The 15 Best Gay Clubs Around the World To Add To Your Queer Travel Bucketlist!

Historically, gay men have always been able to carve out a niche for themselves. In spite of all the hate and persecution they’ve faced, gay people through the ages have always managed to secure spaces in which they can let loose and be themselves without fearing that they’d come across the wrong person and end up being attacked or worse.

Of course, that doesn’t stop straight people from stopping by once in a while, but who can blame them? If there’s anything the gays can do, it’s throw a party. Whether you’re looking for the hottest clubs in your city or visiting a new place and trying to see what they have to offer, it’s quite fun to visit a gay bar and have a few drinks.

Just remember that it’s primarily a space for gay people, and if you’re not part of the community, you should be respectful in all your interactions. And if you’re a young gay looking to party it up, many exciting and vibrant gay clubs around the world offer a safe and welcoming space for you to socialize, dance, and have fun.

These clubs often host events, parties, and drag shows and are a great way to meet new people and explore different cultures. Some of the clubs are located in countries where you’re free to love who you like, while others are in places that are not so tolerant.

Wherever you find yourself, it’s important you play according to the rules of the place. So tread with as much caution as you need, but don’t forget: you only live once. Here are fifteen of the best gay clubs from around the world. 

The George (Dublin, Ireland)

Ireland is the funner, more lively, and often estranged cousin of the UK. They’re known for their legendary pub culture, so we can expect their gay clubs to be just as entertaining. The George, which is Dublin’s only true LGBTQ nightclub, is a lively, multi-level dance bar with an open outdoor alley, with a pub attached to it.

They have Karaoke Saturdays, Drag Bingo Sundays as well as drag shoes several times a week. It’s one of those people-centered clubs where a fun atmosphere is generated by the melting pot of clients that patronize it.

It has been open for almost four decades and still attracts a long line of people trying to get in every Saturday. Even the local gay soccer and rugby team members often drop in.

They often feature famous drag acts, including some RuPaul Drag Queens. There’s a daytime bar as well as a huge dancefloor, so you can easily go from a laid-back afternoon to a whirlwind night without skipping a beat. It’s so great that many straight people try their best to get in, so if you’re determined to experience it, show up as early as you can.

G Bangkok (Bangkok, Thailand)

G Bangkok, also known as G.O.D, is a popular gay dance club in Bangkok, Thailand. It is located five minutes away from DJ Station. It’s not as impressive as some others, but it’s nothing to sniff at, either. It has a small stage, dance floor, DJ booth, and a bar on each floor. The club is packed with stages, cages, and zebra-patterned couches.

It also has two resident DJs: DJ Be for the weeknights and DJ Spectrum K on the weekends. They work hard to make sure the dance floor is always packed with sweaty, shirtless guys, which sounds like a dream if you ask us. The cover charge includes two drinks, and the best time to go is between midnight and 1 a.m, as it gets very busy after 2 a.m., and you’re not likely to find space.

The drag shows don’t get started until after 5 a.m., and they continue into the late hours of the morning. You can find it down a dark alley in Patpong. By the way, G.O.D means guys on display, in case you’re curious.

The Abbey (West Hollywood, USA)

America is known for the most famous versions of pretty much anything. The Abbey is probably one of the most famous gay bars in the world, as it’s right in the middle of West Hollywood, which has been called a gay Mecca. And you know, anywhere there’s Hollywood, there’s hotness.

There’s no shortage of hot guys in the Abbey. There are also celebrities, of course, and it is known for random star sightings. Joey Graceffa and Scott Evans are just two of the famous people that have been sighted in the bar. The bartenders are also pretty great, giving you more than enough drink with each free poor, especially if you tip well.

It’s an open-concept style, with the inside transitting into an outdoor beer garden, and it’s a great place to stop by at any time of the day. They even serve brunch on Sunday afternoons, or should we say Drag Brunch. It’s a compulsory stop for gay tourists on a tour of Hollywood.

Heaven (London, UK)

It’s not often that a club has its own Wikipedia page, but when it does, you should know it’s something special. Heaven has been in existence since 1979 and is that rare thing, a pioneer club that is not only open but flourishing today.

It began as a haven for the gay London underground and evolved into a home for an out-and-proud community. The venue caters to a young gay crowd and is one of the places where the different strains of house music found their roots. It has seen the development of acid houses and tribal houses and has even had the godfather of House Music play regularly.

