Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Colombia has a burgeoning gay scene and, in many ways, is leading Latin America in LGBT rights.
From all over America, people are flocking to gay Bogotá (and the equally hedonistic Medellín gay scene) as the city – and country – shreds the reputation of its sordid past.
Bogotá today is increasingly well-known for its world-class museums, beautiful designer hotels, and innovative food scene. For many, however, the real drawcard comes after the sun goes down, and the crazy, hot, and wild nightlife scene comes alive. For queer travelers, there is also the added bonus of Bogotá being one of the biggest gay hotspots in Latin America!
With the recent legalization of gay marriage in Colombia, coupled with historical sites, beautiful nature, and some of the friendliest people in the world, there has never been a better time to come and discover Colombia and Gay Bogotá.
While care should still be taken late at night or in less-developed areas, the average gay traveler in Bogotá is unlikely to experience any issues with some common sense, simple precautions, and choosing the right area to stay in.
In Bogotá, you can easily find queer life out on full display – more so than in many of the more conservative countries in Latin America (or, indeed, areas of North America and Europe). Needless to say, many travelers find this extremely liberating.
A friendly city that welcomes queer citizens and travelers alike with open arms, embracing diversity is just one part of Bogotá’s rich and colorful social tapestry.
This supportive attitude culminates yearly in the annual Bogotá Pride celebrations in July when, in stark contrast to North American Prides, the entire community marches, claiming the streets for an unapologetically Latin experience with a day of fiesta and celebration.
Bogotá, a city in transformation, sucks you in and invites you to stay much longer than you plan. With all-night parties, diverse neighborhoods to explore, and a booming gastronomical scene, Bogotá should be top of the list for any gay travelers in Colombia!
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Bogotá
Being such a queer-friendly city, many of the attractions in Bogotá gay travelers will want to visit are the top attractions in Bogotá anyway. All travelers in Bogotá should take caution in less-developed areas with valuables and take taxis or rideshare apps (especially if you do not speak Spanish) at night – and always listen to local advice when exploring.
Gay travelers in Bogotá should take special care in less developed areas in terms of public displays of affection, where many residents may be less exposed to LGBT culture and may hold conservative attitudes…Though any reaction is more likely to be curious than outrage.
Overall, Bogotá is safe, especially compared to other Latin American cities, and a common-sense approach to travel will generally ensure you have no issues exploring this beautiful and diverse city.
Housing the biggest collection of arguably Latin America’s most famous artists. If you’re about all things chubby – or just want to see some different art, you can wander in for free.
Gold Museum – The most visited attraction in Colombia; if you love shiny and beautiful things, this cannot be missed with over 50,000 pieces.
Hike or cheat and take the funicular to the highest point in Bogotá. Perfect for sunset and with a variety of great restaurants with views like no other in town.
Colombia’s national theatre and a treasure in its own right. One of the most beautiful buildings in South America; if you have the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to get in here!
While modern Bogotá might be chaotic and sprawling, there is still a beautiful planned Spanish colonial core that has had an entire facelift in recent years. It is the best place in the city to wander around, people watch and sip lattes.
An exploding street art scene makes a visit to Bogotá all the more vivid and exciting. With so many examples and new pieces popping up, a Bogotá street art tour is the way to go!
Simply the largest collection of art, history, and Colombian history in one place. The biggest museum in Colombia and the oldest – not to be missed!
Check out their Facebook page for all of the upcoming gay events in Bogotá, including plenty of pool parties. Museo Q is also another great place to look for less-nocturnal queer activities.
In general, the gay scene in Bogotá is focused around the Chapinero gaybourhood, with plenty of quirky LGBT-friendly bars.
Bogotá Pride
Each year in the heart of Bogota in early July, thousands of members of the queer community and their allies take to the streets for PRIDE. The march carried particular significance in 2022 as it marked the 40th anniversary of the first gay pride march in the nation’s capital. A manifestation of diversity and of resistance, the parade attended by nearly 70,000 participants is when Gay Bogota is at its most fabulous, with the colors of LGBT flags reflecting the range of gender and sexual identities covering the streets of downtown Bogotá from Carrera Séptima to Plaza de Bolívar.
