top of page
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
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.
The gay scene of New Orleans is centred on its bars and clubs, where people from across the community can come together and enjoy a night with friends. The city is home to a legendary live music scene as well so you can expect loud gigs and wild dancefloors alongside more traditional watering holes. In keeping with the spirit of the city, most places are mixed, so LGBTQ+ spaces welcome allies and you can find a sizeable queer crowd wherever you go. The best-known bars are in the French Quarter, right next door to the lively Bourbon Street.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Plenty of gay bars and clubs are scattered across the queer neighbourhoods of Chicago. Each area has its own unique vibe and draws its own crowd, from the low-key style of drinks in Boystown to the loud and proud nightlife of Uptown. You'll find historic bars, modern live music venues, hubs for drag, and a wide range of live music of different genres. Parties and festivals are done big in Chicago as well, so whether you're looking for a sophisticated hangout with friends or you want to party late to live music, there's something for you in this city.
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.
The majority of Barcelona's gay bars and clubs can be found in the Eixample and Gracia districts. As is typical in Spain, they tend to get busy around midnight, when every possible type of crowd comes together to enjoy the uniquely fabulous bubble that is the gay village. Visitors are made to feel at home here, and you'll be surrounded by friendly locals who delight in sharing this amazing place and its diverse range of nightlife spots. From casual café bars to more lively fetish clubs, everywhere you go you'll find the same outgoing and welcoming Latin attitude.
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.
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* Royal Sonesta New Orleans
New Orleans
Located in the historic French Quarter on Bourbon Street, with all the gay nightlife close at hand, Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, multiple bars, and a jazz club. The hotel is decorated with modern art and offers several on-site dining options.
Complimentary WiFi, a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator are included in all rooms at this New Orleans Royal Sonesta. Each room includes a seating area, safe and private bathroom. Some rooms offer a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street or the pool. Extras include bathrobes and luxury toiletries.
Guests can enjoy a drink and swim at the Oasis Pool Bar, or watch sports while exploring the extensive whiskey list at Le Booze. On-site dining is available at Desire Oyster Bar, while PJ's Coffee Cafe offers fresh coffee drinks, light bites and wine. Live music is featured at The Jazz House, the on-site jazz club. Restaurant R'evolution offers upscale Cajun and Creole fare in a historic setting and Bar R'evolution has craft cocktails and a broad offering of wines.
A fitness centre and business centre are available. The on-site spa offers a number of services. Concierge at the hotel can assist guests with requests such as arranging car rental, laundry service or ironing requests.
St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square are both within a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
4* Hotel Rose - Staypineapple
Portland
Hotel Rose, a Staypineapple hotel, is a funky and gay friendly choice in Portland boutique hotels, located directly across from Tom McCall Waterfront Park on the beautiful Willamette River. The gay bars and nightlife of Portland are conveniently close by. This contemporary hotel features a 24-hour reception. All rooms include free Wi-Fi and bottled water
A flat-screen TV with extended cable channels is provided in each air-conditioned guest room at Hotel Rose. Rooms also offer a gourmet coffee machine, a work desk, and an en suite bathroom with free toiletries.
Guests can also work out in the on-site fitness centre, or take advantage of complimentary bicycle rentals to explore the city of Portland.
The Rose Quarter sports and entertainment district is 3.2 km away from this hotel. Portland International Airport (PDX) is 17 minutes' drive away.
4* Canopy Dallas Uptown
Dallas
Canopy By Hilton Dallas Uptown is situated in the Uptown Dallas district of Dallas, not far from the gay nightlife of Oak Lawn, and is 2.2 km from AT&T Performing Arts Center. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. Attractions in the area include American Airlines Center, 2.3 km away, or Dallas World Trade Center, set 2.7 km from the property.
At the hotel, rooms have a desk. With a private bathroom, certain rooms at Canopy By Hilton Dallas Uptown also boast a terrace. Guest rooms at the accommodation are equipped with a seating area.
