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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
You’ll find most of Seattle’s gay nightlife in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood, where most of the community gather. Head out and explore the neighbourhood’s variety of bars, clubs, and pubs where friendly locals get together and where new faces are welcomed. Most places are open until 2am so you can lose yourself in the atmosphere and dance the night away in some of the best gay clubs in the area. Each club has a different vibe, from strict 21+ spaces to classic pubs that draw mixed crowds, but everything is central, so you don’t have to choose just one!
On Key West you'll find an amazing number of gay bars and clubs packed onto such a small island. Even the places that aren't specifically catered to the LGBTQ+ community have a super inclusive atmosphere, so you have plenty of destinations to choose from as a queer traveller. There's something for every interest, from fine wine and pool parties to leather clad men and drag queens. Drink and dance the night away at bars that are open till late, find parties in full swing out on the beach, or take advantage of night-time fun at one of many gay resorts.
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.
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.
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* W Atlanta - Midtown
Atlanta
Close to Atlanta's vibrant gay scene and overlooking Piedmont Park, near the shopping and restaurants of the Midtown Atlanta, the W Atlanta - Midtown is a great gay friendly hotel choice in Atlanta. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is 6.3 km away, while State Farm Arena is 4.2 km from the property. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens and the High Museum are within a 5 minute walk of the property.
W Atlanta - Midtown features an outdoor pool and well-equipped business center. After an intense workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center, guests can relax with a massage at The Spa at W Atlanta-Midtown. In the evening, the hotel's helpful Whatever/Whenever service can help arrange everything from dinner reservations to transportation.
The guestrooms at the Midtown Atlanta W boast luxuries such as pillow-top mattresses and Bliss bath products. Guests will also enjoy contemporary amenities such as flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and a well-stocked media library.
Guests at the Midtown W Atlanta can relax in the Living Room, which serves lunch, dinner and cocktails. Serving breakfast, Trace features classic and modern twists on New South favourites.
5* Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Cologne
For an extra special stay in Cologne, choose the Excelcior Hotel Ernst am Dom. This luxury 5-star hotel is located directly opposite Cologne Cathedral and a 2-minute walk from Cologne Main Station. It offers award-winning cuisine and elegant rooms with a free minibar.
The Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom has been family-run since 1863. The spacious rooms and suites all feature air conditioning, international satellite TV and a marble-style bathroom. Free WiFi is available for all mobile devices.
Exotic Asian dishes are available in the stylish taku restaurant, which has a Michelin star, and innovative French cuisine is served in the Hanse Stube restaurant. The Piano Bar features tea/coffee specialities, homemade pastries, cocktails, a cigar lounge and live piano music.
The Excelsior Cologne offers free use of the gym and 2 saunas from 07:00 until 22:00 daily.
Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
Descanso Resort
Palm Springs
A Men only boutique resort offering all the amenities of a 5 star hotel and first class service but with the comforts of feeling like home.
Situated in the Downtown Palm Springs district in Palm Springs, 1.2 km from Palm Springs Square Shopping Center, Descanso features free WiFi access and free private parking.
All guest rooms include a seating area, a private bathroom, bathrobes and free toiletries. The Grand Suite includes a spa bath. Enjoy a cup of coffee while looking out at the mountain or pool. A flat-screen cable TV is also offered.
There is a shared lounge at the property. Guests receive a complimentary cocktail hour each evening.
The area around the property is popular for golfing. Loehmann's Plaza Shopping Center is 1.3 km from East Canyon Hotel and Spa, while Saks Fifth Avenue is 1.8 km away. Palm Springs International Airport is 4 km from Descanso Resort
3* Hotel Ritual Maspalomas
Gran Canaria
Gay hotel Ritual Maspalomas in Playa del Ingles provides adults-only accommodation right next to the Yumbo Centre, with a bar and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are room service and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel provides an outdoor swimming pool, evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk.
All units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. Featuring a private bathroom, rooms at the hotel also provide guests with pool view. At Hotel Ritual Maspalomas every room is equipped with a seating area.
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!
Bar Broadway
Brighton
Situated in the heart of Brighton's Gay Village, Bar Broadway is a musical theatre bar best known for its cabaret. It has other live shows and music as well, and great offers on drinks every night of the week. Regulars and tourists alike praise the variety and talent of the performers, as well as the safe and friendly atmosphere created by the staff. Lots of show tunes couple with affordable drinks make for a great night.
The Vault
Provincetown
Hidden away in the infamous Crown & Anchor resort, The Vault is the centre of the Provincetown gay leather scene. Attracting a generally older crowd of bears, their admirers, and men in uniform, this dark and seclude club is a hot spot for cruising. The place may be small but there are plenty of dark corners to retreat into, mature videos on the screens, and stiff drinks at good prices to keep you going into the early hours.
Flicks
San Diego
In the heart of Hillcrest, Flicks is one of San Diego's original gay video bars. The patio out front is great for relaxing with a beer and doing a bit of people watching at any time of day or night. Inside there are games and karaoke to enjoy with a friendly crowd, plus videos playing throughout the venue. Drink, dance, and enjoy this place where you can always be yourself.
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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