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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.
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.
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.
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.
The majority of gay bars and clubs can be found in the St.Georg district, which is known as the gaybourhood of Hamburg. In the heart of the area is the Lange Reihe shopping street, along which you'll find many of the gay bars. There are also a few gay bars and clubs in St.Pauli where you will also find the infamous Reeperbahn red-light district.
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.
The gay life in Cologne is centred around two main areas of the city, Rudolfplatz and Heumarkt (or the Old Town.) Heumarkt has had gay venues for many years, and as such attracts a somewhat older crowd than in the area around Rudolfplatz. There are many gay bars and clubs to choose from, depending on your mood or tribe. If you're new to town or just visiting, a bar crawl across an evening or two is definitely a good way to start. Check out our listings below of all gay venues in Cologne, Germany and choose where you'll start!
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.
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.
Similar to Stockholm, as Oslo is such a gay-friendly place, many LGBTQ+ people hang out in the wide range of mixed bars in the city. That's not to say there aren't any gay bars and gay clubs, you'll find them conveniently located in the city centre.
Helsinki has a fairly small gay scene, but one of the bigger Nordic gay venues with DTM. GayMapper has visited all the gay bars and clubs in Helsinki and found them all welcoming with their own charm and personalities.
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.
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.
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!
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.
The range of gay nightlife in Toronto is wonderfully eclectic, drawing people from across the spectrum of ages, genders, and orientations. The majority of nightlife venues can be found at the intersection of Church Street and Wellesley street where the atmosphere is buzzing and the bars and clubs host something for everyone every night of the week. Most of the venues here are also super popular destinations for drag shows, so head here for a classically camp night out. Meanwhile in the Queer West Village you can find edgier queer friendly bars offering something a little bit different.
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.
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.
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.
Portland has a multitude of gay venues for you to explore, all offering something a little bit different. The city has a prominent feminist and lesbian scene, which is focussed on the Hawthorne District with its trendy bars and coffee shops. Meanwhile the Burnside Triangle has always been a hangout spot for local queer people of all identities and is the home of LGBTQ+ nightlife that caters to everyone. As you explore the city you can catch a drag show, grab a craft cocktail, or simply dance the night away in one of the many clubs.
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!
4* 1 Hotel Central Park
New York City
Each room here will provide you with air conditioning and a seating area. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also comes with a hairdryer, cotton slipper socks and bathrobes. Extras include a desk, a safety deposit box, a laptop safe, a yoga mat and a Nespresso machine.
At 1 Hotel Central Park you will find a 24-hour front desk, a bar and a snack bar. Other facilities offered at the property include meeting facilities, luggage storage and dry cleaning.
The on-site restaurant, Jams, features an open kitchen, exposed brick and reclaimed oak. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
The hotel is 300 m from Carnegie Hall, 500 m from Museum of Modern Art and 600 m from Central Park. Newark Liberty International Airport is 19 km away.
4* Le Meridien, The Stoneleigh
Dallas
This luxury art deco hotel features a steakhouse on site. Guest rooms boast mahogany furniture with marble finishes.
Decorated in red and brown colours, Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh guest rooms provide a flat-screen TV. The suite offers a separate seating area with sofa bed.
Guests of Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh can dine at Graze Restaurant, an enlightened steakhouse that serves prime cuts of meat.
Many services are offered at the hotel including free shoeshine service, foreign currency exchange and a 24-hour reception. A modern business centre and a 6,000 square foot meeting space designed by Dorothy Draper are also available.
The Stoneleigh, Le Meridien Dallas is located in the centre of Uptown district and 20 minutes' walk from Dallas Museum of Art. American Airlines Center is 1.6 km away.
4* Hotel Provincial
New Orleans
Stay at the luxurious Hotel Provincial on Chartres Street in the New Orleans French Quarter, just blocks from Bourbon Street and the gay quarter.
The gay friendly Hotel Provincial boasts air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.
All rooms have premium bedding and small refrigerators. Ironing facilities and a hairdryer are also provided. Central air conditioning and an iPod docking station are included.
There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.
St Louis Cathedral is 300 m from Hotel Provincial, while St Louis Cemetery No 1 is 300 m from the property. Louis Armstrong Airport is 19 km away.
4* Yorkville Royal Sonesta
Toronto
Surrounded by art galleries, fine restaurants and stylish boutiques in Toronto's Yorkville district, this hotel offers enjoyable facilities and unique dining options, including a seasonal patio lounge. The hotel is located across the street from the Royal Ontario Museum, a 2 minutes' walk from the University of Toronto.
Modernly decorated, all the rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels and an iPod docking station. Air conditioning and a safety deposit box are included. A hairdryer and free toiletries can be found in the bathroom.
The Yorkville Royal Sonesta features an indoor pool and on-site fitness center. After an intense workout, guests can order a meal from room service and relax in a lounge chair on the outdoor terrace.
Signatures restaurant at the Yorkville Royal Sonesta is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can also enjoy the SkyLounge patio, which serves a seasonal tapas and drink menu. In the evening, visitors choose from an extensive selection of vodkas from around the world in the hotel's Proof Bar.