Its Wikipedia page is as intimidating as its history, with a story that rivals Studio 54 as well as its gay super club counterpart in New York, The Saint. It has played host to an eye-watering roster of superstars who have graced its stage for an exclusive performance. These stars include: 

Adele, Cher, Adam Lambert, The Saturdays, Billie Eilish, Kylie Minogue, Ellie Goulding, Charli XCX, Nick Jonas, Village People, and even Madonna. Heaven is known for Paul Oakenfold’s acid house events in the 1980s, the underground nightclub festival Megatripolis, and for being the birthplace of ambient house, yet another genre of house music.

Soundshaft, a club attached to Heaven, also hosted Future, a regular night on Thursdays run by Andrew Weatherall and Terry Farley. At the end of the night, both crowds would come together when the doors connecting Heaven & Future opened for the last couple of songs. Stepping into it is probably like stepping into a piece of living history, and a tour of London will be incomplete without it.

The Manor (Wilton Manors, USA)

The Manor is modeled after West Hollywood‘s The Abbey, another club that’s on this list, so of course, the huge dance floor is always full of sweaty men. It is a restaurant, ultra lounge, and nightclub and is also one of the tops stops for people looking for a classy gay club.

The facility is located in the ultra-popular gay neighborhood of Wilton Manors, and it is as chic and sophisticated as it sounds, attracting the classiest people of Fort Lauderdale. The Manor’s Epic Nightclub has DJs providing beautiful sound mixes to please both dancers and people with more refined tastes.

They also host a variety of events, including fashionable theme nights and stage shows. The club is the epitome of modern style. There are also VIP booths for those seeking something more. intimate, and there’s outdoor seating for guests interested in enjoying the Florida weather. They also host Saturday Brunch.

Berghain (Berlin, Germany)

Berghain is generally known as one of the best and most notorious nightclubs not just in Berlin but the world. The main draw? The exclusivity. Yes, you read that right. About two-thirds of people who show up at the door of Berghain on weekends are turned away. The selection criteria are as obscure as they are strict; the decision-making is mostly left up to the bouncers.

Although we are skeptical of the whole procedure, we cannot deny that Berghain is a giant church of techno music, hedonism, and endless possibilities. Once you manage to get in, it’s almost impossible not to get lost in the labyrinthine maze that has everything from an ice cream parlor to sex dungeons.

It was originally founded in 2004 by friends Norbert Thormann and Michael Teufele as a gay club, and while it’s still heavily queer-centric, the audience is now a lot more mixed. However, there are still a couple of occasions reserved exclusively for gay men. The main room of the club is one mausoleum-like hall with narrow, you all windows and gray, concrete-like walls.

Small booths line the hallways, in which couples or groups can be seen getting intimate. We told you hedonism is the watchword there. Regardless, it’s an unforgettable experience, so whenever you get the chance, try your hand at getting in. If you fail once, you can always try again. The dress code is black and leather, just in case you want to improve your chances of getting in.

Club Church (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

The aptly-named Club Church In Amsterdam is a meeting place for the different sub-groups in the gay community. They host specific parties, and so they often have something to offer everyone.

They are known for their theme nights and have held crowd favorites like Underwear Night, a Naked Bar on Wednesday night, and even Sex on Sunday every other week, where they offer free condoms and a ‘cost check’ (we’ll leave you to guess what that is by yourself.

After all these, ahem, activities, you’ll probably be feeling a little grimy and dirty. That’s where the showers come in. They gave several for their patrons to use to clean themselves thoroughly. Altogether, they’re a fun place to go if you love variety and are constantly being surprised. You should also be fine with nudity, but that goes without saying.

Sétimo Céu, Poland

Sadly, Poland has been witnessing a crackdown on its gay rights as its government shifts farther and farther right. It’s not all doom and gloom, though, as there are still pockets of the country that keep up the joy of queerness.

Lisbon’s Bairro Alto district is one of those last strongholds, especially the Pink Corner, a location that comes alive in the summer with a mix of different identities. One of the bubbling places in this district is Sétimo Céu, a gay bar that has been on the Lisbon gay scene since 1996 and continues to maintain a level of fame. 

Sétimo Céu directly translates as ‘Seventh Heaven’,  and that’s what most guests will find there, especially in the darkroom at the back.

The bar attracts a similarly young, diverse crowd, most of whom want to let lose this old-school, laid-back club that seems to attract a plethora of dark-haired, hot Portuguese men. It’s best to visit this club on a weeknight before the more hectic weekend rolls around.

