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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
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.
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.
Brighton has a vibrant gay scene that draws members of the community from across the country. Its gay cafes and bars are thriving, and luckily for you they're all in one place! in Kemp Town is home to almost all the gay bars, clubs, and everything social, from traditional pubs to a host of gay saunas. The bars in this area tend to attract a diverse crowd, but some attract larger proportions of specific groups so you can be sure you find your new favourite place to hang out and have fun on any night of the week.
Boston caters to its large LGBTQ+ population with a variety of queer venues focused on the South End and Jamaica Plain areas, from classic neighbourhood pubs to clubs to more relaxed lounges. These are spaces for the queer community to gather but they draw a mixed crowd of allies as well, such is the widely accepting nature of the Boston community. Many of the mainstream nightlife venues host LGBTQ+ friendly and themed nights, so you'll be welcome and find your crowd absolutely anywhere you choose to spend your night.
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.
Oak Lawn is the best place in Dallas to hang out with a mixed crowd of LGBTQ+ people. There are plenty of nightlife options in this gaybourhood, including the largest lesbian bar in the country right next door to a host of other bars and clubs that all have different atmospheres and themes. Everything you need for the perfect night out is located in this queer hub, but if you want to venture out and explore the rest of the city, you'll find queer friendly venues there as well.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
Portland has a multitude of gay venues for you to explore, all offering something a little bit different. The city has a prominent feminist and lesbian scene, which is focussed on the Hawthorne District with its trendy bars and coffee shops. Meanwhile the Burnside Triangle has always been a hangout spot for local queer people of all identities and is the home of LGBTQ+ nightlife that caters to everyone. As you explore the city you can catch a drag show, grab a craft cocktail, or simply dance the night away in one of the many clubs.
Birmingham's Hurst Street is the centre of its Gay Village. This hub for all things queer has been expanding since the decriminalisation, and it's now home to the majority of the city's gay scene. Against a backdrop of sparkly gay street art, this area offers plenty of gay bars and clubs. Different venues are popular with different age groups, styles, and tastes from cocktail bars to cabaret. Even outside of the Gay Village, there's a whole host of LGBTQ friendly places and iconic clubs, so you're bound to find a place you love.
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.
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.
The majority of gay bars and clubs can be found in the St.Georg district, which is known as the gaybourhood of Hamburg. In the heart of the area is the Lange Reihe shopping street, along which you'll find many of the gay bars. There are also a few gay bars and clubs in St.Pauli where you will also find the infamous Reeperbahn red-light district.
There are plenty of queer bars and clubs in Austin to suite any taste, and most of them can be found in the East of the city. Close to the bustle of Downtown, this gaybourhood is full of energy and all sorts of different people looking for a party. Austin is well-known as a live music capital of the world, so expect loud and vibrant music clubs alongside the more traditional drinking spots. The vibe on a night out here will be unpretentious with plenty of drinks and simply a focus on good times.
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* Washington Square Hotel
New York City
Located 32 m from Washington Square Park and 141 m from the subway station, this Greenwich Village hotel features a spa and a restaurant. Complimentary WiFi is available.
Washington Square Hotel provides in-room safety deposit boxes, desks, flat-screen TV and iPod docking station. The bathrooms include bathrobes and hairdryers.
The hotel offers guests an on-site gym. Massages and facials are available at the spa, while iPads are available for use at the reception.
A continental breakfast is served every morning at the on-site dining destination, North Square Restaurant. Mario Batali's flagship restaurant Babbo is located 72 m away.
New York University is 161 m from the Washington Square Hotel. Madison Square Garden is 2.4 km from the property.
3* Ibis Styles Portland
Manchester
Ibis Styles Manchester Portland is opposite Piccadilly Gardens, close to the Northern Quarter. Featuring a lively bar, restaurant and high-speed WiFi throughout, the hotel is just 5 minutes' walk from Piccadilly Station.
The weather-themed rooms at Ibis Styles Manchester Portland have a private bathroom with free toiletries. Rooms offer tea and coffee facilities, a work desk, air conditioning and a hairdryer. All rooms have a flat-screen LCD TV.