As the procession concludes, the celebration in Plaza de Bolvar carries on into the night with a number of live performances, drag queens, and DJs. The beautiful week is also filled with celebrations, political protests, cultural activities, and parties, including Bogota Pride Fest, a weekend-long circuit of events held in some of the most beautiful locations in the city. Since legalizing gay marriage in 2016, Colombia has grown to be one of the most popular getaways for LGBT+ travelers, and there is no better time to take in the atmosphere and hang out with the colorful residents of the city than Bogota Pride.
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Bogotá
In Bogotá, you would be hard-pressed to find a significant hotel that has any issues with gay guests checking in – especially in the swanky neighborhood of Santa Barbara or Zona T.
Some hotels, however, are more popular with queer travelers due to their location, especially in the Chapinero gaybourhood. Only accommodations that provide a wholly inclusive environment or fabulous queer vibes are features here.
These gay-friendly hotels in Bogotá are frequented by members of the LGBT community and have great reputations. Each hotel and area offer something very specific, so be sure to choose the right style and location to meet your needs. Prices are cheap compared to North American and European hotels (though quickly rising), and standards are high – so it’s a great place to splurge!
Of course, there are also hundred’s more hotel and hostel options in Bogotá if none of these suit your desired budget, facilities, or area!
The only design hostel in Bogotá where privacy, comfort, and decor come first. A great place to meet other travelers and get together a group to go out – and perfect for a gay traveler on a budget who wants a gay-friendly hostel option.
Hotel Gay San Sebastian Bogotá ☆☆
Cheap and tacky with a faux-Pop Art theme, but catering exclusively to gay men and women at a low price. The central location is also a major plus!
Located in the thick of it in Chapinero, this small family-run operation is within walking distance from everything. Modern, clean rooms and very relaxed making it a popular budget, gay-friendly hotel in Bogotá.
A gay-friendly hotel in Bogotá that puts the community and the environment first. A modern, boutique stay with contemporary decor and polished wood floors. Gay guests especially love the hp outdoor cafe/bar with a terrace and the flower and vine-covered exterior.
A globally known gay-friendly hotel chain, the Hilton Bogotá is popular with LGBT travelers because of its affordable prices, modern interiors, designer swimming pool, and beautiful views from high-level rooms.
Wonderfully located in the heart of Bogotá, with uber-chic details – The W Hotel chain is a go-to for gay travelers the world over, and the W Bogotá is no exception. A funky, unique interior with a vivid color palette, views over the city, and an oh-so-trendy bar and lounge mean the party often comes to you (and your room is only a few floors away).
A uniquely luxurious property for those who want something a bit different. Housed in a stunningly renovated property, you will feel like Royalty of old in these spacious rooms with period details. Dripping with old-world elegance, this is not a gay-friendly hotel you will soon forget.
Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá ☆☆☆☆☆
Close to the gay area of Bogotá and outrageously luxurious, the Fours Seasons bring everything you expect of the brand to Bogotá – including marble bathrooms, custom furniture and beautiful views from the historic building. In addition, you will find complimentary lightning-fast Internet access, should you be tempted to spend the night in watching gay TV shows. There is no judgment here!
Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia ☆☆☆☆☆
The most popular gay-friendly hotel option in Bogotá being walking distance of the gay scene in Chapinero and all of the city’s best dining. With stunning decor, modern amenities, colorful rooms, and service like no other – This is the best splurge option for a gay traveler in Bogotá looking for absolute luxury!
Gay Bars and Gay Clubs in Bogotá
Anyone who knows anything about Latin America knows they love to party here, and Bogotá leads the continent with its nightlife. New clubs and events are taking place consistently here, so it pays to ask around when you arrive (hotel staff is a good bet).
At the moment, here are the most popular nightlife spots and gay clubs in Medellín for travelers and locals. In short, the Chapinero neighborhood is the epicenter of Bogota’s gay scene, but this does not mean there are no other areas worth exploring.
Things will get crazy – but just go with it. And don’t forget your common sense.
Contender for the biggest gay nightclub in the world! Theatron takes up an entire old theatre and is a mega-complex where anywhere between 4-8,000 gays are packed in every Saturday in 13 rooms across five levels.
Different music with something for everyone and a nice outdoor space to escape to. The best part? Selected drinks are free between 10 – 2 with your entrance fee. This is one gay club in Bogotá that you will want to plan your trip around!
