wedgewood Hotel Vancouver.
Robson Street is 75 m from this hotel. Vancouver Convention Centre and Canada Place are both 10 minutes' walk away.
5* Viceroy Chicago
Chicago
Just steps away from the famed shopping, dining and entertainment on the Magnificent Mile, this historic, luxury hotel is located in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood and features a rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic city views, on-site dining and a seasonal rooftop pool.
Every modern guest room at Viceroy Chicago provides a flat-screen cable TV, plush lounge seating and complimentary WiFi. A fully-stocked minibar and coffee machine are also included.
Somerset offers dishes inspired by modern, Midwest flavors for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy crafted cocktails and small plates amidst sweeping skyline views at Devereaux, the hotel's rooftop bar and lounge. 24-hour in-room dining services are also offered for guest convenience.
The hotel offers a state-of-the-art fitness centre, along with 3,600 square feet of meeting and event space.
Oak Street Beach is a 10-minute walk away. The hotel is less than 3.2 km away from Navy Pier and Millennium Park.
3* Motel One Neumarkt
Cologne
Ideally located in Cologne, Motel One Koln-Neumarkt offers air-conditioned rooms, a bar, free WiFi and a shared lounge. The property is close to Saint Gereon's Basilica, Cologne Cathedral and Museum Ludwig. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space for guests.
At the hotel, the rooms come with a desk, a TV and a private bathroom.
Continental and buffet breakfast options are available every morning at Motel One Koln-Neumarkt.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Neumarkt Square Cologne, Theater am Dom and National Socialism Documentation Centre. The nearest airport is Cologne Bonn Airport, 14 km from Motel One Koln-Neumarkt.
3* The Burrard
Vancouver
A short walk from the gay life and featuring an outdoor lounge and on-site coffee shop, this hotel in downtown Vancouver is 3 blocks from the Robson Street shopping area. The hotel offers free WiFi and free Brodie cruiser bike rentals.
A 42-inch flat-screen cable TV, Nespresso coffee machine, and fridge are provided in each guest room at The Burrard. Free calls are also available.
Guests can enjoy passes to Steve Nash Fitness Centre. A business center offers free printing and faxing.
St. Paul's Hospital is across the street from the hotel. The Davie Village dining and entertainment area is about 600 m away.
Featured gay bars and clubs worldwide
GayMapper has 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!
Q Nightclub
Seattle
Q is a state-of-the-art multilevel venue located in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood. Innovative interior design coupled with ground-breaking sound and lighting and exceptional service make for a truly unique experience. Bartenders put their own twist on your favourite drinks and create speciality cocktails, and the club even has its own club's own line of infused and flavoured vodkas. Q is a lounge space on weekdays and transforms into a nightclub at the weekend.
Gym Sportsbar
Fort Lauderdale
This welcoming gay sports bar in the iconic Wilton Manors neighbourhood attracts all the queer sports fans in the area. Friends gather here to watch the game on the many large-screen TVs throughout the venue or catch up over a game of darts or poker. Enjoy a delicious menu featuring favourites such as burgers, fries, and wings, plus a monthly taco and craft beer event just for bears.
BJ Roosters
Atlanta
BJ's has been a staple in Atlanta's gay nightlife scene since 1995. It's open seven days a week for all your alcohol and male dancer needs, as in the main area you can find go-go boys dancing on the bar as DJs provide a range of great music. BJ's also serves great food and drinks including creative cocktails, and in the back rooms you can find pool tables, darts, and more hot men on the TV.
Cafe Cleopatra
Montreal
Across the two floors of this venue you can find the best cabaret and dancing in the city. On the ground floor, female dancers perform for the crowds, and they even offer more intimate experiences in private cabins. Up on the second floor you can find Montreal's oldest cabaret stage, hosting performances throughout the week and other special events. The bar serves a wide variety of drinks to help the party continue well into the night.
Check out the GayMapper blog
GayMapper is all about helping LGBTQ+ travellers make better choices. We combine detailed destination knowledge with honest opinions on where to stay, where to go out and what’s genuinely worth your time. From gay neighbourhoods and nightlife to hotels, beaches, events and city breaks, this blog brings together practical advice, trusted recommendations and a little GayMapper perspective along the way.
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