An artisenal breakfast buffet is served daily at the property.
Dallas World Aquarium is 2.8 km from Canopy By Hilton Dallas Uptown, while Dallas Holocaust Museum is 3.2 km away. The nearest airport is Dallas Love Field Airport, 6 km from the property.
3* Citybox Oslo
Oslo
"This budget hotel is 250 m from Oslo Central Station. It offers brightly decorated rooms with free WiFi access. Karl Johans gate shopping street is only 150 m away.
All rooms at Citybox Oslo have a private bathroom with shower. Each room has an armchair and a work desk. Some include a seating area.
Guests can also relax in the seating areas of the TV lounge. Internet computers are available for guests use.
A microwave is available to all guests at Oslo Citybox. Snacks and drinks can be bought from vending machines.
Oslo Opera House is a 5-minute walk away. The Royal Palace and the nightlife of Aker Brygge are within 1 km of the hotel."
5* Steigenberger Frankfurter
Frankfurt
Established in 1876, Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof is in the middle of the historic, financial district of Frankfurt and just 1 km away from the Emperor St. Bartholomaus's Cathedral, where the emperor's coronation once took place.
The hotel features 303 luxurious rooms with traditional and modern decor as well as elegant and classic furnishings. All rooms features a flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box, an air condition unit and first-class toiletries from Aigner.
Guests are welcome to enjoy an exquisite and delicate breakfast served at the hotel restaurant Hofgarten. In the afternoon, guests can enjoy a royal afternoon tea at the Autorenbar. The bar turns into a get together place for people to enjoy a drink or two in the evenings.
The award winning and Michelin-starred Restaurant Francais offers a unique fine dining experience, whereas OSCAR'S brasserie serves an assortment of snacks and regional dishes.
The ultimate spot for relaxation is at Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof's Spa. It comes with a Turkish bath and a traditional barber shop. Guests can book a selection of massages or luxurious beauty treatments.
Willy-Brandt-Platz Station is just outside the Frankfurter Hof, and provides connections to 6 different underground lines. Frankfurt Central Station is just 1 stop away.
4* Mediterraneo Sitges Apts
Sitges
Mediterraneo Sitges is located on the seafront, between the residential area and the heart of the town. There are 40 modern apartments with different layouts and capacities to adapt to all needs; from a weekend with your partner to long periods with your family.
The beach is located right in front of the hotel, which also features a sun terrace, private garden area of approx 4,000m2 with 3 swimming pools and free WIFI.
All the modern apartments at the Mediterraneo have flat-screen TVs, an equipped kitchen, marble bathrooms and private terraces, most with sea views.
The centre of Sitges with its shops, bars and restaurants is just 5 minutes away. Barcelona is about 40 minutes away by train.
4* Indigo Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego
Overlooking Petco Park and less than 1.6 km from the San Diego Convention Center, this Gaslamp District hotel offers unique guest rooms with contemporary amenities and a restaurant on site.
Guest rooms at Hotel Indigo San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter feature hardwood floors and plush bedding. Guests will also enjoy 37-inch flat-screen TVs and iHome clock radios. After a long day exploring the city, guests can use the in-room, free wireless internet access or order a meal from the hotel's 24-hour room service.
Phi Bar & Bistro, the hotel's casual restaurant, is open for breakfast and dinner with stunning views of the city.
With facilities such as a 24-hour fitness centre and an on-site business centre, the Gaslamp Quarter Hotel Indigo ensures a comfortable and productive stay.
4* Crowne Pointe Hotel & Spa
Provincetown
The perfect vacation spot in Provincetown, the Crowne Pointe Inn is an award winning luxury hotel, spa, and restaurant located in the center of town.
This gay friendly, adults-only inn is less than 3.2 km from Herring Cove Beach and offers on-site facilities like a sauna, full-service spa and hot tub. A breakfast buffet is served daily. No one under the age of 18 is permitted at any time.
