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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
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.
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.
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 main gay bars in Torremolinos can be found in La Nogalera, close to the railway station and right in the heart of the town. Set in walkways under a 1970s apartment complex, you'll find a wide range of bars, dance clubs and cruising clubs, most with outdoor seating. Close by is the gay friendly Pueblo Blanco area, built in traditional Andalucian style. Down by the beach, you'll find the gay beach club and nearby bars.
There are three exclusively gay bars in Auckland but all the other places in the city are gay-friendly. There's no separation of communities here. You'll find crowds of gay tourists and locals anywhere you go, with the most popular nightlife spot being K Road. As you explore the city, you'll also find more upscale areas such as Viaduct and Britomart. Across Auckland you can expect loud music, camp drag and comedy, and strong drinks. Enjoy cocktails in modern bars or chat with locals in trendy hipster hangouts and brunch spots. There's something to enjoy no matter what you're into.
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.
DC boasts a great selection of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs that keep the party going all week. The queer community here is growing in its diversity, and that is reflected in the variety of nightlife and an ever-changing scene. Big gay nights out are popping up across the city as the community is welcomed into more traditional pubs and sports, but the safe spaces of the queer neighbourhoods like Dupont Circle are still there if you need them. Whether you want a simple gay friendly pub or a night out on DC’s infamous drag scene, you’ll find your crowd here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Some of the best parties in the city take place on the iconic Miami Beach, where a huge local LGBTQ+ community welcomes queer visitors, and you can party with crowds of barely dressed people. That being said, if traditional pubs and clubs are more your thing, there are plenty of places in the city to hang out and relax. Centred in South Beach, you'll find everything from pool parties and classy cocktails to underground drag shows and a historic club scene.
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.
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.
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* Foxberry Inn
Provincetown
A luxury choice in Provincetown, this gay owned, LGBTQ+ friendly bed and breakfast is close to the beach with free parking. Central Provincetown is 15 minutes' walk away.
The Foxberry Inn features guest rooms with a refrigerator, iPod dock, and en suite bathroom. They are decorated in soothing colours and dark wood furnishings. Select rooms offer ocean views.
Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast every morning, including fresh baked goods and tea and coffee. Afternoon refreshments are also served.
Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch and Pilgrim Monument are both just 1.6 km from the Provincetown Foxberry.
5* The Sutton Place
Vancouver
Featuring the on-site Vida Spa, this downtown 5-star Vancouver hotel offers a gourmet restaurant and elegant rooms. The Vancouver Convention Center is a 15-minute walk away.
The stylish rooms feature a 37-inch flat-screen TV, plush bathrobes and a stocked minibar. Each is decorated in neutral colors with dark wood furniture, and offers a vintage work desk.
The full-service Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar offers a wide selection of wines from British Columbia, USA, Australia, and other popular wine regions across the world is available at the Sutton Place Wine Merchant. Gerard Lounge is an English-style club.
Vida Spa offers various massage treatments, facials and body wraps. Guests also have free access to the state-of-the-art fitness center.
Stanley Park is 5 minutes' drive from Vancouver Sutton Place and BC Place Stadium is 1.3 km away. The Vancouver Aquarium is 10 minutes' drive away.
3* Best Western Hawthorne Tce
Chicago
Located in Boystown, with easy access to the gay bars, the historic Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace hotel is within 10 minutes' walk of Wrigley Field and the Red Line train to downtown Chicago. It features a glass-enclosed hot tub and contemporary rooms with free Wi-Fi.
A 42 inch flat-screen TV and laptop safe are included in each guest room at Best Western Hawthorne Terrace. A microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator stocked with free bottled water are provided.
A selection of cardio machines is available at the Hawthrone Terrace's on-site gym. The front desk offers concierge services 24 hours a day and a continental breakfast is served in the mornings. There is a lush and relaxing interior courtyard as well.
The shopping at the Magnificent Mile is just 20 minutes' bus ride from the Chicago Hawthorne Terrace Best Western. The Lincoln Park Zoo is 3.2 km from the hotel.
