Where to go out · LGBTQ-FRIENDLY
Good lgbtq-friendly tours fill up on the nights you want them, and the best go first. Below: the 7 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
At Mount Gay Visitor Centre in Bridgetown, a Brand Host guides you through rum history, a short film, and four tastings before mixologists teach you to make your own cocktails. Expect a social, alcohol-heavy afternoon with rum punch, shopping time, and no transportation included.
“Learning how the rum is made and the history of Mount Gay was great. The tasting and cocktail making were fun and we ending up making new friends. All good.”
Meet your local LGBTQ+ guide at 9 p.m. in Plaza de Chueca for a two-hour night through Madrid’s gay neighborhood. Stop for three included drinks along Calle de Gravina, Calle de Hortaleza, and Plaza de Pedro Zerolo. Richard is one named guide, and the small group is limited to 10 people.
“We really had a fun night out exploring the gay bars and clubs that make Chueca such a fun vibe. Richard our tour guide was so lovely and was great to hear from a local what Madrid and the area is like and definitely has great drink recommendations too!”
You’ll spend three hours exploring Soho’s LGBTQ+ culture with a private local host. Your route is shaped by a pre-tour questionnaire and may include queer history, nightlife, creative spaces, two drinks, and personal recommendations. Guides such as Sandro and Tom are praised for warmth, humor, and thoughtful storytelling.
“Tom was wonderful. The tour was informative and entertaining. Learned some cool factoids about gay London, current and past. Tom was easy to spend time with, and was clearly sensitive to my interests. Highly recommended.”
Spend four hours walking through Soho with a private English or Spanish-speaking guide, visiting four gay bars with free entry. Diana is one named guide associated with the experience, and the evening combines LGBTQ+ history, music, casual pubs, and dance venues. Drinks, food, and transport cost extra.
“My guide Diana was punctual and was very knowledgable in regard to the history of the Soho area. We went to some great bars and had a lot of fun over the course of the evening. Hopefully you are lucky enough to get her as your guide.”
Meet your LGBTQ+ guide at Chueca metro and walk to three bars for an aperitif, cocktail, and spirit. You’ll hear about Madrid’s LGBTQ+ past and present, get nightlife tips, and finish near Plaza de Pedro Zerolo. English tours hold up to 10 people, with nonalcoholic drinks available.
Spend 2.5 to 3 hours with an English-speaking local guide in Shinjuku Ni-chome, Tokyo’s best-known LGBTQ+ district. Visit 2 to 3 small bars, learn about queer culture in Japan, and get help with introductions, menus, and local customs. Drinks, food, and entrance fees cost extra.
“Tour was great. Our tour guide was fantastic, he knew all the history of the various neighborhoods and explained the historical and cultural changes for the local LGBT+ community, as we walked. His guiding us through the Nichome area, and giving us insider info was fantastic. He is a great guide for queer Tokyo, very personable and knowledgeable. As well as a fun and warm person.”
Join a private host at 9:00 pm for a 3.5 to 4-hour introduction to Bangkok’s gay nightlife. You’ll visit two show venues, receive one drink at each, and have time to ask direct questions about bars, clubs, and shows. Oliver is one host associated with the experience, though your guide may vary.
“Oliver the tour was knowledgeable & friendly. The show was really great & can’t be missed. Highly recommended.”
Pick a kind of night, or a bar that floats.