Jamboree serves a modern brasserie menu and varied wine list. The bar offers a range of beverages and snacks. The bar also has a TV.
In Manchester's centre, Ibis Styles Manchester Portland is just 300 m from Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station. Lively Canal Street is a 5-minute walk away, and Old Trafford is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Manchester Arena and the city's theatres can also be found nearby.
3* BOLD Munchen Zentrum
Munich
Offering free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk, this accommodation is located in Munich's Ludwigsvorstadt district. BOLD Hotel Munchen Zentrum is just a 5-minute walk from the Theresienwiese, the Oktoberfest venue.
Rooms and apartments at BOLD Hotel Munchen Zentrum are set in 2 neighbouring buildings separated by a quiet courtyard, and they all feature bright decor and a cable TV. Some also include a balcony and some have a kitchenette.
A rich breakfast is served every morning in the breakfast room. Guests can enjoy some cocktails and drinks at the hotel bar. Many shops and restaurants are to be found within a 5-minute walk.
Poccistrasse Underground Station is just 50 m from BOLD Hotel Munchen Zentrum. This is just 3 direct stops from Munich Town Hall in Marienplatz Square on the U3 and U6 lines.
Private parking can be booked at the property, and the A99 motorway is just 12 minutes away.
5* The Liberty
Boston
The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel overlooks the Charles River in Boston's Back Bay area, near the gay nightlife. This historic landmark hotel, once a Victorian jailhouse, now offers luxurious guestrooms featuring flat-screen TVs, award-winning dining and lounge options and easy access to top attractions.
Originally built in 1851, the Liberty Hotel elegantly combines historic style and architecture with today's modern conveniences, including wireless internet access and state-of-the-art fitness facilities. The hotel also offers free seasonal bicycle rentals along with free seasonal yoga classes.
The Liberty features a variety of gourmet on-site dining options, including modern American cuisine at Clink. Guests can also enjoy unique cocktails at Alibi, contemporary Italian dishes at Scampo and an extensive wine list at The Liberty Bar.
Located at the foot of Beacon Hill, the Liberty is set in the heart of the city, only steps from the Museum of Science and Kendall Square. The shops at Faneuil Hall along with the historic harbour area are also only moments away.
4* Thompson Chicago
Chicago
Thompson Chicago, a downtown luxury hotel, offers upscale accommodations, authentic Italian dining & more. This Gold Coast hotel is located near many Chicago attractions such as Oak Street & Magnificent Mile shopping, Michigan Avenue & Lake Michigan.
A flat-screen cable TV and a mini bar are offered in every modern guest room at Thompson Chicago. The bathrooms feature bathrobes, deluxe bath amenities and modern rain shower-heads.
The on-site restaurant, Nico Osteria, serves handmade pastas, grilled seafood and signature cocktails in an upscale atmosphere. In-room dining options are available to all guests.
A 1,000 square foot fitness centre is located on site at Chicago Thompson hotel. Free daily newspapers are offered, as well as free coffee and tea in the lobby.
Millennium Park is 1.6 km away from this hotel. Oak Street Beach and the Chicago Lakefront can be reached in just 5 minutes' walk.
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* Hotel du Vin
Birmingham
Just 10 minutes walk from The Bullring Shopping Centre, and not far from the gay life on Hurst Street, this elegant and modern hotel features rooms with Egyptian linen, plasma-screen TVs and free WiFi. There is an idyllic hidden courtyard, a French bistro, and a relaxing spa.
With luxurious hand-sprung mattresses, each spacious room at Hotel du Vin Birmingham includes a deep bath and powerful drench shower in its private bathroom.
Bistro du Vin serves French cuisine in an informal setting, made from the finest local ingredients, along with a selection of fine wines. Pub du Vin provides hearty and locally sourced pub food, along with an array of real ales.
Outdoor dining is available in the pretty courtyard, and there is a humidor area offering a range of rare and unique cigars.
Birmingham Snow Hill Rail Station is less than a minute away on foot, and Birmingham's central shops can all be reached within 10 minutes on foot. Birmingham New Street Rail Station can be reached in a 10-minute walk.