5* The Liberty
Boston
The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel overlooks the Charles River in Boston's Back Bay area, near the gay nightlife. This historic landmark hotel, once a Victorian jailhouse, now offers luxurious guestrooms featuring flat-screen TVs, award-winning dining and lounge options and easy access to top attractions.
Originally built in 1851, the Liberty Hotel elegantly combines historic style and architecture with today's modern conveniences, including wireless internet access and state-of-the-art fitness facilities. The hotel also offers free seasonal bicycle rentals along with free seasonal yoga classes.
The Liberty features a variety of gourmet on-site dining options, including modern American cuisine at Clink. Guests can also enjoy unique cocktails at Alibi, contemporary Italian dishes at Scampo and an extensive wine list at The Liberty Bar.
Located at the foot of Beacon Hill, the Liberty is set in the heart of the city, only steps from the Museum of Science and Kendall Square. The shops at Faneuil Hall along with the historic harbour area are also only moments away.
5* Kimpton La Peer
Los Angeles
Experience luxury and style at Kimpton La Peer, an incredible addition to the West Hollywood hotel scene. This artisan hotel is located on a tree-lined side street in West Hollywood's Design District. It offers an on-site restaurant and a pool for guest relaxation. Guest bathrobes are provided in each room. Moca Pacific Design Center is 9 minutes' walk away. The property offers a complimentary wine hour from 17:00-18:00 every day.
Rooms at Kimpton La Peer Hotel include a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station and a minibar. The en suite bathrooms provide free toiletries, a bathrobe, and a hairdryer. Evening turndown service is offered for all rooms.
Viale Dei Romani restaurant offers Italian hospitality with a focus on sustainable seafood. The property hosts a champagne & cocktail hour every evening and a complimentary coffee cart every morning. There is also a 24-hour fitness centre on the property with a resident trainer.
The Grove LA shopping center is 12 minutes' drive away from Kimpton La Peer Hotel. The Hollywood Palladium is 6.5 km away.
4* Petit Ermitage
Los Angeles
Offering a private rooftop with stunning views of Los Angeles, a sal***er pool and comfortable indoor/outdoor seating, this elegant 4-star hotel is within one kilometer of the Sunset Strip.
Each spacious suite at Petit Ermitage is equipped with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and iPod docking station. All classically furnished rooms also include luxurious linens and goose down pillows.
California Mediterranean cuisine is available 24 hours a day in-suite. Meals are created with local organic produce.
Spa services such massages, makeup application and personal fitness sessions are available en suite.
The fashionable Santa Monica Boulevard and Pacific Design Center are within 8 km of the hotel. Universal Studios Hollywood is 15 minutes away by car.
3* La Serena Villas
Palm Springs
La Serena Villas are way more fancy than is is suggested by their 3* rating and sits on over an acre of beautiful landscaped grounds in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, walking distance to the gay nightlife and famous Palm Canyon Drive near the best restaurants, boutiques and galleries. This, gay friendly, adults only hotel has an outdoor pool and views of the mountain.
Some rooms feature a seating area for your convenience. Providing free WiFi throughout the property, La Serena Villas also offers free private parking. A flat-screen TV is available.
You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property.
The hotel also offers free use of bicycles. Palm Springs Square Shopping Center is 3.7 km from La Serena Villas, while Loehmanns Plaza Shopping Center is 3.8 km from the property. Palm Springs International Airport is 4 km away.
3* Holiday Inn Exp. Riverside
Glasgow
This modern hotel is in Glasgow city centre, beside the River Clyde, just a few minutes walk away from the gay nightlife and only 1 km from Glasgow Central Rail Station. The air-conditioned rooms have flat-screen TVs and power showers, and GayMapper loves that breakfast is included for all guests here.
The Holiday Inn Express Glasgow City - Riverside is less than 500 m from the St. Enoch Centre shopping mall and St Enoch Subway Station. George Square is 800 m away.