A tremendous little gay part spot in Bogotá with one electronic room and the other traditional Latino/gay anthems. Very kitsch disco fever, and there is even an onsite sex-toy shop.
A bit of an institution, Punto 50 gay nightclub in Bogotá provides there is more to this town than Theatron with a crowded dance floor, great vibes, long music, and cheap drinks.
Famous for their Wednesday parties, great DJs, drag shows, and even better – no cover until 9 pm and happy hour until 10!
Popping on a Wednesday for their live drag show or Thursday for Karaoke. Only a few blocks from Theatron, so on Saturdays, this is a nice place to start, but during the week, it can easily be a destination in its own right!
Delicious designer cocktails and nightly drink specials are all served in a swanky pink bar with modern vibes. Great place to meet new friends from all over the world.
El Mozo
(temporarily or permanently closed. If that’s wrong, please suggest an edit.)
Calling all high-class gays. This beautifully designed club (and sister lesbian bar La Moza) is the fanciest game in town with a beautiful terrace and is conveniently located in the Zona T party district. Plenty of themed nights and parties, and La Moza hosts the best Bogotá lesbian nights.
A small and relaxed gay bar and cafe that is perfect for cocktails before a big night out or a casual catch-up. Located right in the middle of everything in Chapinero.
In the heart of the Bogotá gay scene, this popular bar has a nice casual atmosphere with plenty of live music, karaoke, and even movie screenings on Sundays if you want to meet other queers, locals and travelers without the loud, blaring music!
Color House Cafe Bar
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
Another small bar within walking distance from the omnipresent Theatron. Local vibes and cheap drinks combined with cheesy gay anthems – but weirdly enough, it closed by 7 pm, so head here in the early afternoon.
With two locations, you know they must be doing something right. A great chill spot with bean bags and board games, with great cocktails and promotions on bar food. It’s easy to get comfortable here and spend far too long.
Two floors with delicious cocktails to start with and then fiery Latino DJs and music – with obligatory dancing – later into the night. 5 am close.
The reincarnation of the famous Blues Bar, this gay nightclub in Chapinero, is hipster central with live music, funk decor, and DJs blasting everything from old-school beats to hardcore techno.
Drag shows, sexy go-go dancers, and a total dance vibe. Check out their Facebook show for the latest events.
Adult entertainment/gay cabaret in Bogotá. Think shirtless hunks and the occasional drag queen. Hot and steamy, membership is required. Message through the Facebook page for more details.
Gay Saunas in Bogotá
Unlike some more Western countries, saunas and bathhouses in Bogotá are still all the rage. Here are the biggest, with a reputation for being friendly to foreign travelers. Be aware that prostitution is legal in Colombia only in designated tolerance zones. Rent boys are common in saunas here, but at your own risk…
The most popular sauna in Bogotá is in a central location near the university. Two stories with all the expected facilities, including massages, a deluxe steam room with views to the lounge, and a dark room. Check their website for the weekly schedule of events.
The infamous sex club where anything goes. ANYTHING. With cages, slings, and private parties, paying a bit extra will get you whatever you like. Never a boring time, to say the least.
Doesn’t shut on the weekends with sauna, Turkish baths, and full-body massages. Drinks specials, lockers, and massages.
A modern and clean complex with a substantial Roman pool. Strip shows and theme parties but most popular on Fridays: onsite bar, jacuzzi, lockers, and sauna.
Housed in a Victorian-style house with a jacuzzi, two steam rooms, sauna/eucalyptus vapor room, XXX Video room, and onsite massages. Fill bar, and special sex shows on Wednesday and dealer’s choice shows on Friday.
Open 24/7 with sauna, Turkish baths, and full-body massages. Discounts for students but with rude management.
A mature sauna with Bear Days on Wednesday. Small but will with dry and steam rooms, showers, and a TV room.
Massage, sauna, and bar. Small place with themed nights and popular with older guys looking for young things.
One of the biggest saunas in Bogotá was recently renovated with two floors, a Turkish Bath, Dry Sauna, Dark Room, Private Cabin, Bar, and a Massage. It has been operating for over 20 years – and is still one of the most popular gay saunas in Colombia.
Newly opened with a roman pool, sauna, private cabins, fun zone showers, and more. Strip shows daily.
Gay Map Of Bogotá
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is Gay Bogotá? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!