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Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in London
4. Sightseeing & Activities in London
5. Gay Tours in London
6. Restaurants and Cafes in London
7. London Gay Bars and Clubs
9. London Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
10. London Gay Events
11. Day Trips from London

General Tips

London is huge and very spread out, meaning that although it is possible to get around on foot, some of the main attractions and cool neighborhoods are miles apart from each other. Therefore, some planning before heading out is always a great idea, as even in the center it's quite easy to get lost. Most residents use the underground—better known as “the tube”—or buses everywhere, and there's no reason you shouldn't too. Get yourself a travel card for the duration of your stay and enjoy hopping around on the city's transport. The underground can be a little confusing, so be sure to pick up a map of the underground to help navigate it.

Despite its size, London is also a really busy city, especially in the city center. You simply have to accept the fact that you will almost always be in someone's way—or them in yours. This is all part of London city life—not unlike New York—although make sure you stand on the right of the escalators in the underground if you don't fancy being tutted to death. Also, get used to the fine English art of queueing for literally everything, from the bus to the toilet!

Infamously known for its wet, cold, and dreary weather, spring (March through May) and summer (June through September) are the best times to visit, and you might be lucky enough to see the sun peek through the clouds. However, hotel prices and airfare will reflect this prime tourist season. December in London is also quite popular as locals and tourists alike visit for the magical holiday decor that decks the streets. Year-round it’s wise to pack an umbrella, as grey, misty days are likely regardless of the season.

No matter what time of year, though, London remains an international hub of culture, cuisine, and social activities. The city is also one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places in the world, and there isn't just one gay area, but many. The most famous being Soho right in the center, but further out you'll also find Vauxhall (for more of a We Party vibe), Shoreditch/East London (where all the cool hipster gays and queers hang out), and Camden (not specifically gay but alternative with one or two gay bars of its own). Many of our recommendations below are in and around these iconic gay areas of London.

Transportation & Airport Transfer

When traveling to London by plane, there are several airports to choose from, six in fact, and we're covering the three most popular. Heathrow is the most famous and the main hub for international flights. Just 14 miles (23 km) west of central London, it’s the easiest to travel into town and is served by the Piccadilly Line of the underground with stops at all five terminals. Trains run every few minutes and the journey from zone 1 takes about 45 minutes. Although expensive, the Heathrow Express is a train that takes you directly to Paddington Station in west London. Alternatively, National Express is a coach bus starting at Victoria coach station. Beware of London traffic that can make the trip take over an hour. A black cab or Uber is comfortable but pricey and it can also take up to an hour due to traffic. You can also book a private transfer in advance. Book private Heathrow airport transfer →

Gatwick is 25 miles (40 km) from the city center and consists of a north and south terminal. The distance from the city center can make it an expensive and time-consuming journey if you don’t book your transfer in advance. Gatwick Express, Southern, and Thameslink trains all service Gatwick’s station. However, be sure that your ticket matches the train line as it’s easy to get on the wrong one and face penalties. Gatwick also has its own taxi service to central London that takes about 90 minutes and is a bit pricier than public transit. A much more affordable option is easyBus as well as National Express coach buses to take you into town. Book private Gatwick airport transfer →

Very popular with budget flights and those to and from Europe, Stansted sits about 30 miles (48 km) equidistant between Cambridge and London in the countryside. Jump aboard the Stansted Express train for a 45-minute journey to London’s Liverpool Street as well as Totten Hale for connections to the underground and city center. The National Express coach buses are inexpensive and make trips to Stansted 24 hours a day and, depending on traffic, it can take anywhere between 50 minutes and almost two hours. For a taxi, pre-book for the best value as a black cab is very expensive. Book private Stansted airport transfer →

As for moving around the city once there, London has a very reliable – albeit busy – transport system with bus stops and underground stations always within easy reach. The Oyster Card is the city travel card which can be used on all transport and it's a good idea to purchase one upon arrival in the city and “top it up” with either money or a travel card for the duration of your stay – easily done in corner shops and underground stations. Alternatively, you can buy a paper travel card, which is valid for a day, 7 days or even a whole month – but pay attention to which zones they're valid within. Also, you can simply use any bank card to tap into the underground and ride buses across the city – just be sure to remember to tap out on the underground or you'll be charged a maximum fare.