Rooms feature modern decor, free WiFi, a 32-inch flat-screen TV, an en-suite with a power shower and an iron/ironing board.
There is a bar in reception and a vending machine with snacks. A buffet breakfast is included for guests and can be enjoyed in the Great Room lounge. An evening snack menu is available and pizzas can be ordered at any time.
The Holiday Inn Express Glasgow City - Riverside also offers guests discounted parking for the nearby public car parks.
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!
Trade
Washington DC
Trade is a stylishly quirky spot, boasting tall wood-backed booths, offbeat paintings, and rooster-print wallpaper. Instead of the traditional happy hour, Trade hosts its legendary 'Huge' event where cocktails are served in pint glasses throughout the evening. The oversized and delicious drinks plus a generally festive atmosphere draws a "stand and model" type of crowd that's free of attitude and always up for a good time.
One Eleven Bar
Palm Springs
This welcoming cocktail lounge in Cathedral City has a warm and relaxed atmosphere, catering perfectly to the LGBTQ+ community. Professional yet friendly staff sees make sure you enjoy your time at One Eleven, happy to serve a glass of wine or a speciality cocktail. You can unwind with drinks and friends outside on the patio or head inside to join with karaoke, and even enjoy live entertainment throughout the week.
Na Und Bar
Gran Canaria
One for the older crowd, Na Und is a lively German bar that occupies a prime location in the corner of the Yumbo Centre, between Wunderbar and Strong Construction. Often busy, with a small dancefloor for those who want to throw some shapes before the clubs open in the early hours.
Pegasus On Church
Toronto
In the heart of the Gay Village and its community, Pegasus is a place for friends to meet and enjoy a simple drink, as it has been for decades. Its casual and local vibe appeals to both tourists and loyal regulars, who meet here for a game of pool, pinball, and the range of other games on offer. If that's not your thing then sit back with a martini and simply watch the world go by from the patio.
Boxer CafeBar
Barcelona
This stand-out cafe style bar has a sexy twist. You'll find sporty guys, topless barmen, and people from various fetish communities gathered in the bar or outside on the street terrace. The kitchen here cooks up great food such as cakes and all your favourite bar snacks. Boxer also makes some of the best cocktails around.
Alcatraz
Torremolinos
Alcatraz Men’s Club in Torremolinos is a leather- and fetish-focused cruising bar with a bold, adventurous vibe. Just a short walk from La Nogalera, it features dark rooms, private cabins, and open play areas, perfect for themed nights like naked or leather parties. The crowd is open-minded and sociable, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. With its no-frills, unapologetic atmosphere, Alcatraz is ideal for anyone looking for a lively, adventurous night out in Torremolinos’ gay scene.
Zur Kaiserin
Cologne
Zur Kaiserin" is a cozy little gay bar located in the heart of Cologne's old town. The staff is known for being family-friendly and the owner is wonderful. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor table service, with a beautiful outdoor dining area available in the summer.
Pub Gris
Madrid
Calm and subtle lighting creates an atmosphere at Gris that's hard to describe. It's a small space that fills up at weekends, maintaining a slightly old fashioned but stylish vibe. The music is generally rock and punk, complete with the occasional live tribute band and consistently cheap drinks served at the bar. Gris is straight-friendly and becoming popular with a hipster crowd.
Gay Bar 106
Lisbon
Gay bar 106 has been part of Lisbon's gay scene for over 18 years, offering a variety of fun nights out. Amongst shows and game nights you're bound to find an event for you. All events are designed to make you feel welcome and help you meet new people, perfect for tourists looking to immerse themselves in the gay scene. Friendly staff and clientele make this place feel like home.
Runway Terrace Bar
Sitges
Previously known as Carousel, Runway has changed its name in keeping with its airline theme. Staff dressed as flight attendants serve delicious cocktails from an extensive menu and keep the atmosphere fun and fresh. Runway also claims to have the best street views in Sitges with a sunny terrace at the crossroads of the town's two busiest gay streets.
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