Tekyon Club (Istanbul, Turkey)

Tekyon club, which means ‘One way’ in Turkish, is probably one of the most famous clubs – both gay and straight – in Istanbul and even in Turkey. It is located in Taksim and becomes busy at night time. It is a large space and can fit a huge number of people, and there is even a backyard for smokers.

 During the weekdays, the club is not that crowded, but it gets very busy on Fridays and Saturdays. The prices of their drinks are reasonable and budget-friendly. The waiters are very friendly and polite and treat guests well, and the music is always loud because of the ongoing live shows and dancers on the stage.

The music is good and is a nice mix of popular and obscure music. They offer free drinks to guests that come in groups, and you can always find a mixture of tourists and locals here.

Dietrich (Barcelona, Spain)

Dietrich is a well-known gay bar in Barcelona that is still popular among locals and ex-pats, despite not being as busy as it was in the past. The bar has a charming atmosphere, with exposed brick walls and a small stage for live performances, such as go-go dancing and cabaret shows. While the drinks may be a bit pricey, they are reportedly worth it.

Dietrich is a classic Barcelona gay bar that is popular among those who want to be seen in the gay community and has a loyal following. It is highly recommended for its cabaret shows, go-go dancing, and variety of resident DJs. It’s a good idea to check out the DJ lineup in advance and arrive early to see who is playing. This bar is sure to stay in style for years to come.

Amsterdam Action Bar (Cape Town, South Africa)

We’re not sure about the roots of this club’s name, but it probably has something to do with Cape Town‘s Afrikaaner Dutch population.  It is located in Cape Town’s very chic, very queer De Waterkant districts, and it’s a cruise pleasure den notorious for being a great spot to get laid. The club comprises a bar, a video lounge, and a confusing complex of private cabins and a sling room.

There’s also a ‘glory hole maze’, showing guests that the place was meant for business. If this all sounds a little intimidating, you can enjoy the outside deck, sunbathe or play a game or two in the pool. No pressure.

Patricia (Stockholm, Sweden)

Imagine a public club on a private yacht; that’s Patricia. MS Patricia is a hidden gem in Stockholm that has been transformed from a private yacht into a multi-level bar featuring two outdoor bars, a restaurant, and a terrace.

It has been a popular destination for over 20 years, particularly on Sundays when it hosts a gay night hosted by Lars Åke Wilhelmsson, known as “Babson.” These parties are known for their lively atmosphere, with lots of glitters, costumes, dancing, live music, and delicious drinks. They regularly attract hundreds of gay men looking for a fun Sunday night party.

MS Patricia offers a unique and exciting experience for those looking for a lively night out in Stockholm. Its transformation from a yacht into a multi-faceted bar and entertainment venue adds to its appeal, and its Sunday night gay parties have gained a reputation for being lively and festive.

Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or just enjoy a drink on the terrace, MS Patricia is worth checking out.

Hercules Mitico (Sevilla, Spain)

Located in the bustling La Alameda de Hercules area, known for its vibrant gay scene, this small but lively bar is a must-visit. Its classic Spanish decor, featuring Damascus wallpaper and sultry red lighting, creates a unique and inviting atmosphere. The bar is known for its hard techno beats, making it the perfect spot for dancing the night away.

Although it may not be the main destination on a tourist bar crawl, it is definitely worth stopping by for a drink or two. The hole-in-the-wall nature of the bar adds to its charm and makes it a memorable stop on any night out in the city. Despite its size, the bar is known for being lively and energetic, and it is a popular spot among both locals and tourists alike. 

Eros, Marigot, St Martin

The gay clubs on the Caribbean islands never disappoint, and we’re happy to report that this one doesn’t either. It is a small, discreet, easygoing gay bar and club for both tourists and locals. Some wild parties and great fun happening here.

You can expect to see Chippendale-style dancers, drag queens, go-go boys, and even male lingerie shows, a rare but welcome sight. The place starts to get fun after 1 a.m., and before that, the party is somewhat slow. They throw fabulous parties, so it that’s more your style, drop by. 

Pegs n Pints (New Delhi, India)

A queer club in India is a welcome sight, even if it does open only on Tuesday nights. It is a small, obscure place, but every queer space where people can be themselves is always welcome.

Pegs n Pints is the only regular public gay venue outside the city’s parks (which are often used for cruising, and it is an integral part of the city’s queer landscape. It’s a small space, with MTV India and Bollywood movies playing in the lounge while music pulses away on the dance floor.