Gay Hotels in London

There is currently no official gay hotels in London, but there are plenty of gay-friendly options.

Luxury

The LaLit London – Right in the heart of London, The LaLiT London is just a 5-minute walk from Tower Bridge, a 13-minute walk from Borough Market, and only 1,650 feet from the Tower of London. Luxurious rooms feature free high-speed Wi-Fi, a complimentary minibar, a flat-screen TV, comfortable beds, and a private bathroom with bathrobes and slippers.

The Piccadilly London West End – A 5-star hotel located just 1,000 feet from Leicester Square and a 5-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus. The property features a fitness center and modern boutique bedrooms with free Wi-Fi, mood lighting, and luxurious bathrooms equipped with free toiletries and fluffy bathrobes.

Haymarket Hotel – Situated in London’s theater district, this elegant hotel is next door to the Theatre Royal and just steps away from restaurants and bars. The hotel offers afternoon tea as well as amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, and spa. Rooms include a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, and a fully stocked minibar.

Mid-Range

Z Hotel City – Located in central London, just a short walk from Chancery Lane and Temple tube stations, this boutique property offers compact, stylish, and cozy rooms with handcrafted beds and under-bed storage. Each room features a 40-inch Samsung HD TV, free Wi-Fi, and an en-suite shower room. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are also available.

Park Plaza London Riverbank – Situated on the south side of the River Thames, across from the Tate Britain gallery and near Westminster, the hotel offers a fitness center, indoor pool, sauna, and steam room. Each room includes EU/US power sockets, a large work desk, a laptop safe, and a minibar. Guests can request rooms with river or skyline views.

Budget

Point A London Westminster – This hotel in central London is just a short walk from the London Eye and Houses of Parliament. Every room is compact and thoughtfully designed, featuring a comfortable Hypnos bed, en-suite bathroom, free high-speed Wi-Fi, USB charging points, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a safe.

Point A Hotel Kings Cross St Pancras – A 5-minute walk from King’s Cross train station and a mile from the British Museum, the hotel provides free Wi-Fi and compact, well-designed rooms. Each room features a comfortable bed, en-suite bathroom, free high-speed Wi-Fi, USB charging points, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a safe.

Stylotel – Just a 5-minute walk from Hyde Park, Stylotel is a state-of-the-art property set within two 19th-century townhouses, offering ultra-modern, contemporary rooms. Each stylish room is equipped with satellite TV, a work area, and luxurious private bathrooms featuring walk-in showers and hair dryers.

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Sightseeing & Activities in London

Buckingham Palace – Located in the heart of London, Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch and one of the city's most visited tourist attractions. It is as impressive in person as it is in pictures. Simply walking up to its grand gates along the tree-lined avenue from Trafalgar Square offers a quintessential London experience. The palace is fronted by the majestic Victoria Memorial and surrounded by beautiful parks: St. James's Park, with its picturesque lake and gardens; Green Park, a tranquil green space perfect for relaxing; and Hyde Park, one of London's largest parks, offering a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at 10:45 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, lasting 45 minutes—arrive around ten to get a good spot. During the summer, the Palace State Rooms open for guided tours, where visitors can see royal collections, artworks, and exquisite decor. The Royal Mews, the palace stables, are open year-round, showcasing carriages, horses, and historic vehicles used in royal ceremonies. Book tour →

The National Gallery – Located in Trafalgar Square in central London, this national art museum houses a captivating collection of over 2,300 paintings spanning the mid-13th century to 1900. Admission is free but must be booked in advance. While there, explore Trafalgar Square itself, including Nelson's Column, a towering tribute to Admiral Horatio Nelson, flanked by four majestic lion statues.

