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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.

Some of our favourite LGBTQ+ destinations

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

Gay San Diego

Gay San Diego

Pacific party nights

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.
Gay Chicago

Gay Chicago

The windy city

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.
Gay Stockholm

Gay Stockholm

Beautiful locals

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.
Gay Berlin

Gay Berlin

Germany's gay capital

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.
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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!

4* Staypineapple, Union Square

4* Staypineapple, Union Square

San Francisco

Staypineapple San Francisco is a newly re-imagined, posh choice in Union Square, San Francisco, featuring sophisticated and thoughtfully designed guest rooms. It is set in a historic 1913 hotel located just 5 minutes' walk from vibrant Union Square. It offers a coffee and treats reception at check-in and free WiFi in all rooms. A blend of modern decor and restored 1930s Victorian elegance is featured in all rooms. A flat-screen cable TV is featured in each room. A hairdryer is included in the en suite bathroom. A coffee machine allows guests to brew a fresh cup of coffee each morning. A computer in the lobby is available for guest use. Concierge services and a 24-hour reception provide convenient guest assistance. San Francisco's Chinatown is 1 km away from Staypineapple. Grace Cathedral is 8 minutes' walk away.
4* Oslo Guldsmeden

4* Oslo Guldsmeden

Oslo

One of our bestsellers in Oslo! This eco-friendly boutique hotel, 12 minutes' walk from Karl Johan Gate, offers an organic breakfast and designer rooms. Self-service saunas are available on-site. Just 5 minutes' walk from the Royal Palace, Oslo Guldsmeden's own rooms are elegantly styled with quality furnishings. Each one features a unique combination of luxury Balinese-style decor and Sami-inspired pelts. The rooms are equipped with TVs, digital radios and organic bathroom products. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire hotel, as well as a 24-hour front desk. Seasonal dishes based on local, organic produce are served at the hotel restaurant. Nationaltheatret Train Station is a 3-minute walk from Guldsmeden Oslo. Tjuvholmen and the lively Aker Brygge harbour area are also nearby and offers plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs.
3* Art Hotel Connection

3* Art Hotel Connection

Berlin

This gay hotel in Schöneberg is right on Fuggerstrasse where you'll find many of Berlin's gay bars. 700 m from Berlin’s Kurfurstendamm shopping area and the KaDeWe department store. The hotel's breakfast buffet is available until late, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. A 10-minute walk from the many bars of Nollendorfplatz Square, the ArtHotel Connection has rooms with a flat-screen TV, DVD player and iPod docking station.
3* Hillcrest House B & B

3* Hillcrest House B & B

San Diego

Located within easy walking distance to all the attractions of Hillcrest, the bright, cheerful, and charming Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast is your San Diego home-away-from-home. From the 1910 Craftsman-style house to the rooms designed after attributes of city neighborhoods, the look and feel is quintessential San Diego. Set in San Diego, 3.3 km from San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park reachable within 3.7 km, Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast offers a shared lounge, a garden and free WiFi. Every unit features a private bathroom and shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a microwave. A fridge and kettle are also featured. The bed and breakfast offers a continental or buffet breakfast. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is 4.3 km from Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast, while Maritime Museum of San Diego is 4.4 km away. The nearest airport is San Diego International Airport, 4 km from the accommodation.

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!

Scarlet Bar

Scarlet Bar

Chicago

Scarlet Bar has always been known at the place to drink, dance, laugh and have a great time. It has evolved to have quite the reputation, and always prides itself on the diversity of both its staff and customers. Scarlet Bar hosts legendary nights such as Frat Night, Liquid Brunch, and Monster Rave so there is always something going on here for those who want to party at a community favourite.
Men's Bar

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.
Denver Sweet

Denver Sweet

Denver

Denver Sweet is primarily a bear bar but it's friendly to whole LGBTQ+ community. Its central Downtown location means its easy to pop in for a drink or a bit to eat, and friendly staff will make sure you feel welcome. The rooftop bar serves a range of wonderful cocktails and beers to choose from, plus tasty bites from the kitchen. Across the two floors of the venue there are always music videos playing and good times to be had.
The Abbey Food & Bar

The Abbey Food & Bar

Los Angeles

This world-famous gay bar is a favourite hangout in West Hollywood for celebrities, locals, and tourists alike. There's no better place to meet old friends, make new ones, enjoy a cocktail with your quality meal, and just kick back and have fun. The Abbey is one of the premier outdoor cocktail and dining experiences in Los Angeles, and when you've visited the four bars over multiple floors, you can enjoy your night out on the patio or on the labyrinthine dance floor.

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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