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Less FOMO, more Homo*

*generally just more LGBTQ+

Gay travel without the guesswork

Discover handpicked hotels, the best gay bars, clubs, saunas and beaches, plus insider tips.

Some of our favourite LGBTQ+ destinations

Check out the GayMapper gay guides for the most popular LGBTQ+ holiday destinations worldwide

Dublin

Dublin

Ireland lights up late

Dublin is a city full of character and uniquely Irish charm, and in recent years it's started to emerge as a European queer capital. Same-sex marriage was legalised here in 2015, and since then the city and its people has only become more accepting. You'll find plenty of opportunity to explore the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Dublin, notably archives of classic queer literature and traditional gay-friendly Irish pubs. Take advantage of regular events, including the International LGBT Film Festival and annual Pride Parade, plus a selection of lively nightlife venues that are open all year round.
Boston

Boston

Boston marches on

Boston is the capital city of the first state to legalise same sex marriage, and as such it prides itself on being accessible and welcoming. This city is home to one of the largest LGBTQ+ population on the East Coast, drawn by the generally inclusive culture of even the areas that aren't exclusively queer. There are pride flags in windows across Boston, and large annual events such as Pride and the LGBT Film Festival that are dedicated to the community. Visitors also flock to follow the Freedom Trail for a taste of historical queer spaces across the city.
Birmingham

Birmingham

Heart of Midlands pride

Birmingham is the second biggest city in the UK, and as such it is home to a super diverse population. Birmingham Pride attracts many thousands of people each year, but even outside of Pride month, the gay scene here is still thriving. If you like a night out then there's over 15 bars and clubs to choose from in the Gay Village, but if that's not your thing then there's also gay and gay friendly social groups, cafes, shops, sports clubs and loads more. Whatever your identity and whatever you're into, Birmingham has something for you.
San Francisco

San Francisco

The home of homos

San Francisco is a city ruled by love and celebration of diversity, where the Castro neighbourhood is one of the original LGBTQ neighbourhoods in the USA and the queer hub of the city. Shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs cater welcome everyone, and any place that isn’t explicitly queer is bound to be accepting. Visitors can explore LGBTQ history, visit the Rainbow Honor Walk, and experience a huge drag and nightlife scene. San Francisco’s annual pride is also the biggest gathering of LGBTQ people in the country, and the city is widely regarded as the queer capital of the USA.
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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!

3* Hotel Beverly Terrace

Los Angeles

3* Hotel Beverly Terrace

Near Gay Nightlife, Boutique

Sitting right where Beverly Hills meets West Hollywood, Hotel Beverly Terrace gives you a quieter neighbourhood base without putting the gay bars too far away. Santa Monica Boulevard and the western end of the WeHo scene are comfortably walkable, while Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills lie in the other direction. This is a small mid-century hotel rather than a glossy resort, with just 39 rooms wrapped around a leafy courtyard. Café Amici downstairs is a popular neighbourhood Italian restaurant, and the roof terrace is a pleasant spot when you want some LA sunshine without committing to a full pool day. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops around Doheny and nearby Robertson too. GayMapper tip: particularly good if you want gay nightlife within walking distance but prefer a small, relaxed hotel rather than staying right in the middle of the party.
5* Fairmont Pacific Rim

Vancouver

5* Fairmont Pacific Rim

Luxury, City Centre

Harbour and mountain views are very much part of the experience at Fairmont Pacific Rim. Sitting beside Canada Place on Vancouver’s waterfront, this contemporary five-star hotel combines serious luxury with a noticeably more modern, creative personality than a traditional grand hotel. The rooftop pool terrace is a highlight in warmer weather, while the substantial Fairmont Spa and fitness centre make staying in equally tempting. Botanist is the flagship restaurant, and the Lobby Lounge & RawBar has developed into one of Vancouver’s better-known spots for cocktails, sushi and live music. Art installations and rotating exhibitions appear throughout the building. Stanley Park, Gastown and the seawall are all particularly accessible from here. Davie Village’s main LGBTQ+ nightlife is across Downtown, so allow around ten minutes by taxi or rideshare. GayMapper tip: Leave time for the hotel itself — between the spa, rooftop pool, art and live music, this is much more than somewhere to return to after sightseeing.
3* Mercure Berlin Zentrum