Tower of London – This historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames houses the Crown Jewels, the legendary Yeoman Warders, and the famous ravens. It also highlights LGBTQ+ royal histories, including Edward II, James VI and I, and Queen Anne. Book tour →

The Palace of Westminster – This iconic Gothic Revival building houses the UK Parliament. Its most notable feature is the Elizabeth Tower, better known as Big Ben, the famous giant clock. The best photos can be taken from Westminster Bridge, though it’s a busy spot. Tours of both the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are available but require advance booking.. Book tour →

St. Paul's Cathedral – This magnificent Baroque-style cathedral is known for its impressive dome, one of the largest in the world. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, it offers breathtaking views from the Whispering Gallery and Golden Gallery. St. Paul's was also the site of Princess Diana’s 1981 wedding to Prince Charles. Visitors can explore the cathedral's stunning interiors, crypt, and panoramic views from the top.

Tate Modern -This renowned contemporary art museum, housed in the former Bankside Power Station, is connected to the Thames by the Millennium Bridge. The museum features international modern art, with works by artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. Visitors can also head to the Tate Britain, its sister museum, known for its British art collection. Both museums are free to enter.

British Museum – Located in the Bloomsbury area, the British Museum is the first national museum to cover all fields of human knowledge. Its collection spans 2 million years of history, with over eight million artifacts. Entry is free. Book tour →

London Eye – Also known as the Millennium Wheel, this giant observation wheel offers epic views of London from capsules that hold up to 25 passengers. Located on the South Bank, it’s near the Waterloo tube station and surrounded by vibrant street performers, authentic English pubs, and city vibes. Buy tickets →

Somerset House – A historic site and working arts center, Somerset House is home to the UK’s largest creative community. Its exhibitions feature emerging artists and explore current events with a progressive lens.

Queer Britain – Located in Kings Cross, this is the UK’s first LGBTQ+ museum, showcasing British queer history across four gallery spaces. Admission is free.

Borough Market – A mecca for foodies, this covered market dates back to the 13th century making it the oldest in London. You’ll find a wide variety of delicious, affordable bites and small gifts to take home. It’s located in Southwark near the London Bridge tube station.

Camden Town – A short underground trip to northwest London can take you to this distinctive neighborhood famous for its alternative culture. Camden's streets are alive with music, street art, and an energy that attracts both locals and tourists alike—not to mention it was Amy Winehouse's drinking zone of choice! You'll find goths and punks everywhere, a host of rock pubs, cosmopolitan restaurants, shops selling alternative clothing, and street markets selling anything you could possibly imagine. At the heart of the chaos is the iconic Camden Market, a bustling hub of independent shops, food stalls, and vintage treasures. A notable shop worth visiting is Cyberdog—an immersive futuristic store known for its rave-inspired fashion, neon lighting, techno music, and space-age vibes. Book tour →

Hampstead Heath – A sprawling 790-acre park in North London, which most tourists don't know about, but Londoners adore. Many celebrities have mansions surrounding the park, and it's especially renowned for the expansive view from Parliament Hill, where visitors can enjoy panoramic scenes of London’s skyline, including landmarks like The Shard and St. Paul's Cathedral. The Heath offers miles of lush woodlands to explore and ponds for swimming—one of which is a men-only pond with a clothing-optional area. In front of the pond is a popular gay hangout area during the summer, as is the huge and infamous cruising area on the other side of the Heath—in the summer, there seem to be more men there than trees! There are many access points to the Heath, but the easiest is Hampstead Underground Station on the Northern Line and then a short walk.

O2 Arena -L ocated in Greenwich, London, this premier entertainment complex is one of the largest in the world. Originally built as the Millennium Dome, it now hosts concerts, sports events, and exhibitions. However, the bold can visit any day to take part in ‘Up at The O2'—a guided climb over the roof of the arena for panoramic views of London from the summit.

Abba Voyage – Thought seeing ABBA play live was impossible? Think again! Well, kind of: this groundbreaking concert experience features uncanny virtual avatars of the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA, known as “ABBAtars.” Launched in 2022, the show combines state-of-the-art digital technology with a live 10-piece band to recreate ABBA's legendary performances. The concert includes a setlist of their greatest hits—yes, including “Dancing Queen”—and newer tracks from their 2021 album, also titled Voyage. Housed in a custom-built venue located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (also worth exploring while you’re there), the innovative show celebrates ABBA's enduring legacy while pushing the boundaries of live entertainment.