A refrigerator and free Wi-Fi are available in every room at the Crowne Pointe Inn. Guests staying at the Crowne Pointe Historic Inn can enjoy swimming in the outdoor pool or lounging on the sun terrace.
The use of the steam room, sauna, soaking tub and relaxation at our award winning Kiehl's Shui Spa is included with the room stay.
Complimentary cooked to order breakfast is served to guests and complimentary wine and cheese is served daily from 17:00 to 18:00 hours. Enjoying food and wine at the on-site Pointe Restaurant and Wine Bar is also an option.
Race Point Beach is 4.8 km away. The Pilgrim Monument is 6 minutes' walk from the inn.
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!
Beaches WeHo
Los Angeles
In the heart of West Hollywood, Beaches is a fashionable venue that mixes restaurant with lounge to create a thoughtfully put together experience that guarantees you a good time. All aspects are visually stunning and perfect for photos, and you can get lost in 80s disco nostalgia, neon lights, and jungle theme. The food is first-class, and speciality cocktails from two bars can be enjoyed either in the main room with the DJ or in the more relaxed VIP space.
Men's Bar
Torremolinos
Men's Bar is in La Nogalaera in Torremolinos and attracts an older, hairy, beary crowd. Whilst quite cruisy, it has a welcoming atmosphere with friendly bar staff and strong drinks. Popular with locals as well as tourists, there is a large video wall showing pop and dance music from the 70's right up to date, often with a DJ at weekends. Downstairs is a sizable cruising area and darkroom.
Comodin
Sitges
This flamboyant show bar in the old town hosts drag shows every night during the most popular tourist seasons. Shows are a favourite for people of literally all ages and identities so Comodin boasts one of the most diverse crowds in town. The bar gets busy early on and is packed every night, so you're guaranteed hours of entertainment by the best names in the area.
SLM Oslo
Oslo
SLM venues are famous across Scandinavia for their focus on leather and fetish events. In addition to the bar, here you will find a cruising area. SLM Oslo, like their sister venues across the Nordics, has a strict dress code and door policy, with membership required for entrance. You can arrange membership online in advance.
New Action
Berlin
The place to be in Berlin for all kinds of Gay Fetish. This cruising bar is strictly for gay men only.Leather / Rubber / Worker / Skin / Boots / Braces / Sportswear / Pigs / Master / Slave / Uniform / Army / Biker. Jeans only in combination with full skin gear, i.e. bleached, polo, bald or zero-copped.NO cologneNO slippers or fashion shoes.NO nazi stuff or right wing signs.
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.
Liquid Zoo
Dallas
Liquid Zoo is a friendly neighbourhood sports bar where everyone seems to know everyone's name. In the early evening, the bar doubles as a restaurant, serving home-made burgers and other traditional but quality pub food that's always popular with the regulars. By night you'll find crowd singing along to show tunes and enjoying the karaoke, and a real sense of community that's helped by the familiarly antique decor. Drag brunches are also especially popular and very camp!
The Beresford
Sydney
Every Sunday, The Beresford Hotel transforms into a loud and camp nightlife hub. Throughout the week, The Beresford offers a casual community atmosphere complete with delicious food, and on Sundays you can experience all this plus a packed upstairs dance floor and amazing music from local DJs. The party continues into the courtyard, fuelled by great drinks. There's free entry all night as well so it gets busy with a super mixed crowd.
The Mining Company
Dallas
TMC has been a Dallas institution since 1978, this multilevel club is a popular spot to start or end a night on Cedar Springs. Nights here feature DJs, a lively dance floor, pool tables, and plenty of hot dancing boys. The party spreads out onto the front patio, which is a great people watching spot. Cute bartenders, reasonably priced drinks and no cover charge mean that TMC is always packed and popular.
Tangerine
Frankfurt
Small, long-established pub and smoker's bar in the heart of Frankfurt. Beer, wine, sparkling wine or whiskey, with an exhibition of impressive autographs. Mainly attracting a youngish crowd, it's popular with both tourists and locals alike.
bottom of page