4* Marriott Downtown at Eaton
Toronto
Located in Toronto Eaton Centre, this hotel is connected to PATH underground walkway. Trios Bistro is on site and a 32-inch flat-screen TV is featured in rooms. Dundas Subway Station is 350 m away.
Guest rooms at the Marriott Toronto Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel include cable channels with pay-per-view movies. A coffee maker and an in-room safe are provided in the rooms.
A roof top pool and a 24-hour fitness centre are on-site at this non-smoking hotel. The hotel includes foreign exchange services.
The Rogers Centre, an entertainment venue, is a 5 minutes' drive from the Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre Hotel. Dundas Square is located 500 m away, just across the street.
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!
Village Soho
London
Village offers something for everyone. The ground floor is home to chart and dance music with gorgeous dancing boys on the bar, while in the basement club, you'll find the best in deep house and tech with the best of London's dance scene. The Cafe bar offers a more relaxed vibe with lots of seating & comfy booths, and the new Cocktail Lounge boasts another bar with luxurious booths, chandeliers and a stunning view of Old Compton Street.
Jeffery Pub
Chicago
Jeffery Pub is a classic south-side institution that caters to a mixed crowd. Pitchers of brightly coloured cocktails along with lively music from a range of genres make a vibrant and fun space for parties or getting together with friends for a night out. The atmosphere is always welcoming thanks to friendly patrons and staff, so people keep coming back for great value happy hours and nights of dancing.
Pieces
New York City
One of New York City's oldest gay bars located in Greenwich Village at corner of the iconic Christopher St and Gay St. This local and long-standing bar offers happy hour, karaoke, drag spectaculars, and plenty of dancing, and its versatile space is available for private parties as well. The daily drag shows are especially popular, as the queens are talented and keep the bar filled with energy. All this along with strong but cheap drinks makes for a great night.
Boyberry
Barcelona
Boyberry is one of the more laid-back men-only cruising clubs in Barcelona, where you can go for some casual cruising and a few drinks. There are lots of different play areas to explore, plenty of cabins, and adult videos playing around the venue. Boyberry even has an on-site adult shop, so it's well worth a visit no matter the time of day.
Oz New Orleans
New Orleans
Oz is the number one gay dance club and show bar in New Orleans. Located in the lively French Quarter, this two-level club experience attracts a variety of people. Explore a huge dance floor, complete with cute dancers, or hang out the balcony to watch what's going on below. Drag shows are hosted regularly and feature local legend Persana Shoulders, while other events range from bingo to burlesque so everyone can find a bit of fun.
Bar Le Ritz PDB
Montreal
Bar Le Ritz PDB is a spacious venue with tables situated by large front windows that open on summer afternoons so the party can move outside. It's well-known as a show-bar, but it's also good for hangouts with expanded opening hours and a great variety of drinks. The music tends towards indie rock, post-punk, and alternative tunes, providing a perfectly upbeat yet cosy space to spend a night with friends.
Shelter Bar
Lisbon
Catering to the bear community with a friendly atmosphere and a room full of friendly guys, Shelter Bar is a popular staple on Lisbon's gay scene. For those who enjoy a drink, the bar offers a great selection of wines, gins, and craft beers. Regular bear and drag events keep everyone entertained, while if you're looking for a more relaxed evening then there's the newly opened Shelter Coffee & Gallery that serves Italian snacks and smoothies.
Atlas Social Club
New York City
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.
Tracks
Denver
Tracks is Denver's premier LGBT nightclub with the best sound and light show in the area. With a name that stretches back for decades, Tracks is deeply rooted within the LGBT scene here, as a place where the community can dine and be entertained in safety. Multiple dance floors host lively parties with all your favourite tunes, plus occasional live performances. Tracks generally draws a younger crowd but welcomes everyone.
The Flying Duck
Glasgow
This bar and diner isn't exclusively a gay venue, but it does hold Glasgow's first indie gay night every month. Its alternative music set brings a chance of pace from some of the other gay clubs, and with its vegan diner menu and dog friendly policy, absolutely everyone is welcome. The Flying Duck is open till late with live music and entertainment. For an intimate and alternative experience with great food and prices, this is the place to go.
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