Eating London Food Tours – This tour offers a historical encounter of the East End of London that ties in perfectly with the foodie stops. The short bursts of information-packed walks between the establishments are long enough to keep you intrigued but short enough to keep your attention. Each establishment is given its time to shine simply by sampling its featured dishes. Book tour →

Gay Tours in London

Explore Soho’s LGBTQ nightlife – This 3-hour private walking tour of the heart and soul of London's colorful LGBTQ+ scene can be personalized to your likes and interests and includes two drinks per person. Itineraries can include Old Compton Street, Prince Edward Theatre, Soho Square Gardens, and Fashion Space GalleryBook tour →

LGBTQ London Private Tour – Tour the vibrant Soho area of London with a local guide on this private 3-hour walking tour. Visit the best pubs, bars, and cocktail bars, and learn about the history of London’s LGBTQ+ community as you pass through the Soho area, Piccadilly Circus, and Leicester Square. Book tour →

Cabaret Show in Magical Soho – Step beyond the art-deco doors of the Phoenix Arts Club and experience a night of incredible entertainment. Acts change weekly, and you can expect stars from London’s cabaret scene performing burlesque, comedy, variety, drag, and more. Shows are about two hours long, and drinks are included. Book show →

Restaurants and Cafes in London

Balans Soho Society  – Serving up bohemian, sophisticated, and slightly eccentric bites like the infamous Balans burger and cheeky cocktails such as the Porn Star and Burlesque-teez, make your way to this quintessential Soho experience for a relaxed and sociable breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. They now have two restaurants in Soho—Balans 60 and Balans 34—both with the same menu and that quirky, quintessentially Soho atmosphere.

Caffè Nero – Found on the corner of Old Compton Street and Frith Street, this Italian coffee house chain is the place to go for small bites and a casual atmosphere. It's also an incredibly popular meeting spot for LGBTQ+ folks, as it’s located in the heart of Soho. Enjoy excellent people-watching or strike up a conversation with a fellow patron.

Bistrotheque – A converted warehouse turned elegant dining establishment, Bistrotheque serves upscale European and British cuisine with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Perfect for a fancy night out or special occasion, it offers a superb atmosphere including a live piano and modern decor.

Mildreds – With four London locations, this vegan and vegetarian restaurant offers small and large plates that are internationally inspired, full of color and flavor, in a quaint cafe setting. Some popular menu items include mock chicken, veggie burgers, and delightful cocktails.

Randall & Aubin – An Anglo/French brasserie specializing in fresh seafood and succulent roasts, served alongside a carefully curated wine list in the heart of Soho. Enjoy a relaxed, fun, and luxurious meal underneath golden chandeliers and a sparkling disco ball.

London Stock – This exquisite little restaurant near Oxford Circus serves European cuisine sourced from British ingredients with innovative cooking techniques. Choose between a tasting menu and a three- or four-course meal, including such delicacies as glazed rabbit leg, lobster, and chalk stream trout in buttermilk.

London Gay Bars and Clubs

Comptons of Soho – Serving London’s gay community for decades, this gay bar has a traditional-style wood-paneled pub on the ground floor with a more chill lounge vibe upstairs. Attracting a more mature crowd, it's perfect for a weekday pint with a friend or a place to party on the weekend.

G-A-Y Bar – Popular bar with affordable drinks in the heart of Soho, attracting a fun-loving, young LGBTQ crowd. With three floors, the top level has a small terrace and is most popular on weekdays, while the lower level is a bit more chic. Peak times are on the weekends.

The Yard – Opposite the Rupert Street bar, this stylish London gay bar is popular for its garden courtyard and loft-style upstairs that boasts exposed brick and wooden beams with shirtless cuties behind the bar. Here you’ll find a mature LGBTQ+ crowd and a tasty happy hour Monday to Thursday from 1-7 PM.

