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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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While you'll struggle to find a Lisbon bar that doesn't welcome LGBTQ+ travellers, most of the dedicated gay bars can be found in the neighbouring areas of Principe Real and Bairro Alto. The street at the heart of it is Bairro Alto where you'll find crowds of gays hanging out and drinking in the street late at night, since bars and clubs here are busiest around midnight and the early hours. These atmospheric streets come to life after dark, letting you party till morning and explore a diverse range of venues from traditional pubs to decidedly more modern cruise clubs.
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 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.
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!
Munich’s gay nightlife is centered in the lively Glockenbachviertel district, a welcoming and inclusive area known for its diverse range of bars, lounges, and clubs. The atmosphere ranges from relaxed and cozy to energetic and stylish, with venues often hosting themed nights, drag shows, and DJ sets. Dancing is a major part of the scene, with late-night spots offering everything from pop to techno until the early hours. During the warmer months, outdoor terraces and spontaneous street gatherings add a vibrant, social energy to the nightlife. Everything is within easy walking distance, making it ideal for bar-hopping and exploring. Whether you're looking for a quiet drink, a lively crowd, or a place to dance the night away, Munich offers a safe, friendly, and engaging nightlife experience for LGBTQ+ locals and visitors alike. The city’s open-minded spirit shines through in its dynamic and inclusive queer scene.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Most of the LGBTQ+ meeting places in the city, particularly nightlife destinations, can be found in the fabulous Hillcrest neighbourhood. There’s always a party happening here and crowds of friendly and equally fabulous people to spend your night with. That being said, other neighbourhoods across the city such as North Park and University Heights, are emerging onto the gay scene and becoming destinations in their own right. Here you can find even more queer-friendly places to drink or dance the night away. You’re bound to find a place to suit your taste or even discover something new on your travels.
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 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.
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.
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.
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* The Delphi, Downtown LA
Los Angeles
Downtown LA is best experienced with rooftop views. Explore The Delphi's LA hotel complete with on-site dining, entertainment, and rooftop pool.
Located in downtown Los Angeles, this unique and minimalistic hotel is 4 blocks from the Walt Disney Concert Hall. It features a rooftop pool and rooms with an iPod docking station.
TheDelphi, Downtown LA offers modern rooms with a glass walk-in shower, minibar and air conditioning. Each room has a cable TV, DVD player and free Wi-Fi.
The rooftop pool and sundeck boasts waterbed cabanas and a poolside bar with nightly DJs. The Standard Restaurant is open 24/7 and serves American cuisine.
Guests of Downtown LA's Delphi Hotel can enjoy an outdoor lounge with fire pit, foosball table and ping pong table.
Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art is less than 1.6 km from The Delphi and Dodger Stadium is 6.1 km away. The hotel is 29.3 km from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
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.
4* The Georgian Terrace
Atlanta
Known as The Grand Dame of Atlanta's Peachtree Street, this classically elegant hotel is across from the Fox Theatre and 8 minutes' walk from The Varsity, the world's largest drive-in restaurant. It features a rooftop pool, on-site dining, and free WiFi.
A 37-inch or 42-inch flat-screen TV, large windows are standard in each room at The Georgian Terrace. The private bathrooms are large and include eco-friendly toiletries. Select suites include a full kitchen, washing machine, and tumble dryer.
The Livingston Restaurant and Bar, part of The Georgian Terrace, serves gourmet cuisine amid marble, chrome, and glass architecture alongside a lounge and full-service bar. Buffalo Bayou Coffee offers locally sourced coffee and fresh sandwiches.
Underneath the hotel, guests can also escape to an intimate speakeasy, Edgar's Proof and Provision, for craft cocktails and appetisers. The fitness centre is located on a higher floor, providing cardio machines and views of the city. Valet parking and concierge services are available.
Downtown Atlanta is 1.6 km from The Georgian Terrace. The North Avenue Metro Station is 2 minutes' walk from the property.
3* Courtyard Toronto Downtown
Toronto
Centrally located in the city of Toronto, right in the heart of the gay village, this hotel is 10 minutes' walk from the bustling Eaton Centre shopping mall and 2 minutes' walk from College subway station. It features spacious rooms with free WiFi.
A flat-screen cable TV and tea/coffee-making facilities are standard in every modern room at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto. All rooms include a seating area and a work desk.
The Bistro at the Downtown Toronto Courtyard features snacks, a la carte items, Starbucks coffee and a full cocktail bar.
Free access to the 24-hour gym and the indoor lap pool is provided to all guests of the Courtyard Toronto. The business centre and lobby library are also available.
The CN Tower and Art Gallery of Ontario are both 3 km from the hotel. The University of Toronto is 10 minutes' walk from this hotel.
4* Hotel Zephyr
San Francisco
Hop aboard Hotel Zephyr, a nautical themed hotel on Fisherman's Wharf with waterfront views, stylish guest rooms and indoor/outdoor play areas.
Offering a fitness centre, Hotel Zephyr San Francisco is located a short 300 m from Pier 39 Fisherman's Wharf.
Each nautical-themed room features fishnet-covered light fixtures and porthole-style windows. A satellite TV and WiFi offer in-room entertainment. Featuring a bath or shower, the en suite bathrooms come with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Extras include a refrigerator, desk, a safety deposit box, and a laptop safe. Select rooms offer stunning views of San Francisco Bay.
At Hotel Zephyr San Francisco, you will find a 24-hour reception and a mini-market. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a games room and a ticket service. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling.