3* Beck's Motor Lodge
San Francisco
Beck's Motor Lodge is located in the Castro, one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the heart of San Francisco and has long been a favourite with gay travellers. Recently refurbished, it is nestled on a tree-lined street near local attractions. Free WiFi and free parking are included.
A small refrigerator and cable TV are provided in each guest room at Beck's Motor Lodge. An en suite bathroom is included.
While staying at the lodge, guests can enjoy a spacious sundeck. The motel also provides on-site laundry facilities.
Beck's Motor Lodge is ideally located only moments from the city's historic cable car lines, offering direct access to Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Dolores Park and San Francisco's Mission District are just 15 minutes' walk away from this motel. A number of antique shops, cafes and unique stores are located in the neighbourhood.
4* Citizen M Copenhagen
Copenhagen
CitizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen in the centre of Copenhagen is just a couple of minutes walk away from the main gay street. With murals by local Danish artists covering both exterior and inside areas, guests can relax in the living room-style lounge.
All rooms come with a MoodPad, which controls everything from lighting to the temperature to the flat-screen TV. The space provides guests with a fridge, a desk and city views. The private bathroom features a steam shower with tropical rain.
4* Barcelo Hamburg
Hamburg
Featuring a modern interior, this 4-star-Superior hotel in central Hamburg offers an elegant restaurant, lobby bar and excellent sauna and fitness facilities. It is just 500 m from Hamburg Central Station.
The 1700 restaurant serves as a breakfast cafe, dining room, meeting point and an a la carte restaurant offering Mediterranean dishes with a northern German touch made from ingredients that are locally sourced. The B-Lounge offers a restaurant, wine bar and patio terrace.
Guests can work out in the gym or enjoy the sauna.
The popular shops, cafes and restaurants of Monckebergstrasse are a 7-minute walk away. Binnenalster Lake is 100 m from the Barcelo, providing a beautiful jogging route. The hotel is also convenient for the Jungfernstieg and Neuer Wall shopping areas.
4* Hotel San Jose
Austin
The gay friendly Hotel San Jose is a bungalow-style hotel in a vibrant SoCo neighbourhood of Austin, Texas. Kick up your heels and relax amidst their lush garden courtyards.
Located 1.6 km from Austin Convention Center, Hotel San Jose offers 4-star accommodation in Austin and has an outdoor swimming pool. This property is set a short distance from attractions such as Palmer Events Center and Town Lake. Barton Springs Pool is 2.4 km away.
At the hotel, all rooms come with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom, while some rooms also boast a terrace. Free WiFi is accessible to all guests
A continental breakfast is served daily at the property.
Staff at Hotel San Jose are always available to provide guidance at the reception.
Capitol Building is 2.6 km from the accommodation, while Frank Erwin Center - University of Texas is 3.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 10 km from the property.
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!
The Iron Bear
Austin
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
ClubOpenMind
Barcelona
Open Mind is one of Barcelona's most popular gay cruise and fetish clubs, offering a space to play without limits. You'll have to buy a membership at the door to access this exclusive club, and once you're in you'll find it full of guys with all sorts of interests. Visit on themed nights to find your crowd as the club caters to everything from leather to military. There's also a super popular "no dress code" night amongst other dress code events.
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.
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.
Complexe Sky
Montreal
The Sky complex is a huge gay club and one of the largest of its kind in the country. It houses everything from hiphop to cabaret, and there's a calmer rooftop pool, spa and mini restaurant to compliment the party. The first floor restaurant bar offers drinks and snacks, while on the second floor you can catch a cabaret dinner show. The third floor is always hosting a dance party, meaning that there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Lab.oratory
Berlin
The Lab-Oratory is not made for vulnerable souls. Every night has a different theme, almost always with a certain fetish (sport clothes, leather, yellow, etc). Only on friday nights there is no dress code and everyone can wear (or not) what he wants to. In the magnificent, industrial setting men (women are not allowed) can do what they want with each other. In the weekends you can often enter the Berghain at a reduced rate. Please mind: the doors only open two hours, to make sure that the number of visitors isn't spread out too much throughout the night.
Rain
Austin
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.
Plata Cocktail Bar
Barcelona
Plata is a modern gay cocktail bar in the heart of Eixample, offering a trendy atmosphere and a delicious range of drinks. This place draws in a diverse crowd, and you'll find a mix of people hanging out on the biggest street terrace in the area. Enjoy fancy premium drinks or more classic cocktails created by expert mixologists.
Bar Meicker
Gran Canaria
A small and cosy bar with a Danish twist - the only Danish gay bar in the Yumbo centre. Friendly welcome and good service from owners Jack and Erik. You'll find the bar on the ground floor, in the area that is set back, by the trampolines.
Blake's On The Park
Atlanta
Located in the heart of Atlanta's Midtown Gayborhood, Blake's on the Park is your neighbourhood bar with great music, live entertainment, delicious food and drinks. Open seven days a week, Blake's has Atlanta'a best bartenders and is the best place in the city to meet men, but despite its very gay vibe, this bar is still straight friendly and draws a super mixed crowd. Karaoke and drag shows are just some of the lively entertainment hosted here throughout the week.
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