Berlin

3* Mercure Berlin Zentrum

Near Gay Nightlife, Great Value

Mercure Hotel Berlin Zentrum is about as conveniently placed as you can get for Schöneberg nightlife without actually sleeping above one of the bars. It’s tucked away on Fuggerstraße itself, with Woof, Prinzknecht, Motzstraße and the rest of the Rainbow District all within a very easy walk. The hotel is relatively small and uncomplicated, with air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities and private bathrooms. There’s a breakfast buffet each morning and a small hotel bar for drinks later in the day. Wittenbergplatz and Nollendorfplatz U-Bahn stations are both nearby, while KaDeWe and the western end of Kurfürstendamm are easily reached on foot. It isn’t the hotel to choose for a spa weekend or dramatic rooftop views, but for location and generally sensible pricing it makes a lot of sense. GayMapper tip: particularly useful if your Berlin plans involve rather more nightlife than time spent in the hotel.
5* Rosewood Mansion

Dallas

5* Rosewood Mansion

Near Gay Nightlife, Luxury

Rosewood Mansion manages a fairly unusual trick in Dallas: it gives you genuine five-star luxury while keeping the gayborhood within walking distance. The hotel feels tucked away on leafy Turtle Creek, but head a few blocks towards Cedar Springs and you’re suddenly amongst Dallas’s main LGBTQ+ bars and clubs. That makes it particularly attractive for a special trip where you want to enjoy the scene without actually staying above it. Back at the hotel, The Mansion Bar is worth an evening in its own right, especially when there’s live music, and the service has the sort of polished-but-personal reputation you’d hope for at this level. GayMapper tip: expensive, yes — but if you want a special-occasion hotel and still intend to spend Saturday night on Cedar Springs, the location is rather difficult to improve on.

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!

Atlas Social Club

New York City

Atlas Social Club

Cocktails, Sports

Happening saloon and open air cocktail bar in Hell's Kitchen with a retro athletic-club atmosphere that includes boxing and wrestling memorabilia. Atlas Social Club hosts different events each night, and whichever night you choose you can dance way into the early hours with happy hour cocktails and classic sports films playing as a backdrop. This low-key spot has a friendly crowd and a chill atmosphere to start your night.
Velvet Bar

Manchester

Velvet Bar

Cosy, Cocktails

Located in Manchester's vibrant Gay Village, the Velvet bar is coupled with their luxury hotel. It's surrounded by other lively bars and clubs, and brings a warm sense of luxury to this LGBTQ party hub. On the terrace and in the sumptuous bar area, you can enjoy a range of cocktails and other drinks as well as live DJs and entertainment every weekend. There is also a well rated restaurant in the basement which is very popular with the LGBTQ+ crowd.
Two Brewers

London

Two Brewers

Drag, Dancing

The Two Brewers has been proudly serving the gay community for over 30 years. This is south London's most famous cabaret venue, with areas available for party bookings on request. There's cabaret seven days a week and a range of events from karaoke, quiz nights and London's famous drag acts, and the nightclub opens Fridays and Saturdays. From the weekly quiz to back-to-back drag on Sundays and great offers on drinks, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Rich's

San Diego

Rich's

Young Crowd, Dancing

Rich's is San Diego's largest and oldest gay bar and nightclub, located in the heart of the vibrant Hillcrest neighbourhood. Rich's has two rooms each with big dance floors, full bars, incredible DJs, and the best dance music in town. It's arguably one of the most popular gay nightlife destinations in the city, attracting a mixed and generally younger crowd. State of the art light shows, themed events, and friendly staff make for a great night out.

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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