Ku Bar Soho – On the corner of Lisle Street and Newport Place, this “Award Winning Gay Bar” consists of three levels with a low-lit gay club downstairs. Stop by for the champagne bar, nightly DJs, a friendly atmosphere, and a very attractive staff of (often shirtless) young men.

Bar Soho – Not necessarily a gay bar, but legendary nonetheless, Bar Soho attracts a mixed clientele to its quirky and whimsical wonderland, including a carousel horse, bathtubs as seats, and a drawing room fit for Oscar Wilde. Happy hour runs daily from 5-8 PM, and the party vibe sets in later in the evening.

Heaven – It turns out Heaven is indeed a place on Earth. Located under the arches of Charing Cross train station, Heaven is one of the world’s most famous gay mega clubs and has been around for decades. There are several different spaces with different music to suit your taste. It hosts the popular G-A-Y party, and some of the biggest names in music have graced its stage.

Royal Vauxhall Tavern – From Victorian music hall to gay venue, Royal Vauxhall Tavern is an iconic London LGBTQ+ venue, hosting everything from drag queen nights to themed club nights like the bear night Beefmince.

CIRCA The Club – Less than a 10-minute walk from Heaven and near the Embankment tube station, this gay nightclub is home to sophistication and sass and boasts an industrial yet modern feel. You’ll find resident DJs spinning for the large dance floor with plenty of house and R&B classics on Friday and Saturday nights.

Eagle London – One of the most iconic gay clubs in London, Eagle London is a large and stylish space with a dance floor and garden (for smokers). On weeknights, it’s a late-night bar, and on the weekend, club nights like Sunday night’s Horse Meat Disco attract a mixed crowd dedicated to human happiness.

WE Party UK – Typically held on the first Saturday of each month, this is one of the UK’s biggest and best dance parties featuring world-class DJs, amazing light shows and visuals, and gorgeous sexy dancers.

Dalston Superstore – Welcome to your queer paradise. Dalston Superstore is an eclectic LGBTQ+ venue, cafe, gallery, and performance space with a full bar, weekend drag brunch, and DJs. The menu features vegan plates, draft beers and ciders, and classic cocktails.

Club Kali – Monthly club event since 1995, where DJs spin a mix of Bollywood, Bhangra, and Arabic tunes with Western pop songs. Here you’ll find dancing, drag shows, live performances, and a lively mixed crowd. Often at Kolis in Camden Town, the location varies, so check their website for details.

Fold – A queer-friendly techno club in North-East London with the best DJs and Berghain vibes without the pretentious bouncers. Sundays are ‘Unfold,' the most popular night for techno-loving LGBTQ+ folk.

Roast – This “beefy men” gay club is held twice a month on Saturdays in a venue hidden behind Angel metro station—a warehouse that once housed the legendary Slimelight goth club. The venue is massive, with three floors packed full of sweaty men either hitting the EDM dance floors or the intense darkroom on the top floor.

London Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Sweatbox Sauna – 24-hour gay sauna and gym attracting locals, tourists, and the late-night crowd after Soho bars have closed. It features a full gym, 40-man steam room, 14-man jacuzzi, steam maze, dark rooms, private cabins, lounge, and massage services. 24-hour and 48-hour passes are available for purchase.

Pleasuredrom – Open 24/7, this sauna for gay and bi men has been running since 1996. Located near Waterloo Station, the facility offers a 400-locker changing room, London’s largest gay spa pool, two steam rooms, two saunas, private rooms, lounge, cafe, and bar with drinks and snacks sold 24/7.

Covent Garden Health Spa – In the heart of Covent Garden, you'll find The Covent Garden Health Spa, a smaller gay sauna in London previously known as Saunabar and The Stable. It doesn't have many cabins, and the dry sauna is small, but they do have a wet sauna and a stunning swimming pool. The bar area is very pleasant, and they serve nice cocktails.