The Camper is a quick-serve food and beverage stop serving locally-sourced cuisine and craft beers and California wines. It is open to guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The hotel is 800 m from Lombard Street and Ghirardelli Square. San Francisco International Airport is 21 km away.
3* Bon Maison Guest House
New Orleans
Offering a terrace, the gay friendly Bon Maison Guest House is set right on Bourbon Street, near all the gay action and 200 m from St Louis Cathedral.
Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some rooms have a seating area where you can relax. A terrace or balcony is featured in certain rooms. Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom fitted with a walk-in shower. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer.
St. Louis Cemetery No 1 is 200 m from Bon Maison Guest House. The nearest airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 19 km from Bon Maison Guest House.
3* Hotel Deutsche Eiche
Munich
Offering the infamous and large male-only paid sauna, a 24-hour front desk, and a rooftop terrace with city views, gay friendly Hotel Deutsche Eiche is centrally located in Munich. Free Wi-Fi access is available.
Rooms here are spacious, mainly air-conditioned and stylishly decorated with heated wooden floors and contemporary furnishings. Each room features a desk, flat-screen TV, and a bathroom with a designer wash basin.
A hearty breakfast buffet is provided every morning, and the restaurant serves classic German and Bavarian specialities in the evenings. A supermarket is located 100 m from the property.
Hotel Deutsche Eiche is 1.9 km from Oktoberfest - Theresienwiese, 1.3 km from Central Station Munich and 500 m from Marienplatz Square and Town Hall.
Munich Airport is 29 km away, and takes about 45 minutes by S-Bahn or taxi.
3* Generator Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Situated 150 m from Kongens Nytorv Square, Generator Copenhagen offers budget accommodation, a late-night bar and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Kongens Nytorv Metro Station is 5 minutes' walk away.
Each room at Generator features modern decor and a mirror. The private rooms have a TV with Chromecast channels. Bathroom facilities are either private or shared. Bed linen are included in all rooms.
Generator Bar serves drinks, and has a chill-out lounge with TV and a pool table. DJ nights, karaoke and other events are arranged regularly.
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 Mix
San Francisco
The Mix is a small gay bar in the heart of The Castro neighbourhood, the hub of the San Francisco queer scene. It's a true neighbourhood bar with a laid-back feel, where drinks are strong, staff are helpful, and the crowd is friendly. Their all-day drinks specials and great value happy hours are particularly popular, and you can enjoy your drinks on the spacious back patio.
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
London
The RVT is the beating heart of Vauxhall, offering the best in alternative entertainment. It has served confirmed bachelors and friends for years with a welcoming atmosphere and first-class entertainment. This eclectic venue attracts an equally eclectic crowd who come to enjoy the wide variety of events, from comedy and bingo to cabaret and party nights. Drinks are well priced as well do you can have a great time without breaking the bank.
Hercules Club
Helsinki
Hercules is a great choice for a fun night's dancing in Helsinki. With two dance floors playing different sounds and a large bar area, Hercules is definitely worth a look on your trip to Helsinki. A fun and friendly atmosphere in one of the Nordics largest gay venues. If you get there early, you can often find happy hour deals on drinks. Minimum age of 24 at weekends.
Sky Bar by Axel
Barcelona
Barcelona's iconic rooftop gay bar is located above the famous Axel hotel. From this incredible vantage point you can see the best views of the city through day and night. The space is designed to be sophisticated yet laid-back, a romantic place where you can enjoy cold beers and cocktails under the sunset. During summer there's even a heated pool and spaces to sunbathe.
Cubbyhole
New York City
New York's neighbourhood fusion bar is welcoming to everyone of all identities, but it particularly popular with the lesbian community. The small but busy bar is tucked away in a corner of West Village, so it's surrounded by the history of the pride movement and the empowerment of its community. It continues to provide a safe space with a homely atmosphere and a diverse crowd. For new friends, queer conversations, and of course a few drinks, this is the place to go.
Hummel Hummel
Gran Canaria
Hummel Hummel bar was a pioneer of gay nightlife on Gran Canaria, being the second gay venue to open in the Yumbo Center. They have a loyal, generally more mature clientele that visit throughout the year and are known for thwie friendly and welcoming service. Hummel Hummel bar welcomes all ages and nationalities. Enjoy a drink with good music sitting on the terrace, or settle at the bar counter.
Never Mind
Copenhagen
Fun disco bar with dance floor and DJ. The main gay night club in Copenhagen that is open regularly. Never Mind can get very busy later on, popular as last stop before heading home in the small hours. Note the change of address in the past few years.
QiQi
New Orleans
QiQi is a tiny but super cosy gay bar in Uptown New Orleans, offering a dive bar experience unlike any other you'll find in the city. The decor is rustic and a little hipster, adding to the personality of the place and making it feel like home. They serve all your favourite bar snacks and great value drinks, plus daily specials to take advantage of. QiQi prides itself on sarcastic bartenders and a friendly crowd that makes everyone welcome.
ATTACK Club
Madrid
Infamous on the gay scene, ATTACK is a popular cruise and fetish club that attracts both loyal locals and curious tourists. Across 4 areas you can find what you're into, whether that's chatting to guys at the bar or moving straight to the cruising zones. There's a dungeon, slings, showers, and loads more to keep you busy. ATTACK hosts regular themed nights that cater to a wide range of fetish crowds.
Blunit
Barcelona
Blunit is a cosier gay bar with a scenic terrace, the ideal place to relax and unwind with friends. This place offers a great value night out, providing drinks at good prices and giving out goodies like free tickets or discounts for other events nearby. Blunit is a perfect start to your night before you move on to other clubs or parties, but there's good music here too so you can just stay and take in the atmosphere.
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