Rome’s association with the Vatican and ultra-conservative governments (both past and present) may not endorse it as a gay-friendly destination. But the Eternal City has come on a long way in recent years.
You’ll find a thriving queer scene with plenty of gay bars in Rome’s Via di San Giovanni in Laterano — the street leading to the city’s primary cathedral — just a stone’s throw from the Colosseum. The conservative provincialism of older generations is gradually giving way to cosmopolitan city-dwellers. And plenty of Vatican gift shops sell ‘Hot Priest Calendars’, so let’s take their religiosity with a generous pinch of salt.
LGBTQIA+ travellers should have no problem expressing themselves in public and enjoying a hassle-free holiday in Rome. And to help you get the most out of the city, we have published this guide to the 5 hottest gay bars in Rome.
Best Gay Bars in Rome
101 Club
Opening hours: Daily 11 pm – 4 am (until 5 am on Fridays and Saturdays)
Address: Via Panisperna 101
Website: 101romaclub
For a raucous night of delicious debauchery, 101 Club is the place to be. First opening its doors in 2001, this bar is a relatively recent addition to Rome’s gay scene. But 101 Club has quickly become one of the city’s most popular clubbing/cruising spots, guaranteeing a great night out for everyone, regardless of identity or orientation.
Drag Thursdays are a proper knees-up, though Funday Sunday gives it a run for its money. So bring your friends, make new ones, and enjoy an epic night of cute and queer fun.
Oh, and it’s situated in the uber cool district of Monti, the starting point for our Rome Tipsy Tour, so why not join us for some drinkies before the night begins 👀
Censured
Opening hours: Daily 10 pm – 3 am (until 5 am on Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays)
Address: Via dei Quattro Cantoni 5
Website: censuredclubroma
Counting Censured among the best gay bars in Rome is a little misleading since Censured is more of a cruising club. The cruising capital in fact, where the name of the game is getting. your. grip. So if you’re looking for same-sex or non-conventional experiences in a safe, secure and prejudice-free place, Censured is the place for you.
There’s a bar too btw, so this definitely does count among the top gay bars in Rome.
Coming Out
Opening hours: Daily 8 am – 2 am
Address: Via di San Giovanni in Laterano 8
Website: comingout.it
Going strong since 2001, and situated within a stone’s throw of the Colosseum, Coming Out has established itself as the most popular gay bar in Rome staple among the LGBTQIA+ community.
Coming Out serves a wide range of well-priced cocktails, set against a playlist that boasts both retro bangers and modern pop classics. Unlike most other gay bars in Rome, they’re open all day and offer an all-day menu, including a brilliant breakfast (with bacon, eggs, toast, roast potatoes and pancakes) and some pub grub lunches and dinners.
Check out all their upcoming events here
Company Bar
Opening hours: Daily 10:30 pm – 3 am (until 5 am on Fridays and Saturdays)
Address: Piazza Manfredo Fanti 40
Instagram: company_roma
Following the success of its sister bar in Milan, Company Roma has established itself in the Eternal City as one of the best gay bars in Rome for bears and chasers.
Live DJs spinning upbeat dance and pop tracks provide the soundtrack to an all-action bar, with a basement bar, darkroom, and smoking area. Get here between 9 pm and 10 pm for Happy Hour and treat yourself to 2×1 drinks.
Company Bar is situated close to Rome’s central Termini Station. This area can get a bit edgy after hours but is generally no less safe than the station districts of any other European capital.
GIAM
Opening hours: Saturday only, 11:30 pm – 5 am
Address: Via del Commercio 36
Website: GIAM Facebook
Hosted every Saturday at *Disco Planet in Rome’s Testaccio district, GIAM is a cruising night sans pareil, set against a cool, laid-back backdrop of electronic music, animations, and performances. Entry is usually €12 and the bouncers on the door can sometimes be selective. But as a place to meet the locals for full immersion in their culture, GIAM cannot be beaten.
*Make sure to check GIAM’s Facebook before heading out as the location is prone to change.
Rome’s Gay Districts
Rome’s Gay Street is the Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, a scenic strip starting at the Colosseum and running uphill towards the Basilica of San Giovanni. Fittingly, most of these gay bars in Rome run right above the remains of the Ludus Magnus — the barracks and training area of Rome’s ancient gladiators — marking an element of continuity between today’s nightlife warriors and the gay gladiators of old.
The areas around the Colosseum and Monti are not the only gay-friendly districts in Rome. Trastevere, across the river, offers a guaranteed good night out. However, the crowd is getting younger and more touristy each year as TikTok trends transform Trastevere’s bar and piazza scene into one of the worst-kept secrets of Rome’s nightlife.
For something a little more authentic, Testaccio and Ostiense give a more authentic taste of Rome’s nightlife. Pigneto is also an uber cool district, although it’s a little harder to get to, requiring either a ride on the Metro C line or a tactical taxi/Uber ride.
Best Time to Visit Rome for LGBTQIA+ Travellers
June might be approaching the hottest time of year, but it’s also the best time to explore Rome’s gay scene. If you’re planning a trip, make sure you get there early enough to experience Gay Pride in Rome. Joining thousands of gay, lesbian, trans and bisexual folk as they march through the historical city of Rome during Pride week is an unforgettable experience.
Every year, thousands of residents and visitors line the streets to watch the Pride parade, which passes some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Here’s the route it took last year (2024)
You’ll find plenty of parties and events during Pride Week, including concerts, film screenings, lectures and more.
Make Your Rome Trip Unforgettable with Tipsy Tours
Whether you’re planning a wild weekend away or a full week of fulfilment, Rome is one of the best cities in Europe for a fun night out.
Nobody knows Rome’s bar and nightlife scene better than the Tipsy Tour team, so if you’re planning your trip to Rome, make sure to check out our Tipsy Tours in Rome!