The Locker Room – Since Chariot's closed its doors, this is now the longest-running sauna in London. Located in Kennington, you can enjoy a 20-man sauna, large steam room, stylish lounge, erotic cinema, and dark rooms.

Sailors – A small but popular sauna found in the East End of London. Open every day from 12-10 p.m., it features steam and sauna rooms, private cabins, chill-out lounges, a rooftop terrace with a garden, and a massive 20-man jacuzzi to enjoy.

MA1: The Bunker – Below the streets of the trendy Shoreditch area is this huge cruising/fetish club. They have several areas, including a video room, cabins, a maze, a dance floor, fetish areas, and a fully licensed bar.

Vault 139 – Open at 1 p.m. Monday through Sunday, this lower-level gay nightclub and bar is just around the corner from Warren Street Station. A strict dress code is enforced (i.e., underwear only, no clothes, etc.), and themed fetish nights are hosted. Entrance includes coat check, a drink, re-entry, and Wi-Fi.

HardOn – A popular gay cruise and fetish party held monthly at Union Club in Vauxhall, London. This raunchy event has an EDM/techno dance floor, dark rooms, fetish areas, live sex shows, and a strict dress code of rubber, leather, or uniforms.

London Gay Events

London Gay Pride– Attracting over a million visitors near the end of June annually, this is the UK’s biggest and most diverse Pride celebration, with over 60 different events, parties, workshops, and cultural gatherings over a week’s time. With celebrations all over the city, the most famous is the parade that travels throughout London, including Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.

UK Black Pride – Europe’s largest celebration for African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin-American, and Caribbean-heritage LGBTQ people during Pride Month. Additionally, a variety of activities are hosted throughout the year, featuring education, the arts, cultural events, and advocacy.

Fetish Week London – The biggest leather and fetish festival in London includes various events at different venues, such as an opening social and bondage master class. The week culminates with the Full Fetish event at Coronet, featuring a large dance floor, international DJs, and themed cruising areas.

Day Trips from London

Brighton & Brighton Beach – An hour-and-a-half car ride, or less than 60 minutes by train, the seaside resort town of Brighton is just 47 miles (75 km) south of London. It’s best known for Brighton Beach, and you can even get a bird’s-eye view of the coast by visiting the British Airways i360, where a futuristic glass pod takes you up 450 ft (138m) to enjoy the views. You’ll also find the oriental-style architecture of the Royal Pavilion, the amusement park rides and concessions of Brighton Palace Pier, and you can soak in some history and culture at the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery.

Bath, Windsor Castle & Stonehenge – A day-long tour can be arranged to visit all three of these iconic sights, starting at Windsor Castle, home of the British Royal family, to tour the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel. Then you’ll head west of London to Salisbury to explore the mysterious Stonehenge rock formation. At last, make your way to Bath to take in its iconic Georgian architecture and Roman baths. We recommend booking a tour that will include a guide and cover transport and entry fees. Book tour →

Oxford – Just over an hour by train or car, Oxford is located about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of London. Known around the world for its prestigious university, this medieval city has been coined the “city of dreaming spires.” Enjoy stunning city views from the top of Carfax Tower before making your way to the Covered Market to pick up provisions for a picnic in Headington Hill Park. Afterward, visit the 12th-century village church and check out Cowley’s trendy shops and music venues. Book tour →

The Cotswolds  – A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds are about two hours by car and well worth the trip to the rural rolling hills. This picturesque region is best known for its stone-built villages, lush green landscape, and old-world charm. Take time to slow down and discover the small towns and villages like Burford, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold. You’ll feel as if you’re strolling through a painting of the English countryside. Book tour →

Leeds Castle – Situated in Kent, England, about an hour’s drive (40 miles/65 km) southeast of London, you can explore Leeds Castle, Henry VIII’s grand Tudor palace. The castle is uniquely positioned on islands in a lake formed by the River Len, just east of the village of Leeds. In addition to tours of the castle, the site includes family attractions like mini-golf and a playground, as well as 500 acres of beautiful gardens and a Bird of Prey Center, among other wildlife. Book tour →

Featured image: ©VisitBritain/Melody Thornton

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